But the affair hath great need of delicacy in its government.

The circumstance that so much of my ward's fortune lies in the states of the church, renders it necessary to await the proper moment for disposing of her rights, and of transferring their substance within the limits of the Republic, before we proceed to any act of decision.

Once assured of her wealth, she may be disposed of as seemeth best to the welfare of the state, without further delay." "The lady hath a lineage and riches, and an excellence of person, that might render her of great account in some of these knotty negotiations which so much fetter our movements of late.

The time hath been when a daughter of Venice, not more fair, was wooed to the bed of a sovereign." "Signore, those days of glory and greatness exist no longer.

Should it be thought expedient to overlook the natural claims of my son, and to bestow my ward to the advantage of the Republic, the most that can be expected through her means, is a favorable concession in some future treaty, or a new prop to some of the many decaying interests of the city.