And the list of grievances now reviewed, which had occupied
the Senate during the closing years of Clement's reign, was, in truth,
long. Vast differences of opinion concerning the Turks and the piratical
tribes who infested the shores of Italy and the uses their villainy
might be made to serve; troubles at Ferrara, teasing and undignified,
temporarily brought to a close by the sending of the galleys of the
Republic to prevent the seizure of their fishing-boats by agents of his
Holiness; questions of boundaries and taxes; attempts to divert the
trade of Venice, to arrest improvements redounding not only to the
advantage of the Republic but to that of the neighboring country; to
forbid, under pain of excommunication, all commerce with countries
tainted with heresy. These were matters meet for discussion by temporal
sovereigns touching the balance of power--so viewed and strenuously
resisted by the clear-headed Venetians, with much deference of form,
whenever practicable--as became loyal sons of the Church; but
occasionally, when nothing might be expected from temporizing, with a
quiet disregard which proved their consciousness of strength.
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