of the unknown
Who govern, and the unknown and the unnumbered
Judged and destroyed in silence,--all things wear 170
The self-same aspect, to my very sire!
Nothing can sympathise with Foscari,
Not even a Foscari.--Sir, I attend you.
[_Exeunt_ JACOPO FOSCARI, _Officer, etc._

_Enter_ MEMMO _and another Senator_.

_Mem._ He's gone--we are too late:--think you "the Ten"
Will sit for any length of time to-day?

_Sen._ They say the prisoner is most obdurate,
Persisting in his first avowal; but
More I know not.

_Mem._ And that is much; the secrets
Of yon terrific chamber are as hidden
From us, the premier nobles of the state, 180
As from the people.

_Sen._ Save the wonted rumours,
Which--like the tales of spectres, that are rife
Near ruined buildings--never have been proved,
Nor wholly disbelieved: men know as little
Of the state's real acts as of the grave's
Unfathomed mysteries.

_Mem._ But with length of time
We gain a step in knowledge, and I look
Forward to be one day of the decemvirs.

_Sen._ Or Doge?

_Mem._ Why, no; not if I can avoid it.

_Sen._ 'Tis the first station of the state, and may 190
Be lawfully desired, and lawfully
Attained by noble aspirants.

_Mem._ To such
I leave it; though born noble, my ambition
Is limited: I'd rather be an unit
Of an united and Imperial "Ten,"
Than shine a lonely, though a gilded cipher.--
Whom have we here? the wife of Foscari?

_Enter_ MARINA, _with a female Attendant_.

_Mar._ What, no one?--I am wrong, there still are two;
But they are senators.

_Mem._ Most noble lady,
Command us.

_Mar._ _I command_!--Alas! my life 200
Has been one long entreaty, and a vain one.

_Mem._ I understand thee, but I must not answer.

_Mar._ (_fiercely_). True--none dare answer here save on the rack,
Or question save those----

_Mem._ (_interrupting her_). High-born dame![44] bethink thee
Where thou now art.

_Mar._ Where I now am!--It was
My husband's father's palace.

_Mem._ The Duke's palace.

_Mar._ A