Chioggia has fallen!" An exclamation of pain and grief went up from the crowd.

The speaker held up his hand for silence.
"Chioggia, contrary to our hopes and expectations, has fallen; but we are proud to say, it has fallen from no lack of bravery on the part of its defenders.

As you know, for six days the brave podesta, Emo, and his troops have repulsed every attack; but yesterday an unforeseen accident occurred.

While our soldiers were holding their own, as usual, a Genoese fire ship exploded in the canal behind them.

The idea, unfortunately, seized the troops that the bridge was on fire.