"Dear Marco, they
are priests!"
"The truth will be decided by the integrity of the law," he answered,
severely; "they shall have justice at our courts; but it is a question
for the civil courts, since the people also cry for justice, and the
ecclesiastical law is not to deal with heinous civil offenses--though
committed by one in priestly robes. It is a just law of Venice--ancient,
and only now reaffirmed."
"This is the law they spake of, Marco?"
Now that she dimly understood there was some great trouble coming on the
people, she must know the right at any cost--even that of her husband's
displeasure; it was her duty to him, and she had put her question
firmly.
"This--and another," he answered, unwillingly. "Listen, Marina, for I am
weary of thy questions. The law to forbid new foundations of church or
monastery, or the introduction of new religious orders without the
sanction of the government--also an ancient law, and but now
reaffirmed--is doubtless that of which they spake."
Marina stood confounded, with flashing eyes; how could the Republic
dare to question the liberties of the Church! "Thou meanest, Marco, that
the Church, which is the head, must ask the Doge what she may do when
she would increase her own religious institutions--when she hath need of
buildings for her holy work!"
"Thou hast an understanding quicker than I had believed," he answered,
with irritation; "and listen further, Marina--'since a Giustinian should
know the reason for the matters which concern the government,' that was
thy word, if I remember--the half of the territory of Venice hath
already passed into the hands of the clergy.
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