"
The fisherman arose with an air of rebuked submission, the result of a
long life passed in the habit of political deference; but he did not
approach to receive the proffered reward.
"Bend thy head, fisherman, that his Highness may bestow the prize,"
commanded an officer.
"I ask not for gold, nor any oar, but that which carries me to the
Lagunes in the morning, and brings me back into the canals at night.
Give me my child, or give me nothing."
"Away with him!" muttered a dozen voices; "he utters sedition! let him
quit the galley."
Antonio was hurried from the presence, and forced into his gondola with
very unequivocal signs of disgrace. This unwonted interruption of the
ceremonies clouded many a brow, for the sensibilities of a Venetian
noble were quick, indeed, to reprehend the immorality of political
discontent, though the conventional dignity of the class suppressed all
other ill-timed exhibition of dissatisfaction.
"Let the next competitor draw near," continued the sovereign, with a
composure that constant practice in dissimulation rendered easy.
The unknown waterman to whose secret favor Antonio owed his success,
approached, still concealed by the licensed mask.
"Thou art the gainer of the second prize," said the Prince, "and were
rigid justice done, thou should'st receive the first also, since our
favor is not to be rejected with impunity. Kneel, that I may bestow the
favor.
Pages:
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184