"He is," says Giustinian, "very handsome, learned, extremely eloquent, of vast ability and indefatigable.

He alone transacts the same business as that which occupies all the magistracies, offices, and councils of Venice, both civil and criminal; and all State affairs are managed by him, let their nature be what it may.

He is thoughtful, and has the reputation of being extremely just; he favours the people exceedingly, and especially the poor, hearing their suits and seeking to despatch them instantly.

He also makes the lawyers plead gratis for all poor suitors.

He is in very great repute, seven times more so than if (p.