The numbers thickened as they approached the Piazza, which they found on their arrival to be already thronged with people, who were densely packed in front of the palace, awaiting an explanation of the summons.
There was a look of deep anxiety on every face, for all felt that the news must be bad, indeed, which could have necessitated such a call.
Presently the doge, accompanied by the council, appeared in the balcony.

A complete silence fell upon the multitude, the bell ceased tolling, and not the slightest sound disturbed the stillness.

One of the councillors stepped to the front, for the doge, Contarini, was now seventy-two years old, and his voice could hardly have been heard over so wide an area.
"Citizens of the republic, gather, I pray you, all your fortitude and constancy, to hear the news which I have to tell.

It is bad news; but there is no reason for repining, still less for despair.

If Venice has but confidence in herself, such as she has throughout her history shown, when danger seemed imminent, be assured that we shall weather this storm, as we have done all that have preceded it.