there was any Venice--to condemn those who would close the
churches. 'Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of
my pasture,' saith the Lord. 'Behold, I will visit upon them the evil of
their doings, saith the Lord.' 'Where is the flock that was given thee,
thy beautiful flock?'"

"And here are some words that are written for you--whom they have
deserted. 'Thus saith the Lord: again there shall be heard in this
place, _which ye say shall be desolate_, the voice of joy and the voice
of gladness; the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride; and
of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the
Lord.' It is all very simple. Love God and pray to him, and be faithful
in your duty. And he will keep you happy and safe from harm."

The ringing treble of children's voices sounded through the open door of
the sacristy and distracted the attention of the congregation, who
turned to watch the choristers as they came in sight, by twos and twos,
chanting the canticle, "Praise the Lord of Hosts; for the Lord is good;
for His mercy endureth forever!"

While Fra Paolo slipped away unnoticed.

XXI

So life went on, and those who looked to see the people fail and falter
under this burden which the rebellion of their rulers had brought upon
them saw them, with unshaken confidence, still loyally upholding the
banner of Saint Mark. Preparations for war--marshaling of soldiers,
building of galleys, increased activities at the arsenal--enlarged the
industries and added a judicious vivacity to the life of the people.

There was no war declared; but it was a time when border-lands should be
looked to and bravery encouraged and the martial spirit developed; and
the ever politic Senate tickled the fancy of its pleasure-loving people
with the pomp of a fete, on the day when the newly created
general-in-chief of the armies of the Republic assembled, with fanfare
of trumpets and roaring of cannon, his splendidly appointed corps in the
Piazza, the people thronging the arcades, crowding the windows and
balconies, waving and shouting, as the stately escort of three hundred
nobles, in crimson robes, led the way to San Marco for solemn
dedication. And here, like a knight vowed to holiest service, the
general knelt before the altar, while the Patriarch blessed his sword.
"In defense of Venice and the right," with a memory of the old
battle-cry of the Republic.

"Non nobis, Domine--sed tibi g