_Doge_. I will be what I should be, or be nothing; But never more--oh! never, never more, O'er the few days or hours which yet await The blighted old age of Faliero, shall Sweet Quiet shed her sunset! Never more Those summer shadows rising from the past Of a not ill-spent nor inglorious life, Mellowing the last hours as the night approaches, 460 Shall soothe me to my moment of long rest. I had but little more to ask, or hope, Save the regards due to the blood and sweat, And the soul's labour through which I had toiled To make my country honoured. As her servant-- Her servant, though her chief--I would have gone Down to my fathers with a name serene And pure as theirs; but this has been denied me. Would I had died at Zara! _Ang_. There you saved The state; then live to save her still. A day, 470 Another day like that would be the best Reproof to them, and sole revenge for you. _Doge_. But one such day occurs within an age; My life is little less than one, and 'tis Enough for Fortune to have granted _once_, That which scarce one more favoured citizen May win in many states and years. But why Thus speak I? Venice has forgot that day-- Then why should I remember it?--Farewell, Sweet Angiolina! I must to my cabinet; 480 There's much for me to do--and the hour hastens.[408] _Ang_. Remember what you were. _Doge_. It were in vain! Joy's recollection is no longer joy, While Sorrow's memory is a sorrow still. _Ang_. At least, whate'er may urge, let me implore That you will take some little pause of rest: Your sleep for many nights has been so turbid, That it had been relief to have awaked you, Had I not hoped that Nature would o'erpower At length the thoughts which shook your slumbers thus. 490 An hour of rest will give you to your toils With fitter thoughts and freshened strength. _Doge_. I cannot-- I must not, if I could; for never was Such reason to be watchful: yet a few-- Yet a few days and dream-perturbéd nights, And I shall slumber well--but where?--no matter. Adieu, my Angiolina. _Ang_. Let me be An instant--yet an instant your companion! I cannot bear to leave you thus.