too, shakes, my Lord: allow me, thus--

_Doge_. 'Tis done, I thank you.

_Sen._ Thus the act confirmed 10
By you and by "the Ten" gives peace to Venice.

_Doge_. 'Tis long since she enjoyed it: may it be
As long ere she resume her arms!

_Sen._ 'Tis almost
Thirty-four years of nearly ceaseless warfare
With the Turk, or the powers of Italy;
The state had need of some repose.

_Doge_. No doubt:
I found her Queen of Ocean, and I leave her
Lady of Lombardy; it is a comfort[bc]
That I have added to her diadem
The gems of Brescia and Ravenna; Crema[50] 20
And Bergamo no less are hers; her realm
By land has grown by thus much in my reign,
While her sea-sway has not shrunk.

_Sen._ 'Tis most true,
And merits all our country's gratitude.

_Doge_. Perhaps so.

_Sen._ Which should be made manifest.

_Doge_. I have not complained, sir.

_Sen._ My good Lord, forgive me.

_Doge_. For what?

_Sen._ My heart bleeds for you.

_Doge_. For me, Signor?

_Sen._ And for your----

_Doge_. Stop!

_Sen._ It must have way, my Lord:
I have too many duties towards you
And all your house, for past and present kindness, 30
Not to feel deeply for your son.

_Doge_. Was this
In your commission?

_Sen._ What, my Lord?

_Doge_. This prattle
Of things you know not: but the treaty's signed;
Return with it to them who sent you.

_Sen._ I
Obey. I had in charge, too, from the Council,
That you would fix an hour for their reunion.

_Doge_. Say, when they will--now, even at this moment,
If it so please them: I am the State's servant.

_Sen._ They would accord some time for your repose.

_Doge_. I have no repose, that is, none which shall cause 40
The loss of an hour's time unto the State.
Let them meet when they will, I shall be found
_Where_ I should be, and _what_ I have been ever.
[_Exit Senator. The_ DOGE _remains in silence_.