_Contarino_.—Simpleton! the same thing happens to him which happens to betrayed husbands. Everyone can see the horns except the man who carries them. And yet I confess it is full time that we should realise our projects, and prevent the possibility of our being betrayed.
_Falieri_.—You are right, friend; everything is ready now. The sooner that the blow is struck the better.
_Parozzi_.—Nay, the discontented populace, which at present sides with us, would be perfectly well pleased if the sport began this very night; delay the business longer, and their anger against Andreas will cool, and render them unfit for our purpose.
_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—
_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.