_Dag_. Calm thee, Bertram, For we suspect thee not, and take good heart. It is the cause, and not our will, which asks Such actions from our hands: we'll wash away 80 All stains in Freedom's fountain! _Enter_ ISRAEL BERTUCCIO, _and the_ DOGE, _disguised_. _Dag_. Welcome, Israel. _Consp_. Most welcome.--Brave Bertuccio, thou art late-- Who is this stranger? _Cal_. It is time to name him. Our comrades are even now prepared to greet him In brotherhood, as I have made it known That thou wouldst add a brother to our cause, Approved by thee, and thus approved by all, Such is our trust in all thine actions. Now Let him unfold himself. _I. Ber_. Stranger, step forth! [_The Doge discovers himself_. _Consp_. To arms!--we are betrayed--it is the Doge! 90 Down with them both! our traitorous captain, and The tyrant he hath sold us to. _Cal_. (_drawing his sword_). Hold! hold! Who moves a step against them dies. Hold! hear Bertuccio--What! are you appalled to see A lone, unguarded, weaponless old man Amongst you?--Israel, speak! what means this mystery? _I. Ber_. Let them advance and strike at their own bosoms, Ungrateful suicides! for on our lives Depend their own, their fortunes, and their hopes. _Doge_. Strike!--If I dreaded death, a death more fearful 100 Than any your rash weapons can inflict, I should not now be here: Oh, noble Courage! The eldest born of Fear, which makes you brave Against this solitary hoary head! See the bold chiefs, who would reform a state And shake down senates, mad with wrath and dread At sight of one patrician! Butcher me! You can, I care not.--Israel, are these men The mighty hearts you spoke of? look upon them! _Cal_. Faith! he hath shamed us, and deservedly, 110 Was this your trust in your true Chief Bertuccio, To turn your swords against him and his guest? Sheathe them, and hear him. _I. Ber_. I disdain to speak. They might and must have known a heart like mine Incapable of treachery; and the power They gave me to adopt all fitting means To further their design was ne'er abused. They might be certain that who e'er was brought By me into this Council had been led To take his choice--as brother, or as victim. 120 _Doge_. And which am I to be? your actions leave Some cause to doubt the freedom of the choice. _I. Ber_. My Lord, we would have perished here together, Had these rash men proceeded; but, behold, They are ashamed of that mad moment's impulse, And droop their heads; believe me, they are such As I described them.--Speak to them.