Jaff. Then here’s the list, and with’t the full disclose
Of all that threatens you.

[Delivers another paper.

Now Fate, thou hast caught me.

Anto. Why, what a disgraceful catalogue of cut-throats is here!
I’ll warrant you not one of these fellows but has a face like a lion.
I dare not so much as read their names over.

Duke. Give orders that all diligent search be made
To seize these men, their characters are public;
The paper intimates their rendezvous
To be at the house of a famed Grecian courtesan
Called Aquilina; see that place secured.

Anto. What, my Nicky Nacky, Hurry Durry, Nicky Nacky in the plot—I’ll make a speech. Most noble Senators,
What headlong apprehension drives you on,
Right noble, wise and truly solid senators,
To violate the laws and rights of nations?
The lady is a lady of renown.
’Tis true, she holds a house of fair reception,
And though I say’t myself, as many more
Can say as well as I.

Second Senator. My lord, long speeches
Are frivolous here when dangers are so near us;
We all well know your interest in that lady,
The world talks loud on’t.

Anto. Verily, I have done,
I say no more.

Duke. But since he has declared
Himself concerned, pray, captain, take great caution
To treat the fair one as becomes her character,
And let her bed-chamber be searched with decency.
You, Jaffeir, must with patience bear till morning
To be our prisoner.

Jaff. Would the chains of death
Had bound me fast ere I had known this minute.
I’ve done a deed will make my story hereafter
Quoted in competition with all ill ones:
The history of my wickedness shall run
Down through the low traditions of the vulgar,
And boys be taught to tell the tale of Jaffeir.

Duke. Captain, withdraw your prisoner.

Jaff. Sir, if possible,
Lead me where my own thoughts themselves may lose me,
Where I may doze out what I’ve left of life,
Forget myself and this day’s guilt and falsehood.
Cruel remembrance, how shall I appease thee!

[Exit guarded.

Noise without:

More trailors; room, room, make room there.

Duke. How’s this? guards!
Where are our guards? shut up the gates, the treason’s
Already at our doors.

Enter Officer.

Offic. My lords, more traitors:
Seized in the very act of consultation;
Furnished with arms and instruments of mischief.
Bring in the prisoners.

Enter PIERRE, RENAULT, THEODORE, ELIOT, REVILLIDO, and other Conspirators, in fetters, guarded.

Pierr. You, my lords and fathers
(As you are pleased to call yourselves) of Venice;
If you sit here to guide the course of Justice,
Why these disgraceful chains upon the limbs
That have so often laboured in your service?
Are these the wreaths of triumph ye bestow
On those that bring you conquests home and honours?

Duke. Go on: you shall be heard, sir.