intimately and inseparably connected with the glory and exultation of all.

Had the triumph of the fishermen confined itself to this natural and common-place exhibition, it would not have given grave offence to the vigilant and jealous power that watched over the peace of Venice. But, amid the shouts of approbation were mingled cries of censure. Words of grave import were even heard, denouncing those who refused to restore to Antonio his child; and it was whispered on the deck of the Bucentaur, that, filled with the imaginary importance of their passing victory, the hardy band of rioters had dared to menace a forcible appeal, to obtain what they audaciously termed the justice of the case.

This ebullition of popular feeling was witnessed by the assembled senate in ominous and brooding silence. One unaccustomed to reflection on such a subject, or unpractised in the world, might have fancied alarm and uneasiness

VOL. I.

were painted on the grave countenances of the patricians, and that the signs of the times were little favourable to the continuance of an ascendancy that was dependent more on the force of convention, than on the possession of any physical superiority. But, on the other hand, one who was capable of judging between the power of political ascendancy, strengthened by its combinations and order, and the mere ebullitions of passion, however loud and clamorous, might readily have seen that the latter was not yet displayed in sufficient energy to break down the barriers which the first had erected.

The fishermen were permitted to go their way unmolested, though here and there a gondola was seen stealing towards the Lido, bearing certain of those secret agents of the police whose duty it was to forewarn the existing powers of the presence of danger. Among the latter was the boat of the wine-seller, which departed from the piazetta, containing a stock of his merchan

dize, with Annina, under the pretence of making his profit out of the present turbulent temper of their ordinary customers. In the mean time the sports proceeded, and the momentary interruption was forgotten; or, if remembered, it was in a manner suited to the secret and fearful power which directed the destinies of that remarkable republic.

There was another regatta, in which men of inferior powers contended; but we deem it unworthy to detain the narrative by a description

Though the grave tenants of the Bucentaur seemed to take an interest in what was passing immediately before their eyes, they had ears for every shout that was borne on the evening breeze from the distant Lido; and more than once the doge himself was seen to bend his looks in that direction, in a manner which betrayed the concern that was uppermost in his mind.

Still the day passed on as usual. The conquerors triumphed, the crowd applauded, and

the collected senate appeared to sympathize with the pleasures of a people, over whom they ruled with a certainty of power that resembled the fearful and mysterious march of destiny.

END OF VOL. I.

LONDON:

HENRY BAYLIS, JOHNSON'S-COURT, FLEET-STREET.

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