The works of Lord Byron :: :: University of Virginia Library

—The Piazza and Piazzetta of St. Mark's.— The people in crowds gathered round the grated gates of the Ducal Palace, which are shut.
First Citizen.
I have gained the Gate, and can discern the Ten,
Robed in their gowns of state, ranged round the Doge.

Second Cit.
I cannot reach thee with mine utmost effort.
How is it? let us hear at least, since sight
Is thus prohibited unto the people,
Except the occupiers of those bars.

First Cit.
One has approached the Doge, and now they strip
The ducal bonnet from his head—and now
He raises his keen eyes to Heaven; I see
Them glitter, and his lips move—Hush! hush!—no,
'Twas but a murmur—Curse upon the distance!
His words are inarticulate, but the voice
Swells up like muttered thunder; would we could
But gather a sole sentence!

Second Cit.
Hush! we perhaps may catch the sound.

First Cit.
'Tis vain.
I cannot hear him.—How his hoary hair
Streams on the wind like foam upon the wave!
Now—now—he kneels—and now they form a circle
Round him, and all is hidden—but I see
The lifted sword in air—Ah! hark! it falls!

[The people murmur.
Third Cit.
Then they have murdered him who would have freed us.

Fourth Cit.
He was a kind man to the commons ever.

461

Fifth Cit.
Wisely they did to keep their portals barred.
Would we had known the work they were preparing
Ere we were summoned here—we would have brought
Weapons, and forced them!

Sixth Cit.
Are you sure he's dead?

First Cit.

I saw the sword fall—Lo! what have we here?

Enter on the Balcony of the Palace which fronts St. Mark's Place a Chief of the Ten , with a bloody sword. He waves it thrice before the People, and exclaims,
“Justice hath dealt upon the mighty Traitor!”
[The gates are opened; the populace rush in towards the “Giants' Staircase,” where the execution has taken place. The foremost of them exclaims to those behind,
“The gory head rolls down the Giants' Steps!”

[The curtain falls.

“Un Capo de' Diel” are the words of Sanuto's Chronicle.