Abellino.—And you will really withhold from me my just reward? Shall it be in vain that I delivered Abellino into your power?
Andreas.—It was to the brave Flodoardo that I promised Rosabella. I never entered into any engagement with the murderer Abellino. Let Flodoardo claim my niece, and she is his; but Abellino can have no claim to her. Again I say lay down your arms.
Abellino (laughing wildly).—The murderer Abellino, say you? Ho! ho! Be it your care to keep your own promises, and trouble not yourself about my murders, they are my affair, and I warrant I shall find a word or two to say in defence of them, when the judgment day arrives.
Gonzaga (to the Doge).—What dreadful blasphemy.
Abellino.—Oh, good Lord Cardinal, intercede in my behalf, you know me well; I have always acted by you like a man of honour, that at least you cannot deny. Say a word in my favour, then, good Lord Cardinal.
Gonzaga (angrily, and with imperious dignity).—Address not thyself to me, miscreant. What canst thou and I have to do together? Venerable Andreas, delay no longer; let the guards be called in.
Abellino.—What? Is there then no hope for me? Does no one feel compassion for the wretched Abellino? What! no one?—(a pause)—All are silent?—all! ’Tis enough. Then my fate is decided—call in your guards.
Rosabella (with a scream of agony, springing forward, and falling at the feet of the Doge).—Mercy, mercy! Pardon him—pardon Abellino!
Abellino (in rapture).—Sayest thou so? Ho! ho! then an angel prays for Abellino in his last moments.
Rosabella (clasping the Doge’s knees).—Have mercy on him, my friend, my father, he is a sinner; but leave him to the justice of Heaven. He is a sinner, but oh, Rosabella loves him still.