my friend, you seek it of the twain 330
Of least respect and interest in Venice.
Of least respect and interest in Venice.
Byron
May it please
Your Highness, the same patron whom I spake of
Is here to crave your patience.
_Doge_. Leave the chamber,
Vincenzo. --
[_Exit_ VINCENZO.
Sir, you may advance--what would you?
_I. Ber_. Redress.
_Doge_. Of whom?
_I. Ber_. Of God and of the Doge.
_Doge_. Alas!
my friend, you seek it of the twain 330
Of least respect and interest in Venice.
You must address the Council.
_I. Ber_. 'Twere in vain;
For he who injured me is one of them.
_Doge_. There's blood upon thy face--how came it there?
_I. Ber_. 'Tis mine, and not the first I've shed for Venice,
But the first shed by a Venetian hand:
A noble smote me.
_Doge_. Doth he live?
_I. Ber_. Not long--
But for the hope I had and have, that you,
My Prince, yourself a soldier, will redress
Him, whom the laws of discipline and Venice 340
Permit not to protect himself:--if not--
I say no more.
_Doge_.
Your Highness, the same patron whom I spake of
Is here to crave your patience.
_Doge_. Leave the chamber,
Vincenzo. --
[_Exit_ VINCENZO.
Sir, you may advance--what would you?
_I. Ber_. Redress.
_Doge_. Of whom?
_I. Ber_. Of God and of the Doge.
_Doge_. Alas!
my friend, you seek it of the twain 330
Of least respect and interest in Venice.
You must address the Council.
_I. Ber_. 'Twere in vain;
For he who injured me is one of them.
_Doge_. There's blood upon thy face--how came it there?
_I. Ber_. 'Tis mine, and not the first I've shed for Venice,
But the first shed by a Venetian hand:
A noble smote me.
_Doge_. Doth he live?
_I. Ber_. Not long--
But for the hope I had and have, that you,
My Prince, yourself a soldier, will redress
Him, whom the laws of discipline and Venice 340
Permit not to protect himself:--if not--
I say no more.
_Doge_.
