_Lor._ Where go you, sirrah? _Offi._ By the ducal order To forward the preparatory rites For the late Foscari's interment. _Bar._ Their 340 Vault has been often opened of late years. _Lor._ 'Twill be full soon, and may be closed for ever! _Offi._ May I pass on? _Lor._ You may. _Bar._ How bears the Doge This last calamity? _Offi._ With desperate firmness. In presence of another he says little, But I perceive his lips move now and then; And once or twice I heard him, from the adjoining Apartment, mutter forth the words--"My son!" Scarce audibly. I must proceed. [_Exit Officer_. _Bar._ This stroke Will move all Venice in his favour. _Lor._ Right! 350 We must be speedy: let us call together The delegates appointed to convey The Council's resolution. _Bar._ I protest Against it at this moment. _Lor._ As you please-- I'll take their voices on it ne'ertheless, And see whose most may sway them, yours or mine. [_Exeunt_ BARBARIGO _and_ LOREDANO. ACT V. SCENE I.--_The_ DOGE'S _Apartment_. _The_ DOGE _and Attendants_. _Att._ My Lord, the deputation is in waiting; But add, that if another hour would better Accord with your will, they will make it theirs. _Doge_. To me all hours are like. Let them approach. [_Exit Attendant_. _An Officer_. Prince! I have done your bidding. _Doge_. What command? _Offi._ A melancholy one--to call the attendance Of---- _Doge_. True--true--true: I crave your pardon. I Begin to fail in apprehension, and Wax very old--old almost as my years. Till now I fought them off, but they begin 10 To overtake me. _Enter the Deputation, consisting of six of the Signory and the Chief of the Ten_. Noble men, your pleasure! _Chief of the Ten_. In the first place, the Council doth condole With the Doge on his late and private grief. _Doge_. No more--no more of that. _Chief of the Ten_. Will not the Duke Accept the homage of respect? _Doge_. I do Accept it as 'tis given--proceed.