Take it, then, vigorous old man, for though age hath thinned thy temples and furrowed thy cheek, it hath scarcely affected thy wonderful sinews and hardy courage!" "Highness!" observed Antonio, recoiling apace, when he found that he was expected to stoop, in order that the bauble might be bestowed, "I am not fit to bear about me such a sign of greatness and good fortune.

The glitter of the gold would mock my poverty, and a jewel which comes from so princely a hand would be ill placed on a naked bosom." This unexpected refusal caused a general surprise, and a momentary pause.
"Thou hast not entered on the struggle, fisherman, without a view to its prize?
But thou sayest truly, the golden ornament would, indeed, but ill befit thy condition and daily wants.

Wear it for the moment, since it is meet that all should know the justice and impartiality of our decisions, and bring it to my treasurer when the sports are done; he will make such an exchange as better suits thy wishes.

There is precedent for this practice, and it shall be followed." "Illustrious Highness! I did not trust my old limbs in so hard a strife without hopes of a reward.

But it was not gold, nor any vanity to be seen among my equals with that glittering jewel, that led me to meet the scorn of the gondoliers, and the displeasure of the great." "Thou art deceived, honest fisherman, if thou supposest that we regard thy just ambition with displeasure.