It is much to have a judge whose opinion our adversary must respect."
"The Senate will be cautious--will not forget the reverence owed to the
Holy Church?" she asked, in warning, troubled at his bold use of words.
"Nay, but the Republic will first remember the duty owed to our prince,
since it is a matter that toucheth the State," he answered,
uncompromisingly, "and for our duty to the Church--leave that to our
frate, than whom none is more devout."
She was too keenly interested not to put the further question:
"Is it safe for Fra Paolo to lead this controversy? Is it pleasing to
his order?"
Giustinian gave a contemptuous laugh.
"Thou mayest well ask! Fra Paolo also would not hear of it at first,
foreseeing where it might lead. But from urgency of the Senate he
yielded--if the consent of the general of the Servi were first won.
Wherefore it was granted one knows not; but the purple robe had,
perchance, some weight in the argument,--being a pleasing honor,--though
one may dare assert that Fra Paolo himself gave it not a thought, having
gathered honors all his life with no care for any greatness they might
bring.
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