that one man's 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, it's a melancholy truth, that during the last half-year
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 -