e seen him pass through such an ordeal as
The old martyrs would have shrunk from: he is gone,
And I, who would have given my blood for him, 100
Have nought to give but tears! But could I compass
The retribution of his wrongs!--Well, well!
I have sons, who shall be men.

_Doge_. Your grief distracts you.

_Mar._ I thought I could have borne it, when I saw him
Bowed down by such oppression; yes, I thought
That I would rather look upon his corse
Than his prolonged captivity:--I am punished
For that thought now. Would I were in his grave!

_Doge_. I must look on him once more.

_Mar._ Come with me!

_Doge_. Is he----

_Mar._ Our bridal bed is now his bier, 110

_Doge_. And he is in his shroud!

_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 mode