esence hither.

_Lor._ 'Tis not the first time
I have visited these places.

_Mar._ Nor would be
The last, were all men's merits well rewarded.
Came you here to insult us, or remain[bp]
As spy upon us, or as hostage for us?

_Lor._ Neither are of my office, noble Lady!
I am sent hither to your husband, to
Announce "the Ten's" decree.

_Mar._ That tenderness
Has been anticipated: it is known.

_Lor._ As how?

_Mar._ I have informed him, not so gently, 260
Doubtless, as your nice feelings would prescribe,
The indulgence of your colleagues; but he knew it.
If you come for our thanks, take them, and hence!
The dungeon gloom is deep enough without you,
And full of reptiles, not less loathsome, though
Their sting is honester.

_Jac. Fos._ I pray you, calm you:
What can avail such words?

_Mar._ To let him know
That he is known.

_Lor._ Let the fair dame preserve
Her sex's privilege.

_Mar._ I have some sons, sir,
Will one day thank you better.

_Lor._ You do well 270
To nurse them wisely. Foscari--you know
Your sentence, then?

_Jac. Fos._ Return to Candia?

_Lor._ True--
For life.

_Jac. Fos._ Not long.

_Lor._ I said--for _life_.

_Jac. Fos._ And I
Repeat--not long.

_Lor._ A year's imprisonment
In Canea--afterwards the freedom of
The whole isle.

_Jac. Fos._ Both the same to me: the after
Freedom as is the first imprisonment.
Is't true my wife accompanies me?

_Lor._ Yes,
If she so wills it.

_Mar._ Who obtained that justice?

_Lor._ One who wars not with women.

_Mar._ But oppresses 280
Men: howsoever let him have _my_ thanks
For the only boon I would have asked or taken
From him or such as he is.

_Lor._ He receives them
As they are offered.

_Mar._ May they thrive with him
So much!--no more.

_Jac. Fos._ Is this, sir, your whole mission?
Because we have brief tim