_I. Ber_. We're enough already; You are the sole ally we covet now. _Doge_. But bring me to the knowledge of your chiefs. _I. Ber_. That shall be done upon your formal pledge To keep the faith that we will pledge to you. _Doge_. When? where? _I. Ber_. This night I'll bring to your apartment 550 Two of the principals: a greater number Were hazardous. _Doge_. Stay, I must think of this.-- What if I were to trust myself amongst you, And leave the palace? _I. Ber_. You must come alone. _Doge_. With but my nephew. _I. Ber_. Not were he your son! _Doge_. Wretch! darest thou name my son? He died in arms At Sapienza[398] for this faithless state. Oh! that he were alive, and I in ashes! Or that he were alive ere I be ashes! I should not need the dubious aid of strangers. 560 _I. Ber_. Not one of all those strangers whom thou doubtest, But will regard thee with a filial feeling, So that thou keep'st a father's faith with them. _Doge_. The die is cast. Where is the place of meeting? _I. Ber_. At midnight I will be alone and masked Where'er your Highness pleases to direct me, To wait your coming, and conduct you where You shall receive our homage, and pronounce Upon our project. _Doge_. At what hour arises The moon? _I. Ber_. Late, but the atmosphere is thick and dusky, 570 'Tis a sirocco. _Doge_. At the midnight hour, then, Near to the church where sleep my sires;[399] the same, Twin-named from the apostles John and Paul; A gondola,[400] with one oar only, will Lurk in the narrow channel which glides by. Be there. _I. Ber_. I will not fail. _Doge_. And now retire---- _I. Ber_. In the full hope your Highness will not falter In your great purpose. Prince, I take my leave. [_Exit_ Isreal Bertuccio.