“I flatter myself with having sufficient knowledge of Inghilterra, Signor Capitano, though it be by means of books, to discover an impostor, could I believe you capable of appearing in so unworthy a character; and that, too, in a very brief conversation.  We bookworms,” added Andrea Barrofaldi, with a glance of triumph at his neighbor, for he now expected to give the podesta an illustration of the practical benefits of general learning, a subject that had often been discussed between them, “we bookworms can manage these trifles in our own way; and if you will consent to enter into a short dialogue on the subject of England, her habits, language, and laws, this question will be speedily put at rest.”

“You have me at command; and nothing would delight me more than to chat for a few minutes about that little island.  It is not large, Signore, and is doubtless of little worth; but, as my country, it is much in my eyes.”

“This is natural.  And now, Signor Capitano,” added Andrea, glancing at, the podesta, to make sure that he was listening, “will you have the goodness to explain to me what sort of a government this Inghilterra possesses—­whether monarchy, aristocracy, or democracy?”

“Peste!—­that is not so easily answered.  There is a king, and yet there are powerful lords; and a democracy, too, that sometimes gives trouble enough.  Your question might puzzle a philosopher, Signor Vice-governatore.”

“This may be true enough, neighbor Vito Viti, for the constitution of Inghilterra is an instrument of many strings.  Your answer convinces me you have thought on the subject of your government, Capitano, and I honor a reflecting man in all situations in life.  What is the religion of the country?”

“Corpo di Bacco! that is harder to answer than all the rest!  We have as many religions in England as we have people.  It is true the law says one thing on this head, but then the men, women, and children say another.  Nothing has troubled me more than this same matter of religion.”

“Ah! you sailors do not disquiet your souls with such thoughts, if the truth must be said.  Well, we will be indulgent on this subject—­though, out of doubt, you and all your people are Luterani?”

“Set us down as what you please,” answered the captain, with an ironical smile.  “Our fathers, at any rate, were all good Catholics once.  But seamanship and the altar are the best of friends, living quite independent of each other.”

“That I will answer for.  It is much the same here, caro Vito Viti, though our mariners do burn so many lamps and offer up so many aves.”

“Your pardon, Signor Vice-governatore,” interrupted the Signor Smeet, with a little earnestness; “this is the great mistake of your seamen in general.  Did they pray less, and look to their duties more, their voyages would be shorter, and the profits more certain.”

“Scandalous!” exclaimed the podesta, in hotter zeal than it was usual for him to betray.