Gonzaga (hastily).--He lives?
Flodoardo (bowing to the Cardinal respectfully).--He still lives,
signor.
Rosabella (pressing Camilla to her bosom). Didst thou hear that,
Camilla? Didst thou hear it? The villain still lives. Not one
drop of blood has stained the innocent hand of Flodoardo.
The Senator Vitalba.--Signor Contarino, I have won a thousand
sequins of you.
Contarino.--So it should seem, signor.
Andreas.--My son, you have bound the Republic to you for ever, and I
rejoice that it is to Flodoardo that she is indebted for a service
so essential.
Vitalba.--And permit me, noble Florentine, to thank you for this
heroic act in the name of the Senate of Venice. Our first care
shall be to seek out a reward proportioned to your merits.
Flodoardo (extending his arms towards Rosabella, with a melancholy
air).--There stands the only reward for which I wish.
Andreas (joyfully).--And that reward is your own. But where have
you left the bloodhound? Conduct him hither, my son, and let me
look at him once more. When I last saw him, he had the insolence to
tell me, "Doge, I am your equal. This narrow chamber now holds the
two greatest men in Venice." Now, then, let me see how this other
great man looks in captivity.
Two or three Senators.--Where is he? Bring him hither.
Several of the ladies screamed at hearing this proposal. "For
heaven's sake," cried they, "keep the monster away from us! I shall
be frightened out of my senses if he comes here.
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