Corpo di Bacco! One hath need of experience in
these affairs, Signor Roderigo, to know even his own merits."
"I believe thee. But who is this Gino of whom thou hast spoken, and what
has his occupation, as a gondolier, to do with one known in thy youth in
Calabria?"
"Therein lie matters exceeding my knowledge. His master, and I may say
my master, for I was born on his estates, is the young Duca di Sant'
Agata--the same that pushes his fortunes with the senate in a claim to
the riches and honors of the last Monforte that sat in thy councils. The
debate hath so long endured, that the lad hath made himself a gondolier
by sheer shoving an oar between his master's palace and those of the
nobles he moves with interest--at least such is Gino's own history of
his education."
"I know the man. He wears the colors of him he serves. Is he of quick
wit?"
"Signor Roderigo, all who come of Calabria cannot boast that advantage.
We are no more than our neighbors, and there are exceptions, in all
communities as in all families. Gino is ready enough with his oar, and
as good a youth in his way as need be. But as to looking into things
beyond their surface, why we should not expect the delicacy of a
beccafica in a goose. Nature makes men, though kings make nobles. Gino
is a gondolier."
"And of good skill?"
"I say nothing of his arm or his leg, both of which are well enough in
their places; but when it comes to knowing men and things--poor Gino is
but a gondolier! The lad hath a most excellent heart, and is never
backward to serve a friend.
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