FIESCO. Now you have reached the point. At sunset I will invite hither the principal malcontents--those that stand upon the bloody list of Gianettino! Besides the Sauli, the Gentili, Vivaldi, Vesodimari, all mortal enemies of the house of Doria; but whom the tyrant forgot to fear. They, doubtless, will embrace my plan with eagerness. BOURGOGNINO. I doubt it not. FIESCO. Above all things, we must render ourselves masters of the sea. Galleys and seamen I have ready. The twenty vessels of the Dorias are dismantled, and may be easily surprised. The entrance of the inner harbor must be blocked up, all hope of flight cut off. If we secure this point, all Genoa is in our power. VERRINA. Doubtless. FIESCO. Then we must seize the strongest posts in the city, especially the gate of St. Thomas, which, leading to the harbor, connects our land and naval forces. Both the Dorias must be surprised within their palaces, and killed. The bells must toll, the citizens be called upon to side with us, and vindicate the liberties of Genoa. If Fortune favor us, you shall hear the rest in the senate. VERRINA. The plan is good. Now for the distribution of our parts. FIESCO (significantly). Genoese, you chose me, of your own accord, as chief of the conspiracy. Will you obey my further orders? VERRINA. As certainly as they shall be the best. FIESCO. Verrina, dost thou know the principle of all warlike enterprise? Instruct him, Genoese. It is subordination. If your will be not subjected to mine--observe me well--if I be not the head of the conspiracy, I am no more a member. VERRINA. A life of freedom is well worth some hours of slavery. We obey. FIESCO. Then leave me now. Let one of you reconnoitre the city and inform me of the strength or weakness of the several posts. Let another find out the watchword. A third must see that the galleys are in readiness. A fourth conduct the two thousand soldiers into my palace-court. I myself will make all preparations here for the evening, and pass the interval perhaps in play. At nine precisely let all be at my palace to hear my final orders. (Rings the bell.) VERRINA. I take the harbor. BOURGOGNINO. I the soldiers. CALCAGNO. I will learn the watchword. SACCO. I will reconnoitre Genoa. [Exeunt. SCENE VI. FIESCO, MOOR. FIESCO (seated at a desk, and writing). Did they not struggle against the word subordination as the worm against the needle which transfixes it? But 'tis too late, republicans. MOOR (entering). My lord---- FIESCO (giving him a paper). Invite all those whose names are written here to see a play this evening at my palace. MOOR. Perhaps to act a part, and pay the admittance with their heads. FIESCO (in a haughty and contemptuous manner). When that is over I will no longer detain thee here in Genoa. (Going, throws him a purse.) This is thy last employment. [Exit. SCENE VII. MOOR, alone.