No More Learning

_Sen. _ Not clearly, and the charge of homicide
Has been annulled by the death-bed confession
Of Nicolas Erizzo, who slew the late
Chief of "the Ten. "[46]

_Mem. _ Then why not clear him?

_Sen. _ That
They ought to answer; for it is well known
That Almoro Donato, as I said,
Was slain by Erizzo for private vengeance.

_Mem. _ There must be more in this strange process than
The apparent crimes of the accused disclose-- 310
But here come two of "the Ten;" let us retire.
[_Exeunt_ MEMMO _and Senator_.

_Enter_ LOREDANO _and_ BARBARIGO.

_Bar. _ (_addressing_ LOR. ).
That were too much: believe me, 'twas not meet
The trial should go further at this moment.

_Lor.
_ And so the Council must break up, and Justice
Pause in her full career, because a woman
Breaks in on our deliberations?

_Bar. _ No,
That's not the cause; you saw the prisoner's state.

_Lor. _ And had he not recovered?

_Bar. _ To relapse
Upon the least renewal.

_Lor. _ 'Twas not tried.

_Bar. _ 'Tis vain to murmur; the majority 320
In council were against you.

_Lor. _ Thanks to _you_, sir,
And the old ducal dotard, who combined
The worthy voices which o'er-ruled my own.

_Bar. _ I am a judge; but must confess that part
Of our stern duty, which prescribes the Question,[47]
And bids us sit and see its sharp infliction,
Makes me wish--

_Lor. _ What?