It hath, of all other dangers the greatest, the curse of secresy on its intentions, its acts, and its responsibilities!" "Thou sayest true, my son; there is no security against oppression and wrong in a state but the fear of God or the fear of man.

Of the first, Venice hath none, for too many souls share the odium of her sins; and as for the last, her deeds are hid from their knowledge." "We speak boldly, for those who live beneath her laws," observed Donna Florinda, glancing a look timidly around her.

"As we can neither change nor mend the practices of the state, better that we should be silent." "If we cannot alter the power of the council, we may elude it," hastily answered Don Camillo, though he too dropped his voice, and assured himself of their security by closing the casement, and casting his eyes towards the different doors of the room.

"Are you assured of the fidelity of the menials, Donna Florinda ?" "Far from it, Signore; we have those who are of ancient service and of tried character; but we have those who are named by the Senator Gradenigo, and who are doubtless no other than the agents of the State." "In this manner do they pry into the privacy of all! I am compelled to entertain in my palace varlets that I know to be their hirelings; and yet do I find it better to seem unconscious of their views, lest they environ me in a manner that I cannot even suspect.

Think you, father, that my presence here hath escaped the spies ?" "It would be to hazard much were we to rely on such security.