are no longer Doge; you are released
From your imperial oath as Sovereign;
Your ducal robes must be put off; but for 170
Your services, the State allots the appanage
Already mentioned in our former congress.
Three days are left you to remove from hence,
Under the penalty to see confiscated
All your own private fortune.

_Doge_. That last clause,
I am proud to say, would not enrich the treasury.

_Chief of the Ten_. Your answer, Duke!

_Lor._ Your answer, Francis Foscari!

_Doge_. If I could have foreseen that my old age
Was prejudicial to the State, the Chief
Of the Republic never would have shown 180
Himself so far ungrateful, as to place
His own high dignity before his Country;
But this _life_ having been so many years
_Not_ useless to that Country, I would fain
Have consecrated my last moments to her.
But the decree being rendered, I obey.[bt][78]

_Chief of the Ten_. If you would have the three days named extended,
We willingly will lengthen them to eight,
As sign of our esteem.

_Doge_. Not eight hours, Signor,
Not even eight minutes--there's the ducal ring, 190
[_Taking off his ring and cap_.
And there the ducal diadem! And so
The Adriatic's free to wed another.

_Chief of the Ten_. Yet go not forth so quickly.

_Doge_. I am old, sir,
And even to move but slowly must begin
To move betimes. Methinks I see amongst you
A face I know not.--Senator! your name,
You, by your garb, Chief of the Forty!

_Mem._ Signor,
I am the son of Marco Memmo.

_Doge_. Ah!
Your father was my friend.--But _sons_ and _fathers!_--
What, ho! my servants there!

_Atten._ My Prince!

_Doge_. No Prince-- 200
There are the princes of the Prince!
[_Pointing to the Ten's Deputation_
--Prepare
To part from hence upon the instant.

_Chief of the Ten_. Why
So rashly? 'twill give scandal.

_Doge_ (_to the Ten_).