That we must work by crime to punish crime? And slay as if Death had but this one gate, When a few years would make the sword superfluous? 170 And I, upon the verge of th' unknown realm, Yet send so many heralds on before me?-- I must not ponder this. [_A pause._ Hark! was there not A murmur as of distant voices, and The tramp of feet in martial unison? What phantoms even of sound our wishes raise! It cannot be--the signal hath not rung-- Why pauses it? My nephew's messenger Should be upon his way to me, and he Himself perhaps even now draws grating back 180 Upon its ponderous hinge the steep tower portal, Where swings the sullen huge oracular bell,[ev] Which never knells but for a princely death, Or for a state in peril, pealing forth Tremendous bodements; let it do its office, And be this peal its awfullest and last Sound till the strong tower rock!--What! silent still? I would go forth, but that my post is here, To be the centre of re-union to The oft discordant elements which form 190 Leagues of this nature, and to keep compact The wavering of the weak, in case of conflict; For if they should do battle,'twill be here, Within the palace, that the strife will thicken: Then here must be my station, as becomes The master-mover.--Hark! he comes--he comes, My nephew, brave Bertuccio's messenger.-- What tidings? Is he marching? hath he sped? _They_ here!-all's lost-yet will I make an effort. _Enter a_ SIGNOR OF THE NIGHT,[445] _with Guards, etc., etc._ _Sig_. Doge, I arrest thee of high treason! _Doge_. Me! 200 Thy Prince, of treason?--Who are they that dare Cloak their own treason under such an order? _Sig_. (_showing his order_). Behold my order from the assembled Ten. _Doge_. And _where_ are they, and _why_ assembled? no Such Council can be lawful, till the Prince Preside there, and that duty's mine:[446] on thine I charge thee, give me way, or marshal me To the Council chamber. _Sig_. Duke! it may not be: Nor are they in the wonted Hall of Council, But sitting in the convent of Saint Saviour's. 210 _Doge_. You dare to disobey me, then? _Sig_. I serve The State, and needs must serve it faithfully; My warrant is the will of those who rule it. _Doge_. And till that warrant has my signature It is illegal, and, as _now_ applied, Rebellious. Hast thou weighed well thy life's worth, That thus you dare assume a lawless function?[ew]