What mattereth it whether the hand be a shade deeper in color or not, when blood is on it." "Thou sayest truly," answered the pretended Roderigo, drawing a heavy breath.

"It mattereth little indeed to him condemned, whether the sentence cometh of one or of many crimes." "Dost know, friend Roderigo, that this very argument hath made me less scrupulous concerning the freight I am called on to carry, in this secret trade of ours.

Thou art fairly in the senate's business, worthy Stefano, I say to myself, and therefore the less reason that thou should'st be particular in the quality of the merchandise.

That Jacopo hath an eye and a scowl that would betray him, were he chosen to the chair of St.Peter! But doff thy mask, Signor Roderigo, that the sea-air may cool thy cheek; 'tis time there should no longer be this suspicion between old and tried friends." "My duty to those that send me forbid the liberty, else would I gladly stand face to face with thee, Master Stefano." "Well, notwithstanding thy caution, cunning Signore, I would hazard ten of the sequins thou art to pay to me, that I will go on the morrow into the crowd of San Marco, and challenge thee openly, by name, among a thousand.

Thou mayest as well unmask, for I tell thee thou art as well known to me as the lateen yards of my felucca." "The less need to uncover.