l rites be princely.[81]

_Chief of the Ten_. We are agreed, then?

_All, except Lor., answer,_ Yes.

_Chief of the Ten_. Heaven's peace be with him!

_Mar._ Signers, your pardon: this is mockery. 320
Juggle no more with that poor remnant, which,
A moment since, while yet it had a soul,
(A soul by whom you have increased your Empire,
And made your power as proud as was his glory),
You banished from his palace and tore down
From his high place, with such relentless coldness;
And now, when he can neither know these honours,
Nor would accept them if he could, you, Signors,
Purpose, with idle and superfluous pomp,
To make a pageant over what you trampled. 330
A princely funeral will be your reproach,
And not his honour.

_Chief of the Ten_. Lady, we revoke not
Our purposes so readily.

_Mar._ I know it,
As far as touches torturing the living.
I thought the dead had been beyond even _you_,
Though (some, no doubt) consigned to powers which may
Resemble that you exercise on earth.
Leave him to me; you would have done so for
His dregs of life, which you have kindly shortened:
It is my last of duties, and may prove 340
A dreary comfort in my desolation.[bw]
Grief is fantastical, and loves the dead,
And the apparel of the grave.

_Chief of the Ten_. Do you
Pretend still to this office?

_Mar._ I do, Signor.
Though his possessions have been all consumed
In the State's service, I have still my dowry,
Which shall be consecrated to his rites,
And those of---- [_She stops with agitation_.

_Chief of the Ten_. Best retain it for your children.

_Mar._ Aye, they are fatherless, I thank you.

_Chief of the Ten_. We
Cannot comply with your request. His relics 350
Shall be exposed with wonted pomp, and followed
Unto their home by the new Doge, not clad
As _Doge_, but simply as a senator.

_Mar._ I have heard of murderers, who have interred
Their victims; but ne'er heard, until this hour,
Of so much splendour in hypocrisy
O'er those they slew.[82] I've heard of widows' tears--
Alas! I have shed some--always thanks to you!