No More Learning

--The_ DOGE _enters in his ducal
robes, in procession with the_ COUNCIL OF TEN _and other Patricians,
attended by the Guards, till they arrive at the top of the
"Giants' Staircase[469] (where the Doges took the oaths); the
the Executioner is stationed there with his sword. --On arriving, a_
CHIEF OF THE TEN _takes off the ducal cap from the Doge's head_.

_Doge_. So now the Doge is nothing, and at last
I am again Marino Faliero:
'Tis well to be so, though but for a moment,[ft]
Here was I crowned, and here, bear witness, Heaven!
With how much more contentment I resign
That shining mockery, the ducal bauble,
Than I received the fatal ornament.

_One of the Ten_. Thou tremblest, Faliero!

_Doge_. 'Tis with age, then. [470]

_Ben_. Faliero! hast thou aught further to commend,
Compatible with justice, to the Senate? 10

_Doge_. I would commend my nephew to their mercy,
My consort to their justice; for methinks
My death, and such a death, might settle all
Between the State and me.

_Ben_.
They shall be cared for;
Even notwithstanding thine unheard-of crime.

_Doge_. Unheard of! aye, there's not a history
But shows a thousand crowned conspirators
_Against_ the people; but to set them free,
One Sovereign only died, and one is dying.

_Ben_. And who were they who fell in such a cause? 20

_Doge_. The King of Sparta, and the Doge of Venice--
Agis and Faliero!

_Ben_. Hast thou more
To utter or to do?

_Doge_. May I speak?

_Ben_. Thou may'st;
But recollect the people are without,
Beyond the compass of the human voice.

_Doge_. I speak to Time and to Eternity,
Of which I grow a portion, not to man.