dest, Antonio, the
distinctions of these patricians. In the gaiety of their palaces, and
among the companions of their pleasures, none will speak you fairer of
humanity and justice--aye--even of God! but when met to discuss what
they call the interests of St. Mark, there is not a rock on the coldest
peak of yonder Alp with less humanity, or a wolf among their valleys
more heartless!"

"Thy words are strong, Jacopo--I would not do injustice even to those
who have done me this wrong. The Senators are men, and God has given all
feelings and nature alike."

"The gift is then abused. Thou hast felt the want of thy daily
assistant, fisherman, and thou hast sorrowed for thy child; for thee it
is easy to enter into another's griefs; but the Senators know nothing
of suffering. Their children are not dragged to the galleys, their hopes
are never destroyed by laws coming from hard task-masters, nor are their
tears shed for sons ruined by being made companions of the dregs of the
Republic. They will talk of public virtue and services to the state, but
in their own cases they mean the virtue of renown, and services that
bring with them honors and rewards. The wants of the state is their
conscience, though they take heed those wants shall do themselves no
harm."

"Jacopo, Providence itself hath made a difference in men. One is large,
another small; one weak, another strong; one wise, another foolish. At
what Providence hath done, we should not murmur?"

"Providence did not make the Senate; 't is an invention of man. Mark me,
Antonio, thy language hath given offence, and thou art not safe in
Venice. They will pardon all but complaints against their justice. That
is too true to be forgiven."

"Can they wish to harm one who seeks his own child?"

"If thou wert great and respected, they would undermine thy fortune and
character, ere thou should'st put their system in danger--as thou art
weak and poor, they will do thee some direct injury, unless thou art
moderate. Before all, I warn thee that their system must stand!"

"Will God suffer this?"

"We may not enter into his secrets," returned the Bravo, devoutly
crossing himself. "Did his reign end with this world, there might be
injustice in suffering the wicked to triumph, but, as it is, we------
Yon boat approaches fast! I little like its air and movements."

"They are not fishermen, truly, for there are many oars and a canopy!"

"It is a gondola of the state!" exclaimed Jacop