ty and forethought,
by reason of which--as for the esteem in which this Republic hath ever
held the ancient house of Magagnati, which from the earliest times hath
been foremost in our industry of Murano--we propose to confer nobility
upon thine house, and to give thee an immediate seat of right in the
Maggior Consiglio."

The honor was so unexpected that the body of grave Councillors had risen
in congratulation before Girolamo Magagnati could frame other response
than his profound and grave obeisance.

But there was no hint of indecision in the deep, measured tones with
which he made reply:

"Most Serene Prince and Lords of the Council, I beg you to believe in my
deep appreciation of the honor you would bestow. But let it rather be
said of me that I--being still of the people, as all of my house from
the commencement of this Republic have ever been--have yet received such
favor of my Prince that he accepts from one of the people this token of
loyal service to the government. And more I ask not."

"Also," he proceeded calmly, taking no note of the consternation on the
faces of his auditors, "is it not fitting for old men to receive favors
from children, rather for them to bestow--as I, this galley, in the name
of the boy; the which--were I to accept in return the munificence of the
Senate--would be the offering of my galley as so much base coin,
wherewith to purchase an honor not mine by birth. Let it not be said in
scorn that Girolamo Magagnati hath bought the nobility with which his
birth hath failed to endow him!"

"Is it better, Messer Magagnati, that some should now say 'it is for
arrogance that this noble son of the people refuses a seat among the
nobles of Venice'?" the Doge questioned coldly.

"Not so, Most Serene Prince; each man is rather noble if, in that place
which God hath assigned him, he doeth nobly the duty belonging thereto;
as ye, my Lords, Nobles, and Councillors of the Republic, each in the
seat appointed you by birth, serve, without wearying, the interests of
Venice. I am already old and the last of my race, for those of my blood
who come after me, by the favor of Venice, are inscribed in the 'Libro
d'Oro.' If I have deserved aught of your bounty, be gracious when some
right of the people is in danger of being forgotten; and let my
grandson, among the nobles, ever serve nobles and people alike--as
Venetians--without distinction of interests. But let me die as I have
lived, among the workmen o