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 Falieri's hand).--Bravo, my friend! Venice
shall see a second edition of Catiline's 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 all-powerful 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?