The sun streamed in broad flashes of light over
the soft rose-tinted walls of the palazzo and over the splendid balcony
from which the Doge was wont to view the processions and fetes of the
Republic; the richly sculptured decorations detached themselves at once
in allegory, the figures all leading up to Venice enthroned, holding out
to the world her proud motto, "Fortis, justa, trono furias, mare sub
pede pono." (Strong, just, I put the furies beneath my throne and the
sea beneath my foot.) He walked on under a spell, feeling that the coils
were tightening around him; he was a noble, but not free; yet he would
not have surrendered his opportunities for the freer life of the people
who had no part in the Consiglio.
He quickened his pace that the moment of irresolution might be the
sooner over.
"Wait!" his father commanded, as Marcantonio would have entered the
palace gate; "haste ill befits thy grave and dignified purpose. Before
thou enterest the Consiglio I would have thee reverently mark how, at
the palace gate, Justice sits enthroned on high, between the Lions of
St.
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