Sen._ Most true. I say no more.

_Mem._ As we hope, Signor,
And all may honestly, (that is, all those
Of noble blood may,) one day hope to be
Decemvir, it is surely for the Senate's[br]
Chosen delegates, a school of wisdom, to
Be thus admitted, though as novices,
To view the mysteries.

_Sen._ Let us view them: they,
No doubt, are worth it.

_Mem._ Being worth our lives
If we divulge them, doubtless they are worth 90
Something, at least to you or me.

_Sen._ I sought not
A place within the sanctuary; but being
Chosen, however reluctantly so chosen,
I shall fulfil my office.

_Mem._ Let us not
Be latest in obeying "the Ten's" summons.

_Sen._ All are not met, but I am of your thought
So far--let's in.

_Mem._ The earliest are most welcome
In earnest councils--we will not be least so. [_Exeunt_.

_Enter the_ DOGE, JACOPO FOSCARI, _and_ MARINA.

_Jac. Fos._ Ah, father! though I must and will depart,
Yet--yet--I pray you to obtain for me 100
That I once more return unto my home,
Howe'er remote the period. Let there be
A point of time, as beacon to my heart,
With any penalty annexed they please,
But let me still return.

_Doge_. Son Jacopo,
Go and obey our Country's will:[72] 'tis not
For us to look beyond.

_Jac. Fos._ But still I must
Look back. I pray you think of me.

_Doge_. Alas!
You ever were my dearest offspring, when
They were more numerous, nor can be less so 110
Now you are last; but did the State demand
The exile of the disinterred ashes
Of your three goodly brothers, now in earth,[73]
And their desponding shades came flitting round
To impede the act, I must no less obey
A duty, paramount to every duty.

_Mar._ My husband! let us on: this but prolongs
Our sorrow.

_Jac. Fos._ But we are not summoned yet;
The galley's sails are not unfurled:--who knows?
The wind may change.

_Mar._ And if it do, it will not 120
Change _their_ hearts, or your lot: the galley's oars
Will quickly clear the harbour.