sion for their volleys, ere this riot is
appeased."

"Confide in the ordinary authorities for that, Signore," answered the
Senator Gradenigo. "I have only concern, lest some conspiracy, which may
touch the fidelity of the troops, lies concealed beneath the outcry."

"The evil passions of man know no limits! What would the wretches have?
For a state in the decline, Venice is to the last degree prosperous. Our
ships are thriving; the bank flourishes with goodly dividends; and I do
assure you, Signore, that, for many years, I have not known so ample
revenues for most of our interests, as at this hour. All cannot thrive
alike!"

"You are happily connected with flourishing affairs, Signore, but there
are many that are less lucky. Our form of government is somewhat
exclusive, and it is a penalty that we have ever paid for its
advantages, to be liable to sudden and malevolent accusations, for any
evil turn of fortune that besets the Republic."

"Can nothing satisfy these exacting spirits? Are they not free--are they
not happy?"

"It would seem that they want better assurance of these facts, than our
own feelings, or our words."

"Man is the creature of envy! The poor desire to be rich--the weak,
powerful."

"There is an exception to your rule, at least, Signore, since the rich
rarely wish to be poor, or the powerful, weak."

"You deride my sentiments to-night, Signor Gradenigo. I speak, I hope,
as becomes a Senator of Venice, and in a manner that you are not
unaccustomed to hear!"

"Nay, the language is not unusual. But I fear me there is something
unsuited to a falling fortune, in the exacting and narrow spirit of our
laws. When a state is eminently flourishing, its subjects overlook
general defects in private prosperity, but there is no more fastidious
commentator on measures than your merchant of a failing trade."

"This is their gratitude! Have we not converted these muddy isles into a
mart for half Christendom, and now they are dissatisfied that they
cannot retain all the monopolies that the wisdom of our ancestors has
accumulated."

"They complain much in your own spirit, Signore,--but you are right in
saying the present riot must be looked to. Let us seek his highness, who
will go out to the people, with such patricians as may be present, and
one of our number as a witness: more than that might expose our
character."

The Secret Council withdrew to carry this resolution into effect, just
as the fisherme