LOMELLINO (shrugging up his shoulders). The times are past, my lord, when armies fought under the guidance of celestial leaders. Since gunpowder was invented angels have ceased to fight. ANDREAS. Wretch that thou art! Wouldst thou bereave an aged head of its support, its God. (In an earnest and commanding tone.) Go! Make it known throughout Genoa that Andreas Doria is still alive. Say that Andreas entreats the citizens, his children, not to drive him, in his old age, to dwell with foreigners, who ne'er would pardon the exalted state to which he raised his country. Say this--and further say, Andreas begs but so much ground within his fatherland as may contain his bones. LOMELLINO. I obey; but I despair of success. (Going.) ANDREAS. Stay; take with thee this snowy lock, and say it was the last upon my head. Say that I plucked it on that night when ungrateful Genoa tore itself from my heart. For fourscore years it hung upon my temples, and now has left my bald head, chilled with the winter of age. The lock is weak, but 'twill suffice to fasten the purple on that young usurper. [Exit--LOMELLINO hastens into another street--Shouts are heard, with trumpets and drums. SCENE XV. VERRINA (coming from the harbor), BERTHA, and BOURGOGNINO. VERRINA. What mean these shouts? BOURGOGNINO. They proclaim Fiesco duke. BERTHA (to BOURGOGNINO, timidly). Scipio! My father's looks are dreadful---- VERRINA. Leave me, my children. O Genoa! Genoa! BOURGOGNINO. The populace adore him, and with transports hailed him as their duke. The nobles looked on with horror, but dared not oppose it. VERRINA. My son, I have converted all my possessions into gold, and conveyed it on board thy vessel. Take thy wife with thee, and set sail immediately. Perhaps I soon shall follow. Perhaps--never more. Hasten to Marseilles, and--(embracing them mournfully and with energy)--may the Almighty guide you. [Exit hastily. BERTHA. I beseech thee, say, on what dreadful project does my father brood? BOURGOGNINO. Didst thou understand thy father? BERTHA. He bade us fly. Merciful Heaven! Fly on our bridal day! BOURGOGNINO. He spoke it, and we must obey. [Exeunt towards the harbor. SCENE XVI. VERRINA, and FIESCO (in the ducal habit), meeting. FIESCO. Welcome, Verrina! I was anxious to meet thee. VERRINA. I also sought Fiesco. FIESCO. Does Verrina perceive no alteration in his friend? VERRINA (with reserve). I wish for none. FIESCO. But do you see none? VERRINA (without looking at him). I should hope not! FIESCO. I ask, do you perceive none? VERRINA (after a slight glance). None! FIESCO. See, then, how idle is the observation that power makes a tyrant. Since we parted I am become the Duke of Genoa, and yet Verrina (pressing him to his bosom) finds my embrace still glowing as before.