“I know that the judgment of St. Mark, Signore, is never light when its own interest is touched.”

“Thou art not required to utter opinions beyond the present question.  This man hath a habit of courting the goodwill of his associates, and of making his voice heard concerning affairs of which none but his superiors may discreetly judge.”

“Signore, he is old, and the tongue grows loose with years.”

“This is not the character of Antonio.  Nature hath not treated him unkindly; had his birth and education been equal to his mind, the senate might have been glad to listen—­at it is, I fear he speaks in a sense to endanger his own interests.”

“Surely, if he speaks to offend the ear of St. Mark.”

There was a quick suspicious glance from the senator to the Bravo, as if to read the true meaning of the latter’s words.  Finding, however, the same expression of self-possession in the quiet features he scrutinized, the latter continued as if distrust had not been awakened.

“If, as thou sayest, he so speaks as to injure the Republic, his years have not brought discretion.  I love the man, Jacopo, for it is usual to regard, with some partiality, those who have drawn nourishment from the same breast with ourselves.”

“Signore, it is.”

“And feeling this weakness in his favor, I would have him admonished to be prudent.  Thou art acquainted, doubtless, with his opinions concerning the recent necessity of the state, to command the services of all the youths on the Lagunes in her fleets?”

“I know that the press has taken from him the boy who toiled in his company.”

“To toil honorably, and perhaps gainfully, in behalf of the Republic!”

“Signore, perhaps!”

“Thou art brief in thy speech to-night, Jacopo!  But if thou knowest the fisherman, give him counsel of discretion.  St. Mark will not tolerate such free opinions of his wisdom.  This is the third occasion in which there has been need to repress that fisherman’s speech; for the paternal care of the senate cannot see discontent planted in the bosom of a class, it is their duty and pleasure to render happy.  Seek opportunities to let him hear this wholesome truth, for in good sooth, I would not willingly see a misfortune light upon the head of a son of my ancient nurse, and that, too, in the decline of his days.”

The Bravo bent his body in acquiescence, while the Signor Gradenigo paced the room, in a manner to show that he really felt concern.

“Thou hast had advice of the judgment in the matter of the Genoese?” resumed the latter, when another pause had given time to change the current of his thoughts.  “The sentence of the tribunals has been prompt, and, though there is much assumption of a dislike between the two republics, the world can now see how sternly justice is con sulted on our isles.  I hear the Genoese will have ample amends, and that certain of our own citizens will be mulcted of much money.”