_Cal_. I've noted most; and caused the other chiefs To use like caution in their companies. As far as I have seen, we are enough 140 To make the enterprise secure, if 'tis Commenced to-morrow; but, till 'tis begun, Each hour is pregnant with a thousand perils. _I. Ber_. Let the Sixteen meet at the wonted hour, Except Soranzo, Nicoletto Blondo, And Marco Giuda, who will keep their watch Within the arsenal, and hold all ready, Expectant of the signal we will fix on. _Cal_. We will not fail. _I. Ber_. Let all the rest be there; I have a stranger to present to them. 150 _Cal_. A stranger! doth he know the secret? _I. Ber_. Yes. _Cal_. And have you dared to peril your friends' lives On a rash confidence in one we know not? _I. Ber_. I have risked no man's life except my own-- Of that be certain: he is one who may Make our assurance doubly sure, according[417] His aid; and if reluctant, he no less Is in our power: he comes alone with me, And cannot 'scape us; but he will not swerve. _Cal_. I cannot judge of this until I know him: 160 Is he one of our order? _I. Ber_. Aye, in spirit, Although a child of Greatness; he is one Who would become a throne, or overthrow one-- One who has done great deeds, and seen great changes; No tyrant, though bred up to tyranny; Valiant in war, and sage in council; noble In nature, although haughty; quick, yet wary: Yet for all this, so full of certain passions, That if once stirred and baffled, as he has been Upon the tenderest points, there is no Fury 170 In Grecian story like to that which wrings His vitals with her burning hands, till he Grows capable of all things for revenge; And add too, that his mind is liberal, He sees and feels the people are oppressed, And shares their sufferings. Take him all in all, We have need of such, and such have need of us. _Cal_. And what part would you have him take with us? _I. Ber_. It may be, that of Chief. _Cal_. What! and resign Your own command as leader?