No More Learning

You shall be so;
Thus much they cannot well deny.

_Mar. _ And if
They should, I will fly with him.

_Doge_. That can ne'er be.
And whither would you fly?

_Mar. _ I know not, reck not--
To Syria, Egypt, to the Ottoman-- 380
Any where, where we might respire unfettered,
And live nor girt by spies, nor liable
To edicts of inquisitors of state.

_Doge_. What, wouldst thou have a renegade for husband,
And turn him into traitor?

_Mar. _ He is none!
The Country is the traitress, which thrusts forth
Her best and bravest from her. Tyranny
Is far the worst of treasons. Dost thou deem
None rebels except subjects?
The Prince who
Neglects or violates his trust is more 390
A brigand than the robber-chief.

_Doge_. I cannot
Charge me with such a breach of faith.

_Mar_ No; thou
Observ'st, obey'st such laws as make old Draco's
A code of mercy by comparison.

_Doge_. I found the law; I did not make it. Were I
A subject, still I might find parts and portions
Fit for amendment; but as Prince, I never
Would change, for the sake of my house, the charter
Left by our fathers.

_Mar. _ Did they make it for
The ruin of their children?

_Doge_. Under such laws, Venice 400
Has risen to what she is--a state to rival
In deeds, and days, and sway, and, let me add,
In glory (for we have had Roman spirits
Amongst us), all that history has bequeathed
Of Rome and Carthage in their best times, when
The people swayed by Senates.

_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.