Abellino (with majesty).--Be silent. I know your whole plot, have
seen your list of proscriptions, am well informed of your whole
arrangement, and at the moment that I speak to you the officers of
justice are employed, by my orders, in seizing the gentlemen with
the white ribbons round their arms, who this very night intended to
overturn Venice. Be silent, for defence were vain.
Andreas (in astonishment)--Abellino, what is the meaning of all
this?
Abellino.--Neither more nor less than that Abellino has discovered
and defeated a conspiracy against the constitution of Venice and the
life of its Doge! The bravo, in return for your kind intention of
sending him to destruction in a few hours, has preserved you from
it.
Vitalba (to the accused).--Noble Venetians, you are silent under
this heavy charge.
Abellino.--They are wise, for no defence can now avail them. Their
troops are already disarmed, and lodged in separate dungeons of the
State prison; visit them there, and you will learn more. You now
understand probably that I did not order the doors of this saloon to
be guarded for the purpose of seizing the terrible bravo Abellino,
but of taking those heroes into secure custody.
And now, Venetians, compare together YOUR conduct and MINE. At the
hazard of my life have I preserved the State from ruin. Disguised
as a bravo, I dared to enter the assembly of those ruthless
villains, whose daggers laid Venice waste.
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