Chapter 30

"Your heart
is free, and quick with virtuous wrath to accuse
Appearances; and views a criminal
In innocence's shadow."
WERNER.

The Carmelite and Gelsomina found the keepers in waiting, and when they
quitted the cell its door was secured for the night. As they had no
further concerns with the jailors they passed on unquestioned. But when
the end of the corridor which led towards the apartments of the keeper
was reached, the monk stopped.

"Art thou equal to a great effort, in order that the innocent shall not
die?" he suddenly asked, though with a solemnity that denoted the
influence of a high and absorbing motive.

"Father!"

"I would know if thy love for the youth can sustain thee in a trying
scene; for without this effort he will surely perish!"

"I would die to save Jacopo a pang!"

"Deceive not thyself, daughter! Canst thou forget thy habits; overstep
the diffidence of thy years and condition; stand and speak fearlessly in
the presence of the great and dreaded?"

"Reverend Carmelite, I speak daily without fear, though not without awe,
to one more to be dreaded than any in Venice."

The monk looked in admiration at the gentle being, whose countenance
was glowing with the mild resolution of innocence and affection, and he
motioned for her to follow.

"We will go, then, before the proudest and the most fearful of earth,
should there be occasion," he resumed. "We will do our duty to both
parties, to the oppressor and the oppressed, that the sin of omission
lie not on our souls."

Father Anselmo, without further explanation, led the obedient girl into
that part of the palace which was known to be appropriated to the
private uses of the titular head of the Republic.

The jealousy of the Venetian patricians on the subject of their Doge is
matter of history. He was, by situation, a puppet in the hands of the
nobles, who only tolerated his existence, because the theory of their
government required a seeming agent in the imposing ceremonies that
formed part of their specious system, and in their intercourse with
other states. He dwelt in his palace like the queen-bee in the hive,
pampered and honored to the eye, but in truth devoted to the objects of
those who alone possess the power to injure, and perhaps we might add,
like the insect named, known for consuming more than a usual portion of
the fruits of the common industry.

Father Anselmo was indebted to his own decision, and to the confidence
of his manner, for reaching the private apartments of a prince, thus
secluded and watched. He was permitted to pass by various sentinels, who
imagined, from