_Ber. F._ (_reading_). "Decreed In council, without one dissenting voice, That Michel Steno, by his own confession, Guilty on the last night of Carnival 60 Of having graven on the ducal throne The following words--"[383] _Doge_. Would'st thou repeat them? Would'st _thou_ repeat them--_thou_, a Faliero, Harp on the deep dishonour of our house, Dishonoured in its Chief--that Chief the Prince Of Venice, first of cities?--To the sentence. _Ber. F._ Forgive me, my good Lord; I will obey-- (_Reads_) "That Michel Steno be detained a month In close arrest."[384] _Doge_. Proceed. _Ber. F._ My Lord, 'tis finished. _Doge_. How say you?--finished! Do I dream?--'tis false-- 70 Give me the paper--(_snatches the paper and reads_)-- "'Tis decreed in council That Michel Steno"--Nephew, thine arm! _Ber. F._ Nay, Cheer up, be calm; this transport is uncalled for-- Let me seek some assistance. _Doge_. Stop, sir--Stir not-- 'Tis past. _Ber. F._ I cannot but agree with you The sentence is too slight for the offence; It is not honourable in the Forty To affix so slight a penalty to that Which was a foul affront to you, and even To them, as being your subjects; but 'tis not 80 Yet without remedy: you can appeal To them once more, or to the Avogadori, Who, seeing that true justice is withheld, Will now take up the cause they once declined, And do you right upon the bold delinquent. Think you not thus, good Uncle? why do you stand So fixed? You heed me not:--I pray you, hear me! _Doge_ (_dashing down the ducal bonnet, and offering to trample upon it, exclaims, as he is withheld by his nephew_). Oh! that the Saracen were in St. Mark's! Thus would I do him homage. _Ber. F._ For the sake Of Heaven and all its saints, my Lord-- _Doge_. Away! 90 Oh, that the Genoese were in the port! Oh, that the Huns whom I o'erthrew at Zara[385] Were ranged around the palace! _Ber. F._ 'Tis not well In Venice' Duke to say so. _Doge_. Venice' Duke! Who now is Duke in Venice? let me see him, That he may do me right. _Ber. F._ If you forget Your office, and its dignity and duty. Remember that of man, and curb this passion. The Duke of Venice----