Moreover, he had never acted save under the impulse of violent emotion, but contented himself with fine words--vague, indeterminate wishes.
"Brother Ambrogio," replied Tomaso, all tranquillity, "the Pope is the Pope, and wisdom lies in putting oneself on his side, because he will always be the Pope--that is to say, the stronger.

For my part, if we had to vote to-morrow I'd vote for him." Calmed by the shrewd prudence characteristic of his race, the old carpenter made no haste to reply.

At last he said, "Well, as for me, brother Tomaso, I should vote against him--always against him.

And you know very well that we should have the majority.

The Pope-king indeed! That's all over.