_Mem._ "The Ten" Alone can answer; they are rarely wont To let their thoughts anticipate their purpose By previous proclamation. We are summoned-- That is enough. _Sen._ For them, but not for us; I would know why. _Mem._ You will know why anon, 70 If you obey: and, if not, you no less Will know why you should have obeyed. _Sen._ I mean not To oppose them, _but_---- _Mem._ In Venice "_but_"'s a traitor. But me no "_buts_" unless you would pass o'er The Bridge which few repass.[71] _Sen._ I am silent. _Mem._ Why Thus hesitate? "The Ten" have called in aid Of their deliberation five and twenty Patricians of the Senate--you are one, And I another; and it seems to me Both honoured by the choice or chance which leads us 80 To mingle with a body so august. _Sen._ Most true. I say no more. _Mem._ As we hope, Signor, And all may honestly, (that is, all those Of noble blood may,) one day hope to be Decemvir, it is surely for the Senate's[br] Chosen delegates, a school of wisdom, to Be thus admitted, though as novices, To view the mysteries. _Sen._ Let us view them: they, No doubt, are worth it. _Mem._ Being worth our lives If we divulge them, doubtless they are worth 90 Something, at least to you or me. _Sen._ I sought not A place within the sanctuary; but being Chosen, however reluctantly so chosen, I shall fulfil my office. _Mem._ Let us not Be latest in obeying "the Ten's" summons. _Sen._ All are not met, but I am of your thought So far--let's in. _Mem._ The earliest are most welcome In earnest councils--we will not be least so. [_Exeunt_. _Enter the_ DOGE, JACOPO FOSCARI, _and_ MARINA. _Jac. Fos._ Ah, father! though I must and will depart, Yet--yet--I pray you to obtain for me 100 That I once more return unto my home, Howe'er remote the period. Let there be A point of time, as beacon to my heart, With any penalty annexed they please, But let me still return. _Doge_. Son Jacopo, Go and obey our Country's will:[72] 'tis not For us to look beyond. _Jac. Fos._ But still I must Look back. I pray you think of me.