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. I have endured for your

sakes storm, and rain, and frost, and heat; I have watched for your

safety while you were sleeping. Venice owes to my care her

constitution and your lives; and yet are my services deserving of no

reward? All this have I done for Rosabella of Corfu, and yet will

you withhold from me my promised bride? I have saved you from

death, have saved the honour of your wives, and the throats of your

innocent children from the knife of the assassin. Men! men! and yet

will you send me to the scaffold?

Look on this list! See how many among you would have bled this

night, had it not been for Abellino, and see where the miscreants

stand by whom you would have bled! Read you not in every feature

that they are already condemned by heaven and their own conscience?

Does a single mouth unclose itself in exculpation? Does a single

movement of the head give the lie to my charge? Yet the truth of

what I have advanced shall be made still more evident.

He turned himself to the conspirators "Mark me!" said he, "the first among you who acknowledges the truth

shall receive a free pardon. I swear it, I, the bravo Abellino!"

The conspirators remained silent. Suddenly Memmo started forward

and threw himself trembling at the Doge's feet.

"Venetians," he exclaimed, "Abellino has told you true."

"'Tis false, 'tis false!" exclaimed the accused altogether.

"Silence!" cried Abellino, in a voice of thunder, while the

indignation which flamed in every feature struck terror into his

hearers: "Silence, I say, and hear me, or rather hear the ghosts of

your victims. Appear, appear!" cried this dreadful man, in a tone

still louder: "'Tis time!"




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024