"
"Hear me, Abellino," said the Doge, mustering up all the dignity
which he possessed; "thou hast received great talents from Nature:
why dost thou employ them to so little advantage? I here promise
you, on my most sacred word, pardon for the past, and protection for
the future, will you but name to me the villain who bribed you to
assassinate Conari, abjure your bloody trade, and accept an honest
employment in the service of the Republic. If this offer is
rejected, at least quit with all speed the territory of Venice, or I
swear--"
"Ho! ho!" interrupted Abellino; "pardon and protection, say you? It
is long since I thought it worth my while to care for such trifles.
Abellino is able to protect himself without foreign aid; and, as to
pardon, mortals cannot give absolution for sins like mine. On that
day, when all men must give in the list of their offences, then,
too, will I give in mine, but till then never. You would know the
name of him who bribed me to be Conari's murderer? Well, well, you
shall know it, but not to-day. I must quit with all speed the
Venetian territory? and wherefore; through fear of thee? Ho! ho!
Through fear of Venice? Ha, Abellino fears not Venice; 'tis Venice
that fears Abellino! You would have me abjure my profession? Well,
Andreas, there is one condition, which, perhaps--"
"Name it," cried the Doge, eagerly; "will ten thousand sequins
purchase your departure from the Republic?"
"I would gladly give you twice as much myself, could you recall the
insult of offering Abellino so miserable a bribe! No, Andreas, but
one price can pay me: give me your niece for my bride.
Pages:
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102