"None have died wrongfully, and the square is gay as the fragrant vineyards of Engedi. Holy Abraham! what a place is Venice for its pleasures, and how the hearts of old and young revel in their merriment! It is almost sufficient to fix the font in the synagogue, to witness so joyous a dispensation in behalf of the people of these islands! I had not hoped for the honor of an interview to-night, Signore, and I had prayed, before laying my head upon the pillow, when one charged by the council brought to me a jewel, with an order to decipher the arms and other symbols of its owner. 'Tis a ring, with the usual marks which accompany private confidences." "Thou hast the signet?" said the noble, stretching out an arm. "It is here, and a goodly stone it is; a turquoise of price." "Whence came it--and why is it sent to thee?" "It came, Signore, as I gather more through hints and intimations of the messenger than by his words, from a place resembling that which the righteous Daniel escaped in virtue of his godliness and birth." "Thou meanest the Lion's Mouth?" "So say our ancient books, Signore, in reference to the prophet, and so would the council's agent seem to intimate in reference to the ring?" "Here is naught but a crest with the equestrian helmet--comes it of any in Venice?" "The upright Solomon guided the judgment of his servant in a matter of this delicacy! The jewel is of rare beauty, such as few possess but those who have gold in store for other purposes. Do but regard the soft lustre in this light, noble Signore, and remark the pleasing colors that rise by the change of view!" "Ay--'tis well--but who claimeth the bearings?" "It is wonderful to contemplate how great a value may lie concealed in so small a compass! I have known sequins of full weight and heavy amount given for baubles less precious." "Wilt thou never forget thy stall and the wayfarers of the Rialto? I bid thee name him who beareth these symbols as marks of his family and rank." "Noble Signore, I obey. The crest is of the family of Monforte, the last senator of which died some fifteen years since." "And his jewels?" "They have passed with other movables of which the state taketh no account, into the keeping of his kinsman and successor--if it be the senate's pleasure that there shall be a successor to that ancient name--Don Camillo of St. Agata. The wealthy Neapolitan who now urges his rights here in Venice, is the present owner of this precious stone." "Give me the ring; this must be looked to--hast thou more to say?" "Nothing, Signore--unless to petition, if there is to be any condemnation and sale of the jewel, that it may first be offered to an ancient servitor of the Republic, who hath much reason to regret that his age hath been less prosperous than his youth."