But the Contarini saw his advantage and broke in upon the wave of
feeling, while an imperative motion from the Chief Counsellor restored
order for the hearing of an important legal point upon which it was
desired that action should be based.
"These laws--whose abrogation the Holy Father doth demand--are ancient
rights of Venice, acknowledged by many previous popes, and reaffirmed,
in these our own days, after wise and learned scrutiny of our
chancellors, in the light of modern, civic requirements, as needful to
the healthful administration of this realm; as binding upon our Prince,
who hath ever in mind the welfare of Venice; and to be upheld by our
people who believe in the divine right of princes. They are by these
reverend Councillors also declared non-prejudicial to the spiritual
authority of our Most Holy Church, which this Serene Republic of Venice
doth ever reverently acknowledge. The question is of civil and not of
spiritual rights."
An enthusiastic senator made a motion for the casting of the final vote,
as an expression of the sense of the chamber.
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