[A Wanderer in Venice by E.V. Lucas]@TWC D-Link book
A Wanderer in Venice

CHAPTER XV
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Returning to Venice, after the somewhat inglorious end of his campaign, Morosoni was again crowned.
Although a sick man when a year or so later a strong hand was again needed in the Morea, the Doge once more volunteered and sailed from the Lido with the fleet.

But he was too old and too infirm, and he died in Nauplia in 1694.

Venice was proud of him, and with reason; for he won back territory for her (although she was not able to keep it), and he loved her with a pure flame.

But he was behind his time: he was an iron ruler, and iron rule was out of date.

The new way was compromise and pleasure.
The marble lions that now guard the gate of the Arsenal were saved and brought home by Morosoni, as his great fighting ducal predecessor Enrico Dandolo had in his day of triumph brought trophies from Constantinople.
The careers of the two men are not dissimilar; but Morosoni was a child beside Dandolo, for at his death he was but seventy-six.
The campo in front of S.Stefano bears Morosoni's name, but the statue in the midst is not that of General Booth, as the English visitor might think, but of Niccolo Tommaseo (1802-1874), patriot and author and the ally of Daniele Manin.


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