_Lor._ I never yet knew that a noble's life In Venice had to dread a Doge's frown, That is, by open means. _Doge_. But I, good Signor, 240 Am, or at least _was_, more than a mere duke, In blood, in mind, in means; and that they know Who dreaded to elect me, and have since Striven all they dare to weigh me down: be sure, Before or since that period, had I held you At so much price as to require your absence, A word of mine had set such spirits to work As would have made you nothing. But in all things I have observed the strictest reverence; Not for the laws alone, for those _you_ have strained 250 (I do not speak of _you_ but as a single Voice of the many) somewhat beyond what I could enforce for my authority, Were I disposed to brawl; but, as I said, I have observed with veneration, like A priest's for the High Altar, even unto The sacrifice of my own blood and quiet, Safety, and all save honour, the decrees, The health, the pride, and welfare of the State. And now, sir, to your business. _Lor._ 'Tis decreed, 260 That, without further repetition of The Question, or continuance of the trial, Which only tends to show how stubborn guilt is, ("The Ten," dispensing with the stricter law Which still prescribes the Question till a full Confession, and the prisoner partly having Avowed his crime in not denying that The letter to the Duke of Milan's his), James Foscari return to banishment, And sail in the same galley which conveyed him. 270 _Mar._ Thank God! At least they will not drag him more Before that horrible tribunal. Would he But think so, to my mind the happiest doom, Not he alone, but all who dwell here, could Desire, were to escape from such a land. _Doge_. That is not a Venetian thought, my daughter. _Mar._ No, 'twas too human. May I share his exile? _Lor._ Of this "the Ten" said nothing. _Mar._ So I thought! That were too human, also. But it was not Inhibited? _Lor._ It was not named. _Mar. (to the Doge_). Then, father, 280 Surely you can obtain or grant me thus much: [_To_ LOREDANO. And you, sir, not oppose my prayer to be Permitted to accompany my husband. _Doge_. I will endeavour. _Mar._ And you, Signor? _Lor._ Lady! 'Tis not for me to anticipate the pleasure Of the tribunal. _Mar._ Pleasure! what a word To use for the decrees of---- _Doge_. Daughter, know you In what a presence you pronounce these things? _Mar._ A Prince's and his subject's.