THE BRAVO OF VENICE—A ROMANCE
by M G Lewis
HM
THE BRAVO OF VENICE
BOOK THE FIRST
CHAPTER I VENICE
It was evening Multitudes of light clouds partially illumined by the moonbeams overspread the horizon and through them floated the full moon in tranquil majesty while her splendour was reflected by every wave of the Adriatic Sea All was hushed around gently was the water rippled by the night wind gently did the night wind sigh through the Colonnades of Venice
It was midnight and still sat a stranger solitary and sad on the border of the great canal Now with a glance he measured the battlements and proud towers of the city and now he fixed his melancholy eyes upon the waters with a vacant stare At length he spoke
Wretch that I am whither shall I go Here sit I in Venice and what would it avail to wander further What will become of me All now slumber save myself the Doge rests on his couch of down the beggars head presses his straw pillow but for ME there is no bed except the cold damp earth There is no gondolier so wretched but he knows where to find work by day and shelter by night—while I— while I—Oh dreadful is the destiny of which I am made the sport
He began to examine for the twentieth time the pockets of his tattered garments
No not one paolo by heavens—and I hunger almost to death
He unsheathed his sword he waved it in the moonshine and sighed as he marked the glittering of the steel
No no my old true companion thou and I must never part Mine thou shalt remain though I starve for it Oh was not that a golden time when Valeria gave thee to me and when she threw the belt over my shoulder I kissed thee and Valeria She has deserted us for another world but thou and I will never part in this
He wiped away a drop which hung upon his eyelid
Pshaw twas not a tear the night wind is sharp and bitter and makes the eyes water but as for TEARS—Absurd my weeping days are over
And as he spoke the unfortunate for such by his discourse and situation he appeared to be dashed his forehead against the earth and his lips were already unclosed to curse the hour which gave him being when he seemed suddenly to recollect himself He rested his head on his elbow and sang mournfully the burthen of a song which had often delighted his childhood in the castle of his ancestors
Right he said to himself were I to sink under the weight of my destiny I should be myself no longer
At that moment he heard a rustling at no great distance He looked around and in an adjacent street which the moon faintly enlightened he perceived a tall figure wrapped in a cloak pacing slowly backwards and forwards
Tis the hand of God which hath guided him hither—yes—Ill—Ill BEG—better to play the beggar in Venice than the villain in Naples for the beggars heart may beat nobly though covered with rags
He then sprang from the ground and hastened towards the adjoining street Just as he entered it at one end he perceived another person advancing through the other of whose approach the first was no sooner aware than he hastily retired into the shadow of a piazza anxious to conceal himself
What can this mean thought our mendicant Is yon eavesdropper one of deaths unlicensed ministers Has he received the retaining fee of some impatient heir who pants to possess the wealth of the unlucky knave who comes strolling along yonder so careless and unconscious Be not so confident honest friend Im at your elbow
He retired further into the shade and silently and slowly drew near the lurker who stirred not from his place The stranger had already passed them by when the concealed villain sprang suddenly upon him raised his right hand in which a poniard was gleaming and before he could give the blow was felled to the earth by the arm of the mendicant
The stranger turned hastily towards them the bravo started up and fled the beggar smiled
How now cried the stranger what does all this mean
Oh tis a mere jest signor which has only preserved your life
What my life How so
The honest gentleman who has just taken to his heels stole behind you with true catlike caution and had already raised his dagger when I saw him You owe your life to me and the service is richly worth one little piece of money Give me some alms signor for on my soul I am hungry thirsty cold
Hence scurvy companion I know you and your tricks too well This is all a concerted scheme between you a design upon my purse an attempt to procure both money and thanks and under the lame pretence of having saved me from an assassin Go fellow go practise these dainty devices on the Doges credulity if you will but with Buonarotti you stand no chance believe me
The wretched starving beggar stood like one petrified and gazed on the taunting stranger
No as I have a soul to save signor tis no lie I tell you—tis the plain truth have compassion or I die this night of hunger
Begone this instant I say or by Heaven—
The unfeeling man here drew out a concealed pistol and pointed it at his preserver
Merciful Heaven and is it thus that services are acknowledged in
Venice
The watch is at no great distance I need only raise my voice and—
Hell and confusion do you take me for a robber then
Make no noise I tell you Be quiet—you had better
Hark you signor Buonarotti is your name I think I will write it down as belonging to the second scoundrel with whom I have met in Venice
He paused for a moment then continuing in a dreadful voice And when said he thou Buonarotti shalt hereafter hear the name of ABELLINO—TREMBLE
Abellino turned away and left the hardhearted Venetian
CHAPTER II THE BANDITTI
And now rushed the unfortunate wildly through the streets of Venice He railed at fortune he laughed and cursed by turns yet sometimes he suddenly stood still seemed as pondering on some great and wondrous enterprise and then again rushed onwards as if hastening to its execution
Propped against a column of the Signoria he counted over the whole sum of his misfortunes His wandering eyeballs appeared to seek comfort but they found it not
Fate he at length exclaimed in a paroxysm of despair Fate has condemned me to be either the wildest of adventurers or one at the relation of whose crimes the world must shudder To astonish is my destiny Rosalvo can know no medium Rosalvo can never act like common men Is it not the hand of fate which has led me hither Who could ever have dreamt that the son of the richest lord in Naples should have depended for a beggars alms on Venetian charity I—I who feel myself possessed of strength of body and energy of soul fit for executing the most daring deeds behold me creeping in rags through the streets of this inhospitable city and torturing my wits in vain to discover some means by which I may rescue life from the jaws of famine Those men whom my munificence nourished who at my table bathed their worthless souls in the choicest wines of Cyprus and glutted themselves with every delicacy which the globes four quarters could supply these very men now deny to my necessity even a miserable crust of mouldy bread Oh that is dreadful cruel—cruel of men—cruel of Heaven
He paused folded his arms and sighed
Yet will I bear it—I will submit to my destiny I will traverse every path and go through every degree of human wretchedness and whateer may be my fate I will still be myself and whateer may be my fate I will still act greatly Away then with the Count Rosalvo whom all Naples idolised now—now I am the beggar Abellino A beggar—that name stands last in the scale of worldly rank but first in the list of the famishing the outcast and the unworthy
Something rustled near him Abellino gazed around He was aware of the bravo whom he struck to the ground that night and whom two companions of a similar stamp had now joined As they advanced they cast inquiring glances around them They were in search of some one
It is of me that they are in search said Abellino then advanced a few steps and whistled
The ruffians stood still they whispered together and seemed to be undecided
Abellino whistled a second time
Tis he he could hear one of them say distinctly and in a moment after they advanced slowly towards him
Abellino kept his place but unsheathed his sword The three unknown they were masked stopped a few paces from him
How now fellow quoth one of them what is the matter Why stand you on your guard
Abellino—It is as well that you should be made to keep your distance for I know you you are certain honest gentlemen who live by taking away the lives of others
The First Ruffian—Was not your whistling addressed to us
Abellino—It was
A Ruffian—And what would you with us
Abellino—Hear me I am a miserable wretch and starving give me an alms out of your booty
A Ruffian—An alms Ha ha ha By my soul that is whimsical— Alms from us indeed—Oh by all means No doubt you shall have alms in plenty
Abellino—Or else give me fifty sequins and Ill bind myself to your service till I shall have worked out my debt
A Ruffian—Aye and pray then who may you be
Abellino—A starving wretch the Republic holds none more miserable Such am I at present but hereafter—I have powers knaves This arm could pierce a heart though guarded by three breastplates this eye though surrounded by Egyptian darkness could still see to stab sure
A Ruffian—Why then did you strike me down even now
Abellino—In the hope of being paid for it but though I saved his life the scoundrel gave me not a single ducat
A Ruffian—No So much the better But hark ye comrade are you sincere
Abellino—Despair never lies
A Ruffian—Slave shouldst thou be a traitor
Abellino—My heart would be within reach of your hands and your daggers would be as sharp as now
The three dangerous companions again whispered among themselves for a few moments after which they returned their daggers into the sheath
Come on then said one of them follow us to our home It were unwise to talk over certain matters in the open streets
I follow you was Abellinos answer but tremble should any one of you dare to treat me as a foe Comrade forgive me that I gave your ribs somewhat too hard a squeeze just now I will be your sworn brother in recompense
We are on honour cried the banditti with one voice no harm shall happen to you He who does you an injury shall be to us as a foe A fellow of your humour suits us well follow us and fear not
And on they went Abellino marching between two of them Frequent were the looks of suspicion which he cast around him but no ill design was perceptible in the banditti They guided him onwards till they reached a canal loosened a gondola placed themselves in it and rowed till they had gained the most remote quarter of Venice They landed threaded several bystreets and at length knocked at the door of a house of inviting appearance It was opened by a young woman who conducted them into a plain but comfortable chamber Many were the looks of surprise and inquiry which she cast on the bewildered halfpleased halfanxious Abellino who knew not whither he had been conveyed and still thought it unsafe to confide entirely in the promises of the banditti
CHAPTER III THE TRIAL OF STRENGTH
Scarcely were the bravoes seated when Cinthia for that was the young womans name was again summoned to the door and the company was now increased by two newcomers who examined their unknown guest from head to foot
Now then cried one of these who had conducted Abellino to this respectable society let us see what you are like
As he said this he raised a burning lamp from the table and the light of its flame was thrown full upon Abellinos countenance
Lord forgive me my sins screamed Cinthia out upon him what an ugly hound it is
She turned hastily round and hid her face with her hands Dreadful was the look with which Abellino repaid her compliment
Knave said one of the banditti Natures own hand has marked you out for an assassin—come prithee be frank and tell us how thou hast contrived so long to escape the gibbet In what gaol didst thou leave thy last fetters Or from what galley hast thou taken thy departure without staying to say adieu
Abellino folding his arms—If I be such as you describe said he with an air of authority and in a voice which made his hearers tremble tis for me all the better Whateer may be my future mode of life Heaven can have no right to find fault with it since it was for that it formed and fitted me
The five bravoes stepped aside and consulted together The subject of their conference is easy to be divined In the meanwhile Abellino remained quiet and indifferent to what was passing
After a few minutes they again approached him One whose countenance was the most ferocious and whose form exhibited the greatest marks of muscular strength advanced a few paces before the rest and addressed Abellino as follows
Hear me comrade In Venice there exist but five banditti you see them before you wilt thou be the sixth Doubt not thou wilt find sufficient employment My name is Matteo and I am the father of the band that sturdy fellow with the red locks is called Baluzzo he whose eyes twinkle like a cats is Thomaso an archknave I promise you twas Pietrino whose bones you handled so roughly to night and yon thicklipped Colossus who stands next to Cinthia is named Stuzza Now then you know us all—and since you are a penniless devil we are willing to incorporate you in our society but we must first be assured that you mean honestly by us
Abellino smiled or rather grinned and murmured hoarsely—I am starving
Answer fellow Dost thou mean honestly by us
That must the event decide
Mark me knave the first suspicion of treachery costs you your life Take shelter in the Doges palace and girdle yourself round with all the power of the Republic—though clasped in the Doges arms and protected by a hundred cannons still would we murder you Fly to the high altar press the crucifix to your bosom and even at midday still would we murder you Think on this well fellow and forget not we are banditti
You need not tell me that But give me some food and then Ill prate with you as long as you please At present I am starving Fourandtwenty hours have elapsed since I last tasted nourishment
Cinthia now covered a small table with her best provisions and filled several silver goblets with delicious wine
If one could but look at him without disgust murmured Cinthia if he had but the appearance of something human Satan must certainly have appeared to his mother and thence came her child into the world with such a frightful countenance Ugh its an absolute mask only that I never saw a mask so hideous
Abellino heeded her not he placed himself at the table and ate and drank as if he would have satisfied himself for the next six months The banditti eyed him with looks of satisfaction and congratulated each other on such a valuable acquisition
If the reader is curious to know what this same Abellino was like he must picture to himself a young stout fellow whose limbs perhaps might have been thought not illformed had not the most horrible countenance that ever was invented by a caricaturist or that Milton could have adapted to the ugliest of his fallen angels entirely marred the advantages of his person Black and shining but long and straight his hair flew wildly about his brown neck and yellow face His mouth so wide that his gums and discoloured teeth were visible and a kind of convulsive twist which scarcely ever was at rest had formed its expression into an internal grin His eye for he had but one was sunk deep into his head and little more than the white of it was visible and even that little was overshadowed by the protrusion of his dark and bushy eyebrow In the union of his features were found collected in one hideous assemblage all the most coarse and uncouth traits which had ever been exhibited singly in wooden cuts and the observer was left in doubt whether this repulsive physiognomy expressed stupidity of intellect or maliciousness of heart or whether it implied them both together
Now then I am satisfied roared Abellino and dashed the still full goblet upon the ground Speak what would you know of me I am ready to give you answers
The first thing replied Matteo the first thing necessary is to give us a proof of your strength for this is of material importance in our undertakings Are you good at wrestling
I know not try me
Cinthia removed the table
Now then Abellino which of us will you undertake Whom among us dost thou think that thou canst knock down as easily as yon poor dabbler in the art Pietrino
The banditti burst into a loud fit of laughter
Now then cried Abellino fiercely now then for the trial
Why come you not on
Fellow replied Matteo take my advice try first what you can do with me alone and learn what sort of men you have to manage Think you we are marrowless boys or delicate signors
Abellino answered him by a scornful laugh Matteo became furious
His companions shouted aloud and clapped their hands
To business said Abellino Im now in a right humour for sport Look to yourselves my lads And in the same instant he collected his forces together threw the gigantic Matteo over his head as had he been an infant knocked Struzza down on the right hand and Pietrino on the left tumbled Thomaso to the end of the room head over heels and stretched Baluzzo without animation upon the neighbouring benches
Three minutes elapsed ere the subdued bravoes could recover themselves Loudly shouted Abellino while the astonished Cinthia gazed and trembled at the terrible exhibition
By the blood of St Januarius cried Matteo at length rubbing his battered joints the fellow is our master Cinthia take care to give him our best chamber
He must have made a compact with the devil grumbled Thomaso and forced his dislocated wrist back into its socket
No one seemed inclined to hazard a second trial of strength The night was far advanced or rather the grey morning already was visible over the sea The banditti separated and each retired to his chamber
CHAPTER IV THE DAGGERS
Abellino this Italian Hercules all terrible as he appeared to be was not long a member of this society before his companions felt towards him sentiments of the most unbounded esteem All loved all valued him for his extraordinary talents for a bravos trade to which he seemed peculiarly adapted not only by his wonderful strength of body but by the readiness of his wit and his never failing presence of mind Even Cinthia was inclined to feel some little affection for him but—he really was too ugly
Matteo as Abellino was soon given to understand was the captain of this dangerous troop He was one who carried villainy to the highest pitch of refinement incapable of fear quick and crafty and troubled with less conscience than a French financier The booty and price of blood which his associates brought in daily were always delivered up to him he gave each man his share and retained no larger portion for himself than was allotted to the others The catalogue of those whom he had despatched into the other world was already too long for him to have repeated it many names had slipped his memory but his greatest pleasure in his hour of relaxation was to relate such of these murderous anecdotes as he still remembered in the benevolent intention of inspiring his hearers with a desire to follow his example His weapons were kept separate from the rest and occupied a whole apartment Here were to be found daggers of a thousand different fashions WITH guards and WITHOUT them two three and fouredged Here were stored air guns pistols and blunderbusses poisons of various kinds and operating in various ways garments fit for every possible disguise whether to personate the monk the Jew or the mendicant the soldier the sailor or the gondolier
One day he summoned Abellino to attend him in his armoury
Mark me said he thou wilt turn out a brave fellow that I can see already It is now time that you should earn that bread for yourself which hitherto you have owed to our bounty Look Here thou hast a dagger of the finest steel you must charge for its use by the inch If you plunge it only one inch deep into the bosom of his foe your employer must reward you with only one sequin if two inches with ten sequins if three with twenty if the whole dagger you may then name your own price Here is next a glass poniard whomsoever this pierces that mans death is certain As soon as the blow is given, you must break the dagger in the wound The flesh will close over the point which has been broken off and which will keep its quarters till the day of resurrection Lastly observe this metallic dagger its cavity conceals a subtle poison which whenever you touch this spring will immediately infuse death into the veins of him whom the weapons point hath wounded Take these daggers In giving them I present you with a capital capable of bringing home to you most heavy and most precious interest
Abellino received the instruments of death but his hand shook as it grasped them
Possessed of such unfailing weapons of what immense sums must your robberies have made you master
Scoundrel interrupted Matteo frowning and offended amongst us robbery is unknown What Dost take us for common plunderers for mere thieves cutpurses housebreakers and villains of that low miserable stamp
Perhaps what you wish me to take you for is something worse for to speak openly Matteo villains of that stamp are contented within plundering a purse or a casket which can easily be filled again but that which we take from others is a jewel which a man never has but once and which stolen can never be replaced Are we not then a thousand times more atrocious plunderers
By the house at Loretto I think you have a mind to moralise
Abellino
Hark ye Matteo only one question At the Day of Judgment which think you will hold his head highest the thief or the assassin
Ha ha ha
Think not that Abellino speaks thus from want of resolution Speak but the word and I murder half the senators of Venice but still—
Fool know the bravo must be above crediting the nurses antiquated tales of vice and virtue What is virtue What is vice Nothing but such things as forms of government custom manners and education have made sacred and that which men are able to make honourable at one time it is in their power to make dishonourable at another whenever the humour takes them had not the senate forbidden us to give opinions freely respecting the politics of Venice there would have been nothing wrong in giving such opinions and were the senate to declare that it is right to give such opinions that which today is thought a crime would be thought meritorious tomorrow Then prithee let us have no more of such doubts as these We are men as much as the Doge and his senators and have reasons as much as THEY have to lay down the law of right and wrong and to alter the law of right and wrong and to decree what shall be vice and what shall be virtue
Abellino laughed Matteo proceeded with increased animation
Perhaps you will tell me that your trade is DISHONOURABLE And what then is the thing called HONOUR Tis a word an empty sound a mere fantastic creature of the imagination Ask as you traverse some frequented street in what honour consists The usurer will answer—To be honourable is to be rich and he has most honour who can heap up the greatest quantity of sequins By no means cries the voluptuary honour consists in being beloved by a very handsome woman and finding no virtue proof against your attacks How mistaken interrupts the general to conquer whole cities to destroy whole armies to ruin all provinces THAT indeed brings REAL honour The man of learning places his renown in the number of pages which he has either written or read the tinker in the number of pots and kettles which he has made or mended the nun in the number of GOOD things which she has done or BAD things which she has resisted the coquette in the list of her admirers the Republic in the extent of her provinces and thus my friend every one thinks that honour consists in something different from the rest And why then should not the bravo think that honour consists in reaching the perfection of his trade and in guiding a dagger to the heart of an enemy with unerring aim
By my life tis a pity Matteo that you should be a bravo the schools have lost an excellent teacher of philosophy
Do you think so Why the fact is thus, Abellino I was educated in a monastery my father was a dignified prelate in Lucca and my mother a nun of the Ursuline order greatly respected for her chastity and devotion Now Signor it was thought fitting that I should apply closely to my studies my father good man would fain have made me a light of the Church but I soon found that I was better qualified for an incendiarys torch I followed the bent of my genius yet count I not my studies thrown away since they taught me more philosophy than to tremble at phantoms created by my own imagination Follow my example friend and so farewell
CHAPTER V SOLITUDE
Abellino had already passed six weeks in Venice and yet either from want of opportunity or of inclination he had suffered his daggers to remain idle in their sheaths This proceeded partly from his not being as yet sufficiently acquainted with the windings and turnings the byelanes and private alleys of the town and partly because he had hitherto found no customers whose murderous designs stood in need of his helping hand
This want of occupation was irksome to him in the extreme he panted for action and was condemned to indolence
With a melancholy heart did he roam through Venice and number every step with a sigh He frequented the public places the taverns the gardens and every scene which was dedicated to amusement But nowhere could he find what ho sought—tranquillity
One evening he had loitered beyond the other visitants in a public garden situated on one of the most beautiful of the Venetian islands He strolled from arbour to arbour threw himself down on the seashore and watched the play of the waves as they sparkled in the moonshine
Four years ago said he with a sigh just such a heavenly evening was it that I stole from Valerias lips the first kiss and heard from Valerias lips for the first time the avowal that she loved me
He was silent and abandoned himself to the melancholy recollections which thronged before his minds eye
Everything around him was so calm so silent Not a single zephyr sighed among the blades of grass but a storm raged in the bosom of Abellino
Four years ago could I have believed that a time would come when I should play the part of a bravo in Venice Oh where are they flown the golden hopes and plans of glory which smiled upon me in the happy days of my youth I am a bravo to be a beggar were to be something better
When my good old father in the enthusiasm of paternal vanity so oft threw his arms around my neck and cried My boy thou wilt render the name of Rosalvo glorious God as I listened how was my blood on fire What thought I not what that was good and great did I not promise myself to do The father is dead and the son is a Venetian bravo When my preceptors praised and admired me and carried away by the warmth of their feelings clapped my shoulder and exclaimed Count thou wilt immortalise the ancient race of Rosalvo Ha in those blessed moments of sweet delirium how bright and beauteous stood futurity before me When happy in the performance of some good deed I returned home and saw Valeria hasten to receive me with open arms and when while she clasped me to her bosom I heard her whisper Oh who could forbear to love the great Rosalvo God oh God Away away glorious visions of the past To look on you drives me mad
He was again silent he bit his lips in fury raised one emaciated hand to heaven and struck his forehead violently with the other
An assassin the slave of cowards and rascals the ally of the greatest villains that the Venetian sun ever shines upon such is now the great Rosalvo Fie ah fie ont and yet to this wretched lot hath fatality condemned me
Suddenly he sprang from the ground after a long silence his eyes sparkled his countenance was changed he drew his breath easier
Yes by Heaven yes Great as Count Rosalvo that can I be no longer but from being great as a Venetian bravo what prevents me Souls in bliss he exclaimed and sank on his knee while he raised his folded hands to heaven as if about to pronounce the most awful oath Spirit of my father spirit of Valeria I will not become unworthy of you Hear me if your ghosts are permitted to wander near me hear me swear that the bravo shall not disgrace the origin nor render vain the hopes which soothed you in the bitterness of death No sure as I live I will be the only dealer in this miserable trade and posterity shall be compelled to honour that name which my actions shall render illustrious
He bowed his forehead till it touched the earth and his tears flowed plenteously Vast conceptions swelled his soul he dwelt on wondrous views till their extent bewildered his brain yet another hour elapsed and he sprang from the earth to realise them
I will enter into no compact against human nature with five miserable cutthroats ALONE will I make the Republic tremble and before eight days are flown these murderous knaves shall swing upon a gibbet Venice shall no longer harbour FIVE banditti ONE and ONE only shall inhabit here and that one shall beard the Doge himself shall watch over right and wrong and according as he judges shall reward and punish Before eight days are flown the State shall be purified from the presence of these outcasts of humanity and then shall I stand here alone Then must every villain in Venice who hitherto has kept the daggers of my companions in employment have recourse to me then shall I know the names and persons of all those cowardly murderers of all those illustrious profligates with whom Matteo and his companions carry on the trade of blood And then— Abellino Abellino that is the name Hear it Venice hear it and tremble
Intoxicated with the wildness of his hopes he rushed out of the garden He summoned a gondolier threw himself into the boat and hastened to the dwelling of Cinthia where the inhabitants already were folded in the arms of sleep
CHAPTER VI ROSABELLA THE DOGES LOVELY NIECE
Hark comrade said Matteo the next morning to Abellino today thou shalt make thy first step in our profession
Today hoarsely murmured Abellino and on whom am I to show my skill
Nay to say truth tis but a woman but one must not give too difficult a task to a young beginner I will myself accompany you and see how you conduct yourself in the first trial
Hum said Abellino and measured Matteo with his eye from head to foot
Today about four oclock thou shalt follow me to Dolabellas gardens which are situated on the south side of Venice We must both be disguised you understand In these gardens are excellent baths and after using the baths the Doges niece the lovely Rosabella of Corfu frequently walks without attendants And then— you conceive me
And you will accompany me
I will be a spectator of your first adventure tis thus I deal by every one
And how many inches deep must I plunge my dagger
To the hilt boy to the very hilt Her death is required and the payment will be princely Rosabella in the grave we are rich for life
Every other point was soon adjusted Noon was now past the clock in the neighbouring church of the Benedictines struck four and Mattes and Abellino were already forth They arrived at the gardens of Dolabella which that day were unusually crowded Every shady avenue was thronged with people of both sexes every arbour was occupied by persons most distinguished in Venice In every corner sighed lovesick couples as they waited for the wished approach of twilight and on every side did strains of vocal and instrumental music pour their harmony on the enchanted ear
Abellino mingled with the crowd A most respectable looking peruke concealed the repulsive ugliness of his features he imitated the walk and manners of a gouty old man and supported himself by a crutch as he walked slowly through the assembly His habit richly embroidered procured for him universally a good reception and no one scrupled to enter into conversation with him respecting the weather the commerce of the Republic or the designs of its enemies and on none of these subjects was Abellino found incapable of sustaining the discourse
By these means he soon contrived to gain intelligence that Rosabella was certainly in the gardens how she was habited and in what quarter he was most likely to find her
Thither he immediately bent his course and hard at his heels followed Matteo
Alone and in the most retired arbour sat Rosabella of Corfu the fairest maid in Venice
Abellino drew near the arbour he tottered as he passed its entrance like one oppressed with sudden faintness and attracted Rosabellas attention
Alas alas cried he is there no one at hand who will take compassion on the infirmity of a poor old man
The Doges fair niece quitted the arbour hastily and flew to give assistance to the sufferer
What ails you my good father she inquired in a melodious voice and with a look of benevolent anxiety
Abellino pointed towards the arbour Rosabella led him in and placed him on a seat of turf
God reward you lady stammered Abellino faintly He raised his eyes they met Rosabellas and a blush crimsoned her pale cheeks
Rosabella stood in silence before the disguised assassin and trembled with tender concern for the old mans illness and oh that expression of interest ever makes a lovely women look so much more lovely She bent her delicate form over the man who was bribed to murder her and after a while asked him in gentlest tone Are you not better
Better stammered the deceiver with a feeble voice better—oh yes yes yes You—you are the Doges niece—the noble Rosabella of Corfu
The same my good old man
Oh lady I have somewhat to tell you Be on your guard Start not What I would say is of the utmost consequence and demands the utmost prudence Ah God that there should live men so cruel Lady your life is in danger
The maiden started back the colour fled from her cheeks
Do you wish to behold your assassin You shall not die but if you value your life be silent
Rosabella knew not what to think the presence of the old man terrified her
Fear nothing lady fear nothing you have nothing to fear while I am with you Before you quit this arbour you shall see the assassin expire at your feet
Rosabella made a movement as if she would have fled but suddenly the person who sat beside her was no longer an infirm old man He who a minute before had scarcely strength to mutter out a few sentences and reclined against the arbour trembling like an aspen sprang up with the force of a giant and drew her back with one arm
For the love of heaven she cried release me Let me fly
Lady fear nothing I protect you This said Abellino placed a whistle at his lips and blew it shrilly
Instantly sprang Matteo from his concealment in a neighbouring clump of trees and rushed into the arbour Abellino threw Rosabella on the bank of turf advanced a few steps to meet Matteo and plunged his dagger in his heart
Without uttering a single cry sank the banditti captain at the feet of Abellino the deathrattle was heard in his throat and after a few horrible convulsions all was over
Now did Matteos murderer look again towards the arbour and beheld
Rosabella half senseless as she lay on the bank of turf
Your life is safe beautiful Rosabella said he there lies the villain bleeding who conducted me hither to murder you Recover yourself return to your uncle the Doge and tell him that you owe your life to Abellino
Rosabella could not speak Trembling she stretched her arms towards him grasped his hand and pressed it to her lips in silent gratitude
Abellino gazed with delight and wonder on the lovely sufferer and in such a situation who could have beheld her without emotion Rosabella had scarcely numbered seventeen summers her light and delicate limbs enveloped in a thin white garment which fell around her in a thousand folds her blue and melting eyes whence beamed the expression of purest innocence her forehead white as ivory overshadowed the ringlets of her bright dark hair cheeks whence terror had now stolen the roses such was Rosabella a creature in whose formation partial Nature seemed to have omitted nothing which might constitute the perfection of female loveliness—such was she and being such the wretched Abellino may be forgiven if for some few minutes he stood like one enchanted and bartered for those few minutes the tranquillity of his heart for ever
By Him who made me cried he at length oh thou art fair
Rosabella Valeria was not fairer
He bowed himself down to her and imprinted a burning kiss on the pale cheeks of the beauty
Leave me thou dreadful man she stammered in terror oh leave me
Ah Rosabella why art thou so beauteous and why am I—Knowest thou who kissed thy cheek Rosabella Go tell thy uncle the proud Doge—TWAS THE BRAVO ABELLINO he said and rushed out of the arbour
CHAPTER VII THE BRAVOS BRIDE
It was not without good reason that Abellino took his departure in such haste He had quitted the spot but a few minutes when a large party accidentally strolled that way and discovered with astonishment the corpse of Matteo and Rosabella pale and trembling in the arbour
A crowd immediately collected itself round them It increased with every moment and Rosabella was necessitated to repeat what had happened to her for the satisfaction of every newcomer
In the meanwhile some of the Doges courtiers who happened to be among the crowd hastened to call her attendants together her gondola was already waiting for her and the terrified girl soon reached her uncles palace in safety
In vain was an embargo laid upon every other gondola in vain did they examine every person who was in the gardens of Dolabella at the time when the murdered assassin was first discovered No traces could be found of Abellino
The report of this strange adventure spread like wildfire through Venice Abellino for Rosabella had preserved but too well in her memory that dreadful name and by the relation of her danger had given it universal publicity Abellino was the object of general wonder and curiosity Every one pitied the poor Rosabella for what she had suffered execrated the villain who had bribed Matteo to murder her and endeavoured to connect the different circumstances together by the help of one hypothesis or other among which it would have been difficult to decide which was the most improbable
Every one who heard the adventure told it again and every one who told it added something of his own till at length it was made into a complete romantic novel which might have been entitled with great propriety The Power of Beauty for the Venetian gentlemen and ladies had settled the point among themselves completely to their own satisfaction that Abellino would undoubtedly have assassinated Rosabella had he not been prevented by her uncommon beauty But though Abellinos interference had preserved her life it was doubted much whether this adventure would be at all relished by her destined bridegroom the Prince of Monaldeschi a Neapolitan of the first rank possessed of immense wealth and extensive influence The Doge had for some time been secretly engaged in negotiating a match between his niece and this powerful nobleman who was soon expected to make his appearance at Venice The motive of his journey in spite of all the Doges precautions had been divulged and it was no longer a secret to any but Rosabella who had never seen the prince and could not imagine why his expected visit should excite such general curiosity
Thus far the story had been told much to Rosabellas credit but at length the women began to envy her for her share in the adventure The kiss which she had received from the bravo afforded them an excellent opportunity for throwing out a few malicious insinuations She received a great service said one and theres no saying how far the fair Rosabella in the warmth of gratitude may have been carried in rewarding her preserver Very true observed another and for my part I think it not very likely that the fellow being alone with a pretty girl whose life he had just saved should have gone away contented with a single kiss Come come interrupted a third do not let us judge uncharitably the fact may be exactly as the lady relates it though I MUST say that gentlemen of Abellinos profession are not usually so prettybehaved and that this is the first time I ever heard of a bravo in the Platonics
In short Rosabella and the horrible Abellino furnished the indolent and gossiping Venetians with conversation so long that at length the Doges niece was universally known by the honourable appellation of the Bravos Bride
But no one gave himself more trouble about this affair than the Doge the good but proud Andreas He immediately issued orders that every person of suspicious appearance should be watched more closely than ever the night patrols were doubled and spies were employed daily in procuring intelligence of Abellino and yet all was in vain Abellinos retreat was inscrutable
CHAPTER VIII THE CONSPIRACY
Confusion exclaimed Parozzi a Venetian nobleman of the first rank as he paced his chamber with a disordered air on the morning after Matteos murder now all curses light upon the villains awkwardness yet it seems inconceivable to me how all this should have fallen out so untowardly Has any one discovered my designs I know well that Verrino loves Rosabella Was it he who opposed this confounded Abellino to Matteo and charged him to mar my plans against her That seems likely and now when the Doge inquires who it was that employed assassins to murder his niece what other will be suspected than Parozzi the discontented lover to whom Rosabella refused her hand and whom Andreas hates past hope of reconciliation And now having once found the scent—Parozzi Parozzi should the crafty Andreas get an insight into your plans should he learn that you have placed yourself at the head of a troop of harebrained youths—harebrained may I well call children—who in order to avoid the rod set fire to their paternal mansions Parozzi should all this be revealed to Andreas—
Here his reflections were interrupted Memmo Falieri and Contarino entered the room three young Venetians of the highest rank Parozzis inseparable companions men depraved both in mind and body spendthrifts voluptuaries well known to every usurer in Venice and owing more than their paternal inheritance would ever admit of their paying
Why how is this Parozzi cried Memmo as he entered a wretch whose every feature exhibited marks of that libertinism to which his life had been dedicated I can scarce recover myself from my astonishment For Heavens sake is this report true Did you really hire Matteo to murder the Doges niece
I exclaimed Parozzi and hastily turned away to hide the deadly paleness which overspread his countenance why should you suppose that any such designs—surely Memmo you are distracted
Memmo—By my soul I speak but the plain matter of fact. Nay only ask Falieri he can tell you more
Falieri—Faith it is certain Parozzi that Lomellino has declared to the Doge as a truth beyond doubting that you and none but you were the person who instigated Matteo to attempt Rosabellas life
Parozzi—And I tell you again that Lomellino knows not what he says
Contarino—Well well only be upon your guard Andreas is a terrible fellow to deal with
Falieri—HE terrible I tell you he is the most contemptible blockhead that the universe can furnish Courage perhaps he possesses but of brains not an atom
Contarino—And I tell you that Andreas is as brave as a lion and as crafty as a fox
Falieri—Pshaw pshaw Everything would go to rack and ruin were it not for the wiser heads of this triumvirate of counsellors whom Heaven confound Deprive him of Paolo Manfrone Conari and Lomellino and the Doge would stand there looking as foolish as a schoolboy who was going to be examined and had forgotten his lesson
Parozzi—Falieri is in the right
Memmo—Quite quite
Falieri—And then Andreas is as proud as a beggar grown rich and dressed in his first suit of embroidery By St Anthony he is become quite insupportable Do you not observe how he increases the number of his attendants daily
Memmo—Nay that is an undoubted fact
Contarino—And then to what an unbounded extent has he carried his influence The Signoria the Quaranti the Procurators of St Mark the Avocatori all think and act exactly as it suits the Doges pleasure and convenience Every soul of them depends as much on that one mans honour and caprices as puppets do who nod or shake their wooden heads just as the fellow behind the curtain thinks proper to move the wires
Parozzi—And yet the populace idolises this Andreas
Memmo—Ay that is the worst part of the story
Falieri—But never credit me again if he does not experience a reverse of fortune speedily
Contarino—That might happen would we but set our shoulders to the wheel stoutly But what do we do We pass our time in taverns drink and game and throw ourselves headlong into such an ocean of debts that the best swimmer must sink at last Let us resolve to make the attempt Let us seek recruits on all sides let us labour with all our might and main Things must change or if they do not take my word for it my friends this world is no longer a world for us
Memmo—Nay its a melancholy truth that during the last halfyear my creditors have been ready to beat my door down with knocking I am awakened out of my sleep in the morning and lulled to rest again at night with no other music than their eternal clamour
Parozzi—Ha ha ha As for me I need not tell you how I am
suited
Falieri—Had we been less extravagant we might at this moment have been sitting quietly in our palaces but as things stand now
Parozzi—Well as things stand now—I verily believe that Falieri is going to moralise
Contarino—That is ever the way with old sinners when they have lost the power to sin any longer Then they are ready enough to weep over their past life and talk loudly about repentance and reformation Now for my own part I am perfectly well satisfied with my wanderings from the common beaten paths of morality and prudence They serve to convince me that I am not one of your everyday men who sit cramped up in the chimneycorner lifeless phlegmatic and shudder when they hear of any extraordinary occurrence Nature evidently has intended me to be a libertine and I am determined to fulfil my destination Why if spirits like ours were not produced every now and then the world would absolutely go fast asleep but we rouse it by deranging the old order of things force mankind to quicken their snails pace furnish a million of idlers with riddles which they puzzle their brains about without being able to comprehend infuse some hundreds of new ideas into the heads of the great multitude and in short are as useful to the world as tempests are which dissipate those exhalations with which Nature otherwise would poison herself
Falieri—Excellent sophistry by my honour Why Contarino ancient Rome has had an irreparable loss in not having numbered you among her orators It is a pity though that there should be so little thats solid wrapped up in so many finesounding words Now learn that while you with this rare talent of eloquence have been most unmercifully wearing out the patience of your goodnatured hearers Falieri has been in ACTION The Cardinal Gonzaga is discontented with the government—Heaven knows what Andreas has done to make him so vehemently his enemy—but in short Gonzaga now belongs to our party
Parozzi with astonishment and delight—Falieri are you in your senses The Cardinal Gonzaga—
Falieri—Is ours and ours both body and soul I confess I was first obliged to rhodomontade a good deal to him about our patriotism our glorious designs our love for freedom and so forth in short Gonzaga is a hypocrite and therefore is Gonzaga the fitter for us
Contarino clasping Falieris hand—Bravo my friend Venice shall see a second edition of Catilines conspiracy Now then it is MY turn to speak for I have not been idle since we parted In truth I have as yet CAUGHT nothing but I have made myself master of an allpowerful net with which I doubt not to capture the best half of Venice You all know the Marchioness Olympia
Parozzi—Does not each of us keep a list of the handsomest women in the Republic and can we have forgotten number one
Falieri—Olympia and Rosabella are the goddesses of Venice our youths burn incense on no other altars
Contarino—Olympia is my own
Falieri—How
Parozzi—Olympia
Contarino—Why how now Why stare ye as had I prophesied to you that the skies were going to fall I tell you Olympias heart is mine and that I possess her entire and most intimate confidence Our connection must remain a profound secret but depend on it whatever I wish SHE wishes also and you know she can make half the nobility in Venice dance to the sound of her pipe let her play what tune she pleases
Parozzi—Contarino you are our master
Contarino—And you had not the least suspicion how powerful an ally
I was labouring to procure for you
Parozzi—I must blush for myself while I listen to you since as yet I have done nothing Yet this I must say in my excuse Had Matteo bribed by my gold accomplished Rosabellas murder the Doge would have been robbed of that chain with which he holds the chief men in Venice attached to his government Andreas would have no merit were Rosabella once removed The most illustrious families would care no longer for his friendship with their hopes of a connection with him by means of his niece buried in her grave Rosabella will one day be the Doges heiress
Memmo—All that I can do for you in this business is to provide you with pecuniary supplies My old miserable uncle whose whole property becomes mine at his death has brimful coffers and the old miser dies whenever I say the word
Falieri—You have suffered him to live too long already
Memmo—Why I never have been able to make up my mind entirely to— You would scarcely believe it friends but at times I am so hypochondriac that I could almost fancy I feel twinges of conscience
Contarino—Indeed Then take my advice go into a monastery
Memmo—Our care first must be to find out our old acquaintances Matteos companions yet having hitherto always transacted business with them through their captain I know not where they are to be met with
Parozzi—As soon as they are found their first employment must be the removal of the Doges trio of advisers
Contarino—That were an excellent idea if it were as easily done as said Well then my friends this principal point at least is decided Either we will bury our debts under the ruins of the existing constitution of the Republic or make Andreas a gift of our heads towards strengthening the walls of the building In either case we shall at least obtain quiet Necessity with her whip of serpents has driven us to the very highest point of her rock whence we must save ourselves by some act of extraordinary daring or be precipitated on the opposite side into the abyss of shame and eternal oblivion The next point to be considered is how we may best obtain supplies for our necessary expenses and induce others to join with us in our plans For this purpose we must use every artifice to secure in our interests the courtesans of the greatest celebrity in Venice What WE should be unable to effect by every power of persuasion banditti by their daggers and princes by their treasuries can one of those Phrynes accomplish with a single look Where the terrors of the scaffold are without effect and the exhortations of the priests are heard with coldness a wanton look and a tender promise often perform wonders The bell which sounded the hour of assignation has often rang the knell of the most sacred principles and most steadfast resolutions But should you either fail to gain the mastery over the minds of these women or fear to be yourselves entangled in the nets which you wish to spread for others in these cases you must have recourse to the holy father confessors Flatter the pride of these insolent friars paint for them upon the blank leaf of futurity bishops mitres patriarchal missions the hats of cardinals and the keys of St Peter my life upon it they will spring at the bait and you will have them completely at your disposal These hypocrites who govern the consciences of the bigoted Venetians hold man and woman the noble and the mendicant the Doge and the gondolier bound fast in the chains of superstition by which they can head them wheresoever it best suits their pleasure It will save us tons of gold in gaining over proselytes and keeping their consciences quiet when gained if we can but obtain the assistance of the confessors whose blessings and curses pass with the multitude for current coin Now then to work comrades and so farewell
CHAPTER IX CINTHIAS DWELLING
Scarcely had Abellino achieved the bloody deed which employed every tongue in Venice when he changed his dress and whole appearance with so much expedition and success as to prevent the slightest suspicion of his being Matteos murderer He quitted the gardens unquestioned nor left the least trace which could lead to a discovery
He arrived at Cinthias dwelling It was already evening Cinthia opened the door and Abellino entered the common apartment
Where are the rest said he in a savage tone of voice whose sound made Cinthia tremble
They have been asleep she answered since midday Probably they mean to go out on some pursuit tonight Abellino threw himself into a chair and seemed to be lost in thought
But why are you always so gloomy Abellino said Cinthia drawing near him its that which makes you so ugly Prithee away with those frowns they make your countenance look worse than nature made it
Abellino gave no answer
Really you are enough to frighten a body Come now let us be friends Abellino I begin not to dislike you and to endure your appearance and I dont know but—
Go wake the sleepers roared the bravo
The sleepers Pshaw let them sleep on the stupid rogues Sure you are not afraid to be alone with me Mercy on me one would think I looked as terrible as yourself Do I Nay look on me Abellino
Cinthia to say the truth was by no means an illlooking girl her eyes were bright and expressive the hair fell in shining ringlets over her bosom her lips were red and full and she bowed them towards Abellinos But Abellinos were still sacred by the touch of Rosabellas cheek He started from his seat and removed yet gently Cinthias hand which rested on his shoulder
Wake the sleepers my good girl said he I must speak with them this moment
Cinthia hesitated
Nay go said he in a fierce voice
Cinthia retired in silence yet as she crossed the threshold she stopped for an instant and menaced him with her finger
Abellino strode through the chamber with hasty steps his head reclining on his shoulder his arms folded over his breast
The first step is taken said he to himself There is one moral monster the less on earth I have committed no sin by this murder I have but performed a sacred duty Aid me thou Great and Good for arduous is the task before me Ah should that task be gone through with success and Rosabella be the reward of my labours— Rosabella What shall the Doges niece bestow on the outcast Abellino Oh madman that I am to hope it never can I reach the goal of my wishes No never was there frenzy to equal mine To attach myself at first sight to—Yet Rosabella alone is capable of thus enchanting at first sight—Rosabella and Valeria To be beloved by two such women—Yet though tis impossible to attain the striving to attain such an end is glorious Illusions so delightful will at least make me happy for a moment and alas the wretched Abellino needs so many illusions that for a moment will make him happy Oh surely knew the world what I gladly would accomplish the world would both love and pity me
Cinthia returned the four bravoes followed her yawning grumbling and still half asleep
Come come said Abellino rouse yourselves lads Before I say anything be convinced that you are wide awake for what I am going to tell you is so strange that you would scarce believe it in a dream
They listened to him with an air of indifference and impatience
Why whats the matter now said Thomaso while he stretched himself
Neither more nor less than that our honest hearty brave Matteo is murdered
What murdered every one exclaimed and gazed with looks of terror on the bearer of this unwelcome news while Cinthia gave a loud scream and clasping her hands together sank almost breathless into a chair
A general silence prevailed for some time
Murdered at length repeated Thomaso and by whom
Baluzzo—Where
Pietrino—What this forenoon
Abellino—In the gardens of Dolabella where he was found bleeding at the feet of the Doges niece Whether he fell by her hand or by that of one of her admirers I cannot say
Cinthia weeping—Poor dear Matteo
Abellino—About this time tomorrow you will see his corpse exhibited on the gibbet
Pietrino—What Did any one recognise him
Abellino—Yes yes theres no doubt about his trade you may depend ont
Cinthia—The gibbet Poor dear Matteo
Thomaso—This is a fine piece of work
Baluzzo—Confound the fellow who would have thought of anything happening so unlucky
Abellino—Why how now You seem to be overcome
Struzza—I cannot recover myself surprise and terror have almost stupefied me
Abellino—Indeed By my life when I heard the news I burst into laughter Signor Matteo said I I wish your worship joy of your safe arrival
Thomaso—What
Struzza—You laughed Hang me if I can see what there is to laugh at
Abellino—Why surely you are not afraid of receiving what you are so ready to bestow on others What is your object What can we expect as our reward at the end of our labours except the gibbet or the rock What memorials of our actions shall we leave behind us except our skeletons dancing in the air and the chains which rattle round them He who chooses to play the bravos part on the great theatre of the world must not be afraid of death whether it comes at the hands of the physician or the executioner Come come pluck up your spirits comrades
Thomaso—Thats easy to say but quite out of my power
Pietrino—Mercy on me how my teeth chatter
Baluzzo—Prithee Abellino be composed for a moment or two your gaiety at a time like this is quite horrible
Cinthia—Oh me oh me Poor murdered Matteo
Abellino—Heyday Why what is all this Cinthia my life are you not ashamed of being such a child Come let you and I renew that conversation which my sending you to wake these gentlemen interrupted Sit down by me sweetheart and give me a kiss
Cinthia—Out upon you monster
Abellino—What have you altered your mind my pretty dear Well well with all my heart when YOU are in the humour perhaps I may not have the inclination
Baluzzo—Death and the devil Abellino is this a time for talking nonsense Prithee keep such trash for a fitter occasion and let us consider what we are to do just now
Pietrino—Nay this is no season for trifling
Struzza—Tell us Abellino you are a clever fellow what course is it best for us to take
Abellino after a pause—Nothing must be done or a great deal One of two things we must choose Either we must remain WHERE we are and WHAT we are murder honest men to please any rascal who will give us gold and fair words and make up our minds to be hung broken on the wheel condemned to the galleys burnt alive crucified or beheaded at the long run just as it may seem best to the supreme authority or else
Thomaso—Or else Well
Abellino—Or else we must divide the spoils which are already in our possession quit the Republic begin a new and better life and endeavour to make our peace with Heaven We have already wealth enough to make it unnecessary for us to ask how shall we get our bread You may either buy an estate in some foreign country or keep Osteria or engage in commerce or set up some trade or in short do whatever you like best so that you do but abandon the profession of an assassin Then we may look out for a wife among the pretty girls of our own rank in life become the happy fathers of sons and daughters may eat and drink in peace and security and make amends by the honesty of our future lives for the offences of our past
Thomaso—Ha ha ha
Abellino—What YOU do that will I do too I will either hang or be broken on the wheel along with you or become an honest man just as you please Now then what is your decision
Thomaso—Was there ever such a stupid counsellor
Pietrino—Our decision Nay the points not very difficult to decide
Abellino—I should have thought it HAD been
Thomaso—Without more words then I vote for our remaining as we are and carrying on our old trade that will bring us plenty of gold and enable us to lead a jolly life
Pietrino—Right lad you speak my thoughts exactly
Thomaso—We are bravoes its true but what then We are honest fellows and the devil take him who dares to say we are not However at any rate we must keep within doors for a few days lest we should be discovered for I warrant you the Doges spies are abroad in search of us by this But as soon as the pursuit is over be it our first business to find out Matteos murderer and throttle him out of hand as a warning to all others
All—Bravo bravissimo
Pietrino—And from this day forth I vote that Thomaso should be our captain
Struzza—Aye in Matteos stead
All—Right right
Abellino—To which I say amen with all my heart Now then all is decided
BOOK THE SECOND
CHAPTER I THE BIRTHDAY
In solitude and anxiety with barred windows and bolted doors did the banditti pass the day immediately succeeding Matteos murder every murmur in the street appeared to them a cause of apprehension every footstep which approached their doors made them tremble till it had passed them
In the meanwhile the ducal palace blazed with splendour and resounded with mirth The Doge celebrated the birthday of his fair niece Rosabella and the feast was honoured by the presence of the chief persons of the city of the foreign ambassadors and of many illustrious strangers who were at that time resident in Venice
On this occasion no expense had been spared no source of pleasure had been neglected The arts contended with each other for superiority the best poets in Venice celebrated this day with powers excelling anything which they had before exhibited for the subject of their verses was Rosabella the musicians and virtuosi surpassed all their former triumphs for their object was to obtain the suffrage of Rosabella The singular union of all kinds of pleasure intoxicated the imagination of every guest and the genius of delight extended his influence over the whole assembly over the old man and the youth over the matron and the virgin
The venerable Andreas had seldom been in such high spirits as on this occasion He was all life smiles of satisfaction played round his lips gracious and condescending to every one he made it his chief care to prevent his rank from being felt Sometimes he trifled with the ladies whose beauty formed the greatest ornament of this entertainment sometimes he mingled among the masks whose fantastic appearance and gaiety of conversation enlivened the ball room by their variety at other times he played chess with the generals and admirals of the Republic and frequently he forsook everything to gaze with delight on Rosabellas dancing or listen in silent rapture to Rosabellas music
Lomellino Conari and Paolo Manfrone the Doges three confidential friends and counsellors in defiance of their grey hairs mingled in the throng of youthful beauties flirted first with one and then with another and the arrows of raillery were darted and received on both sides with spirit and good humour
Now Lomellino said Andreas to his friend who entered the saloon in which the Doge was at that time accidentally alone with his niece you seem in gayer spirits this evening than when we were lying before Scardona and had so hard a game to play against the Turks
Lomellino—I shall not take upon me to deny that signor I still think with a mixture of terror and satisfaction on the night when we took Scardona and carried the halfmoon before the city walls By my soul our Venetians fought like lions
Andreas—Fill this goblet to their memory my old soldier you have earned your rest bravely
Lomellino—Aye signor and oh it is so sweet to rest on laurels But in truth tis to you that I am indebted for mine it is you who have immortalised me No soul on earth would have known that Lomellino existed had he not fought in Dalmatia and Sicilia under the banners of the great Andreas and assisted him in raising eternal trophies in honour of the Republic
Andreas—My good Lomellino the Cyprus wine must have heated your imagination
Lomellino—Nay I know well I ought not to call you great and praise you thus openly to your face but faith signor I am grown too old for it to be worth my while to flatter That is a business which I leave to our young courtiers who have never yet come within the smell of powder and never have fought for Venice and Andreas
Andreas—You are an old enthusiast Think you the Emperor is of the same opinion
Lomellino—Unless Charles the Fifth is deceived by those about him or is too proud to allow the greatness of an enemy he must say perforce There is but one man on earth whom I fear and who is worthy to contend with me and that man is Andreas
Andreas—I suspect he will be sorely displeased when he receives my answer to the message by which he notified to me the imprisonment of the French king
Lomellino—Displeased he will be signor no doubt of it but what then Venice need not fear his displeasure while Andreas still lives But when you and your heroes are once gone to your eternal rest—then alas for thee poor Venice I fear your golden times will soon come to their conclusion
Andreas—What Have we not many young officers of great promise
Lomellino—Alas what are most of them Heroes in the fields of Venus Heroes at a drinkingbout Effeminate striplings relaxed both in mind and body But how am I running on forgetful Ah when one is grown old and conversing with an Andreas it is easy to forget everything else My lord I sought you with a request a request too of consequence
Andreas—You excite my curiosity
Lomellino—About a week ago there arrived here a young Florentine nobleman called Flodoardo a youth of noble appearance and great promise
Andreas—Well
Lomellino—His father was one of my dearest friends He is dead now the good old generous nobleman In our youth we served together on board the same vessel and many a turbaned head has fallen beneath his sword Ah he was a brave soldier
Andreas—While celebrating the fathers bravery you seem to have quite forgotten the son
Lomellino—His son is arrived in Venice and wishes to enter into the service of the Republic I entreat you give the young man some respectable situation he will prove the boast of Venice when we shall be in our graves on that would I hazard my existence
Andreas—Has he sense and talent
Lomellino—That he has a heart like his fathers Will it please you to see and converse with him He is yonder among the masks in the great saloon One thing I must tell you as a specimen of his designs He has heard of the banditti who infest Venice and he engages that the first piece of service which he renders the Republic shall be the delivering into the hands of justice those concealed assassins who hitherto have eluded the vigilance of our police
Andreas—Indeed I doubt that promise will be too much for his power to perform Flodoardo I think you called him Tell him I would speak with him
Lomellino—Oh then I have gained at least the HALF of my cause and I believe the WHOLE of it for to see Flodoardo and not to like him is as difficult as to look at Paradise and not wish to enter To see Flodoardo and to hate him is as unlikely as that a blind man should hate the kind hand which removes the cataract from his eyes and pours upon them the blessings of light and beauties of nature.
Andreas smiling—In the whole course of our acquaintance Lomellino never did I hear you so enthusiastic Go then conduct this prodigy hither
Lomellino—I hasten to find him And as for you signora look to yourself look to yourself I say
Rosabella—Nay prithee Lomellino bring your hero hither without delay you have raised my curiosity to the height
Lomellino quitted the saloon
Andreas—How comes it that you rejoin not the dancers my child
Rosabella—I am weary and besides curiosity now detains me here for I would fain see this Flodoardo whom Lomellino thinks deserving of such extraordinary praise Shall I tell you the truth my dear uncle I verily believe that I am already acquainted with him There was a mask in a Grecian habit whose appearance was so striking that it was impossible for him to remain confounded with the crowd The least attentive eye must have singled him out from among a thousand It was a tall light figure so graceful in every movement then his dancing was quite perfection
Andreas smiling and threatening with his finger—Child child
Rosabella—Nay my dear uncle what I say is mere justice it is possible indeed that the Greek and the Florentine may be two different persons but still according to Lomellinos description— Oh look dear uncle only look yonder there stands the Greek as I live
Andreas—And Lomellino is with him they approach Rosabella you have made a good guess
The Doge had scarcely ceased to speak when Lomellino entered the room conducting a tall young man richly habited in the Grecian fashion
My gracious lord said Lomellino I present to you the Count
Flodoardo who humbly sues for your protection
Flodoardo uncovered his head in token of respect took off his mask and bowed low before the illustrious ruler of Venice
Andreas—I understand you are desirous of serving the Republic
Flodoardo—That is my ambition should your Highness think me deserving of such an honour
Andreas—Lomellino speaks highly of you if all that he says be true how came you to deprive your own country of your services
Flodoardo—Because my own country is not governed by an Andreas
Andreas—You have intentions it seems of discovering the haunts of the banditti who for some time past have caused so many tears to flow in Venice
Flodoardo—If your Highness would deign to confide in me I would answer with my head for their delivery into the hands of your officers and that speedily
Andreas—That were much for a stranger to perform I would fain make the trial whether you can keep your word
Flodoardo—That is sufficient Tomorrow or the day after at least will I perform my promise
Andreas—And you make that promise so resolutely Are you aware young man how dangerous a task it is to surprise these miscreants They are never to be found when sought for and always present when least expected they are at once everywhere and nowhere There exists not a nook in Venice which our spies are not acquainted with or have left unexamined and yet has our police endeavoured in vain to discover the place of their concealment
Flodoardo—I know all this and to know it rejoices me since it affords me an opportunity of convincing the Doge of Venice that my actions are not those of a common adventurer
Andreas—Perform your promise and then let me hear of you For the present our discourse shall end here for no unpleasant thoughts must disturb the joy to which this day is dedicated Rosabella would you not like to join the dancers Count I confide her to your care
Flodoardo—I could not be entrusted with a more precious charge
Rosabella during this conversation had been leaning against the back of her uncles chair She repeated to herself Lomellinos assertion that to see Flodoardo and not to like him was as difficult as to look at Paradise and not wish to enter and while she gazed on the youth she allowed that Lomellino had not exaggerated When her uncle desired Flodoardo to conduct her to the dancers a soft blush overspread her cheek and she doubted whether she should accept or decline the hand which was immediately offered
And to tell you my real opinion my fair ladies I suspect that very few of you would have been more collected than Rosabella had you found yourselves similarly situated In truth such a form as Flodoardos a countenance whose physiognomy seemed a passport at once to the hearts of all who examined it features so exquisitely fashioned that the artist who wished to execute a model of manly beauty had he imitated them would have had nothing to supply or improve features every one of which spoke so clearly The bosom of this youth contains the heart of a hero Ah ladies my dear ladies a man like this might well make some little confusion in the head and heart of a poor young girl tender and unsuspicious
Flodoardo took Rosabellas hand and led her into the ballroom Here all was mirth and splendour the roofs reechoed with the full swell of harmony and the floor trembled beneath the multitude of dancers who formed a thousand beautiful groups by the blaze of innumerable lustres Yes Flodoardo and Rosabella passed on in silence till they reached the extreme end of the great saloon Here they stopped and remained before an open window Some minutes passed and still they spoke not Sometimes they gazed on each other sometimes on the dancers sometimes on the moon and then again they forgot each other the dancers and the moon and were totally absorbed in themselves.
Lady said Flodoardo at length can there be a greater misfortune
A misfortune said Rosabella starting as if suddenly awaking from a dream what misfortune signor Who is unfortunate
He who is doomed to behold the joys of Elysium and never to possess them He who dies of thirst and sees a cup stand full before him but which he knows is destined for the lips of another
And are you my lord this outcast from Elysium Are you the thirsty one who stands near the cup which is filled for another Is it thus that you wish me to understand your speech
You understand it as I meant and now tell me lovely Rosabella am I not indeed unfortunate
And where then is the Elysium which you must never possess
Where Rosabella is there is indeed Elysium You are not offended signora said Flodoardo and took her hand with an air of respectful tenderness Has this openness displeased you
You are a native of Florence Count Flodoardo In Venice we dislike this kind of compliment at least I dislike them and wish to hear them from no one less than from you
By my life signora I spoke but as I thought my words concealed no flattery
See the Doge enters the saloon with Manfrone and Lomellino he will seek us among the dancers Come let us join them
Flodoardo followed her in silence The dance began Heavens how lovely looked Rosabella as she glided along to the sweet sounds of music conducted by Flodoardo How handsome looked Flodoardo as lighter than air he flew down the dance while his brilliant eyes saw no object but Rosabella
He was still without his mask and bareheaded but every eye glanced away from the helmets and barettes waving with plumes and sparkling with jewels to gaze on Flodoardos raven locks as they floated on the air in wild luxuriance A murmur of admiration rose from every corner of the saloon but it rose unmarked by those who were the objects of it Neither Rosabella nor Flodoardo at that moment formed a wish to be applauded except by each other
CHAPTER II THE FLORENTINE STRANGER
Two evenings had elapsed since the Doges entertainment On the second Parozzi sat in his own apartment with Memmo and Falieri Dimly burnt the lights lowering and tempestuous were the skies without gloomy and fearful were the souls of the libertines within
Parozzi after a long silence—What are you both dreaming Ho there Memmo Falieri fill your goblets
Memmo with indifference—Well to please you— But I care not for wine tonight
Falieri—Nor I Methinks it tastes like vinegar yet the wine itself is good tis our ill temper spoils it
Parozzi—Confound the rascals
Memmo—What the banditti
Parozzi—Not a trace of them can be found It is enough to kill one with vexation
Falieri—And in the meanwhile the time runs out our projects will get wind and then we shall sit quietly in the State prisons of Venice objects of derision to the populace and ourselves I could tear my flesh for anger A universal silence
Parozzi striking his hand against the table passionately—
Flodoardo Flodoardo
Falieri—In a couple of hours I must attend the Cardinal Gonzaga and what intelligence shall I have to give him
Memmo—Come come Contarino cannot have been absent so long without cause I warrant you he will bring some news with him when he arrives
Falieri—Pshaw pshaw My life ont he lies at this moment at Olympias feet and forgets us the Republic the banditti and himself
Parozzi—And so neither of you know anything of this Flodoardo
Memmo—No more than of what happened on Rosabellas birthday
Falieri—Well then I know one thing more about him Parozzi is jealous of him
Parozzi—I Ridiculous Rosabella may bestow her hand on the German Emperor or a Venetian gondolier without its giving me the least anxiety
Falieri—Ha ha ha
Memmo—Well one thing at least even envy must confess Flodoardo is the handsomest man in Venice I doubt whether theres a woman in the city who can resist him
Parozzi—And I should doubt it too if women had as little sense as you have and looked only at the shell without minding the kernel
Memmo—Which unluckily is exactly the thing which women always do
Falieri—The old Lomellino seems to be extremely intimate with this
Flodoardo They say he was well acquainted with his father
Memmo—It was he who presented him to the Doge
Parozzi—Hark—Surely some one knocked at the palace door
Memmo—It can be none but Contarino Now then we shall hear whether he has discovered the banditti
Falieri starting from his chair—Ill swear to that footstep its Contarino
The doors were thrown open Contarino entered hastily enveloped in his cloak
Good evening sweet gentlemen said he and threw his mantle aside And Memmo Parozzi and Falieri started back in horror
Good God they exclaimed what has happened You are covered with blood
A trifle cried Contarino is that wine quick give me a goblet of it I expire with thirst
Falieri while he gives him a cup—But Contarino you bleed
Contarino—You need not tell me that I did not do it myself I promise you
Parozzi—First let us bind up your wounds and then tell us what has happened to you It is as well that the servants should remain ignorant of your adventure I will be your surgeon myself
Contarino—What has happened to me say you Oh a joke gentlemen a mere joke Here Falieri fill the bowl again
Memmo—I can scarcely breathe for terror
Contarino—Very possibly neither should I were I Memmo instead of being Contarino The wound bleeds plenteously its true but its by no means dangerous he tore open his doublet and uncovered his bosom There look comrades you see its only a cut of not more than two inches deep
Memmo shuddering—Mercy on me the very sight of it makes my blood run cold
Parozzi brought ointments and linen and bound up the wound of his associate
Contarino—Old Horace is in the right A philosopher can be anything he pleases a cobbler a king or a physician Only observe with what dignified address the philosopher Parozzi spreads that plaster for me I thank you friend thats enough and now comrades place yourselves in a circle round me and listen to the wonders which I am going to relate
Falieri—Proceed
Contarino—As soon as it was twilight I stole out wrapped in my cloak determined if possible to discover some of the banditti I knew not their persons neither were they acquainted with mine An extravagant undertaking perhaps you will tell me but I was resolved to convince you that everything which a man DETERMINES to do may be done I had some information respecting the rascals though it was but slight and on these grounds I proceeded I happened by mere accident to stumble upon a gondolier whose appearance excited my curiosity I fell into discourse with him I was soon convinced that he was not ignorant of the lurkingplace of the bravoes and by means of some gold and many fair speeches I at length brought him to confess that though not regularly belonging to the band he had occasionally been employed by them I immediately made a bargain with him he conducted me in his gondola through the greatest part of Venice sometimes right sometimes left till I lost every idea as to the quarter of the town in which I found myself At length he insisted on binding my eyes with his handkerchief and I was compelled to submit Half an hour elapsed before the gondola stopped He told me to descend conducted me through a couple of streets and at length knocked at a door where he left me still blindfolded The door was opened my business was inquired with great caution and after some demur I was at length admitted The handkerchief was now withdrawn from my eyes and I found myself in a small chamber surrounded by four men of not the most creditable appearance and a young woman who it seems had opened the door for me
Falieri—You are a daring fellow Contarino
Contarino—Here was no time to be lost I instantly threw my purse on the table promised them mountains of gold and fixed on particular days hours and signals which were necessary to facilitate our future intercourse For the present I only required that Manfrone Conari and Lomellino should be removed with all possible expedition
All—Bravo
Contarino—So far everything went exactly as we could have wished and one of my new associates was just setting out to guide me home when we were surprised by an unexpected visit
Parozzi—Well
Memmo anxiously—Go on for Gods sake
Contarino—A knocking was heard at the door the girl went to inquire the cause In an instant she returned pale as a corpse and Fly fly cried she
Falieri—What followed
Contarino—Why then followed a whole legion of sbirri and police officers and who should be at their head but the Florentine stranger
All—Flodoardo What Flodoardo
Contarino—Flodoardo
Falieri—What demon could have guided him thither
Parozzi—Hell and furies Oh that I had been there
Memmo—There now Parozzi you see at least that Flodoardo is no coward
Falieri—Hush let us hear the rest
Contarino—We stood as if we had been petrified not a soul could stir a finger In the name of the Doge and the Republic cried Flodoardo yield yourselves and deliver your arms The devil shall yield himself sooner than we exclaimed one of the banditti and forced a sword from one of the officers The others snatched their muskets from the walls and as for me my first care was to extinguish the lamp so that we could not tell friends from foes But still the confounded moonshine gleamed through the window shutters and shed a partial light through the room Look to yourself Contarino thought I if you are found here you will be hanged for company and I drew my sword and made a plunge at Flodoardo but however well intended my thrust was foiled by his sabre which he whirled around with the rapidity of lightning I fought like a madman but all my skill was without effect on this occasion and before I was aware of it Flodoardo ripped open my bosom I felt myself wounded and sprang back At that moment two pistols were fired and the flash discovered to me a small side door which they had neglected to beset Through this I stole unperceived into the adjoining chamber burst open the grated window sprang below unhurt crossed a courtyard climbed two or three garden walls gained the canal where a gondola fortunately was waiting persuaded the boatman to convey me with all speed to the Place of St Mark and thence hastened hither astonished to find myself still alive Theres an infernal adventure for you
Parozzi—I shall go mad
Falieri—Everything we design is counteracted the more trouble we give ourselves the further we are from the goal
Memmo—I confess it seems to me as if Heaven gave us warning to desist How say you
Contarino—Pshaw these are trifles Such accidents should only serve to sharpen our wits The more obstacles I encounter the firmer is my resolution to surmount them
Falieri—Do the banditti know who you are
Contarino—No they are not only ignorant of my name but suppose me to be a mere instrument of some powerful man who has been injured by the ducal confederates
Memmo—Well Contarino in my mind you should thank Heaven that you have escaped so well
Falieri—But since he is an absolute stranger in Venice how could
Flodoardo discover the lurking place of the banditti
Contarino—I know not probably by mere accident like myself but by the Power that made me he shall pay dearly for this wound
Falieri—Flodoardo is rather too hasty in making himself remarked
Parozzi—Flodoardo must die
Contarino filling a goblet—May his next cup contain poison
Falieri—I shall do myself the honour of becoming better acquainted with the gentleman
Contarino—Memmo we must needs have full purses or our business will hang on hand wofully
When does your uncle take his departure to a better world
Memmo—Tomorrow evening and yet—ugh I tremble
CHAPTER III MORE CONFUSION
Since Rosabellas birthday no woman in Venice who had the slightest pretensions to beauty or the most remote expectations of making conquests had any subject of conversation except the handsome Florentine He found employment for every female tongue and she who dared not to employ her tongue made amends for the privation with her thoughts Many a maiden now enjoyed less tranquil slumbers many an experienced coquette sighed as she laid on her colour at the looking glass many a prude forgot the rules which she had imposed upon herself and daily frequented the gardens and walks in which report gave her the hope of meeting Flodoardo
But from the time that placing himself at the head of the sbirri he had dared to enter boldly the den of the banditti and seize them at the hazard of his life he was scarcely more an object of attention among the women than among the men Greatly did they admire his courage and unshaken presence of mind while engaged in so perilous an adventure but still more were they astonished at his penetration in discovering where the bravoes concealed themselves an attempt which foiled even the keen wits of the so much celebrated police of Venice
The Doge Andreas cultivated the acquaintance of this singular young man with increasing assiduity and the more he conversed with him the more deserving of consideration did Flodoardo appear The action by which he had rendered the Republic a service so essential was rewarded by a present that would not have disgraced Imperial gratitude and one of the most important offices of the State was confided to his superintendence
Both favours were conferred unsolicited but no sooner was the Florentine apprised of the Doges benevolent care of him than with modesty and respect he requested to decline the proposed advantages The only favour which he requested was to be permitted to live free and independent in Venice during a year at the end of which he promised to name that employment which he esteemed the best adapted to his abilities and inclination
Flodoardo was lodged in the magnificent palace of his good old patron Lomellino here he lived in the closest retirement studied the most valuable parts of ancient and modern literature remained for whole days together in his own apartment and was seldom to be seen in public except upon some great solemnity
But the Doge Lomellino Manfrone and Conari men who had established the fame of Venice on so firm a basis that it would require centuries to undermine it men in whose society one seemed to be withdrawn from the circle of ordinary mortals and honoured by the intercourse of superior beings men who now graciously received the Florentine stranger into their intimacy and resolved to spare no pains in forming him to support the character of a great man it could not long escape the observation of men like these that Flodoardos gaiety was assumed and that a secret sorrow preyed upon his heart
In vain did Lomellino who loved him like a father endeavour to discover the source of his melancholy in vain did the venerable Doge exert himself to dispel the gloom which oppressed his young favourite Flodoardo remained silent and sad
And Rosabella Rosabella would have belied her sex had she remained gay while Flodoardo sorrowed Her spirits were flown her eyes were frequently obscured with tears She grew daily paler and paler till the Doge who doted on her was seriously alarmed for her health At length Rosabella grew really ill a fever fixed itself upon her she became weak and was confined to her chamber and her complaint baffled the skill of the most experienced physicians in Venice
In the midst of these unpleasant circumstances in which Andreas and his friends now found themselves an incident occurred one morning which raised their uneasiness to the very highest pitch Never had so bold and audacious an action been heard of in Venice as that which I am going to relate
The four banditti whom Flodoardo had seized Pietrino Struzza Baluzza and Thomaso had been safely committed to the Doges dungeons where they underwent a daily examination and looked upon every sun that rose as the last that would ever rise for THEM Andreas and his confidential counsellors now flattered themselves that the public tranquillity had nothing more to apprehend and that Venice was now completely purified of the miscreants whom gold could bribe to be the instruments of revenge and cruelty when all at once the following address was discovered affixed to most of the remarkable statues and pasted against the corners of the principal streets and pillars of the public buildings
VENETIANS
Struzza Thomaso Pietrino Baluzza and Matteo five as brave men as the world ever produced who had they stood at the head of armies would have been called HEROES and now being called BANDITTI are fallen victims to the injustice of State policy These men it is true exist for you no longer but their place is supplied by him whose name is affixed to this paper and who will stand by his employers with body and with soul I laugh at the vigilance of the Venetian police I laugh at the crafty and insolent Florentine whose hand has dragged his brethren to the rack Let those who need me seek me they will find me everywhere Let those who seek me with the design of delivering me up to the law despair and tremble they will find me nowhere but I shall find THEM and that when they least expect me Venetians you understand me Woe to the man who shall attempt to discover me his life and death depend upon my pleasure This comes from the Venetian Bravo ABELLINO
A hundred sequins exclaimed the incensed Doge on reading the paper a hundred sequins to him who discovers this monster Abellino and a thousand to him who delivers him up to justice
But in vain did spies ransack every lurking place in Venice no Abellino was to be found In vain did the luxurious the avaricious and the hungry stretch their wits to the utmost incited by the tempting promise of a thousand sequins Abellinos prudence set all their ingenuity at defiance
But not the less did every one assert that he had recognised Abellino sometimes in one disguise and sometimes in another as an old man a gondolier a woman or a monk Everybody had seen him somewhere but unluckily nobody could tell where he was to be seen again
CHAPTER IV THE VIOLET
I informed my readers in the beginning of the last chapter that Flodoardo was become melancholy and that Rosabella was indisposed but I did not tell them what had occasioned this sudden change
Flodoardo who on his first arrival at Venice was all gaiety and the life of every society in which he mingled lost his spirits on one particular day and it so happened that it was on the very same day that Rosabella betrayed the first symptoms of indisposition
For on this unlucky day did the caprice of accident or perhaps the Goddess of Love who has her caprices too every now and then conduct Rosabella into her uncles garden which none but the Doges intimate friends were permitted to enter and where the Doge himself frequently reposed in solitude and silence during the evening hours of a sultry day
Rosabella lost in thought wandered listless and unconscious along the broad and shady alleys of the garden Sometimes in a moment of vexation she plucked the unoffending leaves from the hedges and strewed them upon the ground sometimes she stopped suddenly then rushed forward with impetuosity then again stood still and gazed upon the clear blue heaven Sometimes her beautiful bosom was heaved with quick and irregular motion and sometimes a half suppressed sigh escaped from her lips of coral
He is very handsome she murmured and gazed with such eagerness on vacancy as though she had there seen something which was hidden from the sight of common observers
Yet Camilla is in the right she resumed after a pause and she frowned as had she said that Camilla was in the wrong
This Camilla was her governess her friend her confidante I may almost say her mother Rosabella had lost her parents early Her mother died when her child could scarcely lisp her name and her father Guiscardo of Corfu the commander of a Venetian vessel eight years before had perished in an engagement with the Turks while he was still in the prime of life Camilla one of the worthiest creatures that ever dignified the name of woman supplied to Rosabella the place of mother had brought her up from infancy and was now her best friend and the person to whose ear she confided all her little secrets
While Rosabella was still buried in her own reflections the excellent Camilla advanced from a side path and hastened to join her pupil Rosabella started
Rosabella—Ah dear Camilla is it you What brings you hither
Camilla—You often call me your guardian angel and guardian angels should always be near the object of their care
Rosabella—Camilla I have been thinking over your arguments I cannot deny that all you have said to me is very true and very wise but still
Camilla—But still though your prudence agrees with me your heart is of a contrary opinion
Rosabella—It is indeed
Camilla—Nor do I blame your heart for differing from me my poor girl I have acknowledged to you without disguise that were I at your time of life and were such a man as Flodoardo to throw himself in my way I could not receive his attentions with indifference It cannot be denied that this young stranger is uncommonly pleasing and indeed for any woman whose heart is disengaged an uncommonly DANGEROUS companion There is something very prepossessing in his appearance his manners are elegant and short as has been his abode in Venice it is already past doubting that there are many noble and striking features in his character But alas after all he is but a poor nobleman and it is not very probable that the rich and powerful Doge of Venice will ever bestow his niece on one who to speak plainly arrived here little better than a beggar No no child believe me a romantic adventurer is no fit husband for Rosabella of Corfu
Rosabella—Dear Camilla who was talking about husbands What I feel for Flodoardo is merely affection friendship
Camilla—Indeed Then you would be perfectly satisfied should some one of our wealthy ladies bestow her hand on Flodoardo
Rosabella hastily—Oh Flodoardo would not ACCEPT her hand
Camilla of that I am sure
Camilla—Child child you would willingly deceive yourself But be assured that a girl who loves ever connects perhaps unconsciously the wish for an eternal UNION with the idea of eternal AFFECTION Now this is a wish which you cannot indulge in regard to Flodoardo without seriously offending your uncle who good man as he is must still submit to the severe control of politics and etiquette
Rosabella—I know all that Camilla but can I not make you comprehend that I am not in love with Flodoardo and do not mean to be in love with him and that love has nothing at all to do in the business I repeat to you what I feel for him is nothing but sincere and fervent friendship and surely Flodoardo deserves that I should feel that sentiment for him Deserves it said I Oh what does Flodoardo NOT deserve
Camilla—Ay ay friendship indeed and love Oh Rosabella you know not how often these deceivers borrow each others mask to ensnare the hearts of unsuspecting maidens You know not how often love finds admission when wrapped in friendships cloak into that bosom which had he approached under his own appearance would have been closed against him for ever In short my child reflect how much you owe to your uncle reflect how much uneasiness this inclination would cost him and sacrifice to duty what at present is a mere caprice but which if encouraged might make too deep an impression on your heart to be afterwards removed by your best efforts
Rosabella—You say right Camilla I really believe myself that my prepossession in Flodoardos favour is merely an accidental fancy of which I shall easily get the better No no I am not in love with Flodoardo—of that you may rest assured I even think that I rather feel an antipathy towards him since you have shown me the possibility of his making me prove a cause of uneasiness to my kind my excellent uncle
Camilla smiling—Are your sentiments of duty and gratitude so very strong
Rosabella—Oh that they are Camilla and so you will say yourself hereafter This disagreeable Flodoardo—to give me so much vexation I wish he had never come to Venice I declare I do not like him at all
Camilla—No—what Not like Flodoardo
Rosabella casting down her eyes—No not at all Not that I wish him ill either for you know Camilla theres no reason why I should hate this poor Flodoardo
Camilla—Well we will resume this subject when I return I have business and the gondola waits for me Farewell my child and do not lay aside your resolution as hastily as you took it up
Camilla departed and Rosabella remained melancholy and uncertain
She built castles in the air and destroyed them as soon as built
She formed wishes and condemned herself for having formed them
She looked round her frequently in search of something but dared
not confess to herself what it was of which she was in search
The evening was sultry and Rosabella was compelled to shelter herself from the suns overpowering heat In the garden was a small fountain bordered by a bank of moss over which the magic hands of art and nature had formed a canopy of ivy and jessamine Thither she bent her steps She arrived at the fountain and instantly drew back covered with blushes for on the bank of moss shaded by the protecting canopy whose waving blossoms were reflected on the fountain Flodoardo was seated and fixed his eyes on a roll of parchment
Rosabella hesitated whether she should retire or stay Flodoardo started from his place apparently in no less confusion than herself and relieved her from her indecision by taking her hand with respect and conducting her to the seat which he had just quitted
Now then she could not possibly retire immediately unless she meant to violate every common principle of good breeding
Her hand was still clasped in Flodoardos but it was so natural for him to take it that she could not blame him for having done so But what was she next to do Draw her hand away Why should she since he did her hand no harm by keeping it and the keeping it seemed to make him so happy And how could the gentle Rosabella resolve to commit an act of such unheardof cruelty as wilfully to deprive any one of a pleasure which made him so happy and which did herself no harm
Signora said Flodoardo merely for the sake of saying something you do well to enjoy the open air The evening is beautiful
But I interrupt your studies my lord said Rosabella
By no means answered Flodoardo and there this interesting conversation came to a full stop Both looked down both examined the heaven and the earth the trees and the flowers in the hopes of finding some hints for renewing the conversation but the more anxiously they sought them the more difficult did it seem to find what they sought and in this painful embarrassment did two whole precious minutes elapse
Ah what a beautiful flower suddenly cried Rosabella in order to break the silence then stooped and plucked a violet with an appearance of the greatest eagerness though in fact nothing at that moment could have been more a matter of indifference
It is a very beautiful flower indeed gravely observed Flodoardo and was out of all patience with himself for having made so flat a speech
Nothing can surpass this purple continued Rosabella red and blue so happily blended that no painter can produce so perfect a union
Red and blue—the one the symbol of happiness the other of affection Ah Rosabella how enviable will be that mans lot on whom your hand shall bestow such a flower Happiness and affection are not more inseparably united than the red and blue which purple that violet
You seem to attach a value to the flower of which it is but little deserving
Might I but know on whom Rosabella will one day bestow what that flower expresses Yet this is a subject which I have no right to discuss I know not what has happened to me today I make nothing but blunders and mistakes Forgive my presumption lady I will hazard such forward inquiries no more
He was silent Rosabella was silent also
But though they could forbid their lips to betray their hidden affection though Rosabella said not—Thou art he on whom this flower shall be bestowed though Flodoardos words had not expressed—Rosabella give me that violet and that which it implies—oh their eyes were far from being silent Those treacherous interpreters of secret feelings acknowledged more to each other than their hearts had yet acknowledged to themselves
Flodoardo and Rosabella gazed on each other with looks which made all speech unnecessary Sweet tender and enthusiastic was the smile which played around Rosabellas lips when her eyes met those of the youth whom she had selected from the rest of mankind and with mingled emotions of hope and fear did the youth study the meaning of that smile He understood it and his heart beat louder and his eye flamed brighter
Rosabella trembled her eyes could no longer sustain the fire of his glances and a modest blush overspread her face and bosom
Rosabella at length murmured Flodoardo unconsciously
Flodoardo sighed Rosabella in the same tone
Give me that violet he exclaimed eagerly then sank at her feet and in a tone of the most humble supplication repeated Oh give it to me
Rosabella held the flower fast
Ask for it what thou wilt If a throne can purchase it I will pay that price or perish Rosabella give me that flower
She stole one look at the handsome suppliant and dared not hazard a second
My repose my happiness my life—nay even my glory all depend on the possession of that little flower Let that be mine and here I solemnly renounce all else which the world calls precious
The flower trembled in her snowy hand Her fingers clasped it less firmly
You hear me Rosabella I kneel at your feet and am I then in vain a beggar
The word beggar recalled to her memory Camilla and her prudent counsels What am I doing she said to herself Have I forgotten my promise my resolution Fly Rosabella fly or this hour makes you faithless to yourself and duty
She tore the flower to pieces and threw it contemptuously on the ground
I understand you Flodoardo said she and having understood you will never suffer this subject to be renewed Here let us part and let me not again be offended by a similar presumption Farewell
She turned from him with disdain and left Flodoardo rooted to his place with sorrow and astonishment
CHAPTER V THE ASSASSIN
Scarcely had she reached her chamber ere Rosabella repented her having acted so courageously It was cruel in her she thought to have given him so harsh an answer She recollected with what hopeless and melancholy looks the poor thunderstruck youth had followed her steps as she turned to leave him She fancied that she saw him stretched despairing on the earth his hair dishevelled his eyes filled with tears She heard him term her the murderess of his repose pray for death as his only refuge and she saw him with every moment approach towards the attainment of his prayer through the tears which he shed on her account Already she heard those dreadful words—Flodoardo is no more Already she saw the sympathising multitude weep round the tomb of him whom all the virtuous loved and whom the wicked dreaded whom all his friends adored and whom even his enemies admired
Alas alas cried she this was but a wretched attempt to play the heroine Already does my resolution fail me Ah Flodoardo I meant not what I said I love you—love you now and must love you always though Camilla may chide and though my good uncle may hate me
In a few days after this interview she understood that an extraordinary alteration had taken place in Flodoardos manner and appearance that he had withdrawn himself from all general society and that when the solicitations of his intimate friends compelled him to appear in their circle his spirits seemed evidently depressed by the weight of an unconquerable melancholy
This intelligence was like the stroke of a poniard to the feeling heart of Rosabella She fled for shelter to the solitude of her chamber there indulged her feelings without restraint and lamented with showers of repentant tears her harsh treatment of Flodoardo
The grief which preyed in secret on her soul soon undermined her health No one could relieve her sufferings for no one knew the cause of her melancholy or the origin of her illness No wonder then that Rosabellas situation at length excited the most bitter anxiety in the bosom of her venerable uncle No wonder too that Flodoardo entirely withdrew himself from a world which was become odious to him since Rosabella was to be seen in it no longer and that he devoted himself in solitude to the indulgence of a passion which he had vainly endeavoured to subdue and which in the impetuosity of its course had already swallowed up every other wish and every other sentiment
But let us for the moment turn from the sick chamber of Rosabella and visit the dwellings of the conspirators who were now advancing with rapid strides towards the execution of their plans and who with every hour that passed over their heads became more numerous more powerful and more dangerous to Andreas and his beloved Republic
Parozzi Memmo Contarino Falieri the chiefs of this desperate undertaking now assembled frequently in the Cardinal Gonzagas palace where different plans for altering the constitution of Venice were brought forward and discussed But in all different schemes it was evident that the proposer was solely actuated by considerations of private interest The object of one was to get free from the burden of enormous debts another was willing to sacrifice everything to gratify his inordinate ambition The cupidity of THIS man was excited by the treasures of Andreas and his friends while THAT was actuated by resentment of some fancied offence a resentment which could only be quenched with the offenders blood
These execrable wretches who aimed at nothing less than the total overthrow of Venice or at least of her government looked towards the completion of their extravagant hopes with the greater confidence since a new but necessary addition to the already existing taxes had put the Venetian populace out of humour with their rulers
Rich enough both in adherents and in wealth to realise their projects rich enough in bold shrewd desperate men whose minds were well adapted to the contrivance and execution of revolutionary projects they now looked down with contempt upon the good old Doge who as yet entertained no suspicion of their nocturnal meetings
Still did they not dare to carry their projects into effect till some principal persons in the State should be prevented by DEATH from throwing obstacles in their way For the accomplishment of this part of their plan they relied on the daggers of the banditti Dreadful therefore was the sound in their ears when the bell gave the signal for execution and they saw their bestfounded hopes expire on the scaffold which supported the headless trunks of the four bravoes But if their consternation was great at thus losing the destined instruments of their designs how extravagant was their joy when the proud Abellino dared openly to declare to Venice that he still inhabited the Republic and that he still wore a dagger at the disposal of Vice
This desperado is the very man for us they exclaimed unanimously and in rapture and now their most ardent wish was to enroll Abellino in their services
Their object was soon attained—they sought the daring ruffian and he suffered himself to be found He visited their meetings but in his promises and demands he was equally extravagant
The first and most earnest wish of the whole conspiracy was the death of Conari the Procurator a man whom the Doge valued beyond all others a man whose eagle eyes made the conspirators hourly tremble for their secret and whose service the Doge had accepted in preference to those of the Cardinal Gonzaga But the sum which Abellino demanded for the murder of this one man was enormous
Give me the reward which I require said he and I promise on the word of a man of honour that after this night the Procurator Conari shall give you no further trouble Exalt him to heaven or imprison him in hell Ill engage to find and stab him
What could they do Abellino was not a man to be easily beat down in his demands The Cardinal was impatient to attain the summit of his wishes but his road lay straight over Conaris grave
Abellino received the sum demanded the next day the venerable Conari the Doges best and dearest friend the pride and safeguard of the Republic was no longer numbered among the living
Tis a terrible fellow this Abellino cried the conspirators when the news reached them and celebrated the Procurators death in triumph at the Cardinals midnight feast
The Doge was almost distracted with terror and astonishment He engaged to give ten thousand sequins to any one who should discover by whom Conari had been removed from the world A proclamation to this effect was published at the corner of every street in Venice and made known throughout the territories of the Republic A few days after this proclamation had been made a paper was discovered affixed to the principal door of the Venetian Signoria
VENETIANS
You would fain know the author of Conaris death To spare you much fruitless trouble I hereby acknowledge that I Abellino was his assassin
Twice did I bury my dagger in his heart and then sent his body to feed the fishes The Doge promises TEN thousand sequins to him who shall discover Conaris murderer and to him who shall be clever enough to SEIZE him Abellino hereby promises TWENTY Adieu Signors I remain your faithful servant
ABELLINO
CHAPTER VI THE TWO GREATEST MEN IN VENICE
It must be superfluous to inform my readers that all Venice became furious at this new insolence Within the memory of man had no one ever treated with such derision the celebrated Venetian police or set the Doges power at defiance with such proud temerity This occurrence threw the whole city into confusion every one was on the lookout the patrols were doubled the sbirri extended their researches on all sides yet no one could see or hear or discover the most distant trace of Abellino
The priests in their sermons strove to rouse the slumbering vengeance of Heaven to crush this insolent offender The ladies were ready to swoon at the very name of Abellino for who could assure them that at some unexpected moment he might not pay THEM the same compliment which he had paid to Rosabella As for the old women they unanimously asserted that Abellino had sold himself to the Prince of Darkness by whose assistance he was enabled to sport with the patience of all pious Venetians and deride the impotence of their just indignation The Cardinal and his associates were proud of their terrible confederate and looking forward with confidence to the triumphant issue of their undertaking The deserted family of Conari called down curses on his murderers head and wished that their tears might be changed into a sea of sulphur in whose waves they might plunge the monster Abellino nor did Conaris relations feel more grief for his loss than the Doge and his two confidants who swore never to rest till they had discovered the lurkingplace of this ruthless assassin and had punished his crime with tenfold vengeance
Yet after all said Andreas one evening as he sat alone in his private chamber after all it must be confessed that this Abellino is a singular man He who can do what Abellino has done must possess both such talents and such courage as stood he at the head of an army would enable him to conquer half the world Would that I could once get a sight of him
Look up then roared Abellino and clapped the Doge on the shoulder Andreas started from his seat A colossal figure stood before him wrapped in a dark mantle above which appeared a countenance so hideous and forbidding that the universe could not have produced its equal
Who art thou stammered out the Doge
Thou seest me and canst doubt Well then I am Abellino the good friend of your murdered Conari the Republics most submissive slave
The brave Andreas who had never trembled in fight by land or by sea and for whom no danger had possessed terrors sufficient to shake his undaunted resolution the brave Andreas now forgot for a few moments his usual presence of mind Speechless did he gaze on the daring assassin who stood before him calm and haughty unappalled by the majesty of the greatest man in Venice
Abellino nodded to him with an air of familiar protection and graciously condescended to grin upon him with a kind of half friendly smile
Abellino said the Doge at length endeavouring to recollect himself thou art a fearful—a detestable man
Fearful answered the bravo dost thou think me so Good that glads me to the very heart Detestable that may be so or it may not I confess the sign which I hang out gives no great promise of good entertainment within but yet Andreas one thing is certain You and I stand on the same line for at this moment we are the two greatest men in Venice you in your way I in mine
The Doge could not help smiling at the bravos familiar tone
Nay nay continued Abellino no smiles of disbelief if you please Allow me though a bravo to compare myself to a Doge truly I think theres no great presumption in placing myself on a level with a man whom I hold in my power and who therefore is in fact beneath me
The Doge made a movement as he would have left him
Not so fast said Abellino laughing rudely and he barred the Doges passage Accident seldom unites in so small a space as this chamber a pair of such great men Stay where you are for I have not done with you yet we must have a little conversation
Hear me Abellino said the Doge mustering up all the dignity which he possessed thou hast received great talents from Nature why dost thou employ them to so little advantage I here promise you on my most sacred word pardon for the past and protection for the future will you but name to me the villain who bribed you to assassinate Conari abjure your bloody trade and accept an honest employment in the service of the Republic If this offer is rejected at least quit with all speed the territory of Venice or I swear—
Ho ho interrupted Abellino pardon and protection say you It is long since I thought it worth my while to care for such trifles Abellino is able to protect himself without foreign aid and as to pardon mortals cannot give absolution for sins like mine On that day when all men must give in the list of their offences then too will I give in mine but till then never You would know the name of him who bribed me to be Conaris murderer Well well you shall know it but not today I must quit with all speed the Venetian territory and wherefore through fear of thee Ho ho Through fear of Venice Ha Abellino fears not Venice tis Venice that fears Abellino You would have me abjure my profession Well Andreas there is one condition which perhaps—
Name it cried the Doge eagerly will ten thousand sequins purchase your departure from the Republic
I would gladly give you twice as much myself could you recall the insult of offering Abellino so miserable a bribe No Andreas but one price can pay me give me your niece for my bride I love Rosabella the daughter of Guiscard of Corfu
Monster—what insolence
Ho ho Patience patience good uncle that is to be Will you accept my terms
Name what sum will satisfy you and it shall be yours this instant so you will only relieve Venice from your presence Though it should cost the Republic a million she will be a gainer if her air is no longer poisoned by your breath
Indeed Why in fact a million is not so great a sum for look you Andreas I have just sold for near HALF a million the lives of your two dear friends Manfrone and Lomellino Now give me Rosabella and I break the bargain
Miscreant Has Heaven no lightnings
You will not Mark me In fourandtwenty hours shall Manfrone and Lomellino be food for fishes Abellino has said it Away
And with these words he drew a pistol from under his cloak and flashed it in the Doges face Blinded by the powder and confused by the unexpected explosion Andreas started back and sunk bewildered on a neighbouring sofa He soon recovered from his astonishment He sprang from his seat to summon his guards and seize Abellino but Abellino had already disappeared
On that same evening were Parozzi and his confederates assembled in the palace of the Cardinal Gonzaga The table was spread with the most luxurious profusion and they arranged over their flowing goblets plans for the Republics ruin The Cardinal related how he had of late contrived to insinuate himself into the Doges good graces and had succeeded in impressing him with an opinion that the chiefs of the confederacy were fit men to hold offices of important trust Contarino boasted that he doubted not before long to be appointed to the vacant procuratorship Parozzi reckoned for HIS share upon Rosabellas hand and the place either of Lomellino or Manfrone when once those two chief obstacles to his hope should be removed Such was the conversation in which they were engaged when the clock struck twelve the doors flew wide and Abellino stood before them
Wine there cried he the work is done Manfrone and Lomellino are at supper with the worms And I have thrown the Doge himself into such a fit of terror that I warrant he will not recover himself easily Now answer are you content with me you bloodhounds
Next then for Flodoardo shouted Parozzi
Flodoardo muttered Abellino between his teeth hum—hum—thats not so easy
BOOK THE THIRD
CHAPTER I THE LOVERS
Rosabella the idol of all Venice lay on the bed of sickness a sorrow whose cause was carefully concealed from every one undermined her health and destroyed the bloom of her beauty She loved the noble Flodoardo and who could have known Flodoardo and not have loved him His majestic stature his expressive countenance his enthusiastic glance his whole being declared aloud—Flodoardo is Natures favourite and Rosabella had been always a great admirer of Nature.
But if Rosabella was ill Flodoardo was scarcely better He confined himself to his own apartment he shunned society and frequently made long journeys to different cities of the Republic in hopes of distracting his thoughts by change of place from that object which wherever he went still pursued him He had now been absent for three whole weeks No one knew in what quarter he was wandering and it was during this absence that the solong expected Prince of Monaldeschi arrived at Venice to claim Rosabella as his bride
His appearance to which a month before Andreas looked forward with such pleasing expectation now afforded but little satisfaction to the Doge Rosabella was too ill to receive her suitors visits and he did not allow her much time to recover her health for six days after his arrival at Venice the Prince was found murdered in a retired part of one of the public gardens His sword lay by him unsheathed and bloody his tablets were gone but one leaf had been torn from them and fastened on his breast It was examined and found to contain the following lines apparently written in blood
Let no one pretend to Rosabellas hand who is not prepared to
share the fate of Monaldeschi
The Bravo
ABELLINO
Oh where shall I now fly for comfort for protection exclaimed the Doge in despair when this dreadful news was announced Why why is Flodoardo absent
Anxiously did he now desire the youths return to support him under the weight of these heavy misfortunes nor was it long before that desire was gratified Flodoardo returned
Welcome noble youth said the Doge when he saw the Florentine enter his apartment You must not in future deprive me of your presence for so long I am now a poor forsaken old man You have heard that Lomellino—that Manfrone—
I know all answered Flodoardo with a melancholy air
Satan has burst his chains and now inhabits Venice under the name of Abellino robbing me of all that my soul holds precious Flodoardo for Heavens love be cautious often during your absence have I trembled lest the miscreants dagger should have deprived me too of YOU I have much to say to you my young friend but I must defer it till the evening A foreigner of consequence has appointed this hour for an audience and I must hasten to receive him—but in the evening—
He was interrupted by the appearance of Rosabella who with tottering steps and pale cheeks advanced slowly into the apartment She saw Flodoardo and a faint blush overspread her countenance Flodoardo rose from his seat and welcomed her with an air of distant respect
Do not go yet said the Doge perhaps in half an hour I may be at liberty in the meanwhile I leave you to entertain my poor Rosabella She has been very ill during your absence and I am still uneasy about her health She kept her bed till yesterday and truly I think she has left it too soon
The venerable Doge quitted the apartment and the lovers once more found themselves alone Rosabella drew near the window Flodoardo at length ventured to approach it also
Signora said he are you still angry with me
I am not angry with you stammered out Rosabella and blushed as she recollected the garden scene
And you have quite forgiven my transgression
Your transgression repeated Rosabella with a faint smile yes if it was a transgression I have quite forgiven it Dying people ought to pardon those who have trespassed against them in order that they in their turn may be pardoned their trespasses against Heaven—and I am dying I feel it
Signora
Nay tis past a doubt Its true I have quitted my sickbed since yesterday but I know well that I am soon to return to it never to leave it more And therefore—therefore I now ask your pardon signor for the vexation which I was obliged to cause to you the last time we met
Flodoardo replied not
Will you not forgive me You must be very difficult to appease— very revengeful
Flodoardo replied not
Will you refuse my offered hand Shall all be forgotten
Forgotten lady Never never—every word and look of yours is stamped on my memory never to be effaced I cannot forget a transaction in which YOU bore a part I cannot forget the scene that passed between us every circumstance is too precious and sacred As to PARDON—he took her extended hand and pressed it respectfully to his lips—I would to Heaven dear lady that you had in truth injured me much that I might have much to forgive you Alas I have at present nothing to pardon
Both were now silent At length Rosabella resumed the conversation by saying—You have made a long absence from Venice did you travel far
I did
And received much pleasure from your journey
Much for everywhere I heard the praises of Rosabella
Count Flodoardo she interrupted him with a look of reprehension but in a gentle voice would you again offend me
That will soon be out of my power Perhaps you can guess what are my present intentions
To resume your travels soon
Exactly so and the next time that I quit Venice to return to it no more
No more she repeated eagerly Oh not so Flodoardo Ah can you leave me—She stopped ashamed of her imprudence Can you leave my uncle I meant to say You do but jest I doubt not
By my honour lady I never was more in earnest
And whither then do you mean to go
To Malta and assist the knights in their attacks upon the corsairs of Barbary Providence perhaps may enable me to obtain the command of a galley then will I call my vessel Rosabella then shall the warcry be still Rosabella that name will render me invincible
Oh this is a mockery Count I have not deserved that you should sport with my feelings so cruelly
It is to SPARE your feelings signora that I am now resolved to fly from Venice my presence might cause you some uneasy moments I am not the happy man whose sight is destined to give you pleasure I will at least avoid giving you pain
And you really can resolve to abandon the Doge whose esteem for you is so sincere whose friendship has always been so warm
I value his friendship highly but it is not sufficient to make me happy and could he lay kingdoms at my feet still would his friendship be insufficient to make me happy
Does then your happiness require so much
It does—much more than I have mentioned infinitely more But one boon can make me happy I have begged for it on my knees He caught her hand and pressed it eagerly to his lips I have begged for it Rosabella and my suit has been rejected
You are a strange enthusiast she said with difficulty and scarcely knew what she said while Flodoardo drew her gently nearer to him and murmured in a supplicating voice Rosabella
What would you of me
My happiness
She gazed upon him for a moment undecided then hastily drew away her hand and exclaimed Leave me this moment I command you Leave me for Heavens sake
Flodoardo clasped his hands together in despair and anguish He bowed his head in token of obedience He left her with slow steps and a melancholy air and as he passed the threshold turned to bid her farewell for ever Suddenly she rushed towards him caught his hand and pressed it to her heart
Flodoardo she cried I am thine and sank motionless at his feet
CHAPTER II A DANGEROUS PROMISE
And now who was so blessed as the fortunate Flodoardo The victory was his own he had heard the wishedfor sentence pronounced by the lips of Rosabella He raised her from the ground and placed her on a sofa Her blue eyes soon unclosed themselves once more and the first object which they beheld was Flodoardo kneeling at her feet while with one arm he encircled her waist Her head sank upon the shoulder of the man for whom she had breathed so many sighs who had occupied so many of her thoughts by day who had been present in so many of her dreams by night
As they gazed in silent rapture on each other they forgot that they were mortals they seemed to be transported to a happier to a better world Rosabella thought that the chamber in which she sat was transformed into an earthly Paradise invisible seraphs seemed to hallow by their protecting presence the indulgence of her innocent affection and she poured forth her secret thanks to Him who had given her a heart susceptible of love
Through the whole course of mans existence such a moment as this occurs but once Happy is he who sighs for its arrival happy is he who when it arrives has a soul worthy of its enjoyment happy is even he for whom that moment has long been passed so it passed not unenjoyed for the recollection of it still is precious Sage philosophers in vain do you assure us that the raptures of a moment like this are mere illusions of a heated imagination scarcely more solid than an enchanting dream which fades before the sunbeams of truth and reason Alas does there exist a happiness under the moon which owes not its charms in some degree to the magic of imagination
You are dear to me Flodoardo murmured Rosabella for Camilla and her counsels were quite forgotten oh you are very very dear
The youth only thanked her by clasping her still closer to his bosom while for the first time he sealed her coral lips with his own
At that moment the door was suddenly thrown open The Doge Andreas reentered the apartment the expected stranger had been suddenly taken ill and Andreas was no sooner at liberty than he hastened to rejoin his favourite The rustling of his garments roused the lovers from their dream of bliss Rosabella started from Flodoardos embrace with a cry of terror Flodoardo quitted his kneeling posture yet seemed by no means disconcerted at the discovery
Andreas gazed upon them for some minutes with a look which expressed at once anger melancholy and the most heartfelt disappointment He sighed deeply cast his eyes towards heaven and in silence turned to leave the apartment
Stay yet one moment noble Andreas cried the Florentine
The Doge turned and Flodoardo threw himself at his feet Andreas looked down with calm and serious dignity on the kneeling offender by whom his friendship had been so unworthily rewarded and by whom his confidence had been so cruelly betrayed
Young man said he in a stern voice the attempt to excuse yourself must be fruitless
Excuse myself interrupted Flodoardo boldly no my lord I need no excuses for loving Rosabella twere for him to excuse himself who had seen Rosabella and NOT loved her yet if it is indeed a crime in me that I adore Rosabella tis a crime of which Heaven itself will absolve me since it formed Rosabella so worthy to be adored
You seem to lay too much stress on this fantastic apology answered the Doge contemptuously at least you cannot expect that it should have much weight with me
I say it once more my lord resumed Flodoardo while he rose from the ground that I intend to make no apology I mean not to excuse my love for Rosabella but to request your approbation of that love Andreas I adore your niece I demand her for my bride
The Doge started in astonishment at this bold and unexpected request
It is true continued the Florentine I am no more than a needy unknown youth and it seems a piece of strange temerity when such a man proposes himself to espouse the heiress of the Venetian Doge But by Heaven I am confident that the great Andreas means not to bestow his Rosabella on one of those whose claims to favour are overflowing coffers extensive territories and sounding titles or who vainly decorate their insignificance with the glory obtained by the titles of their ancestors glory of which they are themselves incapable of acquiring a single ray I acknowledge freely that I have as yet performed no actions which make me deserving of such a reward as Rosabella but it shall not be long ere I WILL perform such actions or perish in the attempt
The Doge turned from him with a look of displeasure
Oh be not incensed with him dear uncle said Rosabella She hastened to detain the Doge threw her white arms around his neck fondly and concealed in his bosom the tears with which her countenance was bedewed
Make your demands continued Flodoardo still addressing himself to the Doge say what you wish me to do and what you would have me become in order to obtain from you the hand of Rosabella Ask what you will I will look on the task however difficult as nothing more than sport and pastime By Heaven I would that Venice were at this moment exposed to the most imminent danger and that ten thousand daggers were unsheathed against your life Rosabella my reward—how certain should I be to rescue Venice and strike the ten thousand daggers down
I have served the Republic faithfully and fervently for many a long year answered Andreas with a bitter smile I have risked my life without hesitation I have shed my blood with profusion I asked nothing for my reward but to pass my old age in soft tranquillity and of this reward have I been cheated My bosom friends the companions of my youth the confidants of my age have been torn from me by the daggers of banditti and you Flodoardo you on whom I heaped all favours have now deprived me of this my only remaining comfort Answer me Rosabella hast thou in truth bestowed thy heart on Flodoardo irrevocably
One hand of Rosabellas still rested on her uncles shoulder with the other she clasped Flodoardos and pressed it fondly against her heart—yet Flodoardo seemed still unsatisfied No sooner had the Doges question struck his ear than his countenance became dejected and though his hand returned the pressure of Rosabellas he shook his head mournfully with an air of doubt and cast on her a penetrating look as would he have read the secrets of her inmost soul
Andreas withdrew himself gently from Rosabellas arm and for some time paced the apartment slowly with a countenance sad and earnest Rosabella sank upon a sofa which stood near her and wept Flodoardo eyed the Doge and waited for his decision with impatience
Thus passed some minutes An awful silence reigned through the chamber Andreas seemed to be labouring with some resolution of dreadful importance The lovers wished yet dreaded the conclusion of the scene and with every moment their anxiety became more painful
Flodoardo at length said the Doge and suddenly stood still in the middle of the chamber Flodoardo advanced with a respectful air Young man he continued I am at length resolved Rosabella loves you nor will I oppose the decision of her heart but Rosabella is much too precious to admit of my bestowing her on the first who thinks fit to demand her The man to whom I give her must be worthy such a gift She must be the reward of his services nor can he do services so great that such a reward will not overpay them Your claims on the Republics gratitude are as yet but trifling an opportunity now offers of rendering as an essential service The murderer of Conari Manfrone and Lomellino—go bring him hither Alive or dead thou must bring to this palace the terrible bandittiking ABELLINO
At this unexpected conclusion of a speech on which his happiness or despair depended Flodoardo started back The colour fled from his cheeks
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 admirals 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 Rosabellas 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 Doges 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 Marks church struck five
Time flies cried Flodoardo no more delay then In fourand twenty hours will I produce in this very palace this dreaded bravo Abellino
Andreas shook his head Young man said he be less confident in your promises I shall have more faith in your performance
Flodoardo serious and firm—Let things terminate as they may either I will keep my word or never again will cross the threshold of your palace I have discovered some traces of the miscreant and I trust that I shall amuse you tomorrow at this time and in this place with the representation of a comedy but should it prove a tragedy instead Gods will be done
Andreas—Remember that too much haste is dangerous rashness will destroy even the frail hopes of success which you may reasonably indulge at present
Flodoardo—Rashness my lord He who has lived as I have lived and suffered what I have suffered must have been long since cured of rashness
Rosabella taking his hand—Yet be not too confident of your own strength I beseech you Dear Flodoardo my uncle loves you and his advice is wise Beware of Abellinos dagger
Flodoardo—The best way to escape his dagger is not to allow him time to use it within fourandtwenty hours must the deed be done or never Now then illustrious Prince I take my leave of you Tomorrow I doubt not to convince you that nothing is too much for love to venture
Andreas—Right to venture but to achieve
Flodoardo—Ah that must depend—He paused suddenly again his eyes were fastened eagerly on those of Rosabella and it was evident that with every moment his uneasiness acquired fresh strength He resumed his discourse to Andreas with a movement of impatience
Noble Andreas said he do not make me dispirited rather let me try whether I cannot inspire you with more confidence of my success I must first request you to order a splendid entertainment to be prepared At this hour in the afternoon of tomorrow let me find all the principal persons in Venice both men and women assembled in this chamber for should my hopes be realised I would willingly have spectators of my triumph Particularly let the venerable members of the College of Ten he invited in order that they may at last he brought face to face with this terrible Abellino against whom they have so long been engaged in fruitless warfare
Andreas after eyeing him some time with a look of mingled surprise and uncertainty—They shall be present
Flodoardo—I understand also that since Conaris death you have been reconciled to the Cardinal Gonzaga and that he has convinced you how unjust were the prejudices with which Conari had inspired you against the nobility—Parozzi Contarino and the rest of that society During my late excursions I have heard much in praise of these young men which makes me wish to show myself to them in a favourable light If you have no objection let me beg you to invite them also
Andreas—You shall be gratified
Flodoardo—One thing more which had nearly escaped my memory Let no one know the motive of this entertainment till the whole company is assembled Then let guards be placed around the palace and indeed it may be as well to place them even before the doors of the saloon for in truth this Abellino is such a desperate villain that too many precautions cannot be taken against him The sentinels must have their pieces loaded and above all things they must be strictly charged on pain of death to let every one enter but no one quit the chamber
Andreas—All this shall be done punctually
Flodoardo—I have nothing more to say Noble Andreas farewell Rosabella tomorrow when the clock strikes five we shall meet again or never
He said and rushed out of the apartment Andreas shook his head while Rosabella sank upon her uncles bosom and wept bitterly
CHAPTER III—THE MIDNIGHT MEETING
Victory shouted Parozzi as he rushed into the Cardinal Gonzagas chamber where the chief conspirators were all assembled our work goes on bravely Flodoardo returned this morning to Venice and Abellino has already received the required sum
Gonzaga—Flodoardo does not want talents I had rather he should live and join our party He is seldom off his guard
Parozzi—Such vagabonds may well be cautious they must not forget themselves who have so much to conceal from others
Falieri—Rosabella as I understand by no means sees this
Florentine with unfavourable eyes
Parozzi—Oh wait till tomorrow and then he may make love to the devil and his grandmother if he likes it Abellino by that time will have wrung his neck round I warrant you
Contarino—It is strange that in spite of all inquiries I can learn but little at Florence respecting this Flodoardo My letters inform me that some time ago there did exist a family of that name but it has been long extinct or if any of its descendants are still in being at Florence their existence is quite a secret
Gonzaga—Are you all invited to the Doges tomorrow
Contarino—All of us without exception
Gonzaga—That is well It seems that my recommendations have obtained some weight with him since his triumvirate has been removed And in the evening a masked ball is to be given Did not the Doges chamberlain say so
Falieri—He did
Memmo—I only hope there is no trick in all this If he should have been given a hint of our conspiracy Mercy on us my teeth chatter at the thought
Gonzaga—Absurd By what means should our designs have been made known to him The thing is impossible
Memmo—Impossible What when theres scarce a cutpurse housebreaker or vagabond in Venice who has not been enlisted in our service would it be so strange if the Doge discovered a little of the business A secret which is known to so many how should it escape his penetration
Contarino—Simpleton the same thing happens to him which happens to betrayed husbands Everyone can see the horns except the man who carries them And yet I confess it is full time that we should realise our projects and prevent the possibility of our being betrayed
Falieri—You are right friend everything is ready now The sooner that the blow is struck the better
Parozzi—Nay the discontented populace which at present sides with us would be perfectly well pleased if the sport began this very night delay the business longer and their anger against Andreas will cool and render them unfit for our purpose
Contarino—Then let us decide the game at once be tomorrow the important day Leave the Doge to my disposal Ill at least engage to bury my poniard in his heart and then let the business end as it may one of two things must happen either we shall rescue ourselves from all trouble and vexation by throwing everything into uproar and confusion or else we shall sail with a full wind from this cursed world to another
Parozzi—Mark me friends we must go armed to the Doges entertainment
Gonzaga—All the members of the College of Ten have been particularly invited
Falieri—Down with every man of them
Memmo—Aye aye Fine talking but suppose it should turn out to be down with ourselves
Falieri—Thou whitelivered wretch Stay at home then and take care of your worthless existence But if our attempt succeeds come not to us to reimburse you for the sums which you have already advanced Not a sequin shall be paid you back depend ont
Memmo—You wrong me Falieri if you wish to prove my courage draw your sword and measure it against mine I am as brave as yourself but thank Heaven I am not quite so hotheaded
Gonzaga—Nay even suppose that the event should not answer our expectations Andreas once dead let the populace storm as it pleases the protection of his Holiness will sanction our proceedings
Memmo—The Pope May we count on his protection
Gonzaga throwing him a letter—Read there unbeliever The Pope I tell you must protect us since one of our objects is professed to be the assertion of the rights of St Peters Chair in Venice Prithee Memmo tease us no more with such doubts but let Contarinos proposal be adopted at once Our confederates must be summoned to Parozzis palace with all diligence and there furnished with such weapons as are necessary Let the stroke of midnight be the signal for Contarinos quitting the ballroom and hastening to seize the arsenal Salviati who commands there is in our interest and will throw open the gates at the first summons
Falieri—The admiral Adorna as soon as he hears the alarmbell will immediately lead his people to our assistance
Parozzi—Oh our success is certain
Contarino—Only let us take care to make the confusion as general as possible Our adversaries must be kept in the dark who are their friends and who their foes and all but our own party must be left ignorant as to the authors the origin and the object of the uproar
Parozzi—Heaven I am delighted at finding the business at length so near the moment of execution
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 tomorrow 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 tomorrow to the Doges it will be as well to have a conference with Abellino
Contarino—That care we will leave to you Parozzi and in the meanwhile heres the health of Abellino
All—Abellino
Gonzaga—And success to our enterprise tomorrow
Memmo—Ill drink THAT toast with all my heart
All—Success to tomorrows enterprise
Parozzi—The wine tastes well and every face looks gay pass eightandforty hours and shall we look as gaily We separate smiling shall we smile when two nights hence we meet again No matter
CHAPTER IV—THE DECISIVE DAY
The next morning everything in Venice seemed as tranquil as if nothing more than ordinary was on the point of taking place and yet since her first foundation never had a more important day risen on the Republic
The inhabitants of the ducal palace were in motion early The impatient Andreas forsook the couch on which he had passed a sleepless and anxious night as soon as the first sunbeams penetrated through the lattice of his chamber Rosabella had employed the hours of rest in dreams of Flodoardo and she still seemed to be dreaming of him even after sleep was fled Camillas love for her fair pupil had broken her repose she loved Rosabella as had she been her daughter and was aware that on this interesting day depended the lovesick girls whole future happiness For some time Rosabella was unusually gay she sang to her harp the most lively airs and jested with Camilla for looking so serious and so uneasy but when midday approached her spirits began to forsake her She quitted her instrument and paced the chamber with unsteady steps With every succeeding hour her heart palpitated with greater pain and violence and she trembled in expectation of the scene which was soon to take place
The most illustrious persons in Venice already filled her uncles palace the afternoon so much dreaded and yet so much desired was come and the Doge now desired Camilla to conduct his niece to the great saloon where she was expected with impatience by all those who were of most consequence in the Republic
Rosabella sank on her knees before a statue of the Virgin Blessed Lady she exclaimed with lifted hands have mercy on me Let all today end well
Pale as death did she enter the chamber in which on the day before she had acknowledged her love for Flodoardo and Flodoardo had sworn to risk his life to obtain her Flodoardo was not yet arrived
The assembly was brilliant the conversation was gay They talked over the politics of the day and discussed the various occurrences of Europe The Cardinal and Contarino were engaged in a conference with the Doge while Memmo Parozzi and Falieri stood silent together and revolved the project whose execution was to take place at midnight
The weather was dark and tempestuous The wind roared among the waters of the canal and the vanes of the palacetowers creaked shrilly and discordantly One storm of rain followed hard upon another
The clock struck four The cheeks of Rosabella if possible became paler than before Andreas whispered something to his chamberlain In a few minutes the tread of armed men seemed approaching the doors of the saloon and soon after the clattering of weapons was heard
Instantly a sudden silence reigned through the whole assembly The young courtiers broke off their lovespeeches abruptly and the ladies stopped in their criticisms upon the last new fashions The statesmen dropped their political discussions and gazed on each other in silence and anxiety
The Doge advanced slowly into the midst of the assembly Every eye was fixed upon him The hearts of the conspirators beat painfully
Be not surprised my friends said Andreas at these unusual precautions they relate to nothing which need interfere with the pleasures of this society You have all heard but too much of the bravo Abellino the murderer of the Procurator Conari and of my faithful counsellors Manfrone and Lomellino and to whose dagger my illustrious guest the Prince of Monaldeschi has but lately fallen a victim This miscreant the object of aversion to every honest man in Venice to whom nothing is sacred or venerable and who has hitherto set at defiance the whole vengeance of the Republic—before another hour expires perhaps this outcast of hell may stand before you in this very saloon
All astonished—Abellino What the bravo Abellino
Gonzaga—Of his own accord
Andreas—No not of his own accord in truth But Flodoardo of
Florence has undertaken to render this important service to the
Republic to seize Abellino cost what it may and conduct him
hither at the risk of his life
A Senator—The engagement will be difficult to fulfil I doubt much Flodoardos keeping his promise
Another—But if he SHOULD perform it the obligation which
Flodoardo will lay upon the Republic will not be trifling
A Third—Nay we shall be all his debtors nor do I know how we can reward Flodoardo for so important a service
Andreas—Be that my task Flodoardo has demanded my niece in marriage if he performs his promise Rosabella shall be his reward
All gazed on each other in silence some with looks expressing the most heartfelt satisfaction and others with glances of envy and surprise
Falieri in a low voice—Parozzi how will this end
Memmo—As I live the very idea makes me shake as if I had a fever
Parozzi smiling contemptuously—Its very likely that Abellino should suffer himself to be caught
Contarino—Pray inform me signors have any of you ever met this
Abellino face to face
Several Noblemen at once—Not I Never
A Senator—He is a kind of spectre who only appears now and then when he is least expected and desired
Rosabella—I saw him once never again shall I forget the monster
Andreas—And my interview with him is too well known to make it needful for me to relate it
Memmo—I have heard a thousand stories about this miscreant the one more wonderful than the other and for my own part I verily believe that he is Satan himself in a human form I must say that I think it would be wiser not to let him be brought in among us for he is capable of strangling us all as we stand here one after another without mercy
Gracious Heaven screamed several of the ladies you dont say so What strangle us in this very chamber
Contarino—The principal point is whether Flodoardo will get the better of HIM or HE of Flodoardo Now I would lay a heavy wager that the Florentine will return without having finished the business
A Senator—And I would engage on the contrary that there is but one man in Venice who is capable of seizing Abellino and that THAT man is Flodoardo of Florence The moment that I became acquainted with him I prophesied that one day or other he would play a brilliant part in the annals of history
Another Senator—I think with you signor Never was I so struck with a man at first sight as I was with Flodoardo
Contarino—A thousand sequins on Abellinos not being taken unless death should have taken him first
The First Senator—A thousand sequins on Flodoardo seizing him
Andreas—And delivering him up to me either alive or dead
Contarino—Illustrious signors you are witnesses of the wager My
Lord Vitalba there is my hand on it A thousand sequins
The Senator—Done
Contarino smiling—Many thanks for your gold signor I look on it as already in my purse Flodoardo is a clever gentleman no doubt yet I would advise him to take good care of himself for he will find that Abellino knows a trick or two or I am much mistaken
Gonzaga—May I request your Highness to inform me whether Flodoardo is attended by the sbirri
Andreas—No he is alone Near fourandtwenty hours have elapsed since he set out in pursuit of the bravo
Gonzaga to Contarino with a smile of triumph—I wish you joy of your thousand sequins signor
Contarino bowing respectfully—Since your Excellency prophesies it I can no longer doubt my success
Memmo—I begin to recover myself Well well let us see the end
Threeandtwenty hours had elapsed since Flodoardo had entered into the rash engagement The fourandtwentieth now hastened to its completion and yet Flodoardo came not
CHAPTER V—THE CLOCK STRIKES FIVE
The Doge became uneasy The senator Vitalba began to tremble for his thousand sequins and the conspirators could not restrain their spiteful laughter when Contarino gravely declared that he would gladly lose not ONE thousand sequins but twenty if the loss of his wager through Abellinos being captured might but secure the general safety of the Republic
Hark cried Rosabella the clock strikes five
All listened to the chimes in the tower of St Marks Church and trembled as they counted the strokes Had not Camilla supported her Rosabella would have sank upon the ground The destined hour was past and still Flodoardo came not
The venerable Andreas felt a sincere affection for the Florentine he shuddered as he dwelt upon the probability that Abellinos dagger had prevailed
Rosabella advanced towards her uncle as if she would have spoken to him but anxiety fettered her tongue and tears forced themselves into her eyes She struggled for a while to conceal her emotions but the effort was too much for her She threw herself on a sofa wrung her hands and prayed to the God of mercy for help and comfort
The rest of the company either formed groups of whisperers or strolled up and down the apartment in evident uneasiness They would willingly have appeared gay and unconcerned but they found it impossible to assume even an affectation of gaiety and thus elapsed another hour and still Flodoardo came not
At that moment the evening sun broke through the clouds and a ray of its setting glory was thrown full upon the countenance of Rosabella She started from the sofa extended her arms towards the radiant orb and exclaimed while a smile of hope played round her lips God is merciful God will have mercy on me
Contarino—Was it at five oclock that Flodoardo engaged to produce
Abellino It is now a full hour beyond his time
The Senator Vitalba—Let him only produce him at last and he may be a month beyond his time if he choose
Andreas—Hark No Silence silence Surely I hear footsteps approaching the saloon
The words were scarcely spoken when the folding doors were thrown open and Flodoardo rushed into the room enveloped in his mantle His hair streamed on the air in wild disorder a deep shade was thrown over his face by the drooping plumes of his barrette from which the rain was flowing Extreme melancholy was impressed on all his features and he threw gloomy looks around him as he bowed his head in salutation of the assembly
Every one crowded round him every mouth was unclosed to question him every eye was fixed on his face as if eager to anticipate his answers
Holy Virgin exclaimed Memmo I am afraid that—
Be silent signor interrupted Contarino sternly there is nothing to be afraid of
Illustrious Venetians—it was thus that Flodoardo broke silence and he spoke with the commanding tone of a hero—I conclude that his Highness has already made known to you the object of your being thus assembled I come to put an end to your anxiety but first noble Andreas I must once more receive the assurance that Rosabella of Corfu shall become my bride provided I deliver into your power the bravo Abellino
Andreas examining his countenance with extreme anxiety—
Flodoardo have you succeeded Is Abellino your prisoner
Flodoardo—If Abellino is my prisoner shall Rosabella be my bride
Andreas—Bring me Abellino alive or dead and she is yours I swear it beyond the power of retracting and also that her dowry shall be royal
Flodoardo—Illustrious Venetians ye have heard the Doges oath
All—We are your witnesses
Flodoardo advancing a few paces with a bold air and speaking in a firm voice—Well then Abellino is in my power—is in YOURS
All in confusion and a kind of uproar—In ours Merciful heaven
Where is he Abellino
Andreas—Is he dead or living
Flodoardo—He still lives
Gonzaga hastily—He lives
Flodoardo bowing to the Cardinal respectfully—He still lives signor
Rosabella pressing Camilla to her bosom Didst thou hear that Camilla Didst thou hear it The villain still lives Not one drop of blood has stained the innocent hand of Flodoardo
The Senator Vitalba—Signor Contarino I have won a thousand sequins of you
Contarino—So it should seem signor
Andreas—My son you have bound the Republic to you for ever and I rejoice that it is to Flodoardo that she is indebted for a service so essential
Vitalba—And permit me noble Florentine to thank you for this heroic act in the name of the Senate of Venice Our first care shall be to seek out a reward proportioned to your merits
Flodoardo extending his arms towards Rosabella with a melancholy air—There stands the only reward for which I wish
Andreas joyfully—And that reward is your own But where have you left the bloodhound Conduct him hither my son and let me look at him once more When I last saw him he had the insolence to tell me Doge I am your equal This narrow chamber now holds the two greatest men in Venice Now then let me see how this other great man looks in captivity
Two or three Senators—Where is he Bring him hither
Several of the ladies screamed at hearing this proposal For heavens sake cried they keep the monster away from us I shall be frightened out of my senses if he comes here
Noble ladies said Flodoardo with a smile expressing rather sorrow than joy you have nothing to apprehend Abellino shall do you no harm but he needs must come hither to claim THE BRAVOS BRIDE And he pointed to Rosabella
Oh my best friend she answered how shall I express my thanks to you for having thus put an end to my terrors I shall tremble no more at hearing Abellino named Rosabella shall now be called the Bravos Bride no longer
Falieri—Is Abellino already in this palace
Flodoardo—He is
Vitalba—Then why do you not produce him Why do you trifle so long with our impatience
Flodoardo—Be patient Its now time that the play should begin Be seated noble Andreas Let all the rest arrange themselves behind the Doge Abellinos coming
At that word both old and young both male and female with the rapidity of lightning flew to take shelter behind Andreas Every heart beat anxiously but as to the conspirators while expecting Abellinos appearance they suffered the torments of the damned
Grave and tranquil sat the Doge in his chair like a judge appointed to pass sentence on this King of the Banditti The spectators stood around in various groups all hushed and solemn as if they were waiting to receive their final judgment The lovely Rosabella with all the security of angels whose innocence have nothing to fear reclined her head on Camillas shoulder and gazed on her heroic lover with looks of adoration The conspirators with pallid cheeks and staring eyes filled up the background and a dead and awful silence prevailed through the assembly scarcely interrupted by a single breath
And now then said Flodoardo prepare yourselves for this terrible Abellino shall immediately appear before you Do not tremble he shall do no one harm
With these words he turned away from the company advanced towards the foldingdoors He paused for a few moments and concealed his face in his cloak
Abellino cried he at length raising his head and extending his arm towards the door At that name all who heard it shuddered involuntarily and Rosabella advanced unconsciously a few steps towards her lover She trembled more for Flodoardo than herself
Abellino the Florentine repeated in a loud and angry tone threw from him his mantle and barrette and had already laid his hand on the lock of the door to open it when Rosabella uttered a cry of terror
Stay Flodoardo she cried rushing towards him and—Ha Flodoardo was gone and there in his place stood Abellino and shouted out Ho ho
CHAPTER VI—APPARITIONS
Instantly a loud cry of terror resounded through the apartment Rosabella sank fainting at the bravos feet the conspirators were almost suffocated with rage terror and astonishment the ladies made signs of the cross and began in all haste to repeat their paternosters the senators stood rooted to their places like so many statues and the Doge doubted the information of his ears and eyes
Calm and terrible stood the bravo before them in all the pomp of his strange and awful ugliness with his bravos habit his girdle filled with pistols and poniards his distorted yellow countenance his black and bushy eyebrows his lips convulsed his right eye covered by a large patch and his left half buried among the wrinkles of flesh which swelled around it He gazed around him for a few moments in silence and then approached the stupefied Andreas
Ho ho he roared in a voice like thunder you wish to see the bravo Abellino Doge of Venice here he stands and is come to claim his bride
Andreas gazed with looks of horror on this model for demons and at length stammered out with difficulty It cannot be real I must surely be the sport of some terrible dream
Without there guards exclaimed the Cardinal Gonzaga and would have hastened to the folding doors when Abellino put his back against them snatched a pistol from his girdle and pointed it at the Cardinals bosom
The first cried he who calls for the guard or advances one step from the place on which he stands expires that moment Fools Do ye think I would have delivered myself up and desired that guards might beset these doors had I feared their swords or intended to escape from your power No I am content to be your prisoner but not through compulsion I am content to be your prisoner and it was with that intent that I came hither No mortal should have the glory of seizing Abellino If justice required him to be delivered up it was necessary that he should be delivered up by himself Or do ye take Abellino for an ordinary ruffian who passes his time in skulking from the sbirri and who murders for the sake of despicable plunder No by heaven no Abellino was no such common villain Its true I was a bravo but the motives which induced me to become one were great and striking
Andreas clasping his hands together—Almighty God can all this be possible
An awful silence again reigned through the saloon All trembled while they listened to the voice of the terrible assassin who strode through the chamber proud and majestic as the monarch of the infernal world
Rosabella opened her eyes their first look fell upon the bravo
Oh God of mercy she exclaimed he is still there Methought too that Flodoardo No no it could not be I was deceived by witchcraft
Abellino advanced towards her and attempted to raise her She shrunk from his touch with horror
No Rosabella said the bravo in an altered voice what you saw was no illusion Your favoured Flodoardo is no other than Abellino the bravo
It is false interrupted Rosabella starting from the ground in despair and throwing herself for refuge on Camillas bosom Monster thou canst not be Flodoardo such a fiend can never have been such a seraph Flodoardos actions were good and glorious as a demigods Twas of him that I learned to love good and glorious actions and twas he who encouraged me to attempt them myself his heart was pure from all mean passions and capable of conceiving all great designs Never did he scruple in the cause of virtue to endure fatigue and pain and to dry up the tears of suffering innocence—that was Flodoardos proudest triumph Flodoardo and thou— Wretch whom many a bleeding ghost has long since accused before the throne of heaven darest thou to profane the name of Flodoardo
Abellino proud and earnest—Rosabella wilt thou forsake me
Wilt thou retract thy promise Look Rosabella and be convinced
I the bravo and thy Flodoardo are the same
He said removing the patch from his eye and passed a handkerchief over his face once or twice In an instant his complexion was altered his bushy eyebrows and straight black hair disappeared his features were replaced in their natural symmetry and lo the handsome Florentine stood before the whole assembly dressed in the habit of the bravo Abellino
Abellino—Mark me Rosabella Seven times over and seven times again will I change my appearance even before your eyes and that so artfully that study me as you will the transformation shall deceive you But change as I may of one thing be assured I am the man whom you loved as Flodoardo
The Doge gazed and listened without being able to recover from his confusion but every now and then the words Dreadful dreadful escaped from his lips and he wrung his hands in agony Abellino approached Rosabella and said in the tone of supplication Rosabella wilt thou break thy promise Am I no longer dear to thee
Rosabella was unable to answer she stood like one changed to a statue and fixed her motionless eyes on the bravo
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 Bravos Bride
Love struggled with abhorrence in Rosabellas 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 Camillas 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 Doges 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
Andreas in the tone of authority—Give up your arms
Abellino—And you will really withhold from me my just reward
Shall it be in vain that I delivered Abellino into your power
Andreas—It was to the brave Flodoardo that I promised Rosabella
I never entered into any engagement with the murderer Abellino Let
Flodoardo claim my niece and she is his but Abellino can have no
claim to her Again I say lay down your arms
Abellino laughing wildly—The murderer Abellino say you Ho ho Be it your care to keep your own promises and trouble not yourself about my murders they are MY affair and I warrant I shall find a word or two to say in defence of them when the judgment day arrives
Gonzaga to the Doge—What dreadful blasphemy
Abellino—Oh good Lord Cardinal intercede in my behalf you know me well I have always acted by you like a man of honour that at least you cannot deny Say a word in my favour then good Lord Cardinal
Gonzaga angrily and with imperious dignity—Address not thyself to ME miscreant What canst thou and I have to do together Venerable Andreas delay no longer let the guards be called in
Abellino—What Is there then no hope for me Does no one feel compassion for the wretched Abellino What NO ONE—a pause—All are silent—ALL Tis enough Then my fate is decided—call in your guards
Rosabella with a scream of agony springing forward and falling at the feet of the Doge—Mercy mercy Pardon him—pardon ABELLINO
Abellino in rapture—Sayest thou so Ho ho then an angel prays for Abellino in his last moments
Rosabella clasping the Doges knees—Have mercy on him my friend my father he is a sinner but leave him to the justice of Heaven He is a sinner but oh Rosabella loves him still
Andreas pushing her away with indignation—Away unworthy girl you rave
Abellino folded his arms gazed with eagerness on what was passing and tears gushed into his brilliant eyes Rosabella caught the Doges hand as he turned to leave her kissed it twice and said If you have no mercy on HIM then have none on ME The sentence which you pass on Abellino will be mine tis for my own life that I plead as well as Abellinos Father dear father reject not my suit but spare him
Andreas in an angry and decided tone—Abellino dies
Abellino—And can you look on with dry eyes while that innocent dove bleeds at your feet Go barbarian you never loved Rosabella as she deserved Now she is yours no longer She is mine she is Abellinos
He raised her from the ground and pressed her pale lips against his own
Rosabella thou art mine death alone can part us Thou lovest me as I WOULD be loved I am blest whateer may happen and can now set fortune at defiance To business then
He replaced Rosabella who was almost fainting on the bosom of Camilla then advanced into the middle of the chamber and addressed the assembly with an undaunted air
Venetians you are determined to deliver me up to the axe of justice there is for me no hope of mercy Tis well act as you please but ere you sit in judgment over ME signors I shall take the liberty of passing sentence upon some few of YOU Now mark me you see in me the murderer of Conari the murderer of Paolo Manfrone the murderer of Lomellino I deny it not But would you know the illustrious persons who paid me for the use of my dagger
With these words he put a whistle to his lips sounded it and instantly the doors flew open the guards rushed in and ere they had time to recollect themselves the chief conspirators were in custody and disarmed
Guard them well said Abellino in a terrible voice to the sentinels you have your orders Noble Venetians look on these villains it is to them that you are indebted for the loss of your three citizens I accuse of those murders one two three four and my good Lord Cardinal there has the honour to be the fifth
Motionless and bewildered stood the accused taletelling confusion spoke in every feature that the charge was true and no one was bold enough to contradict Abellino
What can all this mean asked the senators of each other in the utmost surprise and confusion
This is all a shameful artifice the Cardinal at length contrived to say the villain perceiving that he has no chance of escaping punishment is willing out of mere resentment to involve us in his destruction
Contarino recovering himself —In the wickedness of his life he has surpassed all former miscreants and now he is trying to surpass them in the wickedness of his death
Abellino with majesty—Be silent I know your whole plot have seen your list of proscriptions am well informed of your whole arrangement and at the moment that I speak to you the officers of justice are employed by my orders in seizing the gentlemen with the white ribbons round their arms who this very night intended to overturn Venice Be silent for defence were vain
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 Doges 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
Again he sounded his whistle The folding doors were thrown open and there stood the Doges much lamented friends—Conari Lomellino and Manfrone
We are betrayed shouted Contarino who drew out a concealed dagger and plunged it in his bosom up to the very hilt
And now what a scene of rapture followed Tears streamed down the silver beard of Andreas as he rushed into the arms of his longlost companions tears bedewed the cheeks of the venerable triumvirate as they once more clasped the knees of their prince their friend their brother These excellent men these heroes never had Andreas hoped to meet them again till they should meet in heaven and Andreas blessed heaven for permitting him to meet them once more on earth These four men who had valued each other in the first dawn of YOUTH who had fought by each others sides in MANHOOD were now assembled in AGE and valued each other more than ever The spectators gazed with universal interest on the scene before them and the good old senators mingled tears of joy with those shed by the reunited companions In the happy delirium of this moment nothing but Andreas and his friends were attended to no one was aware that the conspirators and the self-murderer Contarino were removed by the guards from the saloon no one but Camilla observed Rosabella who threw herself sobbing on the bosom of the handsome bravo and repeated a thousand times Abellino then is not a murderer
At length they began to recollect themselves they looked round them and the first words which broke from every lip were—Hail saviour of Venice—The roof rung with the name of Abellino and unnumbered blessings accompanied the name
That very Abellino who not an hour before had been doomed to the scaffold by the whole assembly now stood calm and dignified as a god before the adoring spectators and now he viewed with complacency the men whose lives he had saved and now his eye dwelt with rapture on the woman whose love was the reward of all his dangers
Abellino said Andreas advancing to the bravo and extending his hand towards him
I am not Abellino replied he smiling while he pressed the Doges hand respectfully to his lips neither am I Flodoardo of Florence I am by birth a Neapolitan and by name Rosalvo The death of my inveterate enemy the Prince of Monaldeschi makes it no longer necessary to conceal who I really am
Monaldeschi repeated Andreas with a look of anxiety
Fear not continued Rosalvo Monaldeschi it is true fell by my hand but fell in honourable combat The blood which stained his sword flowed from my veins and in his last moments conscience asserted her empire in his bosom He died not till he had written in his tablets the most positive declaration of my innocence as to the crimes with which his hatred had contrived to blacken me and he also instructed me by what means I might obtain at Naples the restoration of my forfeited estates and the reestablishment of my injured honour Those means have been already efficacious and all Naples is by this time informed of the arts by which Monaldeschi procured my banishment and of the many plots which he laid for my destruction plots which made it necessary for me to drop my own character and never to appear but in disguise After various wanderings chance led me to Venice My appearance was so much altered that I dreaded not discovery but I dreaded and with reason perishing in your streets with hunger In this situation accident brought me acquainted with the banditti by whom Venice was then infested I willingly united myself to their society partly with a view of purifying the Republic from the presence of these wretches and partly in the hope of discovering through them the more illustrious villains by whom their daggers were employed I was successful I delivered the banditti up to justice and stabbed their captain in Rosabellas sight I was now the only bravo in Venice Every scoundrel was obliged to have recourse to me I discovered the plans of the conspirators and now you know them also I found that the deaths of the Doges three friends had been determined on and in order to obtain full confidence with the confederates it was necessary to persuade them that these men had fallen beneath my dagger No sooner had my plan been formed than I imparted it to Lomellino He and he only was my confidant in this business He presented me to the Doge as the son of a deceased friend he assisted me with his advice he furnished me with keys to those doors to the public gardens which none were permitted to pass through except Andreas and his particular friends and which frequently enabled me to elude pursuit he showed me several private passages in the palace by which I could penetrate unobserved even into the Doges very bedchamber When the time for his disappearance arrived he not only readily consented to lie concealed in a retreat known only to ourselves but was also the means of inducing Manfrone and Conari to join him in his retirement till the fortunate issue of this days adventure permitted me to set them once more at liberty The banditti exist no longer the conspirators are in chains my plans are accomplished and now Venetians if you still think him deserving of it here stands the bravo Abellino and you may lead him to the scaffold when you will
To the scaffold exclaimed at once the Doge the senators and the whole crowd of nobility and every one burst into enthusiastic praises of the dauntless Neapolitan
Oh Abellino exclaimed Andreas while he wiped away a tear I would gladly give my ducal bonnet to be such a bravo as thou hast been Doge did thou once say to me thou and I are the two greatest men in Venice but oh how much greater is the bravo than the Doge Rosabella is that jewel than which I have nothing in the world more precious Rosabella is dearer to me than an emperors crown Rosabella is thine
Abellino said Rosabella and extended her hand to the handsome
Bravo
Triumph cried he Rosabella is the Bravos Bride and he clasped the blushing maid to his bosom
CHAPTER VII—CONCLUSION
And now it would not be at all amiss to make Count Rosalvo sit down quietly between the good old Doge and his lovely niece and then cause him to relate the motive of Monaldeschis hatred in what manner he lost Valeria what crimes were imputed to him and how he escaped from the assassins sent in pursuit of him by his enemy how he had long wandered from place to place and how he had at length learned during his abode in Bohemia with a gang of gipsies such means of disguising his features as enabled him to defy the keenest penetration to discover in the beggar Abellino the once admired Count Rosalvo how in this disguise he had returned to Italy and how Lomellino having ascertained that he was universally believed at Naples to have long since perished by shipwreck and therefore that neither the officers of the Inquisition nor the assassins of his enemies were likely to trouble themselves any more about him he had ventured to resume with some slight alterations his own appearance at Venice how the arrival of Monaldeschi had obliged him to conceal himself till an opportunity offered of presenting himself to the Prince when unattended and of demanding satisfaction for his injuries how he had been himself wounded in several places by his antagonist though the combat finally terminated in his favour how he had resolved to make use of Monaldeschis death to terrify Andreas still further and of Parozzis conspiracy to obtain Rosabellas hand of the Doge how he had trembled lest the heart of his mistress should have been only captivated by the romantic appearance of the adventurer Flodoardo and have rejected him when known to be the bravo Abellino how he had resolved to make use of the terror inspired by the assassin to put her love to the severest trial and how had she failed in that trial he had determined to renounce the inconstant maid for ever with many other HOWS WHYS and WHEREFORES which not being explained will I doubt leave much of this tale involved in mystery but before I begin Rosalvos history I must ask two questions—First—do my readers like the manner in which I relate adventures
Secondly—If my readers DO like my manner of relating adventures can I employ my time better than in relating them
When these questions are answered I may probably resume my pen In the meanwhile gentlemen and ladies goodnight and pleasant dreams attend you