Foscari
FRANCESCO, a doge of Venice; born in 1372, in 1416 was named procurator of St. Mark's and in 1423 was elected doge. His son, Giacopo, being accused of ordering the assassination of a senator Donati, the enemies of the family created such commotion in the state, that he was banished from the city, the father having to ratify the sentence. Love of his country, and devotion of his wife, compelled the banished Foscari to revisit Venice, where he was again made prisoner, put to the question of the rack, and a second time banished, dying soon after of his wounds. The bereaved father went mad, in which state the enemies of his family compelled him to abdicate. He died three days after a spasm, upon hearing the bells of St. Mark's announce to Venice the election of a new ruler. Byron wrote on the subject a tragedy entitled "The Two Foscari." He died in Venice, Nov. 1, 1457.