Falieri.--Parozzi, have you distributed the white ribbons by which

we are to recognise our partisans?

Parozzi.--That was done some days ago.

Contarino.--Then there is no more necessary to be said on the

subject. Comrades, fill your goblets. We will not meet again

together till our work has been completed.

Memmo.--And yet methinks it would not be unwise to consider the

matter over again coolly.

Contarino.--Pshaw! consideration and prudence have nothing to do

with a rebellion; despair and rashness in this case are better

counsellors. The work once begun, the constitution of Venice once

boldly overturned, so that no one can tell who is master and who is

subject, then consideration will be of service in instructing us how

far it may be necessary for our interest to push the confusion.

Come, friends! fill, fill, I say. I cannot help laughing when I

reflect that, by giving this entertainment to-morrow, the Doge

himself kindly affords us an opportunity of executing our plans.

Parozzi.--As to Flodoardo, I look upon him already as in his grave;

yet before we go to-morrow to the Doge's, it will be as well to have

a conference with Abellino.

Contarino.--That care we will leave to you, Parozzi, and in the

meanwhile here's the health of Abellino.

All.--Abellino!

Gonzaga.--And success to our enterprise to-morrow.

Memmo.--I'll drink THAT toast with all my heart.

All.--Success to to-morrow's enterprise!

Parozzi.--The wine tastes well, and every face looks gay; pass

eight-and-forty hours, and shall we look as gaily? We separate

smiling; shall we smile when two nights hence we meet again? No

matter.




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