Andreas would have no
merit, were Rosabella once removed. The most illustrious families
would care no longer for his friendship with their hopes of a
connection with him by means of his niece buried in her grave.
Rosabella will one day be the Doge's heiress.
Memmo.--All that I can do for you in this business is to provide you
with pecuniary supplies. My old miserable uncle, whose whole
property becomes mine at his death, has brimful coffers, and the old
miser dies whenever I say the word.
Falieri.--You have suffered him to live too long already.
Memmo.--Why, I never have been able to make up my mind entirely to--
You would scarcely believe it, friends, but at times I am so
hypochondriac, that I could almost fancy I feel twinges of
conscience.
Contarino.--Indeed. Then take my advice, go into a monastery.
Memmo.--Our care first must be to find out our old acquaintances,
Matteo's companions: yet, having hitherto always transacted
business with them through their captain, I know not where they are
to be met with.
Parozzi.--As soon as they are found, their first employment must be
the removal of the Doge's trio of advisers.
Contarino.--That were an excellent idea, if it were as easily done
as said. Well, then, my friends, this principal point at least is
decided. Either we will bury our debts under the ruins of the
existing constitution of the Republic, or make Andreas a gift of our
heads towards strengthening the walls of the building.
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