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 Olympia's 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 Rosabella's 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 Doge's 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.