_Doge_. You mistake me. It is not Steno who could move me thus; Had it been so, he should--but let that pass. _Ang_. What is't you feel so deeply, then, even now? _Doge_. The violated majesty of Venice, At once insulted in her Lord and laws. _Ang_. Alas! why will you thus consider it? _Doge_. I have thought on't till--but let me lead you back 410 To what I urged; all these things being noted, I wedded you; the world then did me justice Upon the motive, and my conduct proved They did me right, while yours was all to praise: You had all freedom--all respect--all trust From me and mine; and, born of those who made Princes at home, and swept Kings from their thrones On foreign shores, in all things you appeared Worthy to be our first of native dames. _Ang_. To what does this conduct? _Doge_. To thus much--that 420 A miscreant's angry breath may blast it all-- A villain, whom for his unbridled bearing, Even in the midst of our great festival, I caused to be conducted forth, and taught How to demean himself in ducal chambers; A wretch like this may leave upon the wall The blighting venom of his sweltering heart, And this shall spread itself in general poison; And woman's innocence, man's honour, pass Into a by-word; and the doubly felon 430 (Who first insulted virgin modesty By a gross affront to your attendant damsels Amidst the noblest of our dames in public) Requite himself for his most just expulsion By blackening publicly his Sovereign's consort, And be absolved by his upright compeers. _Ang_. But he has been condemned into captivity. _Doge_. For such as him a dungeon were acquittal; And his brief term of mock-arrest will pass Within a palace. But I've done with him; 440 The rest must be with you. _Ang_. With me, my Lord? _Doge_. Yes, Angiolina. Do not marvel; I Have let this prey upon me till I feel My life cannot be long; and fain would have you Regard the injunctions you will find within This scroll (_giving her a paper_) ----Fear not; they are for your advantage: Read them hereafter at the fitting hour. _Ang_. My Lord, in life, and after life, you shall Be honoured still by me: but may your days Be many yet--and happier than the present! 450 This passion will give way, and you will be Serene, and what you should be--what you were.