The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-09-04
ion. Giovanni slowly recovered.

i TIC asSuSSlnutlOu oi tuo DouSo h"u
thrown all we'll minded people into the
deepest afflction. The violent death of
their chiefs, had already several times
nearly effected the ruin aud destruction
of their republic aud the dangerous
custom of rising against their princes ON
the least prctext, and requiring jus!ifi-
cation Of their conduct, by the voice of
sedition, was found so pernicious that
they began to think of powerful means
TO quell such occurrences. At length
the only existing power, the Guarantia,
Instituted grand council of seven hun
dred and forty members, who elected
from among themselves sixty of their
most approved men, called Pregadi, in
whose hands the business Of the state
was placed, and out of which body was
formed, in later times, the Venitian Sc
nate. The election Of the Doge was
given up to eleven of these. The peo-
pie submitted cheerfully to this rev reg
ulation, and The plurality of voices deci-
ded for Orio MaIapiero !; as il was prin-
,ipally to the activity and prudence Of
his measures, whereby he exposed his
life thousand times to danger, that the
cessation Of the plague was finally to be
attributed.
But MaInpiero was totally free from
pride and ambition /; his country was
more to him than glory and renown, and
his penetrating glance quickly perceiv-
cd, Tint il required greater mind than
his own to hold the reins of government
at this important moment. With noble
frankness he presented himself before
the electors, and modesily declined the
honor done him. He convinced them,
by the force of his eloquence, that the
difficult situation of the republic requir-
ed man who should not only inspire
all parties with respect for his superior
courage and strength Of mind, but who
should draw the eyes of the people on
him by his richer and distinguished
name, and concluded by entrenting them
to transfer the honor they had intended
him to his friend. Sebss,iano Ziani, in
whom was combined all these qualities,
and who alone could fulfil all these ex-
pectations. The electors, struck with
admiration at the noble minded Malapi-
ero, and convinced of the truth of his
reasoning, elected Sabastio Ziani, with
out one dissentIent voice, but on the ex-
press condition that his come xion with
Dapon;e's daughter, which was now uni |
versalIy known, should be Immediately
broken off; for the vacilla,ing popuace
which had at first called out loudly for
the death of the Dogc, now mourned
him, and execrated his assassin. twas
therefore, justly conceived that Doge |
could eever be loved and respected who |
should unite himself TO the daughter Of
n murderer.
Malapiero hns,encd, overjoycd, to his
friend. "The election is over !" he |
cried out, on seeing him, while his eyes
sparkled with the consciousness OF hav-
ing subdued himself.
Ziani looked at him, and his counte-
nance beamed with pleasure as he took
his hand :-"iIeavcn has directed the G.
lectors 20 said he, .'for if I can read in
your eyes, think l may venture to well
come you us Doge !"
"Not L." replied Malapiero; "Ieav-
EN- protect the electors and INV country
You are the Doge ~
lighted up with arJour aud enthusiasm
he raised his hand, as though taking an
oath, and said :-"Sinco my people have
placed their confidence in me, mny God
grant me energy and wisdom in ruling
them ! swear That will never render
myself unworthy of the throne =!
The enthusiastic friends sunk in each
others arms 81 nm witness tf vnur
present oath to Heaven" said Malarie-
ro, "and have sacred right to remind
you of its fulfilment %
The deputies from the Senate came
up salute the newly chosen regent, and
to invite him to appear before theselect-
ors. Ziani went accompanied by his
friend, amid the loud rejoicings of the
populace, to the palace, where the elec-
ton had taken place, and which was
now to be confirmed. Hc was occupied
with the delightful sensation of possess
ing the love ofthe people, and Of render
ing himself worthy it. But Giovan-
mas lovely image fIiod up the back
ground OF the picture and the sweet
Thought frequently dartcd across l'is mind
of seeing this angel Of innocence shar-
ing the sovereignty with him. Agitated
by these pleasing emotions, no entered
the hall Of the electors--but cold shiv-
ering seized him when lie heard the con-
ditions. He long stood trembling and
silent, Incapa Die of comprehending it,
At length he said, "No you have cal
culated falsely Keep your crown, if