No More Learning

My services have called me up those steps,
The malice of my foes will drive me down them. [79]
_There_ five and thirty years ago was I
Installed, and traversed these same halls, from which
I never thought to be divorced except
A corse--a corse, it might be, fighting for them--
But not pushed hence by fellow-citizens.
But come; my son and I will go together-- 250
He to his grave, and I to pray for mine.

_Chief of the Ten_. What! thus in public?

_Doge_. I was publicly
Elected, and so will I be deposed.
Marina! art thou willing?

_Mar. _ Here's my arm!

_Doge_. And here my _staff_: thus propped will I go forth.

_Chief of the Ten_.
It must not be--the people will perceive it.

_Doge_. The people,--There's no people, you well know it,
Else you dare not deal thus by them or me.
There is a _populace_, perhaps, whose looks
May shame you; but they dare not groan nor curse you, 260
Save with their hearts and eyes.

_Chief of the Ten_. You speak in passion,
Else----

_Doge_. You have reason. I have spoken much
More than my wont: it is a foible which
Was not of mine, but more excuses you,
Inasmuch as it shows, that I approach
A dotage which may justify this deed
Of yours, although the law does not, nor will.
Farewell, sirs!

_Bar. _ You shall not depart without
An escort fitting past and present rank.
We will accompany, with due respect, 270
The Doge unto his private palace. Say!
My brethren, will we not?

_Different voices_. Aye!