Abellino took her cold hand and pressed it to his lips.
"Rosabella," said he, "art thou still mine?"
Rosabella.--Flodoardo, oh! that I had never loved, had never seen
thee!
Abellino.--Rosabella wilt thou still be the bride of Flodoardo? wilt
thou be "the Bravo's Bride?"
Love struggled with abhorrence in Rosabella's bosom, and painful was
the contest.
Abellino.--Hear me, beloved one! It was for thee that I have
discovered myself--that I have delivered myself into the hands of
justice. For thee--oh, what would I not do for thee! Rosabella, I
wait but to hear one syllable from your lips; speak but a decisive
yes or no, and all is ended. Rosabella, dost thou love me still?
And still she answered not; but she threw upon him a look innocent
and tender as ever beamed from the eye of an angel, and that look
betrayed but too plainly that the miscreant was still master of her
heart. She turned from him hastily, threw herself into Camilla's
arms, and exclaimed, "God forgive you, man, for torturing me so
cruelly!"
The Doge had by this time recovered from his stupor. He started
from his chair, threats flashed from his eyes, and his lips trembled
with passion. He rushed towards Abellino; but the senators threw
themselves in his passage, and held him back by force. In the
meanwhile the bravo advanced towards him with the most insolent
composure, and requested him to calm his agitation.
"Doge of Venice," said he, "will you keep your promise? That you
gave it to me, these noble lords and ladies can testify."
Andreas.--Monster! miscreant! Oh! how artfully has this plan been
laid to ensnare me! Tell me, Venetians, to SUCH a creditor am I
obliged to discharge my fearful debt? Long has he been playing a
deceitful bloody part; the bravest of our citizens have fallen
beneath his dagger, and it was the price of their blood which has
enabled him to act the nobleman in Venice. Then comes he to me in
disguise of a man of honour, seduces the heart of my unfortunate
Rosabella, obtains my promise by an artful trick, and now claims the
maiden for his bride, in the hope that the husband of the Doge's
niece will easily obtain an absolution for his crimes. Tell me,
Venetians, ought I to keep my word with this miscreant?
All the Senators.--No, no, by no means.
Abellino (with solemnity).--If you have once pledged your word, you
ought to keep it, though given to the Prince of Darkness. Oh, fie,
fie! Abellino, how shamefully hast thou been deceived in thy
reckoning. I thought I had to do with men of honour. Oh! how
grossly have I been mistaken. (In a terrible voice.)--Once again,
and for the last time, I ask you, Doge of Venice, wilt thou break
thy princely word?