_ So I
thought!
Byron
And now, sir, to your business.
_Lor. _ 'Tis decreed, 260
That, without further repetition of
The Question, or continuance of the trial,
Which only tends to show how stubborn guilt is,
("The Ten," dispensing with the stricter law
Which still prescribes the Question till a full
Confession, and the prisoner partly having
Avowed his crime in not denying that
The letter to the Duke of Milan's his),
James Foscari return to banishment,
And sail in the same galley which conveyed him. 270
_Mar. _ Thank God! At least they will not drag him more
Before that horrible tribunal. Would he
But think so, to my mind the happiest doom,
Not he alone, but all who dwell here, could
Desire, were to escape from such a land.
_Doge_. That is not a Venetian thought, my daughter.
_Mar. _ No, 'twas too human. May I share his exile?
_Lor. _ Of this "the Ten" said nothing.
_Mar.
_ So I thought!
That were too human, also. But it was not
Inhibited?
_Lor. _ It was not named.
_Mar. (to the Doge_). Then, father, 280
Surely you can obtain or grant me thus much:
[_To_ LOREDANO.
And you, sir, not oppose my prayer to be
Permitted to accompany my husband.
_Doge_. I will endeavour.
_Mar. _ And you, Signor?
_Lor. _ Lady!
'Tis not for me to anticipate the pleasure
Of the tribunal.
