New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-07-27
Y V.

Sprnging from che great Morosni stem. the
family of the Cadognas bore part IN most OF the
principal events of Venetian history. They were
naughty and arstocratic of temper, rs their
patrican lineage warranted bold and successful IN
war. subtle and unrelcnting in policy. magnificent
and uxurious in their private life and appoint
merts Not a few Of the women of the race became
conspicuous in their own way, as the men, one OF
them who was married TO a Doge about the middle
Of the eleventh century became known all over
italy for the unbrded luxury Of her habits She
lived IN an atmosphere of music and perfume. trod
on carpets Of damask bathed in Installations Of
precious od0rs. fed dainties worth their bulk IN
gold, and was said to he chavgeable with other
v0luptuOus indulgences Of which the very nature
is unknown in our dag. But Providence when
seems to have exercised its functions IN much
more dramatic and obvious fashion IN those Spen-
did periods than 1t does now. smote tins superb
creature with lcprosy and she died a lingering ana
hldeous death, abandoned by every human beng oil
the thousands who Lad waited on her llgh'est word
Nearly hundred years later. IN appalling caiam-
ity befell the Cadogna family, which at that time
comprised upward of eighty male members. In a
war against the Huncarans every one OF these
noble gentlemen took part under the leadership of
Fabiero. the renowned Crusader and Doge. During
the campaign. which was severe and prolonged. all
the Cadognas without exception fell victims either
to disease or the sword II appeared that The whole
race had thus Suddenly become extinct. Upon IN
vestigaton. however, a solitary survivor was as
covered This man had. in his youth. loved n lady
who mad returned his passion; but considerations
Of domestic policy had prevented their union; she
had been married TO aged aud worn-out de-
bauchee and the young Cadogna. IN his despair
had taken monastic VOWS and vanished from the
world. But in the present extreme predlcameht'
special dispensat0n from Rome was procured re-
leasing him from his vows; he was sought OUT IN MS
remote convent and brought back from lonely
cell TO MI tho rlores and delights of Venice to re-
new and propagate his name. Now It so happened
that the lady whom hs had loved ten years before
had in the interval Of his retirement. become
widow and he found her more lovely than ever.
and not less loving HIM. Their wedding was cele-
brated with great splendor and the remainder OF
the monks existence (which was Protracted to the
utmost extremity Of old age was blessed with every
prosperity and happiness that Heaven ana venice
could bestow Fifteen children. eichty-fye grand
children and thirty great grandchildren followed
their progentor to the grave and before the end
Of another goneration the CaloRuas were again
among the most numerous and powerful families OF
the City of the Adriatic.
No great historic period passed. without produc-
ing from this rodoubtablo race IT eaa' one dstin-
ruishcd champion, either In tho field the cabinet or
the hall of state Oncr. Cadogna sat IN the char
of tho Doge once. of lea.t bearer of the name ~
said 10 have worn the black robes Of the mysterious
Council of Ton. who welded power moro absolute
and terrible than that Of the Roman Empcrora
and once. an admiral Of tho Cndogn,a won immortal
fimo hy an engagement u which the ton vrr-rla
under hip command captured or sunk Ocnorsc
fleet of thirty sail a timely victory which saved
Venice from imminent disaster. Ia addition 10
eminent example, huch those. wrrr nuubcrlcss
minor instances of hcroism and patriotic devotion
which were detailed by -gnor Andrea. but cannot
receive further notice here. Altogether tie cx-
ploits of the great family constituted claim upon
the gratitude of the Venetian State quite az power
fu rs the argument OF the annaii,t demanded. THIS
part Of the story formed che introduction to his
book the remainner of which set forth how and IN
what manner that gratitude had been made mani
fest II strange tale, and constituted, in fact,
the substance of Andrca's career
Andrea Cadogna del Morosini was born in the
opening decade Of the fifteenth century. BY the
circumstances Of his birth. he the future head
of the family He WAS educated with especial care,
and exhibited an unusual talent for learning. At
the age of fifteen he set odt on his els and dur
In fonr wears visited some of the principal cities of
Europe. Though proficient in ali martial exercises
his genius lay rather in the direction II diplomacy
than of war and he was destined for service in the
Venetian councils In the course of his travels. he
hal formed u friendship with certain Mar7iilo
della scala who aftcrwarj became the ruler of one
of the chief towns of North Italy. When Cadogua
returned 10 Venice he married. and for several
years fulfilled bis Offices under the state At length
hi. friend Mar,iIio came % visit him, and was en-
tertained with great hospitality and mrgnihcence
But Andrea's wlte was young beautiful and inn
questionable and MaIsiiio was iu-inuat.ng and fas
cinating The two were left q good deal together
owing to Audrca's necessary absence AT his public
duties aud at length the wife was induced to bctray
her husbands honor. The intrigue had not pro-
reedel long before Andrea came upon evidences of
H. With the Venetian instinct for discrimination,
he gave no sign Of his discovery, but met bis friend
and h, wife with the same cheerful cordalIty IA
before ana meanwhile deeply meditated and eau
tiousy planned his revenge.
Atlcngth he sought private audience with the
Doge. to whom ne confded h.s deadly purpose
against Marsilio and the plans he haG laid 10 carry
1t out This communication was rendered necessary
BY the fact that the plans i'm question involved an
apparent treason on Andrea's part toward Venice.
The Venetian Government having considered
Audrea's scheme. gave their agreement TO 10. Int
with the provieo that all evidence Of their collision
in the matter should be destroyed. To this con-
dition Andrea uuhesItafngv assented: and ul-
mclate.y Sc. about the execution Of Dbl, design.
lie began by dropping hints and muucndoes to
NarsiiIo the first effect of which was Oh moculate
the latter with the notion that Andrea had been
deeply wrlngd by Venice and cherished q gIiev-
ance against her This notion was confirmed by
Andrpa's sudden abandonment of hl- official func-
tious.-which really occurred IN pursuance of his
premeditated scheme. but which hc persuaded Mar
4ilo WA the outcome of the injustice of the Govern
mout He now freely ndulged i'm treason b'e com
vrrsitious with Mar,iIio the burden of which was
that tine latter should with Audret7 secret a4-.-t-
auce invade chat part of the Venetian territory
that adioncl hisuv dom.ni0ns. The ambition ol