Chapter 25

PIETRO _speaks, in entering, to_ BATTISTA.

_Pie_. Is not the messenger returned?[cv]

_Bat_. Not yet; I have sent frequently, as you commanded, But still the Signory[380] is deep in council, And long debate on Steno's accusation.

_Pie_. Too long--at least so thinks the Doge.

_Bat_. How bears he These moments of suspense?

_Pie_. With struggling patience.[cw] Placed at the Ducal table, covered o'er With all the apparel of the state--petitions, Despatches, judgments, acts, reprieves, reports,-- He sits as rapt in duty; but whene'er[cx] 10 He hears the jarring of a distant door, Or aught that intimates a coming step,[cy] Or murmur of a voice, his quick eye wanders, And he will start up from his chair, then pause, And seat himself again, and fix his gaze Upon some edict; but I have observed For the last hour he has not turned a leaf.

_Bat_. 'Tis said he is much moved,--and doubtless 'twas Foul scorn in Steno to offend so grossly.

_Pie_. Aye, if a poor man: Steno's a patrician, 20 Young, galliard, gay, and haughty.[cz]

_Bat_. Then you think He will not be judged hardly?

_Pie_. 'Twere enough He be judged justly; but 'tis not for us To anticipate the sentence of the Forty.

_Bat_. And here it comes.--What news, Vincenzo?

_Enter_ VINCENZO.

_Vin_. 'Tis Decided; but as yet his doom's unknown: I saw the President in act to seal The parchment which will bear the Forty's judgment Unto the Doge, and hasten to inform him. [_Exeunt_.