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 point's not very difficult to
decide.