_Ang_. Oh! had this false and flippant libeller 240 Shed his young blood for his absurd lampoon, Ne'er from that moment could this breast have known A joyous hour, or dreamless slumber more. _Doge_. Does not the law of Heaven say blood for blood? And he who _taints_ kills more than he who sheds it. Is it the _pain_ of blows, or _shame_ of blows, That makes such deadly to the sense of man? Do not the laws of man say blood for honour,-- And, less than honour, for a little gold? Say not the laws of nations blood for treason? 250 Is't nothing to have filled these veins with poison For their once healthful current? is it nothing To have stained your name and mine--the noblest names? Is't nothing to have brought into contempt A Prince before his people? to have failed In the respect accorded by Mankind To youth in woman, and old age in man? To virtue in your sex, and dignity In ours?--But let them look to it who have saved him. _Ang_. Heaven bids us to forgive our enemies. 260 _Doge_. Doth Heaven forgive her own? Is there not Hell For wrath eternal?[df][405] _Ang_. Do not speak thus wildly--[dg] Heaven will alike forgive you and your foes. _Doge_. Amen! May Heaven forgive them! _Ang_. And will you? _Doge_. Yes, when they are in Heaven! _Ang_. And not till then? _Doge_. What matters my forgiveness? an old man's, Worn out, scorned, spurned, abused; what matters then My pardon more than my resentment, both Being weak and worthless? I have lived too long; But let us change the argument.--My child! 270 My injured wife, the child of Loredano, The brave, the chivalrous, how little deemed Thy father, wedding thee unto his friend, That he was linking thee to shame!--Alas! Shame without sin, for thou art faultless. Hadst thou But had a different husband, _any_ husband In Venice save the Doge, this blight, this brand, This blasphemy had never fallen upon thee. So young, so beautiful, so good, so pure, To suffer this, and yet be unavenged! 280 _Ang_. I am too well avenged, for you still love me, And trust, and honour me; and all men know That you are just, and I am true: what more Could I require, or you command? _Doge_. 'Tis well, And may be better; but whate'er betide, Be thou at least kind to my memory. _Ang_. Why speak you thus? _Doge_. It is no matter why; But I would still, whatever others think, Have your respect both now and in my grave. _Ang_. Why should you doubt it? has it ever failed? 290