"And yet there is a great deal of talk in Rome about misery and injustice and oppression—"
"There will be a great deal more talk about those evils, with much better cause, if people who think like you succeed in bringing about a revolution, Monsieur Gouache," answered Giovanni, coldly.
"If many people think like you, prince, a revolution is not to be thought of. As for me I am a foreigner and I see what I can, and listen to what I hear."
"A revolution is not to be thought of. It was tried here and failed. If we are overcome by a great power from without, we shall have no choice but to yield, if any of us survive—for we would fight. But we have nothing to fear from within."
"Perhaps not," returned Gouache, thoughtfully. "I hear such opposite opinions that I hardly know what to think."
"I hear that you are to paint Cardinal Antonelli's portrait," said
Giovanni. "Perhaps his Eminence will help you to decide."
"Yes; they say he is the cleverest man in Europe."
"In that opinion they—whoever they may be—are mistaken," replied
Giovanni. "But he is a man of immense intellect, nevertheless."
"I am not sure whether I will paint his portrait after all," said
Gouache.
"You do not wish to be persuaded?"