No More Learning

I am the chief of the arsenal,[392] employed 350
At present in repairing certain galleys
But roughly used by the Genoese last year.
This morning comes the noble Barbaro[393]
Full of reproof, because our artisans
Had left some frivolous order of his house,
To execute the state's decree: I dared
To justify the men--he raised his hand;--
Behold my blood! the first time it e'er flowed
Dishonourably.

_Doge_. Have you long time served?

_I. Ber_. So long as to remember Zara's siege, 360
And fight beneath the Chief who beat the Huns there,
Sometime my general, now the Doge Faliero. --

_Doge_. How! are we comrades? --the State's ducal robes
Sit newly on me, and you were appointed
Chief of the arsenal ere I came from Rome;
So that I recognised you not. Who placed you?

_I. Ber_.
The late Doge; keeping still my old command
As patron of a galley: my new office
Was given as the reward of certain scars
(So was your predecessor pleased to say): 370
I little thought his bounty would conduct me
To his successor as a helpless plaintiff;
At least, in such a cause.

_Doge_. Are you much hurt?

_I. Ber_. Irreparably in my self-esteem.

_Doge_. Speak out; fear nothing: being stung at heart,
What would you do to be revenged on this man?

_I. Ber_. That which I dare not name, and yet will do.

_Doge_. Then wherefore came you here?

_I. Ber_. I come for justice,
Because my general is Doge, and will not
See his old soldier trampled on.