No More Learning

_Sig_. (_showing his order_).
Behold my order from the assembled Ten.

_Doge_. And _where_ are they, and _why_ assembled? no
Such Council can be lawful, till the Prince
Preside there, and that duty's mine:[446] on thine
I charge thee, give me way, or marshal me
To the Council chamber.

_Sig_. Duke! it may not be:
Nor are they in the wonted Hall of Council,
But sitting in the convent of Saint Saviour's. 210

_Doge_. You dare to disobey me, then?

_Sig_. I serve
The State, and needs must serve it faithfully;
My warrant is the will of those who rule it.

_Doge_. And till that warrant has my signature
It is illegal, and, as _now_ applied,
Rebellious.
Hast thou weighed well thy life's worth,
That thus you dare assume a lawless function? [ew]

_Sig_. 'Tis not my office to reply, but act--
I am placed here as guard upon thy person,
And not as judge to hear or to decide. 220

_Doge_ (_aside_).
I must gain time. So that the storm-bell sound,[ex][447]
All may be well yet. Kinsman, speed--speed--speed! --
Our fate is trembling in the balance, and
Woe to the vanquished! be they Prince and people,
Or slaves and Senate--
[_The great bell of St. Mark's tolls. _
Lo! it sounds--it tolls!

_Doge_ (_aloud_).
Hark, Signor of the Night! and you, ye hirelings,
Who wield your mercenary staves in fear,
It is your knell. --Swell on, thou lusty peal!