These are promises which every true and honest man can make to his friends, and we agree that whoso breaks any one of them, shall die by the hands of the company.

And by God in heaven, it were better that you should lose your life now, before taking the oath, than that you should be false to it." "I will take that oath, and keep it," said Zorzi.
"That is well.

We have few signs and no ceremonies, but our promises are binding, and the forfeit is a painful death--so painful that even you might flinch before it.

Indeed, we usually make some test of a man's courage before receiving him among us, though most of us have known each other since we were children.

But you have shown us that you are fearless and honourable, and we ask nothing more of you, except to take the oath and then to keep it." He turned to the company, still speaking in his languid way.
"If any man here knows good reason why this new companion should not be one of us, let him show it now." Then all were silent, and uncovered their heads, but they still kept their masks on their faces.