The women brought their jewels, to be melted down into money; and all vied with each other in zeal.
Pisani's first task, after seeing the galleys put in hand, was to examine the defences Giustiniani had erected.

He at once pronounced the two wooden towers--of which Francis had spoken so disrespectfully--to be utterly useless, and ordered two tall towers, of solid masonry, to be erected in their stead.
Giustiniani was indignant at this condemnation of his work; and he and his friends so worked upon the minds of those who were to carry out the work, that they laid down their tools, and refused to embark upon such useless operations.

The news was brought to Pisani by one of his friends, and, starting in his gondola, he was soon upon the spot.
He wasted no time in remonstrating with the workmen on their conduct, but, seizing a trowel, lifted a heavy stone into its place, shouting: "Let him who loves Saint Mark follow my example!" The success of the appeal was instantaneous.

The workmen grasped their tools.

A host of volunteers seized the stones and carried them to their places.