“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.  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 Jacopo, rising and stepping into his own boat, which he cast loose from that of his companion, when he stood in evident doubt as to his future proceedings.  “Antonio, we should do well to row away.”

“Thy fears are natural,” said the unmoved fisherman, “and ’tis a thousand pities that there is cause for them.  There is yet time for one skilful as thou to outstrip the fleetest gondola on the canals.”