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.