The Doge advanced slowly into the midst of the assembly. Every eye
was fixed upon him. The hearts of the conspirators beat painfully.
"Be not surprised, my friends," said Andreas, "at these unusual
precautions; they relate to nothing which need interfere with the
pleasures of this society. You have all heard but too much of the
bravo Abellino, the murderer of the Procurator Conari, and of my
faithful counsellors Manfrone and Lomellino, and to whose dagger my
illustrious guest the Prince of Monaldeschi has but lately fallen a
victim. This miscreant, the object of aversion to every honest man
in Venice, to whom nothing is sacred or venerable, and who has
hitherto set at defiance the whole vengeance of the Republic--before
another hour expires, perhaps this outcast of hell may stand before
you in this very saloon."
All (astonished).--Abellino? What, the bravo Abellino?
Gonzaga.--Of his own accord!
Andreas.--No, not of his own accord, in truth. But Flodoardo of
Florence has undertaken to render this important service to the
Republic, to seize Abellino, cost what it may, and conduct him
hither at the risk of his life.
A Senator.--The engagement will be difficult to fulfil. I doubt
much Flodoardo's keeping his promise.
Another.--But if he SHOULD perform it, the obligation which
Flodoardo will lay upon the Republic will not be trifling.
A Third.--Nay, we shall be all his debtors, nor do I know how we can
reward Flodoardo for so important a service.
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