_Chief of the Ten_. Lady, we revoke not Our purposes so readily. _Mar._ I know it, As far as touches torturing the living. I thought the dead had been beyond even _you_, Though (some, no doubt) consigned to powers which may Resemble that you exercise on earth. Leave him to me; you would have done so for His dregs of life, which you have kindly shortened: It is my last of duties, and may prove 340 A dreary comfort in my desolation.[bw] Grief is fantastical, and loves the dead, And the apparel of the grave. _Chief of the Ten_. Do you Pretend still to this office? _Mar._ I do, Signor. Though his possessions have been all consumed In the State's service, I have still my dowry, Which shall be consecrated to his rites, And those of---- [_She stops with agitation_. _Chief of the Ten_. Best retain it for your children. _Mar._ Aye, they are fatherless, I thank you. _Chief of the Ten_. We Cannot comply with your request. His relics 350 Shall be exposed with wonted pomp, and followed Unto their home by the new Doge, not clad As _Doge_, but simply as a senator. _Mar._ I have heard of murderers, who have interred Their victims; but ne'er heard, until this hour, Of so much splendour in hypocrisy O'er those they slew.[82] I've heard of widows' tears-- Alas! I have shed some--always thanks to you! I've heard of _heirs_ in sables--you have left none To the deceased, so you would act the part 360 Of such. Well, sirs, your will be done! as one day, I trust, Heaven's will be done too![bx] _Chief of the Ten_. Know you, Lady, To whom ye speak, and perils of such speech? _Mar._ I know the former better than yourselves; The latter--like yourselves; and can face both. Wish you more funerals? _Bar._ Heed not her rash words; Her circumstances must excuse her bearing. _Chief of the Ten_. We will not note them down. _Bar._ (_turning to Lor., who is writing upon his tablets_). What art thou writing, With such an earnest brow, upon thy tablets? _Lor._ (_pointing to the Doge's body_). That _he_ has paid me![83] _Chief of the Ten_. What debt did he owe you? 370 _Lor._ A long and just one; Nature's debt and _mine_.[84] [_Curtain falls_[85] FOOTNOTES: [34] {113}[The MS. of _The Two Foscari_ is now in the possession of H.R.H. the Princess of Wales.] [35] [Begun June the 12th, completed July the 9th, Ravenna, 1821.--_Byron MS_.]