_Doge_ (_solus_). At midnight, by the church Saints John and Paul, Where sleep my noble fathers, I repair-- 580 To what? to hold a council in the dark With common ruffians leagued to ruin states! And will not my great sires leap from the vault, Where lie two Doges who preceded me, And pluck me down amongst them? Would they could! For I should rest in honour with the honoured. Alas! I must not think of them, but those Who have made me thus unworthy of a name Noble and brave as aught of consular On Roman marbles; but I will redeem it 590 Back to its antique lustre in our annals, By sweet revenge on all that's base in Venice, And freedom to the rest, or leave it black To all the growing calumnies of Time, Which never spare the fame of him who fails, But try the Cæsar, or the Catiline, By the true touchstone of desert--Success.[401] ACT II. SCENE I.--_An Apartment in the Ducal Palace_. ANGIOLINA[402] (_wife of the_ DOGE) _and_ MARIANNA. _Ang_. What was the Doge's answer? _Mar_. That he was That moment summoned to a conference; But 'tis by this time ended. I perceived Not long ago the Senators embarking; And the last gondola may now be seen Gliding into the throng of barks which stud The glittering waters. _Ang_. Would he were returned! He has been much disquieted of late; And Time, which has not tamed his fiery spirit, Nor yet enfeebled even his mortal frame, 10 Which seems to be more nourished by a soul So quick and restless that it would consume Less hardy clay--Time has but little power On his resentments or his griefs. Unlike To other spirits of his order, who, In the first burst of passion, pour away Their wrath or sorrow, all things wear in him An aspect of Eternity: his thoughts, His feelings, passions, good or evil, all Have nothing of old age;[403] and his bold brow 20 Bears but the scars of mind, the thoughts of years, Not their decrepitude: and he of late Has been more agitated than his wont. Would he were come! for I alone have power Upon his troubled spirit. _Mar_. It is true, His Highness has of late been greatly moved By the affront of Steno, and with cause: But the offender doubtless even now Is doomed to expiate his rash insult with Such chastisement as will enforce respect 30 To female virtue, and to noble blood.