The Turkish devotees pity the libertines, but they do not persecute them; there is no inquisition in Turkey.

Those who do not know the precepts of religion, say the Turks, will suffer enough in the life to come; there is no need to make them suffer in this life.

The only dispensation I have asked and obtained, has been respecting circumcision, although it can hardly be called so, because, at my age, it might have proved dangerous.

That ceremony is generally performed, but it is not compulsory." During the two hours that we spent together, the pacha enquired after several of his friends in Venice, and particularly after Marc Antonio Dieto.

I told him that his friends were still faithful to their affection for him, and did not find fault with his apostasy.