“Now is the time, admiral, for revenging yourself, by seizing the dictatorship of this city.  Behold, all are at your service.  All are willing, at this very instant, to proclaim you prince, if you choose.”

The loyalty of Pisani’s nature was so affronted by this offer, that, in a fury of rage, he leaned forward and struck Corbaro a heavy blow with his fist, and then raising his voice shouted to those about him: 

“Let none who wish me well say, ‘Viva Pisani!’ but, ‘Viva San Marco!’”

And the populace then shouted, “Viva San Marco and our Father Pisani!”

No sooner had Pisani reached his house than the news was bruited about, that the admiral had been merely appointed governor of Lido, and that Giustiniani remained in command of the navy.  The people were furious; and a deputation of 600 waited upon Pisani and said: 

“We are yours.  Command us as you will.”

Pisani told them that it was for the republic, and not for him, to command their services.  The deputation then went to the council, and declared, in the name of fifty thousand Venetians, that not a man would embark on the galleys until Pisani received his command, as captain general of all the forces of the republic, by land and sea.  The Council of Ten, finding it impossible to resist the popular demand, and terrified at the idea of the tumult that a refusal would arouse, at last agreed to their request.

Fortunately for the republic, the four days which elapsed between the fall of Chioggia, and the appointment of Pisani to the supreme command, had not been utilized by the enemy.  Carrara and Doria had always been at variance as to their plans of operations, and, as usual, they differed now.  The Lord of Padua urged the necessity for following up their success by an instant attack upon Venice, while Doria insisted upon carrying out his original plan, and trusting as much to starvation as to military operations.  He, however, gradually pushed forward two outposts, at Poreja and Malamocco, and on the latter island, at a distance of three miles from Venice, he erected a battery, many of whose shot fell at San Spirito.

Francis had borne his share in the events which had led to the installation of Pisani in the supreme command.  He had at first instigated the sailors of Polani to raise a cry in the streets for the restoration of the admiral, and had gone about with two or three of his friends, mingling with knots of persons, and urging that the only hope of the republic lay in the energy and talent of Pisani.  Even Matteo had joined him, although Taddeo Giustiniani was his own uncle.  But, as the lad said, “what matters it about relationship now?  What will become of relationship, if the Genoese and Paduans land here, raze the city to the ground, and scatter us over the face of the earth?  No.  When it comes to a question of ordinary command, of course I should go with my family; but when Venice is in danger, and only one man can save her, I should vote for him, whoever the other may be.”