"What answer dost thou
make the fisherman?"
"Signore, he speaketh truth."
"And thou hast dared to trifle with the pleasures of the city, and to
set at naught the wishes of the Doge!"
"If it be a crime, illustrious senator, to have pitied an old man who
mourned for his offspring, and to have given up my own solitary triumph
to his love for the boy, I am guilty."
There was along and silent pause after his reply. Jacopo had spoken with
habitual reverence, but with the grave composure that appeared to enter
deeply into the composition of his character. The paleness of the cheek
was the same, and the glowing eye which so singularly lighted and
animated a countenance that possessed a hue not unlike that of death,
scarce varied its gaze while he answered. A secret sign caused the
secretary to proceed with his duty.
"And thou owest thy success in the regatta, Antonio, to the favor of thy
competitor--he who is now with thee in the presence of the council?"
"Under San Teodoro and St. Antonio, the city's patron and my own."
"And thy whole desire was to urge again thy rejected petition in behalf
of the young sailor?"
"Signore, I had no other. What is the vanity of a triumph among the
gondoliers, or the bauble of a mimic oar and chain, to one of my years
and condition?"
"Thou forgettest that the oar and chain are gold?"
"Excellent gentlemen, gold cannot heal the wounds which misery has left
on a heavy heart.
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