s calling?

_Pier._ Not in a cause like ours.

_Jaf._ Then, friend, our cause
Is in a damn'd condition: for I'll tell thee,
That cankerworm, call'd lechery, has touch'd it;
'Tis tainted vilely. Wouldst thou think it? Renault
(That mortify'd, old, wither'd, winter rogue,)
He visited her last night, like a kind guardian:
Faith! she has some temptation, that's the truth on't.

_Pier._ He durst not wrong his trust.

_Jaf._ 'Twas something late, though,
To take the freedom of a lady's chamber.

_Pier._ Was she in bed?

_Jaf._ Yes, faith, in virgin sheets,
White as her bosom, Pierre, dish'd neatly up,
Might tempt a weaker appetite to taste.
Oh! how the old fox stunk, I warrant thee,
When the rank fit was on him!

_Pier._ Patience guide me!
He us'd no violence?

_Jaf._ No, no; out on't, violence!
Play'd with her neck; brush'd her with his grey beard;
But not a jot of violence.

_Pier._ Damn him.

_Jaf._ Ay, so say I: but hush, no more on't.
All hitherto is well, and I believe
Myself no monster yet. Sure it is near the hour
We all should meet for our concluding orders:
Will the ambassador be here in person?

_Pier._ No, he has sent commission to that villain, Renault,
To give the executing charge:
I'd have thee be a man, if possible,
And keep thy temper; for a brave revenge
Ne'er comes too late.

_Jaf._ Fear not, I am cool as patience.

_Pier._ He's yonder, coming this way through the hall;
His thoughts seem full.

_Jaf._ Pr'ythee retire, and leave me
With him alone: I'll put him on some trial;
See how his rotten part will bear the touching.

_Pier._ Be careful, then. [_exit._

_Jaf._ Nay, never doubt, but trust me.
What! be a devil, take a damning oath
For shedding native blood! Can there be a sin
In merciful repentance? Oh, this villain!

_Enter Renault._

_Ren._ Perverse and peevish! What a slave is man
To let his rebel passions master him!
Despatch the tool her husband--that were well.
Who's there?

_Jaf._ A man.

_Ren._ My friend, my near ally,
The hostage of your faith, my beauteous charge, is very well.

_Jaf._ Sir, are you sure of that?
Stands she in perfect health? Beats her pulse even;
Neither too hot nor cold?

_Ren._ What means that question?

_Jaf._ Oh! women have fantastic constitutions,
Inconstant in their wishes, always wavering,
And never fix'd. Was it not boldly done,
Even at first sight, to trust the thing I lov'd
(A tempting treasure too) with youth so fie