Volume 4 / Act 1 — Scene I.—An Antechamber in the Ducal Palace.
Reading edition
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.