_Doge_ (_musing_). There is a certain Philip Calendaro Now in the Arsenal, who holds command Of eighty men, and has great influence Besides on all the spirits of his comrades: This man, I hear, is bold and popular, 140 Sudden and daring, and yet secret; 'twould Be well that he were won: I needs must hope That Israel Bertuccio has secured him, But fain would be---- _Pie_. My Lord, pray pardon me For breaking in upon your meditation; The Senator Bertuccio, your kinsman, Charged me to follow and enquire your pleasure To fix an hour when he may speak with you. _Doge_. At sunset.--Stay a moment--let me see-- Say in the second hour of night. [_Exit_ PIETRO. _Ang_. My Lord! 150 _Doge_. My dearest child, forgive me--why delay So long approaching me?--I saw you not. _Ang_. You were absorbed in thought, and he who now Has parted from you might have words of weight To bear you from the Senate. _Doge_. From the Senate? _Ang_. I would not interrupt him in his duty And theirs. _Doge_. The Senate's duty! you mistake; 'Tis we who owe all service to the Senate. _Ang_. I thought the Duke had held command in Venice. _Doge_. He shall.--But let that pass.--We will be jocund. 160 How fares it with you? have you been abroad? The day is overcast, but the calm wave Favours the gondolier's light skimming oar; Or have you held a levee of your friends? Or has your music made you solitary? Say--is there aught that you would will within The little sway now left the Duke? or aught Of fitting splendour, or of honest pleasure, Social or lonely, that would glad your heart, To compensate for many a dull hour, wasted 170 On an old man oft moved with many cares? Speak, and 'tis done. _Ang_. You're ever kind to me. I have nothing to desire, or to request, Except to see you oftener and calmer. _Doge_. Calmer? _Ang_. Aye, calmer, my good Lord.--Ah, why Do you still keep apart, and walk alone, And let such strong emotions stamp your brow, As not betraying their full import, yet Disclose too much? _Doge_. Disclose too much!--of what? What is there to disclose? _Ang_. A heart so ill 180 At ease. _Doge_. 'Tis nothing, child.--But in the state You know what daily cares oppress all those Who govern this precarious commonwealth; Now suffering from the Genoese without, And malcontents within--'tis this which makes me More pensive and less tranquil than my wont.