"Peace for him who
hath faith cometh not with one intellectual solution, nor another; but
with calm purpose to do the right, however it may be revealed."
"Which, as thou knowest, Francesco, Venice seeketh--and naught else. It
is a matter of law in which thou hast made no studies, and therefore
hard for thee. Now must I to the Council Chamber, but later I would
willingly show thee all the argument. But of this be sure. The Republic
will not offend against the liberty of the Holy Church; but she will
protect her own."
"Fearest thou not, dear friend," Fra Francesco questioned, greatly
troubled, "that thou mayest lead Venice o'erlightly to esteem this vow
of obedience which every loyal son of the Church oweth to the Holy
Father? My heart is sore for thee. I see not the matter as thou would'st
have me."
"Nay," said Fra Paolo quietly, "to each one his burden! If thy
conscience bears not out my teaching, thou art free from it. I interpret
the law by the grace which God hath given me; I, also, being free from
sin therein, if my understanding be not equal to the tasks wherein I
seem to feel God's guidance.
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