And more than this," he continued impressively, "all Europe is
waiting on the issue, for the real contest is on the rights of civil
rulers, and these imprisoned ecclesiastics are but the pretext for a
quarrel; and ill-judged, verily, on the part of the Holy Father, since
if the cases were less heinous there might have been occasion for
confusion of judgment. But now, who will dare assert that the honor of
the Church is concerned in protecting men who disgrace mankind!"
"The Republic is then sure of her ground?"
"So sure we are of right that letters are already sent to every
Christian court of Europe, announcing the causes of this quarrel and the
stand of Venice."
"Marina is greatly troubled," said the Lady Laura, with a sigh.
"Let her go often to San Marco and pray for us--the child is good for
nothing else since this trouble came."
"She hath more comfort at San Donato; and the mother superior is a noble
woman and beloved by her."
"Ay, it is all one--so that she wear not out the patience of Marcantonio
by her importunities.
Pages:
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254