CHAPTER V.

The Zenith of the Dogaressa--A grand religious Function--The Ritual--Dogaressa Marina Galina-Steno’s “_Gran Mercè_”--Venice the Conqueror--_Compagnia della Calza_--_Cacci del Toro_--Sumptuous Dresses--Wooden Pattens--_Zelve_--Pageants--_Uno Balordo_--A Doge with an Iron Will--A Disputed Election--A Brave Dogaressa--The Tragedy of Giacomo Foscari--The longest _Dogado_--Quaint Wedding-customs--A Leg of Mutton--A Magnificent Trousseau--Torture and Exile--A Bitter Enemy--“He…