Fiesco; or, the Genoese Conspiracy: A Tragedy

The former--VERRINA, SACCO, and NOBLES.

Sentinels. Who goes there?

Verrina. Friends of the house. (Seven NOBLES enter with him.)

Zibo. These are his confidants. Now all will be explained.

Sacco. (in conversation with VERRINA) 'Tis as I told you; Lascaro is on guard at the St. Thomas' gate, the best officer of Doria, and blindly devoted to him.

Verrina. I'm glad of it.

Zibo. (to VERRINA) Verrina, you come opportunely to clear up the mystery.

Verrina. How so? What mean you?

Zenturione. We are invited to a comedy.

Verrina. Then we are going the same way.

Zenturione. (impatiently) Yes--the way of all flesh. You see--the doors are guarded. Why guard the doors?

Zibo. Why these sentinels?

Zenturione. We stand here like criminals beneath the gallows.

Verrina. The count will come himself.

Zenturione. 'Twere well if he came a little faster. My patience begins to fail. (All the NOBLES walk up and down in the background.)

Bourgognino. (coming out of the palace, to VERRINA) How goes it in the harbor?

Verrina. They're all safe on board.

Bourgognino. The palace is full of soldiers.

Verrina. 'Tis almost nine.

Bourgognino. The count is long in coming.

Verrina. And yet too quick to gain his wishes. Bourgognino! There is a thought that freezes me.

Bourgognino. Father, be not too hasty.

Verrina. It is impossible to be too hasty where delay is fatal. I must commit a second murder to justify the first.

Bourgognino. But--when must Fiesco fall?

Verrina. When Genoa is free Fiesco dies!

Sentinels. Who goes there?