FIESCO (scornfully). That guard I should be glad to see to despatch it with a message for eternity. ANDREAS (in an elevated manner). Vain scoffer! Knowest thou not that Andreas has seen his eightieth year, and that Genoa beneath his rule is happy? (Leaves the balcony.) FIESCO (looks after him with astonishment). Must I then destroy this man before I have learnt how difficult it is to equal him? (He walks up and down some time in meditation). 'Tis past, Andreas. I have repaid the debt of greatness. Destruction take thy course! (He hastens into a remote street. Drums are heard on all sides. A hot engagement at the St. Thomas' Gate. The gate is forced, and opens a prospect in the harbor, in which lie several ships with lights on board.) SCENE II. GIANETTINO (in a scarlet mantle). LOMELLINO--(Servants going before them with torches). GIANETTINO (stops). Who was it that commanded the alarm to be beat? LOMELLINO. A cannon was fired on board one of the galleys. GIANETTINO. The slaves perhaps have risen in mutiny. (Firing heard at the gate of St. Thomas.) LOMELLINO. Hark! A shot! GIANETTINO. The gate is open. The guards are in confusion. (To the servants.) Quick, rascals! Light us to the harbor. (Proceeding hastily towards the gate.) SCENE III. The former; BOURGOGNINO, with some CONSPIRATORS, coming from the gate of St. Thomas. BOURGOGNINO. Sebastian Lascaro was a brave soldier. ZENTURIONE. He defended himself like a bear till he fell. GIANETTINO (steps back startled). What do I hear? (to his servants). Stop! BOURGOGNINO. Who goes there with torches? LOMELLINO (to GIANETTINO). Prince, they are enemies. Turn to the left. BOURGOGNINO (calls to then peremptorily). Who goes there with the torches? ZENTURIONE. Stand! Your watchword? GIANETTINO (draws his sword fiercely). Loyalty and Doria! BOURGOGNINO (foaming with rage). Violator of the republic and of my bride! (To the CONSPIRATORS, rushing upon GIANETTINO.) Brothers, this shortens our labor. His devils themselves deliver him into our hands-- (runs him through with his sword). GIANETTINO (falling). Murder! Murder! Murder! Revenge me, Lomellino---- LOMELLINO and SERVANTS (flying). Help! Murder! Murder! ZENTURIONE (halloing with vehemence). Doria is down. Stop the Count Lomellino! (LOMELLINO is taken). LOMELLINO (kneeling). Spare but my life, I'll join your party. BOURGOGNINO (looking at GIANETTINO). Is this monster yet alive? Let the coward fly. (LOMELLINO escapes.) ZENTURIONE. St. Thomas' gate our own! Gianettino slain! Haste some of you and tell Fiesco. GIANETTINO (heaving himself from the ground in agony). Fiesco! Damnation! (Dies.) BOURGOGNINO (pulling the sword out of GIANETTINO'S body). Freedom to Genoa, and to my Bertha. Your sword, Zenturione. Take to my bride this bloody weapon--her dungeon is thrown open. I'll follow thee, and bring the bridal kiss. (They separate through different streets.) SCENE IV. ANDREAS DORIA, GERMANS.