The Doge and the Signoria sat in their accustomed places in their
stately Assembly Chamber when the cardinal came with congratulations
upon the withdrawal of the interdict, and the words of the Serenissimo,
as he gave the promised parchment, were few and dignified.
"I thank the Lord our God that his Holiness hath assured himself of the
purity of our intentions and the sincerity of our deeds."
And the writing of that parchment, sealed with the seal of Saint Mark,
stood thus:
"Essendo state levate le Censure e restate parimente rivocato il
Protesto." ("The censures having been taken off the protest remains
equally revoked.")
It was whispered low that the cardinal, under his cape, made the sign of
the cross and murmured a word of absolution. But if the Signoria
suspected his intention there was no movement of acquiescence; only,
when the short ceremony of the passing of the document was completed,
they observed the usual forms of courtesy with which the audience of so
princely an envoy is closed when his mission is accomplished.
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