_Bar._ And will you leave it unerased?

_Lor._ Till balanced.

_Bar._ And how?

[_Two Senators pass over the stage, as in their way
to "the Hall of the Council of Ten."_

_Lor._ You see the number is complete.
Follow me. [_Exit_ LOREDANO.

_Bar._ (_solus_). Follow _thee_! I have followed long
Thy path of desolation, as the wave
Sweeps after that before it, alike whelming[au]
The wreck that creaks to the wild winds, and wretch
Who shrieks within its riven ribs, as gush 60
The waters through them; but this son and sire
Might move the elements to pause, and yet
Must I on hardily like them--Oh! would
I could as blindly and remorselessly!--
Lo, where he comes!--Be still, my heart! they are
Thy foes, must be thy victims: wilt thou beat
For those who almost broke thee?

_Enter Guards, with young_ FOSCARI _as Prisoner, etc._

_Guard_. Let him rest.
Signor, take time.

_Jac. Fos._ I thank thee, friend, I'm feeble;
But thou mayst stand reproved.

_Guard_. I'll stand the hazard.

_Jac. Fos._ That's kind:--I meet some pity, but no mercy;[av] 70
This is the first.

_Guard_. And might be the last, did they
Who rule behold us.

_Bar._ (_advancing to the Guard_). There is one who does:
Yet fear not; I will neither be thy judge
Nor thy accuser; though the hour is past,
Wait their last summons--I am of "the Ten,"[41]
And waiting for that summons, sanction you
Even by my presence: when the last call sounds,
We'll in together.--Look well to the prisoner!

_Jac. Fos._ What voice is that?--'Tis Barbarigo's! Ah!
Our House's foe, and one of my few judges. 80

_Bar._ To balance such a foe, if such there be,
Thy father sits amongst thy judges.

_Jac. Fos._ True,
He judges.

_Bar._ Then deem not the laws too harsh
Which yield so much indulgence to a sire,
As to allow his voice in such high matter
As the state's safety--

_Jac. Fos._ And his son's. I'm faint;
Let me approach, I pray you, for a breath
Of air, yon window which o'erlooks the waters.