1ST ARTISAN. To throw our magistrates down stairs! The magistrates! 2D ARTISAN. Think, Count Lavagna--down stairs! because they opposed them in the election---- ALL. It must not be endured! it shall not be endured! 3D ARTISAN. To take a sword into the senate! 1ST ARTISAN. A sword?--the sign of war--into the chamber of peace! 2D ARTISAN. To come into the senate dressed in scarlet! Not like the other senators, in black. 1ST ARTISAN. To drive through our capital with eight horses! ALL. A tyrant! A traitor to the country and the government! 2D ARTISAN. To hire two hundred Germans from the Emperor for his body-guard. 1ST ARTISAN. To bring foreigners in arms against the natives--Germans against Italians--soldiers against laws! ALL. 'Tis treason!--'tis a plot against the liberty of Genoa! 1ST ARTISAN. To have the arms of the republic painted on his coach! 2D ARTISAN. The statue of Andreas placed in the centre of the senate-house! ALL. Dash them to pieces--both the statue and the man---- FIESCO. Citizens of Genoa, why this to me? 1ST ARTISAN. You should not suffer it. You should keep him down. 2D ARTISAN. You are a wise man, and should not suffer it. You should direct us by your counsel. 1ST ARTISAN. You are a better nobleman. You should chastise them and curb their insolence. FIESCO. Your confidence is flattering. Can I merit it by deeds? ALL (clamorously). Strike! Down with the tyrant! Make us free! FIESCO. But--will you hear me? SOME. Speak, Count! FIESCO (seating himself). Genoese,--the empire of the animals was once thrown into confusion; parties struggled with parties, till at last a bull-dog seized the throne. He, accustomed to drive the cattle to the knife of the butcher, prowled in savage manner through the state. He barked, he bit, and gnawed his subjects' bones. The nation murmured; the boldest joined together, and killed the princely monster. Now a general assembly was held to decide upon the important question, which form of government was best. There were three different opinions. Genoese, what would be your decision? 1ST ARTISAN. For the people--everything in common---- FIESCO. The people gained it. The government was democratical; each citizen had a vote, and everything was submitted to a majority. But a few weeks passed ere man declared war against the new republic. The state assembled. Horse, lion, tiger, bear, elephant, and rhinoceros, stepped forth, and roared aloud, "To arms!" The rest were called upon to vote. The lamb, the hare, the stag, the ass, the tribe of insects, with the birds and timid fishes, cried for peace. See, Genoese! The cowards were more numerous than the brave; the foolish than the wise. Numbers prevailed--the beasts laid down their arms, and man exacted contributions from them. The democratic system was abandoned. Genoese, what would you next have chosen? 1ST AND 2D ARTISANS. A select government!