_Doge_. No--but I _feel_, and shall do to the last. I cannot quench a glorious life at once, Nor dwindle to the thing I now must be,[dm] And take men's lives by stealth, without some pause: Yet doubt me not; it is this very feeling, And knowing _what_ has wrung me to be thus, 110 Which is your best security. There's not A roused mechanic in your busy plot[dn] So wronged as I, so fall'n, so loudly called To his redress: the very means I am forced By these fell tyrants to adopt is such, That I abhor them doubly for the deeds Which I must do to pay them back for theirs. _I. Ber_. Let us away--hark--the Hour strikes. _Doge_. On--on-- It is our knell, or that of Venice.--On. _I. Ber_. Say rather, 'tis her Freedom's rising peal 120 Of Triumph. This way--we are near the place. [_Exeunt_. SCENE II.--_The House where the Conspirators meet._ DAGOLINO, DORO, BERTRAM, FEDELE TREVISANO, CALENDARO, ANTONIO DELLE BENDE, ETC., ETC. _Cal_. (_entering_). Are all here? _Dag_. All with you; except the three On duty, and our leader Israel, Who is expected momently. _Cal_. Where's Bertram? _Ber_. Here! _Cal_. Have you not been able to complete The number wanting in your company? _Ber_. I had marked out some: but I have not dared To trust them with the secret, till assured That they were worthy faith. _Cal_. There is no need Of trusting to their faith; _who_, save ourselves And our more chosen comrades, is aware 10 Fully of our intent? they think themselves Engaged in secret to the Signory,[421] To punish some more dissolute young nobles Who have defied the law in their excesses; But once drawn up, and their new swords well fleshed In the rank hearts of the more odious Senators, They will not hesitate to follow up Their blow upon the others, when they see The example of their chiefs, and I for one Will set them such, that they for very shame 20 And safety will not pause till all have perished. _Ber_. How say you? _all!_ _Cal_. Whom wouldst thou spare? _Ber_. _I spare?_ I have no power to spare. I only questioned, Thinking that even amongst these wicked men There might be some, whose age and qualities Might mark them out for pity.