"My noble lord!" he said at length, hesitating, "you know well that-
-"
"I know well," interrupted Andreas, "how difficult a task I enjoin,
when I require the delivery of Abellino. For myself I swear that I
had rather a thousand times force my passage with a single vessel
through the whole Turkish fleet, and carry off the admiral's ship
from the midst of them, than attempt to seize this Abellino, who
seems to have entered into a compact with Lucifer himself: who is
to be found everywhere and nowhere; whom so many have seen, but whom
no one knows; whose cautious subtlety has brought to shame the
vigilance of our State inquisitors, of the College of Ten, and of
all their legions of spies and sbirri; whose very name strikes
terror into the hearts of the bravest Venetians, and from whose
dagger I myself am not safe upon my throne. I know well, Flodoardo,
how much I ask; but I know also how much I proffer. You seem
irresolute? You are silent? Flodoardo, I have long watched you
with attention. I have discovered in you marks of a superior
genius, and therefore I am induced to make such a demand. If any
one is able to cope with Abellino, thou art the man. I wait your
answer."
Flodoardo paced the chamber in silence. Dreadful was the enterprise
proposed. Woe to him should Abellino discover his purpose. But
Rosabella was the reward. He cast a look on the beloved one, and
resolved to risk everything.
He advanced towards the Doge.
Andreas.--Now, then, Flodoardo--your resolution?
Flodoardo.--Should I deliver Abellino into your power, do you
solemnly swear that Rosabella shall be my bride?
Andreas.--She shall! and NOT TILL THEN.
Rosabella.--Ah! Flodoardo, I fear this undertaking will end
fatally. Abellino is so crafty, so dreadful. Oh! look well to
yourself, for should you meet with the detested monster, whose
dagger Flodoardo (interrupting her hastily).--Oh! silence, Rosabella--at
least allow me to hope. Noble Andreas, give me your hand, and
pledge your princely word that, Abellino once in your power, nothing
shall prevent me from being Rosabella's husband.
Andreas.--I swear it; deliver into my power, either alive or dead,
this most dangerous foe of Venice, and nothing shall prevent
Rosabella from being your wife. In pledge of which I here give you
my princely hand.
Flodoardo grasped the Doge's hand in silence, and shook it thrice.
He turned to Rosabella, and seemed on the point of addressing her,
when he suddenly turned away, struck his forehead, and measured the
apartment with disordered and unsteady steps. The clock in the
tower of St. Mark's church struck five.