"The Senate now being complete," the Doge solemnly announced,
immediately upon the return of the three senators, "the interrupted
speech will be concluded, and before the final vote is taken there will
be presented once more before this august body that argument of our most
learned and venerated Counsellor, Padre Maestro Paolo, upon which the
decision of the Ten hath been based, and upon which the College, the
Senate, and the Great Council will presently be called to vote."
This marshaling of the entire ruling body of the Republic could not fail
to exercise a steadying power, and neither fear nor irresolution were
revealed to the impressive, penetrating, and commanding gaze of
Leonardo, when the Senator Contarini resumed the speech which had been
so strangely interrupted. The enthusiasm and determination of the
morning had returned; the words fell upon a receptive and positive
atmosphere. The opinions of the distinguished Senator carried great
weight, so loyal and catholic was he known to be; and above the portal
of the Contarini many times the Lion of St.
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