_ And this is
Patriotism?
Byron
_Mar. _ Rather say,
Groaned under the stern Oligarchs.
_Doge_. Perhaps so;
But yet subdued the World: in such a state
An individual, be he richest of
Such rank as is permitted, or the meanest, 410
Without a name, is alike nothing, when
The policy, irrevocably tending
To one great end, must be maintained in vigour.
_Mar. _ This means that you are more a Doge than father.
_Doge_. It means, I am more citizen than either.
If we had not for many centuries
Had thousands of such citizens, and shall,
I trust, have still such, Venice were no city.
_Mar. _ Accursed be the city where the laws
Would stifle Nature's!
_Doge_. Had I as many sons 420
As I have years, I would have given them all,
Not without feeling, but I would have given them
To the State's service, to fulfil her wishes,
On the flood, in the field, or, if it must be,
As it, alas! has been, to ostracism,
Exile, or chains, or whatsoever worse
She might decree.
_Mar.
_ And this is Patriotism?
To me it seems the worst barbarity.
Let me seek out my husband: the sage "Ten,"
With all its jealousy, will hardly war 430
So far with a weak woman as deny me
A moment's access to his dungeon.
_Doge_. I'll
So far take on myself, as order that
You may be admitted.
_Mar. _ And what shall I say
To Foscari from his father?
_Doge_. That he obey
The laws.
_Mar. _ And nothing more? Will you not see him
Ere he depart? It may be the last time.
_Doge_. The last! --my boy!
