d son from life;
I have endured as much in giving life
To those who will succeed them, as they can
In leaving it: but mine were joyful pangs:
And yet they wrung me till I _could_ have shrieked,
But did not; for my hope was to bring forth
Heroes, and would not welcome them with tears.

_Mem._ All's silent now.

_Mar._ Perhaps all's over; but
I will not deem it: he hath nerved himself,
And now defies them.

_Enter an Officer hastily_.

_Mem._ How now, friend, what seek you? 250

_Offi._ A leech. The prisoner has fainted. [_Exit Officer_.

_Mem._ Lady,
'Twere better to retire.

_Sen._ (_offering to assist her_), I pray thee do so.

_Mar._ Off! _I_ will tend him.

_Mem._ You! Remember, lady!
Ingress is given to none within those chambers
Except "the Ten," and their familiars.

_Mar._ Well,
I know that none who enter there return
As they have entered--many never; but
They shall not balk my entrance.

_Mem._ Alas! this
Is but to expose yourself to harsh repulse,
And worse suspense.

_Mar._ Who shall oppose me?

_Mem._ They 260
Whose duty 'tis to do so.

_Mar._ 'Tis _their_ duty
To trample on all human feelings, all
Ties which bind man to man, to emulate
The fiends who will one day requite them in
Variety of torturing! Yet I'll pass.

_Mem._ It is impossible.

_Mar._ That shall be tried.[ay]
Despair defies even despotism: there is
That in my heart would make its way through hosts
With levelled spears; and think you a few jailors
Shall put me from my path? Give me, then, way; 270
This is the Doge's palace; I am wife
Of the Duke's son, the _innocent_ Duke's son,
And they shall hear this!

_Mem._ It will only serve
More to exasperate his judges.

_Mar._ What
Are _judges_ who give way to anger? they
Who do so are assassins. Give me way. [_Exit_ MARINA.

_Sen._ Poor lady!

_Mem._ 'Tis mere desperation: she
Will not be ad