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.