.

"It is my duty, Antonio, and, being a duty, it hath become a pleasure to
place around thy neck this golden chain. The oar which it bears is an
emblem of thy skill; and among thy associates it will be a mark of the
Republic's favor and impartiality, and of thy merit. Take it, then,
vigorous old man, for though age hath thinned thy temples and furrowed
thy cheek, it hath scarcely affected thy wonderful sinews and hardy
courage!"

"Highness!" observed Antonio, recoiling apace, when he found that he was
expected to stoop, in order that the bauble might be bestowed, "I am not
fit to bear about me such a sign of greatness and good fortune. The
glitter of the gold would mock my poverty, and a jewel which comes from
so princely a hand would be ill placed on a naked bosom."

This unexpected refusal caused a general surprise, and a momentary
pause.

"Thou hast not entered on the struggle, fisherman, without a view to its
prize? But thou sayest truly, the golden ornament would, indeed, but ill
befit thy condition and daily wants. Wear it for the moment, since it is
meet that all should know the justice and impartiality of our decisions,
and bring it to my treasurer when the sports are done; he will make such
an exchange as better suits thy wishes. There is precedent for this
practice, and it shall be followed."

"Illustrious Highness! I did not trust my old limbs in so hard a strife
without hopes of a reward. But it was not gold, nor any vanity to be
seen among my equals with that glittering jewel, that led me to meet the
scorn of the gondoliers, and the displeasure of the great."

"Thou art deceived, honest fisherman, if thou supposest that we regard
thy just ambition with displeasure. We love to see a generous emulation
among our people, and take all proper means to encourage those aspiring
spirits who bring honor to a state, and fortune to our shores."

"I pretend not to place my poor thoughts against those of my Prince,"
answered the fisherman; "my fears and shame have led me to believe that
it would give more pleasure to the noble and gay had a younger and
happier borne away this honor."

"Thou must not think this. Bend then thy knee, that I may bestow the
prize. When the sun sets thou wilt find those in my palace who will
relieve thee of the ornament at a just remuneration."

"Highness!" said Antonio, looking earnestly at the Doge, who again
arrested his movement in surprise, "I am old, and little wont to be
sp