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.

Give me back the child, that my eyes may not be closed by strangers, and that I may speak good counsel into his young ears, while there is hope my words may be remembered, and I care not for all the metals of the Rialto! Thou mayest see that I utter no vain vaunt, by this jewel, which I offer to the nobles with the reverence due to their greatness and wisdom." When the fisherman had done speaking, he advanced with the timid step of a man unaccustomed to move in superior presences, and laid upon the dark cloth of the table a ring that sparkled with what at least seemed to be very precious stones.