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,
Matteo's 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 Doge's 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