and in the execution of
my sacred office I have learned that he is innocent."

"Didst thou say, condemned of the common judges-father?"

"Sentenced to die, highness, by a decree of the criminal tribunals."

The prince appeared relieved. So long as the affair had been public,
there was at least reason to believe he might indulge his love of the
species, by listening further, without offence to the tortuous policy of
the state. Glancing his eye at the motionless inquisitor, as if to seek
approbation, he advanced a step nearer to the Carmelite, with increasing
interest in the application.

"By what authority, reverend priest, dost thou impeach the decision of
the judges?" he demanded.

"Signore, as I have just said, in virtue of knowledge gained in the
exercise of my holy office. He has laid bare his soul to me, as one
whose feet were in the grave; and, though offending, like all born of
woman, towards his God, he is guiltless as respects the state."

"Thinkest thou, father, that the law would ever reach its victim, were
we to listen only to self-accusations? I am old, monk, and have long
worn that troublesome cap," pointing to the horned bonnet, which lay
near his hand, the symbol of his state, "and in my day, I do not recall
the criminal that has not fancied himself the victim of untoward
circumstances."

"That men apply this treacherous solace to their consciences, one of my
vocation has not to learn. Our chief task is to show the delusion of
those, who, while condemning their own sins by words of confession and
self-abasement, make a merit of humility; but, Doge of Venice, there is
still a virtue in the sacred rite I have this evening been required to
perform, which can overcome the mounting of the most exalted spirit.
Many attempt to deceive themselves at the confessional, while, by the
power of God, few succeed."

"Praised be the blessed mother and the incarnate son, that it is so!"
returned the prince, struck by the mild faith of the monk, and crossing
himself reverently. "Father, thou hast forgotten to name the condemned?"

"It is a certain Jacopo Frontoni;--a reputed bravo," The start, the
changing color, and the glance of the prince of Venice, were full of
natural surprise.

"Callest thou the bloodiest stiletto that ever disgraced the city, the
weapon of a reputed bravo? The arts of the monster have prevailed over
thy experience, monk!--the true confession of such a wretch would be but
a history of bl