The bravo of venice

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EditedbyHenryMorley,TranslatedbyM.G.Lewis

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Title:TheBravoofVenice
ARomance

Author:HeinrichZschokke
Editor:HenryMorley
ReleaseDate:September27,2014[eBook#2706]
[ThisfilewasfirstpostedonJune30,2000]
Language:English
Charactersetencoding:ISO-646-US(US-ASCII)

***STARTOFTHEPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTHEBRAVOOFVENICE***

Transcribedfromthe1886Cassell&CompanyeditionbyDavidPrice,email

CASSELL’SNATIONALLIBRARY.



THE

BRAVOOFVENICE
AROMANCE.

TRANSLATEDFROMTHEGERMAN
BY

M.G.LEWIS.
Decorativegraphic
CASSELL&COMPANY,LIMITED:
LONDON,PARIS,NEWYORK&MELBOURNE.
1886.


INTRODUCTION.
MATTHEWGREGORYLEWIS,whoprofessedtohavetranslatedthisromanceoutof
theGerman,verymuch,Ibelieve,asHoraceWalpoleprofessedtohavetaken
TheCastleofOtrantofromanoldItalianmanuscript,wasbornin1775ofa
wealthyfamily.HisfatherhadanestateinIndiaandapostinaGovernment
office.HismotherwasdaughtertoSirThomasSewell,MasteroftheRollsin
thereignofGeorgeIII.Shewasayoungmother;hersonMatthewwasdevoted
toherfromthefirst.Asachildhecalledher“Fanny,”andasamanheldfirmly
byherwhenshewasdesertedbyherhusband.FromWestminsterSchool,M.G.
LewispassedtoChristChurch,Oxford.Alreadyhewasbusyovertalesand
plays,andwroteatcollegeafarce,neveracted,acomedy,writtenattheageof
sixteen,TheEastIndian,afterwardsplayedforMrs.Jordan’sbenefitand
repeatedwithgreatsuccess,andalsoanovel,neverpublished,calledThe
EffusionsofSensibility,whichwasaburlesqueuponthesentimentalschool.He
wrotealsowhathecalled“aromanceinthestyleofTheCastleofOtranto,”
whichappearedafterwardsastheplayofTheCastleSpectre.
Withhismindthusinterestedinliteratureoftheromanticform,youngLewis,

agedseventeen,afterasummerinParis,wenttoGermany,settledforatimeat
Weimar,and,ashetoldhismother,knockedhisbrainsagainstGermanashard
aseverhecould.“Ihavebeenintroduced,”hewrote,inJuly,1792,“toM.de
Goethe,thecelebratedauthorofWerter,soyoumustnotbesurprisedifIshould
shootmyselfoneofthesefinemornings.”Inthespringof1793theyouth
returnedtoEngland,veryfullofGermanromantictaleandsong,andwithmore
papercoveredwithwildfanciesofhisown.AfterthenextChristmashe
returnedtoOxford.TherewasavisittoLordDouglasatBothwellCastle;there
wasnotmuchacademicworkdoneatOxford.Hisfather’sdesirewastotrain
himforthediplomaticservice,andinthesummerof1794hewenttotheHague
asattachétotheBritishEmbassy.HehadbeguntowritehisnovelofTheMonk,
hadflagged,butwasspurredonattheHaguebyareadingofMrs.Radcliffe’s
MysteriesofUdolpho,abookafterhisownheart,andhewrotetohismotherat
thistime,“YouseeIamhorriblybitbytherageofwriting.”


TheMonkwaswrittenintenweeks,andpublishedinthesummerof1795,
beforeitsauthor’sagewastwenty.Itwaspraised,attacked,saidbyonereview
tohaveneitheroriginality,morals,norprobabilitytorecommendit,yettohave
excitedandtobecontinuingtoexcitethecuriosityofthepublic:aresultset
downtothe“irresistibleenergyofgenius.”Certainly,Lewisdidnottrouble
himselftokeepprobabilityinview;heamusedhimselfwithwildplayofafancy
thatdelightedinthewonderful.ThecontroversyoverTheMonkcausedthe
youngauthortobeknownasMonkLewis,andthewordMonkhastothisday
takentheplaceofthewordsMatthewGregorysogenerally,thatmany
catalogue-makersmustinnocentlysupposehimtohavebeensonamedatthe
font.TheauthorofTheMonkcamebackfromtheHaguetobereceivedasa
younglioninLondonsociety.WhenhecameofageheenteredParliamentfor
Hindon,inWiltshire,butseldomwenttotheHouse,neverspokeinit,and
retiredafterafewsessions.Hisdelightwasintheuseofthepen;hisfather,

althoughdisappointedbyhisfailureasastatesman,allowedhimathousanda
year,andhetookacottageatBarnes,thathemightthereescapefromtheworld
tohisink-bottle.HewasafrequentvisitoratInveraryCastle,andwas
fascinatedbyhishost’sdaughter,LadyCharlotteCampbell.Stillhewroteon.
ThemusicaldramaofTheCastleSpectrewasproducedintheyearafterThe
Monk,anditransixtynights.HetranslatednextSchiller’sKabaleundLiebeas
TheMinister,butitwasnotactedtillitappeared,withlittlesuccess,someyears
afterwardsatCoventGardenasTheHarper’sDaughter.Hetranslatedfrom
Kotzebue,underthenameofRolla,thedramasupersededbySheridan’sversion
ofthesameworkasPizarro.Thencametheacting,in1799,ofhiscomedy
writteninboyhood,TheEastIndian.Thencame,inthesameyear,hisfirst
opera,AdelmorntheOutlaw;thenatragedy,Alfonso,KingofCastile.Ofthe
originofthistragedyLewisgaveacharacteristicaccount.“Hearingoneday,”he
said,“myintroductionofnegroesintoafeudalbaron’scastle”(inTheCastle
Spectre)“exclaimedagainstwithasmuchvehemenceasifadramatic
anachronismhadbeenanoffenceundeservingofbenefitofclergy,Isaidina
momentofpetulance,thattoproveofhowlittleconsequenceIesteemedsuch
errors,IwouldmakeaplayupontheGunpowderPlot,andmakeGuyFauxin
lovewiththeEmperorCharlemagne’sdaughter.Bysomechanceorother,this
ideafasteneditselfuponme,andbydintofturningitinmymind,Iatlength
formedtheplotofAlfonso.”
TothattimeinLewis’slifebelongsthisbook,TheBravoofVenice;whichwas
publishedin1804,whenthewriter’sagewastwenty-nine.Itwaswrittenat
InveraryCastle,dedicatedtotheEarlofMoira,andreceivedasoneofthemost


perfectlittleromancesofitskind,“highlycharacteristicoftheexquisite
contrivance,boldcolouring,andprofoundmysteryoftheGermanschool.”In
1805Lewisrecastitintoamelodrama,whichhecalledRugantino.
H.M.

BooktheFirst.
CHAPTERI.
VENICE.

ITwasevening.Multitudesoflightclouds,partiallyilluminedbythe
moonbeams,overspreadthehorizon,andthroughthemfloatedthefullmoonin
tranquilmajesty,whilehersplendourwasreflectedbyeverywaveofthe
AdriaticSea.Allwashushedaround;gentlywasthewaterrippledbythenight
wind;gentlydidthenightwindsighthroughtheColonnadesofVenice.
Itwasmidnight;andstillsatastranger,solitaryandsad,ontheborderofthe
greatcanal.Nowwithaglancehemeasuredthebattlementsandproudtowers
ofthecity;andnowhefixedhismelancholyeyesuponthewaterswithavacant
stare.Atlengthhespoke—
“WretchthatIam,whithershallIgo?HeresitIinVenice,andwhatwouldit
availtowanderfurther?Whatwillbecomeofme?Allnowslumber,save
myself!theDogerestsonhiscouchofdown;thebeggar’sheadpresseshisstraw
pillow;butformethereisnobedexceptthecold,dampearth!Thereisno
gondoliersowretchedbutheknowswheretofindworkbydayandshelterby
night—whileI—whileI—Oh!dreadfulisthedestinyofwhichIammadethe
sport!”
Hebegantoexamineforthetwentiethtimethepocketsofhistatteredgarments.
“No!notonepaolo,byheavens!—andIhungeralmosttodeath.”
Heunsheathedhissword;hewaveditinthemoonshine,andsighed,ashe
markedtheglitteringofthesteel.
“No,no,myoldtruecompanion,thouandImustneverpart.Minethoushalt
remain,thoughIstarveforit.Oh,wasnotthatagoldentimewhenValeriagave
theetome,andwhenshethrewthebeltovermyshoulder,Ikissedtheeand
Valeria?Shehasdesertedusforanotherworld,butthouandIwillneverpartin

this.”
Hewipedawayadropwhichhunguponhiseyelid.
“Pshaw!’twasnotatear;thenightwindissharpandbitter,andmakestheeyes
water;butasfortears—Absurd!myweepingdaysareover.”
Andashespoke,theunfortunate(forsuchbyhisdiscourseandsituationhe
appearedtobe)dashedhisforeheadagainsttheearth,andhislipswerealready
unclosedtocursethehourwhichgavehimbeing,whenheseemedsuddenlyto
recollecthimself.Herestedhisheadonhiselbow,andsangmournfullythe
burthenofasongwhichhadoftendelightedhischildhoodinthecastleofhis
ancestors.
“Right,”hesaidtohimself;“wereItosinkundertheweightofmydestiny,I
shouldbemyselfnolonger.”
Atthatmomentheheardarustlingatnogreatdistance.Helookedaround,and
inanadjacentstreet,whichthemoonfaintlyenlightened,heperceivedatall
figure,wrappedinacloak,pacingslowlybackwardsandforwards.
“’TisthehandofGodwhichhathguidedhimhither—yes—I’ll—I’llbeg—
bettertoplaythebeggarinVenicethanthevillaininNaples;forthebeggar’s
heartmaybeatnobly,thoughcoveredwithrags.”
Hethensprangfromtheground,andhastenedtowardstheadjoiningstreet.Just
asheentereditatoneend,heperceivedanotherpersonadvancingthroughthe
other,ofwhoseapproachthefirstwasnosoonerawarethanhehastilyretired
intotheshadowofapiazza,anxioustoconcealhimself.
“Whatcanthismean?”thoughtourmendicant.“Isyoneavesdropperoneof
death’sunlicensedministers?Hashereceivedtheretainingfeeofsome
impatientheir,whopantstopossessthewealthoftheunluckyknavewhocomes
strollingalongyonder,socarelessandunconscious?Benotsoconfident,honest
friend!I’matyourelbow.”
Heretiredfurtherintotheshade,andsilentlyandslowlydrewnearthelurker,

whostirrednotfromhisplace.Thestrangerhadalreadypassedthemby,when
theconcealedvillainsprangsuddenlyuponhim,raisedhisrighthandinwhicha
poniardwasgleaming,andbeforehecouldgivetheblow,wasfelledtotheearth
bythearmofthemendicant.


Thestrangerturnedhastilytowardsthem;thebravostartedupandfled;the
beggarsmiled.
“Hownow?”criedthestranger;“whatdoesallthismean?”
“Oh,’tisamerejest,signor,whichhasonlypreservedyourlife.”
“What?mylife?Howso?”
“Thehonestgentlemanwhohasjusttakentohisheelsstolebehindyouwithtrue
cat-likecaution,andhadalreadyraisedhisdagger,whenIsawhim.Youowe
yourlifetome,andtheserviceisrichlyworthonelittlepieceofmoney!Give
mesomealms,signor,foronmysoulIamhungry,thirsty,cold.”
“Hence,scurvycompanion!Iknowyouandyourtrickstoowell.Thisisalla
concertedschemebetweenyou,adesignuponmypurse,anattempttoprocure
bothmoneyandthanks,andunderthelamepretenceofhavingsavedmefrom
anassassin.Go,fellow,go!practisethesedaintydevicesontheDoge’scredulity
ifyouwill;butwithBuonarottiyoustandnochance,believeme.”
Thewretchedstarvingbeggarstoodlikeonepetrified,andgazedonthetaunting
stranger.
“No,asIhaveasoultosave,signor,’tisnolieItellyou!—’tistheplaintruth;
havecompassion,orIdiethisnightofhunger.”
“Begonethisinstant,Isay,orbyHeaven—”
Theunfeelingmanheredrewoutaconcealedpistol,andpointeditathis
preserver.
“MercifulHeaven!andisitthusthatservicesareacknowledgedinVenice?”
“Thewatchisatnogreatdistance,Ineedonlyraisemyvoiceand—”
“Hellandconfusion!doyoutakemeforarobber,then?”

“Makenonoise,Itellyou.Bequiet—youhadbetter.”
“Harkyou,signor.Buonarottiisyourname,Ithink?Iwillwriteitdownas
belongingtothesecondscoundrelwithwhomIhavemetinVenice.”
Hepausedforamoment,thencontinuinginadreadfulvoice,“Andwhen,”said
he,“thou,Buonarotti,shalthereafterhearthenameofAbellino—tremble!”


Abellinoturnedaway,andleftthehard-heartedVenetian.

CHAPTERII.
THEBANDITTI.

ANDnowrushedtheunfortunatewildlythroughthestreetsofVenice.Herailed
atfortune;helaughedandcursedbyturns;yetsometimeshesuddenlystood
still,seemedasponderingonsomegreatandwondrousenterprise,andthen
againrushedonwards,asifhasteningtoitsexecution.
ProppedagainstacolumnoftheSignoria,hecountedoverthewholesumofhis
misfortunes.Hiswanderingeyeballsappearedtoseekcomfort,buttheyfoundit
not.
“Fate,”heatlengthexclaimedinaparoxysmofdespair,“Fatehascondemned
metobeeitherthewildestofadventurers,oroneattherelationofwhosecrimes
theworldmustshudder.Toastonishismydestiny.Rosalvocanknowno
medium;Rosalvocanneveractlikecommonmen.Isitnotthehandoffate
whichhasledmehither?Whocouldeverhavedreamtthatthesonoftherichest
lordinNaplesshouldhavedependedforabeggar’salmsonVenetiancharity?I
—I,whofeelmyselfpossessedofstrengthofbodyandenergyofsoulfitfor
executingthemostdaringdeeds,beholdmecreepinginragsthroughthestreets
ofthisinhospitablecity,andtorturingmywitsinvaintodiscoversomemeans
bywhichImayrescuelifefromthejawsoffamine!Thosemenwhommy
munificencenourished,whoatmytablebathedtheirworthlesssoulsinthe

choicestwinesofCyprus,andgluttedthemselveswitheverydelicacywhichthe
globe’sfourquarterscouldsupply,theseverymennowdenytomynecessity
evenamiserablecrustofmouldybread.Oh,thatisdreadful,cruel—cruelof
men—cruelofHeaven!”
Hepaused,foldedhisarms,andsighed.
“YetwillIbearit—Iwillsubmittomydestiny.Iwilltraverseeverypathandgo
througheverydegreeofhumanwretchedness;andwhate’ermaybemyfate,I
willstillbemyself;andwhate’ermaybemyfate,Iwillstillactgreatly!Away,
then,withtheCountRosalvo,whomallNaplesidolised;now—now,Iamthe
beggarAbellino.Abeggar—thatnamestandslastinthescaleofworldlyrank,
butfirstinthelistofthefamishing,theoutcast,andtheunworthy.”
Somethingrustlednearhim.Abellinogazedaround.Hewasawareofthe


bravo,whomhestrucktothegroundthatnight,andwhomtwocompanionsofa
similarstamphadnowjoined.Astheyadvanced,theycastinquiringglances
aroundthem.Theywereinsearchofsomeone.
“Itisofmethattheyareinsearch,”saidAbellino;thenadvancedafewsteps,
andwhistled.
Theruffiansstoodstill;theywhisperedtogether,andseemedtobeundecided.
Abellinowhistledasecondtime.
“’Tishe,”hecouldhearoneofthemsaydistinctly,andinamomentafterthey
advancedslowlytowardshim.
Abellinokepthisplace,butunsheathedhissword.Thethreeunknown(they
weremasked)stoppedafewpacesfromhim.
“Hownow,fellow!”quothoneofthem;“whatisthematter?Whystandyouon
yourguard?”
Abellino.—Itisaswellthatyoushouldbemadetokeepyourdistance,forI
knowyou;youarecertainhonestgentlemen,wholivebytakingawaythelives
ofothers.

TheFirstRuffian.—Wasnotyourwhistlingaddressedtous?
Abellino.—Itwas.
ARuffian.—Andwhatwouldyouwithus?
Abellino.—Hearme!Iamamiserablewretch,andstarving;givemeanalmsout
ofyourbooty!
ARuffian.—Analms?Ha!ha!ha!Bymysoulthatiswhimsical!—Almsfrom
us,indeed!—Oh,byallmeans!Nodoubt,youshallhavealmsinplenty.
Abellino.—Orelsegivemefiftysequins,andI’llbindmyselftoyourservicetill
Ishallhaveworkedoutmydebt.
ARuffian.—Aye?andpray,then,whomayyoube?
Abellino.—Astarvingwretch,theRepublicholdsnonemoremiserable.Such
amIatpresent;buthereafter—Ihavepowers,knaves.Thisarmcouldpiercea
heart,thoughguardedbythreebreastplates;thiseye,thoughsurroundedby


Egyptiandarkness,couldstillseetostabsure.
ARuffian.—Why,then,didyoustrikemedown,evennow?
Abellino.—Inthehopeofbeingpaidforit;butthoughIsavedhislife,the
scoundrelgavemenotasingleducat.
ARuffian.—No?Somuchthebetter.Butharkye,comrade,areyousincere?
Abellino.—Despairneverlies.
ARuffian.—Slave,shouldstthoubeatraitor—
Abellino.—Myheartwouldbewithinreachofyourhands,andyourdaggers
wouldbeassharpasnow.
Thethreedangerouscompanionsagainwhisperedamongthemselvesforafew
moments,afterwhichtheyreturnedtheirdaggersintothesheath.
“Comeon,then,”saidoneofthem,“followustoourhome.Itwereunwiseto
talkovercertainmattersintheopenstreets.”
“Ifollowyou,”wasAbellino’sanswer,“buttrembleshouldanyoneofyoudare
totreatmeasafoe.Comrade,forgivemethatIgaveyourribssomewhattoo

hardasqueezejustnow;Iwillbeyourswornbrotherinrecompense.”
“Weareonhonour,”criedthebandittiwithonevoice;“noharmshallhappento
you.Hewhodoesyouaninjuryshallbetousasafoe.Afellowofyour
humoursuitsuswell;followus,andfearnot.”
Andontheywent,Abellinomarchingbetweentwoofthem.Frequentwerethe
looksofsuspicionwhichhecastaroundhim;butnoilldesignwasperceptiblein
thebanditti.Theyguidedhimonwards,tilltheyreachedacanal,looseneda
gondola,placedthemselvesinit,androwedtilltheyhadgainedthemostremote
quarterofVenice.Theylanded,threadedseveralby-streets,andatlength
knockedatthedoorofahouseofinvitingappearance.Itwasopenedbyayoung
woman,whoconductedthemintoaplainbutcomfortablechamber.Manywere
thelooksofsurpriseandinquirywhichshecastonthebewildered,half-pleased,
half-anxiousAbellino,whoknewnotwhitherhehadbeenconveyed,andstill
thoughtitunsafetoconfideentirelyinthepromisesofthebanditti.

CHAPTERIII.
THETRIALOFSTRENGTH.


SCARCELYwerethebravoesseated,whenCinthia(forthatwastheyoung
woman’sname)wasagainsummonedtothedoor;andthecompanywasnow
increasedbytwonew-comers,whoexaminedtheirunknownguestfromheadto
foot.
“Now,then,”criedoneofthese,whohadconductedAbellinotothisrespectable
society,“letusseewhatyouarelike.”
Ashesaidthisheraisedaburninglampfromthetable,andthelightofitsflame
wasthrownfulluponAbellino’scountenance.
“Lord,forgivememysins!”screamedCinthia;“outuponhim!whatanugly
hounditis!”
Sheturnedhastilyround,andhidherfacewithherhands.Dreadfulwasthelook

withwhichAbellinorepaidhercompliment.
“Knave,”saidoneofthebanditti,“Nature’sownhandhasmarkedyououtforan
assassin—come,pritheebefrank,andtellushowthouhastcontrivedsolongto
escapethegibbet?Inwhatgaoldidstthouleavethylastfetters?Orfromwhat
galleyhastthoutakenthydeparture,withoutstayingtosayadieu?”
Abellino,foldinghisarms—“IfIbesuchasyoudescribe,”saidhe,withanairof
authority,andinavoicewhichmadehishearerstremble,“’tisformeallthe
better.Whate’ermaybemyfuturemodeoflife,Heavencanhavenorightto
findfaultwithit,sinceitwasforthatitformedandfittedme.”
Thefivebravoessteppedaside,andconsultedtogether.Thesubjectoftheir
conferenceiseasytobedivined.InthemeanwhileAbellinoremainedquietand
indifferenttowhatwaspassing.
Afterafewminutestheyagainapproachedhim.One,whosecountenancewas
themostferocious,andwhoseformexhibitedthegreatestmarksofmuscular
strength,advancedafewpacesbeforetherest,andaddressedAbellinoas
follows:—
“Hearme,comrade.InVenicethereexistbutfivebanditti;youseethembefore
you;wiltthoubethesixth?Doubtnotthouwiltfindsufficientemployment.
MynameisMatteo,andIamthefatheroftheband:thatsturdyfellowwiththe
redlocksiscalledBaluzzo;he,whoseeyestwinklelikeacat’s,isThomaso,an
arch-knave,Ipromiseyou;’twasPietrinowhosebonesyouhandledsoroughly
to-night;andyonthick-lippedColossus,whostandsnexttoCinthia,isnamed


Stuzza.Now,then,youknowusall—andsinceyouareapennilessdevil,weare
willingtoincorporateyouinoursociety;butwemustfirstbeassuredthatyou
meanhonestlybyus.”
Abellinosmiled,orrathergrinned,andmurmuredhoarsely—“Iamstarving.”
“Answer,fellow!Dostthoumeanhonestlybyus?”
“Thatmusttheeventdecide.”

“Markme,knave;thefirstsuspicionoftreacherycostsyouyourlife.Take
shelterintheDoge’spalace,andgirdleyourselfroundwithallthepowerofthe
Republic—thoughclaspedintheDoge’sarms,andprotectedbyahundred
cannons,stillwouldwemurderyou!Flytothehighaltar;pressthecrucifixto
yourbosom,andevenatmid-day,stillwouldwemurderyou.Thinkonthis
well,fellow,andforgetnotwearebanditti!”
“Youneednottellmethat.Butgivemesomefood,andthenI’llpratewithyou
aslongasyouplease.AtpresentIamstarving.Four-and-twentyhourshave
elapsedsinceIlasttastednourishment.”
Cinthianowcoveredasmalltablewithherbestprovisions,andfilledseveral
silvergobletswithdeliciouswine.
“Ifonecouldbutlookathimwithoutdisgust,”murmuredCinthia;“ifhehadbut
theappearanceofsomethinghuman!Satanmustcertainlyhaveappearedtohis
mother,andthencecameherchildintotheworldwithsuchafrightful
countenance.Ugh!it’sanabsolutemask,onlythatIneversawamaskso
hideous.”
Abellinoheededhernot;heplacedhimselfatthetable,andateanddrankasif
hewouldhavesatisfiedhimselfforthenextsixmonths.Thebandittieyedhim
withlooksofsatisfaction,andcongratulatedeachotheronsuchavaluable
acquisition.
IfthereaderiscurioustoknowwhatthissameAbellinowaslike,hemust
picturetohimselfayoung,stoutfellow,whoselimbsperhapsmighthavebeen
thoughtnotill-formed,hadnotthemosthorriblecountenancethateverwas
inventedbyacaricaturist,orthatMiltoncouldhaveadaptedtotheugliestofhis
fallenangels,entirelymarredtheadvantagesofhisperson.Blackandshining,
butlongandstraight,hishairflewwildlyabouthisbrownneckandyellowface.
Hismouthsowide,thathisgumsanddiscolouredteethwerevisible,andakind


ofconvulsivetwist,whichscarcelyeverwasatrest,hadformeditsexpression

intoaninternalgrin.Hiseye,forhehadbutone,wassunkdeepintohishead,
andlittlemorethanthewhiteofitwasvisible,andeventhatlittlewas
overshadowedbytheprotrusionofhisdarkandbushyeyebrow.Intheunionof
hisfeatureswerefoundcollectedinonehideousassemblageallthemostcoarse
anduncouthtraitswhichhadeverbeenexhibitedsinglyinwoodencuts,andthe
observerwasleftindoubtwhetherthisrepulsivephysiognomyexpressed
stupidityofintellect,ormaliciousnessofheart,orwhetheritimpliedthemboth
together.
“Now,then,Iamsatisfied,”roaredAbellino,anddashedthestillfullgobletupon
theground.“Speak!whatwouldyouknowofme?Iamreadytogiveyou
answers.”
“Thefirstthing,”repliedMatteo,“thefirstthingnecessaryistogiveusaproof
ofyourstrength,forthisisofmaterialimportanceinourundertakings.Areyou
goodatwrestling?”
“Iknownot;tryme.”
Cinthiaremovedthetable.
“Now,then,Abellino,whichofuswillyouundertake?Whomamongusdost
thouthinkthatthoucanstknockdownaseasilyasyonpoordabblerintheart,
Pietrino?”
Thebandittiburstintoaloudfitoflaughter.
“Now,then,”criedAbellino,fiercely;“now,then,forthetrial.Whycomeyou
noton?”
“Fellow,”repliedMatteo,“takemyadvice;tryfirstwhatyoucandowithme
alone,andlearnwhatsortofmenyouhavetomanage.Thinkyou,weare
marrowlessboys,ordelicatesignors?”
Abellinoansweredhimbyascornfullaugh.Matteobecamefurious.His
companionsshoutedaloud,andclappedtheirhands.
“Tobusiness!”saidAbellino;“I’mnowinarighthumourforsport!Lookto
yourselves,mylads.”Andinthesameinstanthecollectedhisforcestogether,
threwthegiganticMatteooverhisheadashadhebeenaninfant,knocked

Struzzadownontherighthand,andPietrinoontheleft,tumbledThomasotothe


endoftheroomheadoverheels,andstretchedBaluzzowithoutanimationupon
theneighbouringbenches.
Threeminuteselapsederethesubduedbravoescouldrecoverthemselves.
LoudlyshoutedAbellino,whiletheastonishedCinthiagazedandtrembledatthe
terribleexhibition.
“BythebloodofSt.Januarius!”criedMatteoatlength,rubbinghisbattered
joints,“thefellowisourmaster!Cinthia,takecaretogivehimourbest
chamber.”
“Hemusthavemadeacompactwiththedevil!”grumbledThomaso,andforced
hisdislocatedwristbackintoitssocket.
Nooneseemedinclinedtohazardasecondtrialofstrength.Thenightwasfar
advanced,orratherthegreymorningalreadywasvisibleoverthesea.The
bandittiseparated,andeachretiredtohischamber.

CHAPTERIV.
THEDAGGERS.

ABELLINO,thisItalianHercules,allterribleasheappearedtobe,wasnotlonga
memberofthissocietybeforehiscompanionsfelttowardshimsentimentsofthe
mostunboundedesteem.Allloved,allvaluedhim,forhisextraordinarytalents
forabravo’strade,towhichheseemedpeculiarlyadapted,notonlybyhis
wonderfulstrengthofbody,butbythereadinessofhiswit,andhisnever-failing
presenceofmind.EvenCinthiawasinclinedtofeelsomelittleaffectionfor
him,but—hereallywastoougly.
Matteo,asAbellinowassoongiventounderstand,wasthecaptainofthis
dangeroustroop.Hewasonewhocarriedvillainytothehighestpitchof
refinement,incapableoffear,quickandcrafty,andtroubledwithlessconscience

thanaFrenchfinancier.Thebootyandpriceofblood,whichhisassociates
broughtindaily,werealwaysdelivereduptohim:hegaveeachmanhisshare,
andretainednolargerportionforhimselfthanwasallottedtotheothers.The
catalogueofthosewhomhehaddespatchedintotheotherworldwasalreadytoo
longforhimtohaverepeatedit:manynameshadslippedhismemory,buthis
greatestpleasureinhishourofrelaxationwastorelatesuchofthesemurderous
anecdotesashestillremembered,inthebenevolentintentionofinspiringhis
hearerswithadesiretofollowhisexample.Hisweaponswerekeptseparate


fromtherest,andoccupiedawholeapartment.Hereweretobefounddaggers
ofathousanddifferentfashions,withguardsandwithoutthem;two,three,and
four-edged.Herewerestoredair-guns,pistols,andblunderbusses;poisonsof
variouskindsandoperatinginvariousways;garmentsfitforeverypossible
disguise,whethertopersonatethemonk,theJew,orthemendicant;thesoldier,
thesailor,orthegondolier.
OnedayhesummonedAbellinotoattendhiminhisarmoury.
“Markme,”saidhe,“thouwiltturnoutabravefellow,thatIcanseealready.It
isnowtimethatyoushouldearnthatbreadforyourselfwhichhithertoyouhave
owedtoourbounty.Look!Herethouhastadaggerofthefineststeel;youmust
chargeforitsusebytheinch.Ifyouplungeitonlyoneinchdeepintothebosom
ofhisfoe,youremployermustrewardyouwithonlyonesequin:iftwoinches,
withtensequins;ifthree,withtwenty;ifthewholedagger,youmaythenname
yourownprice.Hereisnextaglassponiard;whomsoeverthispierces,that
man’sdeathiscertain.Assoonastheblowisgiven,youmustbreakthedagger
inthewound.Thefleshwillcloseoverthepointwhichhasbeenbrokenoff,and
whichwillkeepitsquarterstillthedayofresurrection!Lastly,observethis
metallicdagger;itscavityconcealsasubtlepoison,which,wheneveryoutouch
thisspring,willimmediatelyinfusedeathintotheveinsofhimwhomthe
weapon’spointhathwounded.Takethesedaggers.IngivingthemIpresentyou

withacapitalcapableofbringinghometoyoumostheavyandmostprecious
interest.”
Abellinoreceivedtheinstrumentsofdeath,buthishandshookasitgrasped
them.
“Possessedofsuchunfailingweapons,ofwhatimmensesumsmustyour
robberieshavemadeyoumaster!”
“Scoundrel!”interruptedMatteo,frowningandoffended,“amongstusrobberyis
unknown.What?Dosttakeusforcommonplunderers,formerethieves,cutpurses,housebreakers,andvillainsofthatlow,miserablestamp?”
“Perhapswhatyouwishmetotakeyouforissomethingworse;for,tospeak
openly,Matteo,villainsofthatstamparecontentedwithinplunderingapurseor
acasket,whichcaneasilybefilledagain;butthatwhichwetakefromothersisa
jewelwhichamanneverhasbutonce,andwhichstolencanneverbereplaced.
Arewenot,then,athousandtimesmoreatrociousplunderers?”


“BythehouseatLoretto,Ithinkyouhaveamindtomoralise,Abellino?”
“Harkye,Matteo,onlyonequestion.AttheDayofJudgment,whichthinkyou
willholdhisheadhighest,thethiefortheassassin?”
“Ha!ha!ha!”
“ThinknotthatAbellinospeaksthusfromwantofresolution.Speakbutthe
word,andImurderhalfthesenatorsofVenice;butstill—”
“Fool!know,thebravomustbeabovecreditingthenurse’santiquatedtalesof
viceandvirtue.Whatisvirtue?Whatisvice?Nothingbutsuchthingsasforms
ofgovernment,custom,manners,andeducationhavemadesacred:andthat
whichmenareabletomakehonourableatonetime,itisintheirpowertomake
dishonourableatanother,wheneverthehumourtakesthem;hadnotthesenate
forbiddenustogiveopinionsfreelyrespectingthepoliticsofVenice,there
wouldhavebeennothingwrongingivingsuchopinions;andwerethesenateto
declarethatitisrighttogivesuchopinions,thatwhichto-dayisthoughtacrime
wouldbethoughtmeritoriousto-morrow.Then,prithee,letushavenomoreof

suchdoubtsasthese.Wearemen,asmuchastheDogeandhissenators,and
havereasonsasmuchastheyhavetolaydownthelawofrightandwrong,and
toalterthelawofrightandwrong,andtodecreewhatshallbevice,andwhat
shallbevirtue.”
Abellinolaughed.Matteoproceededwithincreasedanimation—
“Perhapsyouwilltellmethatyourtradeisdishonourable!Andwhat,then,is
thethingcalledhonour!’Tisaword,anemptysound,amerefantasticcreature
oftheimagination!Ask,asyoutraversesomefrequentedstreet,inwhathonour
consists?Theusurerwillanswer—’Tobehonourableistoberich,andhehas
mosthonourwhocanheapupthegreatestquantityofsequins.’’Bynomeans,’
criesthevoluptuary;‘honourconsistsinbeingbelovedbyaveryhandsome
woman,andfindingnovirtueproofagainstyourattacks.’‘Howmistaken!’
interruptsthegeneral;‘toconquerwholecities,todestroywholearmies,toruin
allprovinces,thatindeedbringsrealhonour.’Themanoflearningplaceshis
renowninthenumberofpageswhichhehaseitherwrittenorread;thetinker,in
thenumberofpotsandkettleswhichhehasmadeormended;thenun,inthe
numberofgoodthingswhichshehasdone,orbadthingswhichshehasresisted;
thecoquette,inthelistofheradmirers;theRepublic,intheextentofher
provinces;andthus,myfriend,everyonethinksthathonourconsistsin
somethingdifferentfromtherest.Andwhy,then,shouldnotthebravothink


thathonourconsistsinreachingtheperfectionofhistrade,andinguidinga
daggertotheheartofanenemywithunerringaim?”
“Bymylife,’tisapity,Matteo,thatyoushouldbeabravo;theschoolshavelost
anexcellentteacherofphilosophy.”
“Doyouthinkso?Why,thefactisthus,Abellino.Iwaseducatedina
monastery;myfatherwasadignifiedprelateinLucca,andmymotheranunof
theUrsulineorder,greatlyrespectedforherchastityanddevotion.Now,Signor,
itwasthoughtfittingthatIshouldapplycloselytomystudies;myfather,good

man,wouldfainhavemademealightoftheChurch;butIsoonfoundthatIwas
betterqualifiedforanincendiary’storch.Ifollowedthebentofmygenius,yet
countInotmystudiesthrownaway,sincetheytaughtmemorephilosophythan
totrembleatphantomscreatedbymyownimagination.Followmyexample,
friend,andsofarewell.”

CHAPTERV.
SOLITUDE.

ABELLINOhadalreadypassedsixweeksinVenice,andyet,eitherfromwantof
opportunity,orofinclination,hehadsufferedhisdaggerstoremainidleintheir
sheaths.Thisproceededpartlyfromhisnotbeingasyetsufficientlyacquainted
withthewindingsandturnings,thebye-lanesandprivatealleysofthetown,and
partlybecausehehadhithertofoundnocustomers,whosemurderousdesigns
stoodinneedofhishelpinghand.
Thiswantofoccupationwasirksometohimintheextreme;hepantedfor
action,andwascondemnedtoindolence.
WithamelancholyheartdidheroamthroughVenice,andnumbereverystep
withasigh.Hefrequentedthepublicplaces,thetaverns,thegardens,andevery
scenewhichwasdedicatedtoamusement.Butnowherecouldhefindwhatho
sought—tranquillity.
Oneeveninghehadloiteredbeyondtheothervisitantsinapublicgarden,
situatedononeofthemostbeautifuloftheVenetianislands.Hestrolledfrom
arbourtoarbour,threwhimselfdownonthesea-shore,andwatchedtheplayof
thewavesastheysparkledinthemoonshine.
“Fouryearsago,”saidhe,withasigh,“justsuchaheavenlyeveningwasit,that
IstolefromValeria’slipsthefirstkiss,andheardfromValeria’slipsforthefirst


timetheavowalthatshelovedme.”

Hewassilent,andabandonedhimselftothemelancholyrecollectionswhich
throngedbeforehismind’seye.
Everythingaroundhimwassocalm,sosilent!Notasinglezephyrsighed
amongthebladesofgrass;butastormragedinthebosomofAbellino.
“FouryearsagocouldIhavebelievedthatatimewouldcomewhenIshould
playthepartofabravoinVenice!Oh,wherearetheyflown,thegoldenhopes
andplansofglorywhichsmileduponmeinthehappydaysofmyyouth?Iama
bravo:tobeabeggarweretobesomethingbetter.”
“Whenmygoodoldfather,intheenthusiasmofpaternalvanity,sooftthrewhis
armsaroundmyneck,andcried,‘Myboy,thouwiltrenderthenameofRosalvo
glorious!’God,asIlistened,howwasmybloodonfire?WhatthoughtInot,
whatthatwasgoodandgreatdidInotpromisemyselftodo!Thefatherisdead,
andthesonisaVenetianbravo!Whenmypreceptorspraisedandadmiredme,
and,carriedawaybythewarmthoftheirfeelings,clappedmyshoulder,and
exclaimed,‘Count,thouwiltimmortalisetheancientraceofRosalvo!’Ha,in
thoseblessedmomentsofsweetdelirium,howbrightandbeauteousstood
futuritybeforeme!When,happyintheperformanceofsomegooddeed,I
returnedhome,andsawValeriahastentoreceivemewithopenarms,andwhen,
whilesheclaspedmetoherbosomIheardherwhisper‘Oh,whocouldforbear
tolovethegreatRosalvo?’God!oh,God!Away,away,gloriousvisionsofthe
past.Tolookonyoudrivesmemad!”
Hewasagainsilent;hebithislipsinfury,raisedoneemaciatedhandtoheaven,
andstruckhisforeheadviolentlywiththeother.
“Anassassin,theslaveofcowardsandrascals,theallyofthegreatestvillains
thattheVenetiansunevershinesupon,suchisnowthegreatRosalvo.Fie,ah,
fieon’t;andyettothiswretchedlothathfatalitycondemnedme.”
Suddenlyhesprangfromthegroundafteralongsilence;hiseyessparkled,his
countenancewaschanged;hedrewhisbreatheasier.
“Yes,byHeaven,yes.GreatasCountRosalvo,thatcanIbenolonger;butfrom
beinggreatasaVenetianbravo,whatpreventsme?Soulsinbliss,”he

exclaimed,andsankonhisknee,whileheraisedhisfoldedhandstoheaven,as
ifabouttopronouncethemostawfuloath,“Spiritofmyfather;spiritofValeria,


Iwillnotbecomeunworthyofyou.Hearme,ifyourghostsarepermittedto
wandernearme,hearmeswearthatthebravoshallnotdisgracetheorigin,nor
rendervainthehopeswhichsoothedyouinthebitternessofdeath.No,sureasI
live,Iwillbetheonlydealerinthismiserabletrade,andposterityshallbe
compelledtohonourthatname,whichmyactionsshallrenderillustrious.”
Hebowedhisforeheadtillittouchedtheearth,andhistearsflowedplenteously.
Vastconceptionsswelledhissoul;hedweltonwondrousviews,tilltheirextent
bewilderedhisbrain;yetanotherhourelapsed,andhesprangfromtheearthto
realisethem.
“Iwillenterintonocompactagainsthumannaturewithfivemiserablecutthroats.AlonewillImaketheRepublictremble,andbeforeeightdaysare
flown,thesemurderousknavesshallswinguponagibbet.Veniceshallno
longerharbourfivebanditti;oneandoneonlyshallinhabithere,andthatone
shallbeardtheDogehimself,shallwatchoverrightandwrong,andaccordingas
hejudges,shallrewardandpunish.Beforeeightdaysareflown,theStateshall
bepurifiedfromthepresenceoftheseoutcastsofhumanity,andthenshallI
standherealone.ThenmusteveryvillaininVenice,whohithertohaskeptthe
daggersofmycompanionsinemployment,haverecoursetome;thenshallI
knowthenamesandpersonsofallthosecowardlymurderers,ofallthose
illustriousprofligates,withwhomMatteoandhiscompanionscarryonthetrade
ofblood.Andthen—Abellino!Abellino,thatisthename.Hearit,Venice,hear
it,andtremble.”
Intoxicatedwiththewildnessofhishopes,herushedoutofthegarden.He
summonedagondolier,threwhimselfintotheboat,andhastenedtothedwelling
ofCinthia,wheretheinhabitantsalreadywerefoldedinthearmsofsleep.

CHAPTERVI.

ROSABELLA,THEDOGE’SLOVELYNIECE.

“HARK,comrade,”saidMatteothenextmorningtoAbellino;“to-daythoushalt
makethyfirststepinourprofession.”
“To-day!”hoarselymurmuredAbellino;“andonwhomamItoshowmyskill?”
“Nay,tosaytruth,’tisbutawoman;butonemustnotgivetoodifficultataskto
ayoungbeginner.Iwillmyselfaccompanyyou,andseehowyouconduct
yourselfinthefirsttrial.”


“Hum!”saidAbellino,andmeasuredMatteowithhiseyefromheadtofoot.
“To-day,aboutfouro’clock,thoushaltfollowmetoDolabella’sgardens,which
aresituatedonthesouthsideofVenice.Wemustbothbedisguised,you
understand.Inthesegardensareexcellentbaths;andafterusingthebaths,the
Doge’sniece,thelovelyRosabellaofCorfu,frequentlywalkswithout
attendants.Andthen—youconceiveme?”
“Andyouwillaccompanyme?”
“Iwillbeaspectatorofyourfirstadventure;’tisthusIdealbyeveryone.”
“AndhowmanyinchesdeepmustIplungemydagger?”
“Tothehilt,boy,totheveryhilt!Herdeathisrequired,andthepaymentwillbe
princely;Rosabellainthegrave,wearerichforlife.”
Everyotherpointwassoonadjusted.Noonwasnowpast,theclockinthe
neighbouringchurchoftheBenedictinesstruckfour,andMattesandAbellino
werealreadyforth.TheyarrivedatthegardensofDolabella,whichthatday
wereunusuallycrowded.Everyshadyavenuewasthrongedwithpeopleofboth
sexes;everyarbourwasoccupiedbypersonsmostdistinguishedinVenice.In
everycornersighedlovesickcouples,astheywaitedforthewishedapproachof
twilight;andoneverysidedidstrainsofvocalandinstrumentalmusicpourtheir
harmonyontheenchantedear.
Abellinomingledwiththecrowd.Amostrespectablelookingperukeconcealed

therepulsiveuglinessofhisfeatures;heimitatedthewalkandmannersofa
goutyoldman,andsupportedhimselfbyacrutch,ashewalkedslowlythrough
theassembly.Hishabit,richlyembroidered,procuredforhimuniversallya
goodreception,andnoonescrupledtoenterintoconversationwithhim
respectingtheweather,thecommerceoftheRepublic,orthedesignsofits
enemies;andonnoneofthesesubjectswasAbellinofoundincapableof
sustainingthediscourse.
BythesemeanshesooncontrivedtogainintelligencethatRosabellawas
certainlyinthegardens,howshewashabited,andinwhatquarterhewasmost
likelytofindher.
Thitherheimmediatelybenthiscourse;andhardathisheelsfollowedMatteo.
Alone,andinthemostretiredarbour,satRosabellaofCorfu,thefairestmaidin


Venice.
Abellinodrewnearthearbour;hetottered,ashepasseditsentrance,likeone
oppressedwithsuddenfaintness,andattractedRosabella’sattention.
“Alas,alas!”criedhe,“istherenooneathandwhowilltakecompassiononthe
infirmityofapooroldman?”
TheDoge’sfairniecequittedthearbourhastily,andflewtogiveassistanceto
thesufferer.
“Whatailsyou,mygoodfather?”sheinquiredinamelodiousvoice,andwitha
lookofbenevolentanxiety.
Abellinopointedtowardsthearbour;Rosabellaledhimin,andplacedhimona
seatofturf.
“Godrewardyou,lady,”stammeredAbellino,faintly.Heraisedhiseyes;they
metRosabella’s,andablushcrimsonedherpalecheeks.
Rosabellastoodinsilencebeforethedisguisedassassin,andtrembledwith
tenderconcernfortheoldman’sillness;andoh,thatexpressionofinterestever
makesalovelywomenlooksomuchmorelovely!Shebentherdelicateform

overthemanwhowasbribedtomurderher,andafterawhileaskedhim,in
gentlesttone,“Areyounotbetter?”
“Better?”stammeredthedeceiver,withafeeblevoice,“better—oh,yes,yes,
yes.You—youaretheDoge’sniece—thenobleRosabellaofCorfu?”
“Thesame,mygoodoldman.”
“Oh,lady,Ihavesomewhattotellyou.Beonyourguard,Startnot!WhatI
wouldsayisoftheutmostconsequence,anddemandstheutmostprudence.Ah,
God,thatthereshouldlivemensocruel!Lady,yourlifeisindanger.”
Themaidenstartedback;thecolourfledfromhercheeks.
“Doyouwishtobeholdyourassassin?Youshallnotdie,butifyouvalueyour
life,besilent.”
Rosabellaknewnotwhattothink;thepresenceoftheoldmanterrifiedher.
“Fearnothing,lady,fearnothing;youhavenothingtofear,whileIamwithyou.
Beforeyouquitthisarbouryoushallseetheassassinexpireatyourfeet.”


Rosabellamadeamovementasifshewouldhavefled;butsuddenlytheperson
whosatbesideherwasnolongeraninfirmoldman.Hewhoaminutebefore
hadscarcelystrengthtomutteroutafewsentences,andreclinedagainstthe
arbourtremblinglikeanaspen,sprangupwiththeforceofagiant,anddrewher
backwithonearm.
“Fortheloveofheaven!”shecried,“releaseme.Letmefly!”
“Lady,fearnothing;Iprotectyou.”Thissaid,Abellinoplacedawhistleathis
lips,andblewitshrilly.
InstantlysprangMatteofromhisconcealmentinaneighbouringclumpoftrees,
andrushedintothearbour.AbellinothrewRosabellaonthebankofturf,
advancedafewstepstomeetMatteo,andplungedhisdaggerinhisheart.
Withoututteringasinglecry,sankthebanditticaptainatthefeetofAbellino:the
death-rattlewasheardinhisthroat,andafterafewhorribleconvulsionsallwas
over.

NowdidMatteo’smurdererlookagaintowardsthearbour,andbeheldRosabella
halfsenseless,asshelayonthebankofturf.
“Yourlifeissafe,beautifulRosabella,”saidhe;“thereliesthevillainbleeding,
whoconductedmehithertomurderyou.Recoveryourself;returntoyouruncle,
theDoge,andtellhimthatyouoweyourlifetoAbellino.”
Rosabellacouldnotspeak.Trembling,shestretchedherarmstowardshim,
graspedhishand,andpressedittoherlipsinsilentgratitude.
Abellinogazedwithdelightandwonderonthelovelysufferer;andinsucha
situation,whocouldhavebeheldherwithoutemotion?Rosabellahadscarcely
numberedseventeensummers;herlightanddelicatelimbs,envelopedinathin
whitegarment,whichfellaroundherinathousandfolds;herblueandmelting
eyes,whencebeamedtheexpressionofpurestinnocence;herforehead,whiteas
ivory,overshadowedtheringletsofherbrightdarkhair;cheeks,whenceterror
hadnowstolentheroses;suchwasRosabella,acreatureinwhoseformation
partialNatureseemedtohaveomittednothingwhichmightconstitutethe
perfectionoffemaleloveliness—suchwasshe;andbeingsuch,thewretched
Abellinomaybeforgivenifforsomefewminuteshestoodlikeoneenchanted,
andbarteredforthosefewminutesthetranquillityofhisheartforever.


“ByHimwhomademe,”criedheatlength,“oh!thouartfair,Rosabella;Valeria
wasnotfairer.”
Hebowedhimselfdowntoher,andimprintedaburningkissonthepalecheeks
ofthebeauty.
“Leaveme,thoudreadfulman,”shestammeredinterror;“oh,leaveme.”
“Ah,Rosabella,whyartthousobeauteous,andwhyamI—Knowestthouwho
kissedthycheek,Rosabella?Go,tellthyuncle,theproudDoge—’Twasthe
bravo,Abellino,”hesaid,andrushedoutofthearbour.

CHAPTERVII.

THEBRAVO’SBRIDE.

ITwasnotwithoutgoodreasonthatAbellinotookhisdepartureinsuchhaste.
Hehadquittedthespotbutafewminutes,whenalargepartyaccidentally
strolledthatway,anddiscoveredwithastonishmentthecorpseofMatteo,and
Rosabellapaleandtremblinginthearbour.
Acrowdimmediatelycollecteditselfroundthem.Itincreasedwithevery
moment,andRosabellawasnecessitatedtorepeatwhathadhappenedtoherfor
thesatisfactionofeverynewcomer.
InthemeanwhilesomeoftheDoge’scourtiers,whohappenedtobeamongthe
crowd,hastenedtocallherattendantstogether;hergondolawasalreadywaiting
forher,andtheterrifiedgirlsoonreachedheruncle’spalaceinsafety.
Invainwasanembargolaiduponeveryothergondola;invaindidtheyexamine
everypersonwhowasinthegardensofDolabellaatthetime,whenthe
murderedassassinwasfirstdiscovered.NotracescouldbefoundofAbellino.
ThereportofthisstrangeadventurespreadlikewildfirethroughVenice.
Abellino,forRosabellahadpreservedbuttoowellinhermemorythatdreadful
name,andbytherelationofherdangerhadgivenituniversalpublicity,Abellino
wastheobjectofgeneralwonderandcuriosity.Everyonepitiedthepoor
Rosabellaforwhatshehadsuffered,execratedthevillainwhohadbribedMatteo
tomurderher,andendeavouredtoconnectthedifferentcircumstancestogether
bythehelpofonehypothesisorother,amongwhichitwouldhavebeendifficult
todecidewhichwasthemostimprobable.
Everyonewhoheardtheadventure,tolditagain,andeveryonewhotoldit,