“This is their gratitude!  Have we not converted these muddy isles into a mart for half Christendom, and now they are dissatisfied that they cannot retain all the monopolies that the wisdom of our ancestors has accumulated.”

“They complain much in your own spirit, Signore,—­but you are right in saying the present riot must be looked to.  Let us seek his highness, who will go out to the people, with such patricians as may be present, and one of our number as a witness:  more than that might expose our character.”

The Secret Council withdrew to carry this resolution into effect, just as the fishermen in the court received the accession of those who arrived by water.

There is no body so sensible of an increase of its members as a mob.  Without discipline, and dependent solely on animal force for its ascendency, the sentiment of physical power is blended with its very existence.  When they saw the mass of living beings which had assembled within the wall of the ducal palace, the most audacious of that throng became more hardy, and even the wavering grew strong.  This is the reverse of the feeling which prevails among those who are called on to repress this species of violence, who generally gain courage as its exhibition is least required.

The throng in the court was raising one of its loudest and most menacing cries as the train of the Doge appeared, approaching by one of the long open galleries of the principal floor of the edifice.

The presence of the venerable man who nominally presided over that factitious state, and the long training of the fishermen in habits of deference to authority, notwithstanding their present tone of insubordination, caused a sudden and deep silence.  A feeling of awe gradually stole over the thousand dark faces that were gazing upwards, as the little cortege drew near.  So profound, indeed, was the stillness caused by this sentiment, that the rustling of the ducal robes was audible, as the prince, impeded by his infirmities, and consulting the state usual to his rank, slowly advanced.  The previous violence of the untutored fishermen, and their present deference to the external state that met their eyes, had its origin in the same causes;—­ignorance and habit were the parents of both.

“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?”