_Mar._ He is none! The Country is the traitress, which thrusts forth Her best and bravest from her. Tyranny Is far the worst of treasons. Dost thou deem None rebels except subjects? The Prince who Neglects or violates his trust is more 390 A brigand than the robber-chief. _Doge_. I cannot Charge me with such a breach of faith. _Mar_ No; thou Observ'st, obey'st such laws as make old Draco's A code of mercy by comparison. _Doge_. I found the law; I did not make it. Were I A subject, still I might find parts and portions Fit for amendment; but as Prince, I never Would change, for the sake of my house, the charter Left by our fathers. _Mar._ Did they make it for The ruin of their children? _Doge_. Under such laws, Venice 400 Has risen to what she is--a state to rival In deeds, and days, and sway, and, let me add, In glory (for we have had Roman spirits Amongst us), all that history has bequeathed Of Rome and Carthage in their best times, when The people swayed by Senates. _Mar._ Rather say, Groaned under the stern Oligarchs. _Doge_. Perhaps so; But yet subdued the World: in such a state An individual, be he richest of Such rank as is permitted, or the meanest, 410 Without a name, is alike nothing, when The policy, irrevocably tending To one great end, must be maintained in vigour. _Mar._ This means that you are more a Doge than father. _Doge_. It means, I am more citizen than either. If we had not for many centuries Had thousands of such citizens, and shall, I trust, have still such, Venice were no city. _Mar._ Accurséd be the city where the laws Would stifle Nature's! _Doge_. Had I as many sons 420 As I have years, I would have given them all, Not without feeling, but I would have given them To the State's service, to fulfil her wishes, On the flood, in the field, or, if it must be, As it, alas! has been, to ostracism, Exile, or chains, or whatsoever worse She might decree. _Mar._ And this is Patriotism? To me it seems the worst barbarity. Let me seek out my husband: the sage "Ten," With all its jealousy, will hardly war 430 So far with a weak woman as deny me A moment's access to his dungeon. _Doge_. I'll So far take on myself, as order that You may be admitted. _Mar._ And what shall I say To Foscari from his father? _Doge_. That he obey The laws.