n in the court received the accession of those who
arrived by water.

There is no body so sensible of an increase of its members as a mob.
Without discipline, and dependent solely on animal force for its
ascendency, the sentiment of physical power is blended with its very
existence. When they saw the mass of living beings which had assembled
within the wall of the ducal palace, the most audacious of that throng
became more hardy, and even the wavering grew strong. This is the
reverse of the feeling which prevails among those who are called on to
repress this species of violence, who generally gain courage as its
exhibition is least required.

The throng in the court was raising one of its loudest and most menacing
cries as the train of the Doge appeared, approaching by one of the long
open galleries of the principal floor of the edifice.

The presence of the venerable man who nominally presided over that
factitious state, and the long training of the fishermen in habits of
deference to authority, notwithstanding their present tone of
insubordination, caused a sudden and deep silence. A feeling of awe
gradually stole over the thousand dark faces that were gazing upwards,
as the little cortege drew near. So profound, indeed, was the stillness
caused by this sentiment, that the rustling of the ducal robes was
audible, as the prince, impeded by his infirmities, and consulting the
state usual to his rank, slowly advanced. The previous violence of the
untutored fishermen, and their present deference to the external state
that met their eyes, had its origin in the same causes;--ignorance and
habit were the parents of both.

"Why are ye assembled here, my children?" asked the Doge, when he had
reached the summit of the Giant's Stairs, "and most of all, why have ye
come into the palace of your prince with these unbefitting cries?"

The tremulous voice of the old man was clearly audible, for the lowest
of its tones were scarcely interrupted by a breath. The fishermen gazed
at each other, and all appeared to search for him who might be bold
enough to answer. At length one in the centre of the crowded mass, and
effectually concealed from observation, cried, "Justice!"

"Such is our object," mildly continued the prince; "and such, I will
add, is our practice. Why are ye assembled here, in a manner so
offensive to the state, and so disrespectful to your prince?"

Still none answered. The only spirit of their body, which had be