"Caesar himself has work, and our oppression
Exceeds what we expected."
SHAKSPEARE.
"Didst thou note him that left me?" eagerly demanded the Signer
Gradenigo.
"I did."
"Enough so to recognise form and countenance?"
"'Twas a fisherman of the Lagunes, named Antonio."
The senator dropped the extended limb, and regarded the Bravo with a
look in which surprise and admiration were equally blended. He resumed
his course up and down the room, while his companion stood waiting his
pleasure in an attitude so calm as to be dignified. A few minutes were
wasted in this abstraction.
"Thou art quick of sight, Jacopo!" continued the patrician, breaking the
pause--"Hast thou had dealings with the man?"
"Never."
"Thou art certain it is--"
"Your eccellenza's foster-brother."
"I did not inquire into thy knowledge of his infancy and origin, but of
his present state," returned the Signor Gradenigo, turning away to
conceal his countenance from the glowing eye of Jacopo--"Has he been
named to thee by any in authority?"
"He has not--my mission does not lie with fishermen."
"Duty may lead us into still humbler society, young man. They who are
charged with the grievous burden of the state, must not consider the
quality of the load they carry. In what manner hath this Antonio come to
thy knowledge?"
"I have known him as one esteemed by his fellows--a man skilful in his
craft, and long practised in the mystery of the Lagunes."
"He is a defrauder of the revenue, thou would'st be understood to say?"
"I would not. He toils too late and early to have other means of support
than labor."
"Thou knowest, Jacopo, the severity of our laws in matters that concern
the public moneys?"
"I know that the judgment of St. Mark, Signore, is never light when its
own interest is touched."
"Thou art not required to utter opinions beyond the present question.
This man hath a habit of courting the goodwill of his associates, and of
making his voice heard concerning affairs of which none but his
superiors may discreetly judge."
"Signore, he is old, and the tongue grows loose with years."
"This is not the character of Antonio. Nature hath not treated him
unkindly; had his birth and education been equal to his mind, the senate
might have been glad to listen--at it is, I fear he speaks in a sense to
endanger his own interests."
"Surely, if he speaks to offend the ear of St. Mark."
There was a quick suspicious glance from the senator to the Bravo, as if
to read the true meaning of the latter's words. Finding, however, the
same expression of self-possession in the quiet features he scrutinized,
the latter continued as if distrust had not been awakened.
"If, as thou sayest, he so speaks as to injure the Republic, his years
have not brought discretion. I love the man, Jacopo, for it is usual to
regard, with some partiality, those who have drawn nourishment from the
same breast with ourselves."
"Signore, it is."
"And feeling this weakness in his favor, I would have him admonished to
be prudent. Thou art acquainted, doubtless, with his opinions concerning
the recent necessity of the state, to command the services of all the
youths on the Lagunes in her fleets?"
"I know that the press has taken from him the boy who toiled in his
company."
"To toil honorably, and perhaps gainfully, in behalf of the Republic!"
"Signore, perhaps!"
"Thou art brief in thy speech to-night, Jacopo! But if thou knowest the
fisherman, give him counsel of discretion. St. Mark will not tolerate
such free opinions of his wisdom. This is the third occasion in which
there has been need to repress that fisherman's speech; for the paternal
care of the senate cannot see discontent planted in the bosom of a
class, it is their duty and pleasure to render happy. Seek opportunities
to let him hear this wholesome truth, for in good sooth, I would not
willingly see a misfortune light upon the head of a son of my ancient
nurse, and that, too, in the decline of his days."
The Bravo bent his body in acquiescence, while the Signor Gradenigo
paced the room, in a manner to show that he really felt concern.
"Thou hast had advice of the judgment in the matter of the Genoese?"
resumed the latter, when another pause had given time to change the
current of his thoughts. "The sentence of the tribunals has been prompt,
and, though there is much assumption of a dislike between the two
republics, the world can now see how sternly justice is con sulted on
our isles. I hear the Genoese will have ample amends, and that certain
of our own citizens will be mulcted of much money."
"I have heard the same since the sun set, in the Piazzetta, Signore!"
"And do men converse of our impartiality, and more than all of our
promptitude? Bethink thee, Jacopo, 'tis but a se'nnight since the claim
was preferred to the senate's equity!"
"None dispute the promptitude with which the Republic visits offences."
"Nor the justice, I trust also, good Jacopo. There is a beauty and a
harmony in the manner in which the social machine rolls on its course,
under such a system, that should secure men's applause! Justice
administers to the wants of society, and checks the passions with a
force as silent and dignified, as if her decrees came from a higher
volition. I often compare the quiet march of the state, contrasted with
the troubled movements of some other of our Italian sisters, to the
difference between the clatter of a clamorous town, and the stillness of
our own noiseless canals. Then the uprightness of the late decree is in
the mouths of the masquers to-night?"
"Signore, the Venetians are bold when there is an opportunity to praise
their masters."
"Dost thou think thus, Jacopo? To me, they have ever seemed more prone
to vent their seditious discontent. But 'tis the nature of man to be
niggardly of praise and lavish of censure. This decree of the tribunal
must not be suffered to die, with the mere justice of the case. Our
friends should dwell on it, openly, in the cafés, and at the Lido. They
will have no cause to fear, should they give their tongues a little
latitude. A just government hath no jealousy of comment."
"True, Signore."
"I look to thee and thy fellows to see that the affair be not too
quickly forgotten. The contemplation of acts such as this, will quicken
the dormant seeds of virtue in the public mind. He who has examples of
equity incessantly before his eyes, will come at last to love the
quality. The Genoese, I trust, will depart satisfied?"
"Doubt it not, Signore; he has all that can content a sufferer; his own
with usury, and revenge of him who did the wrong."
"Such is the decree--ample restoration and the chastening hand of
punishment. Few states would thus render a judgment against themselves,
Jacopo!"
"Is the state answerable for the deed of the merchant, Signore?"
"Through its citizen. He who inflicts punishment on his own members, is
a sufferer, surely. No one can part with his own flesh without pain; is
not this true, fellow?"
"There are nerves that are delicate to the touch, Signore, and an eye or
a tooth is precious; but the paring of a nail, or the fall of the beard,
is little heeded."
"One who did not know thee, Jacopo, would imagine thee in the interest
of the emperor! The sparrow does not fall in Venice, without the loss
touching the parental feelings of the senate. Well, is there further
rumor among the Jews, of a decrease of gold? Sequins are not so abundant
as of wont, and the chicanery of that race lends itself to the scarcity,
in the hope of larger profits."
"I have seen faces on the Rialto, of late, Signore, that look empty
purses. The Christian seems anxious, and in want, while the unbelievers
wear their gaberdines with a looser air than is usual."
"This hath been expected. Doth report openly name any of the Israelites
who are in the custom of lending, on usury, to the young nobles?"
"All, who have to lend, may be accounted of the class; the whole
synagogue, rabbis, and all, are of a mind, when there is question of a
Christian's purse."
"Thou likest not the Hebrew, Jacopo; but he is of good service in the
Republic's straits. We count all friends, who are ready with their gold
at need. Still the young hopes of Venice must not be left to waste their
substance in unwary bargains with the gainful race, and should'st thou
hear of any of mark, who are thought to be too deeply in their clutches,
thou wilt do wisely to let the same be known, with little delay, to the
guardians of the public weal. We must deal tenderly with those who prop
the state, but we must also deal discreetly with those who will shortly
compose it. Hast thou aught to say in the matter?"
"I have heard men speak of Signor Giacomo as paying dearest for their
favors."
"Gesu Maria! my son and heir! Dost thou not deceive me, man, to gratify
thine own displeasure against the Hebrews?"
"I have no other malice against the race, Signore, than the wholesome
disrelish of a Christian. Thus much I hope may be permitted to a
believer, but beyond that, in reason, I carry hatred to no man. It is
well known that your heir is disposing freely of his hopes, and at
prices that lower expectations might command."
"This is a weighty concern! The boy must be speedily admonished of the
consequences, and care must be had for his future discretion. The Hebrew
shall be punished, and as a solemn warning to the whole tribe, the debt
confiscated to the benefit of the borrower. With such an example before
their eyes, the knaves will be less ready with their sequins. Holy St.
Theodore! 'twere self-destruction to suffer one of such promise to be
lost for the want of prudent forethought. I will charge myself with the
matter, as an especial duty, and the senate shall have no cause to say
that its interests have been neglected. Hast thou had applications of
late, in thy character of avenger of private wrongs?"
"None of note--there is one that seeks me earnestly, though I am not yet
wholly the master of his wishes."
"Thy office is of much delicacy and trust, and, as thou art well aware,
the reward is weighty and sure." The eyes of the Bravo kindled with an
expression which caused his companion to pause. But observing that the
repose, for which the features of Jacopo were so remarkable, again
presided over his pallid face, he continued, as if there had been no
interruption, "I repeat, the bounty and clemency of the state will not
be forgotten. If its justice is stern and infallible, its forgiveness is
cordial, and its favors ample. Of these facts I have taken much pains to
assure thee, Jacopo. Blessed St. Mark! that one of the scions of thy
great stock should waste his substance for the benefit of a race of
unbelievers! But thou hast not named him who seeks thee with this
earnestness?"
"As I have yet to learn his errand, before I go further, Signore, it may
be well to know more of his wishes."
"This reserve is uncalled for. Thou art not to distrust the prudence of
the Republic's ministers, and I should be sorry were the Inquisitors to
get an unfavorable opinion of thy zeal. The individual must be
denounced."
"I denounce him not. The most that I can say is, that he hath a desire
to deal privately with one, with whom it is almost criminal to deal at
all."
"The prevention of crime is better than its punishment, and such is the
true object of all government. Thou wilt not withhold the name of thy
correspondent?"
"It is a noble Neapolitan, who hath long sojourned in Venice, on matters
touching a great succession, and some right even to the senate's
dignity."
"Ha! Don Camillo Monforte! Am I right, sirrah?"
"Signore, the same!"
The pause which followed was only broken by the clock of the great
square striking eleven, or the fourth hour of the night, as it is
termed, by the usage of Italy. The senator started, consulted a
time-piece in his own apartment, and again addressed his companion.
"This is well," he said; "thy faith and punctuality shall be remembered.
Look to the fisherman Antonio; the murmurs of the old man must not be
permitted to awaken discontent, for a cause so trifling as this transfer
of his descendant from a gondola to a galley; and most of all, keep thy
ears attentive to any rumors on the Rialto. The glory and credit of a
patrician name must not be weakened by the errors of boyhood. As to this
stranger--quickly, thy mask and cloak--depart as if thou wert merely a
friend bent on some of the idle pleasantries of the hour."
The Bravo resumed his disguise with the readiness of one long practised
in its use, but with a composure that was not so easily disconcerted as
that of the more sensitive senator. The latter did not speak again,
though he hurried Jacopo from his presence by an impatient movement of
the hand.
When the door was closed and the Signor Gradenigo was again alone, he
once more consulted the time-piece, passed his hand slowly and
thoughtfully across his brow, and resumed his walk. For nearly an hour
this exercise, or nervous sympathy of the body with a mind that was
possibly overworked, continued without any interruption from without.
Then came a gentle tap at the door, and, at the usual bidding, one
entered, closely masked like him who had departed, as was so much the
usage of that city in the age of which we write. A glance at the figure
of his guest seemed to apprise the senator of his character, for the
reception, while it was distinguished by the quaint courtesy of the age,
was that of one expected.
"I am honored in the visit of Don Camillo Monforte," said the host,
while the individual named laid aside his cloak and silken visor;
"though the lateness of the hour had given me reason to apprehend that
some casualty had interfered between me and the pleasure."
"A thousand excuses, noble senator, but the coolness of the canals, and
the gaiety of the square, together with some apprehension of intruding
prematurely on time so precious, has, I fear, kept me out of season. But
I trust to the known goodness of the Signor Gradenigo for my apology."
"The punctuality of the great lords of Lower Italy is not their greatest
merit," the Signor Gradenigo drily answered. "The young esteem life so
endless, that they take little heed of the minutes that escape them;
while we, whom age begins to menace, think chiefly of repairing the
omissions of youth. In this manner, Signor Duca, does man sin and repent
daily, until the opportunities of doing either are imperceptibly lost.
But we will not be more prodigal of the moments than there is need--are
we to hope for better views of the Spaniard?"
"I have neglected little that can move the mind of a reasonable man, and
I have, in particular, laid before him the advantage of conciliating the
senate's esteem."
"Therein have you done wisely, Signore, both as respects his interests
and your own. The senate is a liberal paymaster to him who serves it
well, and a fearful enemy to those who do harm to the state. I hope the
matter of the succession draws near a conclusion?"
"I wish it were possible to say it did. I urge the tribunal in all
proper assiduity, omitting no duty of personal respect nor of private
solicitation. Padua has not a doctor more learned than he who presents
my right to their wisdom, and yet the affair lingers like life in the
hectic. If I have not shown myself a worthy son of St. Mark, in this
affair with the Spaniard, it is more from the want of a habit of
managing political interests than from any want of zeal."
"The scales of justice must be nicely balanced to hang so long, without
determining to one side or the other! You will have need of further
assiduity, Don Camillo, and of great discretion in disposing the minds
of the patricians in your favor. It will be well to make your attachment
to the state be observed by further service near the ambassador. You are
known to have his esteem, and counsel coming from such a quarter will
enter deeply into his mind. It should also quicken the exertions of so
benevolent and generous a young spirit, to know that in serving his
country, he also aids the cause of humanity."
Don Camillo did not appear to be strongly impressed with the justice of
the latter remark. He bowed, however, in courtesy to his companion's
opinion.
"It is pleasant, Signore, to be thus persuaded," he answered; "my
kinsman of Castile is a man to hear reason, let it come from what
quarter it may. Though he meets my arguments with some allusions to the
declining power of the Republic, I do not see less of deep respect for
the influence of a state, that hath long made itself remarkable by its
energy and will."
"Venice is no longer what the City of the Isles hath been, Signer Duca;
still she is not powerless. The wings of our lion are a little clipped,
but his leap is still far, and his teeth dangerous. If the new-made
prince would have his ducal coronet sit easily on his brow, he would do
well to secure the esteem of his nearest neighbors."
"This is obviously true, and little that my influence can do towards
effecting the object, shall be wanting. And now, may I entreat of your
friendship, advice as to the manner of further urging my own
long-neglected claims?"
"You will do well, Don Camillo, to remind the senators of your presence,
by frequent observance of the courtesies due to their rank and yours."
"This do I never neglect, as seemly both in my station and my object."
"The judges should not be forgotten, young man, for it is wise to
remember that justice hath ever an ear for solicitation."
"None can be more assiduous in the duty, nor is it common to see a
suppliant so mindful of those whom he troubleth, by more substantial
proofs of respect."
"But chiefly should we be particular to earn the senate's esteem. No act
of service to the state is overlooked by that body, and the smallest
good deed finds its way into the recesses of the two councils."
"Would I could have communication with those reverend fathers! I think
the justice of my claim would speedily work out its own right."
"That were impossible!" gravely returned the senator. "Those august
bodies are secret, that their majesty may not be tarnished by
communication with vulgar interests. They rule like the unseen influence
of mind over matter, and form, as it were, the soul of the state, whose
seat, like that of reason, remains a problem exceeding human
penetration."
"I express the desire rather as a wish than with any hope of its being
granted," returned the Duke of St. Agata, resuming his cloak and mask,
neither of which had been entirely laid aside. "Adieu, noble Signore; I
shall not cease to move the Castilian with frequent advice, and, in
return, I commit my affair to the justice of the patricians, and your
own good friendship."
Signor Gradenigo bowed his guest through all the rooms of the long suite
but the last, where he committed him to the care of the groom of his
chambers.
"The youth must be stirred to greater industry in this matter, by
clogging the wheels of the law. He that would ask favors of St. Mark
must first earn them, by showing zealous dispositions in his behalf."
Such were the reflections of the Signor Gradenigo, as he slowly
returned towards his closet, after a ceremonious leave-taking with his
guest, in the outer apartment. Closing the door, he commenced pacing the
small apartment with the step and eye of a man who again mused with some
anxiety. After a minute of profound stillness, a door, concealed by the
hangings of the room, was cautiously opened, and the face of still
another visitor appeared.
"Enter!" said the senator, betraying no surprise at the apparition; "the
hour is past, and I wait for thee."
The flowing dress, the grey and venerable beard, the noble outline of
features, the quick, greedy, and suspicious eye, with an expression of
countenance that was, perhaps, equally marked by worldly sagacity, and
feelings often rudely rebuked, proclaimed a Hebrew of the Rialto.
"Enter, Hosea, and unburden thyself," continued the senator, like one
prepared for some habitual communication. "Is there aught new that
touches the public weal?"
"Blessed is the people over whom there is so fatherly a care! Can there
be good or evil to the citizen of the Republic, noble Signore, without
the bowels of the senate moving, as the parent yearneth over his young?
Happy is the country in which men of reverend years and whitened heads
watch, until night draws towards the day, and weariness is forgotten in
the desire to do good, and to honor the state!"
"Thy mind partaketh of the eastern imagery of the country of thy
fathers, good Hosea, and thou art apt to forget that thou art not yet
watching on the steps of the Temple. What of interest hath the day
brought forth?"
"Say rather the night, Signore, for little worthy of your ear hath
happened, save a matter of some trifling import, which hath grown out of
the movements of the evening."
"Have there been stilettoes busy on the bridge?--ha!--or do the people
joy less than common in their levities?"
"None have died wrongfully, and the square is gay as the fragrant
vineyards of Engedi. Holy Abraham! what a place is Venice for its
pleasures, and how the hearts of old and young revel in their merriment!
It is almost sufficient to fix the font in the synagogue, to witness so
joyous a dispensation in behalf of the people of these islands! I had
not hoped for the honor of an interview to-night, Signore, and I had
prayed, before laying my head upon the pillow, when one charged by the
council brought to me a jewel, with an order to decipher the arms and
other symbols of its owner. 'Tis a ring, with the usual marks which
accompany private confidences."
"Thou hast the signet?" said the noble, stretching out an arm.
"It is here, and a goodly stone it is; a turquoise of price."
"Whence came it--and why is it sent to thee?"
"It came, Signore, as I gather more through hints and intimations of the
messenger than by his words, from a place resembling that which the
righteous Daniel escaped in virtue of his godliness and birth."
"Thou meanest the Lion's Mouth?"
"So say our ancient books, Signore, in reference to the prophet, and so
would the council's agent seem to intimate in reference to the ring?"
"Here is naught but a crest with the equestrian helmet--comes it of any
in Venice?"
"The upright Solomon guided the judgment of his servant in a matter of
this delicacy! The jewel is of rare beauty, such as few possess but
those who have gold in store for other purposes. Do but regard the soft
lustre in this light, noble Signore, and remark the pleasing colors that
rise by the change of view!"
"Ay--'tis well--but who claimeth the bearings?"
"It is wonderful to contemplate how great a value may lie concealed in
so small a compass! I have known sequins of full weight and heavy amount
given for baubles less precious."
"Wilt thou never forget thy stall and the wayfarers of the Rialto? I
bid thee name him who beareth these symbols as marks of his family and
rank."
"Noble Signore, I obey. The crest is of the family of Monforte, the last
senator of which died some fifteen years since."
"And his jewels?"
"They have passed with other movables of which the state taketh no
account, into the keeping of his kinsman and successor--if it be the
senate's pleasure that there shall be a successor to that ancient
name--Don Camillo of St. Agata. The wealthy Neapolitan who now urges his
rights here in Venice, is the present owner of this precious stone."
"Give me the ring; this must be looked to--hast thou more to say?"
"Nothing, Signore--unless to petition, if there is to be any
condemnation and sale of the jewel, that it may first be offered to an
ancient servitor of the Republic, who hath much reason to regret that
his age hath been less prosperous than his youth."
"Thou shalt not be forgotten. I hear it said, Hosea, that divers of our
young nobles frequent thy Hebrew shops with intent to borrow gold,
which, lavished in present prodigality, is to be bitterly repaid at a
later day by self-denial, and such embarrassments as suit not the heirs
of noble names. Take heed of this matter--for if the displeasure of the
council should alight on any of thy race, there would be long and
serious accounts to settle! Hast thou had employment of late with other
signets besides this of the Neapolitan?"
"Unless in the vulgar way of our daily occupation, none of note,
illustrious Signore."
"Regard this," continued the Signor Gradenigo, first searching in a
secret drawer, whence he drew a small bit of paper, to which a morsel of
wax adhered; "canst thou form any conjecture, by the impression,
concerning him who used that seal?"
The jeweller took the paper and held it towards the light, while his
glittering eyes intently examined the conceit.
"This would surpass the wisdom of the son of David!" he said, after a
long and seemingly fruitless examination; "here is naught but some
fanciful device of gallantry, such as the light-hearted cavaliers of the
city are fond of using, when they tempt the weaker sex with fair words
and seductive vanities."
"It is a heart pierced with the dart of love, and the motto of _'pensa
al cuore trafitto d'amore?'_"
"Naught else, as my eyes do their duty. I should think there was but
very little meant by those words, Signore!"
"That as may be. Thou hast never sold a jewel with that conceit?"
"Just Samuel! We dispose of them daily to Christians of both sexes and
all ages. I know no device of greater frequency, whereby I conceive
there is much commerce in this light fidelity."
"He who used it did well in concealing his thoughts beneath so general a
dress! There will be a reward of a hundred sequins to him who traces the
owner."
Hosea was about to return the seal as beyond his knowledge, when this
remark fell casually from the lips of the Signor Gradenigo. In a moment
his eyes were fortified with a glass of microscopic power, and the paper
was again before the lamp.
"I disposed of a cornelian of no great price, which bore this conceit,
to the wife of the emperor's ambassador, but conceiving there was no
more in the purchase than some waywardness of fancy, I took no
precaution to note the stone. A gentleman in the family of the Legate of
Ravenna, also trafficked with me for an amethyst of the same design, but
with him neither did I hold it important to be particular. Ha! here is
a private mark, that in truth seemeth to be of my own hand!"
"Dost thou find a clue? What is the sign of which thou speakest?"
"Naught, noble senator, but a slur in a letter, which would not be apt
to catch the eye of an over-credulous maiden."
"And thou parted with the seal to----?"
Hosea hesitated, for he foresaw some danger of losing his reward by a
too hasty communication of the truth.
"If it be important that the fact be known, Signore," he said, "I will
consult my books. In a matter of this gravity, the senate should not be
misled."
"Thou sayest well. The affair is grave, and the reward a sufficient
pledge that we so esteem it."
"Something was said, illustrious Signore, of a hundred sequins; but my
mind taketh little heed of such particulars when the good of Venice is
in question."
"A hundred is the sum I promised."
"I parted with a signet-ring, bearing some such design, to a female in
the service of the Nuncio's first gentleman. But this seal cannot come
of that, since a woman of her station----"
"Art sure?" eagerly interrupted the Signor Gradenigo.
Hosea looked earnestly at his companion; and reading in his eye and
countenance that the clue was agreeable, he answered promptly,--
"As that I live under the law of Moses! The bauble had been long on hand
without an offer, and I abandoned it to the uses of my money."
"The sequins are thine, excellent Jew! This clears the mystery of every
doubt. Go; thou shalt have thy reward; and if thou hast any particulars
in thy secret register, let me be quickly possessed of them. Go to, good
Hosea, and be punctual as of wont. I tire of these constant exercises
of the spirit."
The Hebrew, exulting in his success, now took his leave, with a manner
in which habitual cupidity and subdued policy completely mastered every
other feeling. He disappeared by the passage through which he had
entered.
It seemed, by the manner of the Signor Gradenigo, that the receptions
for that evening had now ended. He carefully examined the locks of
several secret drawers in his cabinet, extinguished the lights, closed
and secured the doors, and quitted the place. For some time longer,
however, he paced one of the principal rooms of the outer suite, until
the usual hour having arrived, he sought his rest, and the palace was
closed for the night.
The reader will have gained some insight into the character of the
individual who was the chief actor in the foregoing scenes. The Signor
Gradenigo was born with all the sympathies and natural kindliness of
other men, but accident, and an education which had received a strong
bias from the institutions of the self-styled Republic, had made him the
creature of a conventional policy. To him Venice seemed a free state,
because he partook so largely of the benefits of her social system; and,
though shrewd and practised in most of the affairs of the world, his
faculties, on the subject of the political ethics of his country, were
possessed of a rare and accommodating dulness. A senator, he stood in
relation to the state as a director of a moneyed institution is
proverbially placed in respect to his corporation; an agent of its
collective measures, removed from the responsibilities of the man. He
could reason warmly, if not acutely, concerning the principles of
government, and it would be difficult, even in this money-getting age,
to find a more zealous convert to the opinion that property was not a
subordinate, but the absorbing interest of civilized life. He would talk
ably of character, and honor, and virtue, and religion, and the rights
of persons, but when called upon to act in their behalf, there was in
his mind a tendency to blend them all with worldly policy, that proved
as unerring as the gravitation of matter to the earth's centre. As a
Venetian he was equally opposed to the domination of one, or of the
whole; being, as respects the first, a furious republican, and, in
reference to the last, leaning to that singular sophism which calls the
dominion of the majority the rule of many tyrants! In short, he was an
aristocrat; and no man had more industriously or more successfully
persuaded himself into the belief of all the dogmas that were favorable
to his caste. He was a powerful advocate of vested rights, for their
possession was advantageous to himself; he was sensitively alive to
innovations on usages and to vicissitudes in the histories of families,
for calculation had substituted taste for principles; nor was he
backward, on occasion, in defending his opinions by analogies drawn from
the decrees of Providence. With a philosophy that seemed to satisfy
himself, he contended that, as God had established orders throughout his
own creation, in a descending chain from angels to men, it was safe to
follow an example which emanated from a wisdom that was infinite.
Nothing could be more sound than the basis of his theory, though its
application had the capital error of believing there was any imitation
of nature in an endeavor to supplant it.