"
"As senators they have none. Thou little understandest, 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.
Pages:
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268