It was necessary to pass a law compelling the Doge elect to accept the onerous distinction thrust upon him.

The Venetian oligarchs argued that it was good that one man should die for the people.
[2] See Giannotti, vol.ii.p.

55, for the mention of fifteen, admitted on the occasion of Baiamonte Tiepolo's conspiracy, and of thirty ennobled during the Genoese war.
[3] The actual number of this Council was seventeen, for the Ten associated with the Signoria, which consisted of the Doge and six Counselors.
[4] Giannotti, vol.ii.p.

123.
[5] The diplomatic difficulties of a popular government, a 'governo largo,' as opposed to a 'governo stretto,' are set forth with great acumen by Guicciardini, _Op.

Ined._ vol.ii.