When, therefore, Pisani assembled a council of war, and informed them of his reasons for wishing to remain on the defensive until the return of Zeno, he was overruled by the proveditors, who not only announced themselves unanimously in favour of battle, but sneered at Pisani's prudence as being the result of cowardice.

Pisani in his indignation drew his sword, and would have attacked the proveditors on the spot, had he not been restrained by his captains.
However, the council decided upon instant battle, and Pisani was forced, by the rules of the service, at once to carry their decision into effect.

Ascending the poop of his galley, he addressed in a loud voice the crews of the ships gathered around him.
"Remember, my brethren, that those who will now face you, are the same whom you vanquished with so much glory on the Roman shore.

Do not let the name of Luciano Doria terrify you.

It is not the names of commanders that will decide the conflict, but Venetian hearts and Venetian hands.