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 has Paid the Debt!”—An injured Dogaressa—Dogaressa Giovanna Dandolo-Malipiero, Patroness of Printing and Lace-making—The First Published Book—Buranelle—Patriarchal Doges and Dogaressas—Cheapness—Young Cavaliers’ Long Hair—Good Dogaressa Cristina Sanudo-Moro—An Opulent Doge—Dogaressa Dea—“The Venus of the Century!”—Who was Donna Laura Nogarola? 167–209