Abandon our charge we cannot; nor do I see in what
manner, as prudent and watchful guardians, we may in any manner consent
to this risk. Let us hope that they who govern, will yet consult the
honor and happiness of Donna Violetta."
"That were to hope the winged lion would become a lamb, or the dark and
soulless senate a community of self-mortifying and godly Carthusians!
No, reverend monk, we must seize the happy moment, and none is likely
to be more fortunate than this, or trust our hopes to a cold and
calculating policy that disregards all motives but its own object. An
hour--nay, half the time--would suffice to apprise the mariner, and ere
the morning light, we might see the domes of Venice sinking into their
own hated Lagunes."
"These are the plans of confident youth, quickened by passion. Believe
me, son, it is not easy as thou imaginest, to mislead the agents of the
police. This palace could not be quitted, the felucca entered, or any
one of the many necessary steps hazarded, without drawing upon us their
eyes. Hark!--I hear the wash of oars--a gondola is even now at the
water-gate!"
Donna Florinda went hastily to the balcony, and as quickly returned to
report that she had seen an officer of the Republic enter the palace.
There was no time to lose, and Don Camillo was again urged to conceal
himself in the little oratory. This necessary caution had hardly been
observed before the door of the room opened, and the privileged
messenger of the senate announced his own appearance.
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