Officer. Noble Venetians! Duchess Faliero[fg]
Requests admission to the Giunta's presence.
Ben. Say, Conscript Fathers,[458] shall she be admitted?
One of the Giunta. She may have revelations of importance
Unto the state, to justify compliance
With her request.
Ben. Is this the general will?310
All. It is.
Doge. Oh, admirable laws of Venice!
Which would admit the wife, in the full hope
That she might testify against the husband.
What glory to the chaste Venetian dames!
But such blasphemers 'gainst all Honour, as
Sit here, do well to act in their vocation.
Now, villain Steno! if this woman fail,
I'll pardon thee thy lie, and thy escape,
And my own violent death, and thy vile life.
The Duchess enters.
Ben. Lady! this just Tribunal has resolved,320
Though the request be strange, to grant it, and
Whatever be its purport, to accord
A patient hearing with the due respect
Which fits your ancestry, your rank, and virtues:
But you turn pale—ho! there, look to the Lady!
Place a chair instantly.
Ang. A moment's faintness—
'Tis past; I pray you pardon me,—I sit not
In presence of my Prince and of my husband,
While he is on his feet.
Ben. Your pleasure, Lady?