"Why are ye assembled here, my children?" asked the Doge, when he had
reached the summit of the Giant's Stairs, "and most of all, why have ye
come into the palace of your prince with these unbefitting cries?"
The tremulous voice of the old man was clearly audible, for the lowest
of its tones were scarcely interrupted by a breath. The fishermen gazed
at each other, and all appeared to search for him who might be bold
enough to answer. At length one in the centre of the crowded mass, and
effectually concealed from observation, cried, "Justice!"
"Such is our object," mildly continued the prince; "and such, I will
add, is our practice. Why are ye assembled here, in a manner so
offensive to the state, and so disrespectful to your prince?"
Still none answered. The only spirit of their body, which had been
capable of freeing itself from the trammels of usage and prejudice, had
deserted the shell which lay on the lower step of the Giant's Stairs.
"Will none speak! are ye so bold with your voices when unquestioned, and
so silent when confronted?"
"Speak them fair, your highness," whispered he of the council, who was
commissioned to be a secret witness of the interview; "the Dalmatians
are scarce yet apparelled."
The prince bowed to advice which he well knew must be respected, and he
assumed his former tone.
"If none will acquaint me with your wants, I must command you to retire,
and while my parental heart grieves----"
"Giustizia!" repeated the hidden member of the crowd.
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