Contarino.--Then let us decide the game at once; be to-morrow the
important day. Leave the Doge to my disposal. I'll at least engage
to bury my poniard in his heart, and then let the business end as it
may, one of two things must happen: either we shall rescue
ourselves from all trouble and vexation, by throwing everything into
uproar and confusion, or else we shall sail with a full wind from
this cursed world to another.
Parozzi.--Mark me, friends, we must go armed to the Doge's
entertainment.
Gonzaga.--All the members of the College of Ten have been
particularly invited Falieri.--Down with every man of them!
Memmo.--Aye, aye! Fine talking, but suppose it should turn out to
be down with ourselves?
Falieri.--Thou white-livered wretch! Stay at home, then, and take
care of your worthless existence. But if our attempt succeeds, come
not to us to reimburse you for the sums which you have already
advanced. Not a sequin shall be paid you back, depend on't.
Memmo.--You wrong me, Falieri; if you wish to prove my courage, draw
your sword and measure it against mine. I am as brave as yourself;
but, thank Heaven, I am not quite so hot-headed.
Gonzaga.--Nay, even suppose that the event should not answer our
expectations? Andreas once dead, let the populace storm as it
pleases; the protection of his Holiness will sanction our
proceedings.
Memmo.--The Pope? May we count on his protection?
Gonzaga (throwing him a letter).--Read there, unbeliever. The Pope,
I tell you, must protect us, since one of our objects is professed
to be the assertion of the rights of St. Peter's Chair in Venice.
Prithee, Memmo, tease us no more with such doubts, but let
Contarino's proposal be adopted at once. Our confederates must be
summoned to Parozzi's palace with all diligence, and there furnished
with such weapons as are necessary. Let the stroke of midnight be
the signal for Contarino's quitting the ball-room, and hastening to
seize the arsenal. Salviati, who commands there, is in our
interest, and will throw open the gates at the first summons.
Falieri.--The admiral Adorna, as soon as he hears the alarm-bell,
will immediately lead his people to our assistance.
Parozzi.--Oh, our success is certain.
Contarino.--Only let us take care to make the confusion as general
as possible. Our adversaries must be kept in the dark who are their
friends and who their foes, and all but our own party must be left
ignorant as to the authors, the origin, and the object of the
uproar.
Parozzi.--Heaven, I am delighted at finding the business at length
so near the moment of execution!