And how far, too, he now was from the Rome that he had dreamt of, and what anger at times filled him amidst his weariness, as he persevered in his resolve to defend himself! * It is from the Dataria that bulls, rescripts, letters of appointment to benefices, and dispensations of marriage, are issued, after the affixture of the date and formula _Datum Romae_, "Given at Rome."-- Trans.
All at once certain things which he had never understood were explained to him.

One day, when he returned to the Propaganda, Cardinal Sarno spoke to him of Freemasonry with such icy rage that he was abruptly enlightened.

Freemasonry had hitherto made him smile; he had believed in it no more than he had believed in the Jesuits.

Indeed, he had looked upon the ridiculous stories which were current--the stories of mysterious, shadowy men who governed the world with secret incalculable power--as mere childish legends.

In particular he had been amazed by the blind hatred which maddened certain people as soon as Freemasonry was mentioned.