The Works of Lord Byron Volume V Part 51

_Doge_. (_walks a few steps, then stops_).

I feel athirst--will no one bring me here 290 A cup of water?

_Bar._ I----

_Mar._ And I----

_Lor._ And I---- [_The Doge takes a goblet from the hand of_ LOREDANO.

_Doge_. I take _yours_, Loredano, from the hand Most fit for such an hour as this.[bu]

_Lor._ Why so?

_Doge_. 'Tis said that our Venetian crystal has Such pure antipathy to poisons as To burst, if aught of venom touches it.

You bore this goblet, and it is not broken.

_Lor._ Well, sir!

_Doge_. Then it is false, or you are true.

For my own part, I credit neither; 'tis An idle legend.

_Mar._ You talk wildly, and 300 Had better now be seated, nor as yet Depart. Ah! now you look as looked my husband!

_Bar._ He sinks!--support him!--quick--a chair--support him!

_Doge_. The bell tolls on!--let's hence--my brain's on fire!

_Bar._ I do beseech you, lean upon us!

_Doge_. No!

A Sovereign should die standing. My poor boy!

Off with your arms!--_That bell!_[80]

[_The_ DOGE _drops down and dies_.

_Mar._ My G.o.d! My G.o.d!

_Bar._ (_to Lor._). Behold! your work's completed!

_Chief of the Ten_. Is there then No aid? Call in a.s.sistance!

_Att._ 'Tis all over.

_Chief of the Ten_. If it be so, at least his obsequies 310 Shall be such as befits his name and nation, His rank and his devotion to the duties Of the realm, while his age permitted him To do himself and them full justice. Brethren, Say, shall it not be so?

_Bar._ He has not had The misery to die a subject where[bv]

He reigned: then let his funeral 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!

I've heard of _heirs_ in sables--you have left none To the deceased, so you would act the part 360 Of such. Well, sirs, your will be done! as one day, I trust, Heaven's will be done too![bx]

_Chief of the Ten_. Know you, Lady, To whom ye speak, and perils of such speech?

_Mar._ I know the former better than yourselves; The latter--like yourselves; and can face both.

Wish you more funerals?

_Bar._ Heed not her rash words; Her circ.u.mstances must excuse her bearing.

_Chief of the Ten_. We will not note them down.

_Bar._ (_turning to Lor., who is writing upon his tablets_).

What art thou writing, With such an earnest brow, upon thy tablets?

_Lor._ (_pointing to the Doge's body_). That _he_ has paid me![83]

_Chief of the Ten_. What debt did he owe you? 370

_Lor._ A long and just one; Nature's debt and _mine_.[84]

[_Curtain falls_[85]

FOOTNOTES:

[34] {113}[The MS. of _The Two Foscari_ is now in the possession of H.R.H. the Princess of Wales.]