However, at any rate, we must keep within doors for a few days, lest
we should be discovered; for I warrant you the Doge's spies are
abroad in search of us by this. But as soon as the pursuit is over,
be it our first business to find out Matteo's murderer, and throttle
him out of hand as a warning to all others.
All.--Bravo, bravissimo.
Pietrino.--And from this day forth I vote that Thomaso should be our
captain.
Struzza.--Aye, in Matteo's stead.
All.--Right, right.
Abellino.--To which I say amen with all my heart. Now, then, all is
decided.
BOOK THE SECOND.
CHAPTER I: THE BIRTHDAY.
In solitude and anxiety, with barred windows and bolted doors, did
the banditti pass the day immediately succeeding Matteo's murder;
every murmur in the street appeared to them a cause of apprehension;
every footstep which approached their doors made them tremble till
it had passed them.
In the meanwhile the ducal palace blazed with splendour and
resounded with mirth. The Doge celebrated the birthday of his fair
niece, Rosabella; and the feast was honoured by the presence of the
chief persons of the city, of the foreign ambassadors, and of many
illustrious strangers who were at that time resident in Venice.
On this occasion no expense had been spared, no source of pleasure
had been neglected. The arts contended with each other for
superiority; the best poets in Venice celebrated this day with
powers excelling anything which they had before exhibited, for the
subject of their verses was Rosabella; the musicians and virtuosi
surpassed all their former triumphs, for their object was to obtain
the suffrage of Rosabella.
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