The Doge delivered these preliminary remarks in a firm tone, like one confident of his auditors’ applause.  He was not deceived.  No sooner had he done, than a murmur of approbation passed through the assembly, and extended itself to thousands who were beyond the sound of his voice, and to more who were beyond the reach of his meaning.  The senators bent their heads in acknowledgment of the justice of what their chief had uttered, and the latter, having waited to gather these signs of an approving loyalty, proceeded.

“It is my duty, Antonio, and, being a duty, it hath become a pleasure to place around thy neck this golden chain.  The oar which it bears is an emblem of thy skill; and among thy associates it will be a mark of the Republic’s favor and impartiality, and of thy merit.  Take it, then, vigorous old man, for though age hath thinned thy temples and furrowed thy cheek, it hath scarcely affected thy wonderful sinews and hardy courage!”

“Highness!” observed Antonio, recoiling apace, when he found that he was expected to stoop, in order that the bauble might be bestowed, “I am not fit to bear about me such a sign of greatness and good fortune.  The glitter of the gold would mock my poverty, and a jewel which comes from so princely a hand would be ill placed on a naked bosom.”

This unexpected refusal caused a general surprise, and a momentary pause.

“Thou hast not entered on the struggle, fisherman, without a view to its prize?  But thou sayest truly, the golden ornament would, indeed, but ill befit thy condition and daily wants.  Wear it for the moment, since it is meet that all should know the justice and impartiality of our decisions, and bring it to my treasurer when the sports are done; he will make such an exchange as better suits thy wishes.  There is precedent for this practice, and it shall be followed.”

“Illustrious Highness!  I did not trust my old limbs in so hard a strife without hopes of a reward.  But it was not gold, nor any vanity to be seen among my equals with that glittering jewel, that led me to meet the scorn of the gondoliers, and the displeasure of the great.”

“Thou art deceived, honest fisherman, if thou supposest that we regard thy just ambition with displeasure.  We love to see a generous emulation among our people, and take all proper means to encourage those aspiring spirits who bring honor to a state, and fortune to our shores.”

“I pretend not to place my poor thoughts against those of my Prince,” answered the fisherman; “my fears and shame have led me to believe that it would give more pleasure to the noble and gay had a younger and happier borne away this honor.”

“Thou must not think this.  Bend then thy knee, that I may bestow the prize.  When the sun sets thou wilt find those in my palace who will relieve thee of the ornament at a just remuneration.”

“Highness!” said Antonio, looking earnestly at the Doge, who again arrested his movement in surprise, “I am old, and little wont to be spoilt by fortune.  For my wants, the Lagunes, with the favor of the Holy St. Anthony, are sufficient; but it is in thy power to make the last days of an old man happy, and to have thy name remembered in many an honest and well meant prayer.  Grant me back my child, forget the boldness of a heart-broken father!”