Chapter 13 - Page 2

our age: and yet are they become objects of a covetous
ambition to our neighbor, under a vain pretext of a policy that I fear
is strengthened by our increasing weakness. I sicken, Signori, of my
esteem for men, as I dive deeper into their tempers and desires, and
often wish myself a dog, as I study their propensities. In his appetite
for power, is not the Austrian the most rapacious of all the princes of
the earth?"

"More so, think you, worthy Signore, than the Castilian? You overlook
the unsatiated desire of the Spanish king to extend his sway in Italy."

"Hapsburgh or Bourbon; Turk or Englishman, they all seem actuated by the
same fell appetite for dominion; and now that Venice hath no more to
hope, than to preserve her present advantages, the least of all our
enjoyments becomes a subject of covetous envy to our enemies. There are
passions to weary one of an interference with governments, and to send
him to his cord of penitence and the cloisters!"

"I never listen to your observations, Signore, without quitting the
chamber an edified man! Truly, this desire in the strangers to trespass
on our privileges, and it may be well said, privileges which have been
gained by our treasures and our blood, becomes more manifest daily.
Should it not be checked, St. Mark will be stripped, in the end, of even
a landing-place for a gondola on the main."

"The leap of the winged lion is much curtailed, excellent Sir, or these
things might not be! It is no longer in our power to persuade, or to
command, as of old; and our canals begin to be encumbered with slimy
weeds, instead of well freighted argosies and swift-sailing feluccas."

"The Portuguese hath done us irretrievable harm, for without his African
discoveries we might yet have retained the traffic in Indian
commodities. I cordially dislike the mongrel race, being, as it is, half
Gothic and half Moorish!"

"I trust not myself to think of their origin or of their deeds, my
friends, lest prejudice should kindle feelings unbecoming a man and a
Christian. How now, Signor Gradenigo; thou art thoughtful?"

The third member of the secret council, who had not spoken since the
disappearance of the accused, and who was no other than the reader's old
acquaintance of the name just mentioned, slowly lifted his head from a
meditative position at this address.

"The examination of the fisherman hath recalled scenes of my boyhood,"
he answered, with a touch of nature that seldom found place in that
chamber.

"I heard thee say he was thy foster-brother," returned the other,
struggling to conceal a gape.

"We drank of the same milk, and, for the first