'Those who have been dead a thousand years will be the food of the living.'
'That passes me! Nay, though, the thousand-year dead must be the saints in whose name the monks collect money. A pretty riddle!'
'They shall adore those who do not hear; they shall burn lamps before those who do not see.'
'Images of saints.'
'Women shall disclose to men their passions, their secret and shameful deeds.'
'The confessional! How does it like you, Giovanni? A strange man, is he not? But there is no real malice in these riddles. It is only jest—sporting with blasphemy.'
'Many who cozen the simple by dealing in pretended miracles, punish those who unmask their deceits.'
'The trial by fire, of which the reckless Savonarola was the victim.'
He laid down the book and looked at his companion.
'Well, is it enough? or do you want further proof?'