_I. Ber_. He is called so; Nay, more, a noble one--at least, in Venice: But since he hath forgotten that I am one, And treats me like a brute, the brute may turn-- 'Tis said the worm will. _Doge_. Say--his name and lineage? _I. Ber_. Barbaro. _Doge_. What was the cause? or the pretext? _I. Ber_. I am the chief of the arsenal,[392] employed 350 At present in repairing certain galleys But roughly used by the Genoese last year. This morning comes the noble Barbaro[393] Full of reproof, because our artisans Had left some frivolous order of his house, To execute the state's decree: I dared To justify the men--he raised his hand;-- Behold my blood! the first time it e'er flowed Dishonourably. _Doge_. Have you long time served? _I. Ber_. So long as to remember Zara's siege, 360 And fight beneath the Chief who beat the Huns there, Sometime my general, now the Doge Faliero.-- _Doge_. How! are we comrades?--the State's ducal robes Sit newly on me, and you were appointed Chief of the arsenal ere I came from Rome; So that I recognised you not. Who placed you? _I. Ber_. The late Doge; keeping still my old command As patron of a galley: my new office Was given as the reward of certain scars (So was your predecessor pleased to say): 370 I little thought his bounty would conduct me To his successor as a helpless plaintiff; At least, in such a cause. _Doge_. Are you much hurt? _I. Ber_. Irreparably in my self-esteem. _Doge_. Speak out; fear nothing: being stung at heart, What would you do to be revenged on this man? _I. Ber_. That which I dare not name, and yet will do. _Doge_. Then wherefore came you here? _I. Ber_. I come for justice, Because my general is Doge, and will not See his old soldier trampled on. Had any, 380 Save Faliero, filled the ducal throne, This blood had been washed out in other blood. _Doge_. You come to me for justice--unto _me!_ The Doge of Venice, and I cannot give it; I cannot even obtain it--'twas denied To me most solemnly an hour ago! _I. Ber_. How says your Highness? _Doge_. Steno is condemned To a month's confinement. _I. Ber_. What! the same who dared To stain the ducal throne with those foul words, That have cried shame to every ear in Venice? 390