In the gaiety of their palaces, and among the companions of their pleasures, none will speak you fairer of humanity and justice--aye--even of God! but when met to discuss what they call the interests of St.Mark, there is not a rock on the coldest peak of yonder Alp with less humanity, or a wolf among their valleys more heartless!" "Thy words are strong, Jacopo--I would not do injustice even to those who have done me this wrong.

The Senators are men, and God has given all feelings and nature alike." "The gift is then abused.

Thou hast felt the want of thy daily assistant, fisherman, and thou hast sorrowed for thy child; for thee it is easy to enter into another's griefs; but the Senators know nothing of suffering.

Their children are not dragged to the galleys, their hopes are never destroyed by laws coming from hard task-masters, nor are their tears shed for sons ruined by being made companions of the dregs of the Republic.

They will talk of public virtue and services to the state, but in their own cases they mean the virtue of renown, and services that bring with them honors and rewards.