Is that not ground enough
to hold their establishments, that thou wouldst grant them more? And for
the value of these possessions--for nowhere is a government more
generous to the ecclesiastics than the Republic hath been--it hath been
rated that a fourth part of the entire realty of the dominion--nay, some
count it a third part--is already the property of the Church. Shall we
nobles of Venice turn paupers and humbly beg of the clergy a pittance
for our children?"
He laughed and kissed her hand as he rose. "Since thou hast asked it,"
he said lightly, "I have given thee the law--and there is an end of it.
But let it not fret thee; Venice will know how to care for her own."
But Marina had suddenly grown very pale. "Marco," she gasped, detaining
him, "will it be a war?--a war between Venice and--and----"
She broke off; she could not speak the word which seemed a sacrilege.
"Think of our child!" she whispered, as he gathered her in his arms, and
tried to soothe her. "Marco, are we not a Christian nation? And our
Patriarch--does he know about the displeasure of the Holy Father? What
will become of us?"
"There will be no war," Marcantonio declared, with assurance.
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