VERRINA. Thou hast challenged us to consider a plan for dethroning the tyrant. Demand of us—we are here to answer thee.
FIESCO. First, then, a question which, as it comes so late, you may think strange. Who is to fall? (A pause.)
BOURGOGNINO (leaning over FIESCO'S chair, with an expressive look). The tyrants.
FIESCO. Well spoken. The tyrants. I entreat you weigh well the importance of the word. Is he who threatens the overthrow of liberty—or he who has it in his power—the greater tyrant?
VERRINA. The first I hate, I fear the latter. Let Andreas Doria fall!
CALCAGNO (with emotion). Andreas? The old Andreas! who perhaps to-morrow may pay the debt of nature——
SACCO. Andreas? That mild old man!