_Mar._ Men and Angels! 240 The blood of myriads reeking up to Heaven, The groans of slaves in chains, and men in dungeons, Mothers, and wives, and sons, and sires, and subjects, Held in the bondage of ten bald-heads; and Though last, not least, _thy silence! Couldst thou_ say Aught in its favour, who would praise like _thee_? _Jac. Fos._ Let us address us then, since so it must be, To our departure. Who comes here? _Enter_ LOREDANO _attended by Familiars_. _Lor._ (_to the Familiars_). Retire, But leave the torch. [_Exeunt the two Familiars_. _Jac. Fos._ Most welcome, noble Signor. I did not deem this poor place could have drawn 250 Such presence hither. _Lor._ 'Tis not the first time I have visited these places. _Mar._ Nor would be The last, were all men's merits well rewarded. Came you here to insult us, or remain[bp] As spy upon us, or as hostage for us? _Lor._ Neither are of my office, noble Lady! I am sent hither to your husband, to Announce "the Ten's" decree. _Mar._ That tenderness Has been anticipated: it is known. _Lor._ As how? _Mar._ I have informed him, not so gently, 260 Doubtless, as your nice feelings would prescribe, The indulgence of your colleagues; but he knew it. If you come for our thanks, take them, and hence! The dungeon gloom is deep enough without you, And full of reptiles, not less loathsome, though Their sting is honester. _Jac. Fos._ I pray you, calm you: What can avail such words? _Mar._ To let him know That he is known. _Lor._ Let the fair dame preserve Her sex's privilege. _Mar._ I have some sons, sir, Will one day thank you better. _Lor._ You do well 270 To nurse them wisely. Foscari--you know Your sentence, then? _Jac. Fos._ Return to Candia? _Lor._ True-- For life. _Jac. Fos._ Not long. _Lor._ I said--for _life_. _Jac. Fos._ And I Repeat--not long. _Lor._ A year's imprisonment In Canea--afterwards the freedom of The whole isle. _Jac. Fos._ Both the same to me: the after Freedom as is the first imprisonment. Is't true my wife accompanies me? _Lor._ Yes, If she so wills it. _Mar._ Who obtained that justice? _Lor._ One who wars not with women.