CHAPTER I.

“To the Lagunes!”—The dreaded Huns—Aquileia la Bella—Adriana the Heroine—La Maga Irene—Degna D’Aquileia—Viragoes—Hawsers of Women’s Hair—Venezia Seconda—Longobards—Altino and the Storks—The first Doge of Eraclea—Early Dress and Manners—Charlemagne—The first Dogaressa—Rivo-Alto Parent of Venice—Agnello and Elena Badoero—First Makers of Venice—Houses—Customs—Love of Flowers—First Ducal Palace—Translation of St Mark’s Body—Basilica of San Marco Built—Doges and Dogaresses enter Religion—Position of Women—Lovers—The Pegne—Marriage Ceremonies—Arcelle—Legend of “La Boccola”—Festa delle Marie—A Slave Dogaressa—The Rape of the Brides—A low-born Mistress—Proud Valdrada da Toscana—A Rich Dowry—Slaves—Athletic Sports—Fire at the Palace—Assassination of Doge Pietro Candiano IV.—Valdrada’s Vengeance—The Love-story of Gerardo Guoro and Elena Candiano 1–41