Fiesko

(Has seated himself at a Desk and is writing.)

They struggled with the word "Subordination," just like a worm upon the needle's point. But it's too late, Republicans!

FIESKO (rising, gives him a paper.)

Go and invite all those, whose names are mentioned here

to a Play this evening, at my Palace.

MOOR.

To take their parts in it, I suppose. The entrance money will cost Heads I warrant me.

FIESKO (cold and contemptuously.)

When that is done! I sh'ant detain you longer here in Genoa! (As he is going he lets fall a purse behind him.) This be your last employment.

SCENE VII.

(Exit.)

MOOR.

(Taking up the purse slowly from the ground, and following

FIESKO out with a look of astonishment.)

"I sha'nt

Oh, Oh! are those the terms we stand upon. detain you longer here in Genoa !" That's easily translated. In other words, when I'm the Duke, I'll send you to the Galleys; he thinks, because I understand his tricks, it's likely I may blab them. But softly, my good Count, as yet you have not quite reached that eminence. The thing deserves reflection! And now old Doria-your skin's at my command-you're gone unless I warn you. Suppose I go and

tell him of the whole Conspiracy? I shall have sav'd his Dukedom and his Life, and nothing less than a round golden Sum can well be offer'd me. (He is going but stops suddenly.) But softly, my friend Hassan! I fear you're going on a foolish errand. What if the whole affair were put an end to?What, if this glorious mischief were suppress'd, and something good turn'd out in consequence? Fie, fie, my avarice will play the Devil! The question's briefly this-Which will produce most evil? To inform against Fiesko, or murder both the Dorias in silence? If once Fiesko executes his scheme, Genoa will rise to Greatness with himself; so that will never do. And if the Dorias escape his vengeance, why every thing will stand in statu quo, and all be peace and quiet-This is worse still! But then to fancy how the Rebels heads, will grin upon the scaffold; and on the other hand to think again, what sweet confusion we shall have tonight! And how it will amuse my wickedness to murder both their Excellencies by torch-light. Egad, I'm wholly at a loss to choose between the two temptations! It's such a charming labyrinth of sin, it puzzles me completely! A Christian, perhaps, might extricate himself, but we poor Heathens want a clue to guide us. I'll go and ask a Doctor of Divinity!

(Exit.)

SCENE VIII.

SALOON AT LADY JULIA'S.

JULIA in negligée.-Enter GIANETTINO.

GIANETTINO.

Good evening, Sister!

JULIA.

Something uncommon must have surely happen'd to bring the Crown Prince to his Sister!

GIANETTINO.

The fact is, Julia! You're beset with Butterflies, and I'm perpetually annoyed with wasps. There's no such thing as getting rid of them, or we should meet much oftener. Let's be seated!

JULIA.

I'm quite impatient!

GIANETTINO.

When was it last Fiesko visited you?

JULIA.

That's a strange question-as if my memory register'd

such trifles!

GIANETTINO.

But do indulge me, Julia! I really wish to know