ut be a man! for thou'rt to mix with men
Fit to disturb the peace of all the world,
And rule it when it's wildest--

_Jaf._ I give thee thanks
For this kind warning. Yes, I'll be a man;
And charge thee, Pierre, whene'er thou seest my fears
Betray me less, to rip this heart of mine
Out of my breast, and show it for a coward's.
Come, let's be gone, for from this hour I chase
All little thoughts, all tender human follies
Out of my bosom. Vengeance shall have room:
Revenge!

_Pier._ And liberty!

_Jaf._ Revenge--revenge-- [_exeunt._

SCENE II. AQUILINA'S HOUSE.

_Enter Renault._

_Ren._ Why was my choice ambition? the worst ground
A wretch can build on! It's, indeed, at distance,
A goodly prospect, tempting to the view;
The height delights us, and the mountain top
Looks beautiful, because it's nigh to heav'n.
But we ne'er think how sandy's the foundation,
What storm will batter, and what tempest shake us.
Who's there?

_Enter Spinosa._

_Spin._ Renault, good morrow, for by this time
I think the scale of night has turn'd the balance,
And weighs up morning! Has the clock struck twelve?

_Ren._ Yes! clocks will go as they are set; but man,
Irregular man's ne'er constant, never certain:
I've spent at least three precious hours of darkness
In waiting dull attendance: 'tis the curse
Of diligent virtue to be mix'd, like mine,
With giddy tempers, souls but half resolv'd.

_Spin._ Hell seize that soul amongst us it can frighten.

_Ren._ What's then the cause that I am here alone?
Why are we not together?

_Enter Elliott._

O, sir, welcome!
You are an Englishman: when treason's hatching,
One might have thought you'd not have been behindhand.
In what whore's lap have you been lolling?
Give but an Englishman his whore and ease,
Beef, and a sea-coal fire, he's yours for ever.

_Ell._ Frenchman, you are saucy.

_Ren._ How!

_Enter Bedamar, the Ambassador; Theodore, Bramveil,
Durand, Brabe, Revillido, Mezzana, Ternon, and
Retrosi, Conspirators._

_Bed._ At difference; fie!
Is this a time for quarrels? Thieves and rogues
Fall out and brawl: should men of your high calling,
Men separated by the choice of Providence
From the gross heap of mankind, and set here
In this assembly as in one great jewel,
T' adorn the bravest purpose it e'er smil'd on;
Should you, like boys, wrangle for trifles?

_Ren._ Boys!

_Bed._ Renault, thy hand.

_Ren._ I thought I'd given my heart
Long since to every man th