Pierr. Be careful, then.

[Exit PIERRE

Jaff. 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? O this villain!

Enter RENAULT.

Ren. Perverse! and peevish! what a slave is Man!
To let his itching flesh thus get the better of him!
Despatch the tool her husband—that were well.
Who’s there?

Jaff.

A man.

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

Jaff. 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?

Jaff. Oh, women have fantastic constitutions,
Inconstant as their wishes, always wavering,
And ne’er fixed; was it not boldly done
Even at first sight to trust the thing I loved
(A tempting treasure too!) with youth so fierce
And vigorous as thine? but thou art honest.

Ren. Who dares accuse me?

Jaff. Cursed be him that doubts
Thy virtue: I have tried it, and declare,
Were I to choose a guardian of my honour
I’d put it into thy keeping; for I know thee.

Ren. Know me!

Jaff. Ay, know thee: there’s no falsehood in thee.
Thou lookst just as thou art: let us embrace.
Now wouldst thou out my throat or I out thine?

Ren. You dare not do’t.

Jaff. You lie, sir.

Ren. How!

Jaff. No more.
’Tis a base world, and must reform, that’s all.

Enter SPINOSA, THEODORE, ELIOT, REVILLIDO, DURAND, BRAMVEIL, and the rest of the Conspirators.

Ren. Spinosa, Theodore!

Spin. The same.

Ren. You are welcome!

Spin. You are trembling, sir.