_Mar._ Come, come, old man! [_Exeunt the_ DOGE _and_ MARINA. _Enter_ BARBARIGO _and_ LOREDANO. _Bar._ (_to an Attendant_). Where is the Doge? _Att._ This instant retired hence, With the illustrious lady his son's widow. _Lor._ Where? _Att._ To the chamber where the body lies. _Bar._ Let us return, then. _Lor._ You forget, you cannot. We have the implicit order of the Giunta To await their coming here, and join them in Their office: they'll be here soon after us. _Bar._ And will they press their answer on the Doge? _Lor._ 'Twas his own wish that all should be done promptly. 120 He answered quickly, and must so be answered; His dignity is looked to, his estate Cared for--what would he more? _Bar._ Die in his robes: He could not have lived long; but I have done My best to save his honours, and opposed This proposition to the last, though vainly. Why would the general vote compel me hither? _Lor._ 'Twas fit that some one of such different thoughts From ours should be a witness, lest false tongues Should whisper that a harsh majority 130 Dreaded to have its acts beheld by others. _Bar._ And not less, I must needs think, for the sake Of humbling me for my vain opposition. You are ingenious, Loredano, in Your modes of vengeance, nay, poetical, A very Ovid in the art of _hating_; 'Tis thus (although a secondary object, Yet hate has microscopic eyes), to you I owe, by way of foil to the more zealous, This undesired association in 140 Your Giunta's duties. _Lor._ How!--_my_ Giunta! _Bar._ _Yours!_ They speak your language, watch your nod, approve Your plans, and do your work. Are they not _yours?_ _Lor._ You talk unwarily. 'Twere best they hear not This from you. _Bar._ Oh! they'll hear as much one day From louder tongues than mine; they have gone beyond Even their exorbitance of power: and when This happens in the most contemned and abject States, stung humanity will rise to check it. _Lor._ You talk but idly. _Bar._ That remains for proof. 150 Here come our colleagues. _Enter the Deputation as before_. _Chief of the Ten_. Is the Duke aware We seek his presence? _Att._ He shall be informed. [_Exit Attendant_. _Bar._ The Duke is with his son. _Chief of the Ten_. If it be so, We will remit him till the rites are over. Let us return. 'Tis time enough to-morrow.