Girolamo Magagnati, a grave and venerable figure,--with white locks
falling from under his round black cap, and a full gray beard flowing
over the long merchant's robe of stiff silk, and wearing the insignia
of his calling, a golden chain which by its weight and numerous links
was also an indication of his wealth,--might have been one of the
Signoria, as he stood among them to receive their thanks--unabashed, as
became one of his dignity of character and age, unattended, as befitted
one of the people.
The Doge himself made a gracious speech of acceptance on behalf of the
Republic, to which Girolamo briefly answered: "Most Serene Prince and
Noble Lords of the Council, in the name of my grandson Giustinian, I
thank you," and with a grave obeisance he would have retired; but it was
signified to him that he might not yet withdraw.
"Yet one thing remaineth, most esteemed Messer Magagnati, by which this
Republic would testify her appreciation of such loyalty and forethought,
by reason of which--as for the esteem in which this Republic hath ever
held the ancient house of Magagnati, which from the earliest times hath
been foremost in our industry of Murano--we propose to confer nobility
upon thine house, and to give thee an immediate seat of right in the
Maggior Consiglio.
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