_Guard_. Signor, you hear the order. _Jac. Fos._ Aye, I am used to such a summons; 'tis The third time they have tortured me:--then lend me Thine arm. [_To the Guard_. _Offi._ Take mine, sir; 'tis my duty to Be nearest to your person. _Jac. Fos._ You!--you are he 150 Who yesterday presided o'er my pangs-- Away!--I'll walk alone. _Offi._ As you please, Signor; The sentence was not of my signing, but I dared not disobey the Council when They---- _Jac. Fos._ Bade thee stretch me on their horrid engine. I pray thee touch me not--that is, just now; The time will come they will renew that order, But keep off from me till 'tis issued. As I look upon thy hands my curdling limbs Quiver with the anticipated wrenching, 160 And the cold drops strain through my brow, as if---- But onward--I have borne it--I can bear it.-- How looks my father? _Offi._ With his wonted aspect. _Jac. Fos._ So does the earth, and sky, the blue of Ocean, The brightness of our city, and her domes, The mirth of her Piazza--even now Its merry hum of nations pierces here, Even here, into these chambers of the unknown Who govern, and the unknown and the unnumbered Judged and destroyed in silence,--all things wear 170 The self-same aspect, to my very sire! Nothing can sympathise with Foscari, Not even a Foscari.--Sir, I attend you. [_Exeunt_ JACOPO FOSCARI, _Officer, etc._ _Enter_ MEMMO _and another Senator_. _Mem._ He's gone--we are too late:--think you "the Ten" Will sit for any length of time to-day? _Sen._ They say the prisoner is most obdurate, Persisting in his first avowal; but More I know not. _Mem._ And that is much; the secrets Of yon terrific chamber are as hidden From us, the premier nobles of the state, 180 As from the people. _Sen._ Save the wonted rumours, Which--like the tales of spectres, that are rife Near ruined buildings--never have been proved, Nor wholly disbelieved: men know as little Of the state's real acts as of the grave's Unfathomed mysteries. _Mem._ But with length of time We gain a step in knowledge, and I look Forward to be one day of the decemvirs. _Sen._ Or Doge? _Mem._ Why, no; not if I can avoid it. _Sen._ 'Tis the first station of the state, and may 190 Be lawfully desired, and lawfully Attained by noble aspirants.