Preparations for war--marshaling of soldiers,
building of galleys, increased activities at the arsenal--enlarged the
industries and added a judicious vivacity to the life of the people.
There was no war declared; but it was a time when border-lands should be
looked to and bravery encouraged and the martial spirit developed; and
the ever politic Senate tickled the fancy of its pleasure-loving people
with the pomp of a fete, on the day when the newly created
general-in-chief of the armies of the Republic assembled, with fanfare
of trumpets and roaring of cannon, his splendidly appointed corps in the
Piazza, the people thronging the arcades, crowding the windows and
balconies, waving and shouting, as the stately escort of three hundred
nobles, in crimson robes, led the way to San Marco for solemn
dedication. And here, like a knight vowed to holiest service, the
general knelt before the altar, while the Patriarch blessed his sword.
"In defense of Venice and the right," with a memory of the old
battle-cry of the Republic.
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