"They do not know whom to begin with in Rome," he replied; "if they once commenced to burn, the holocaust would be enormous before the sacrifice was complete."
"I would they would burn Donna Olympia," said the same Priest; "is it true that she has returned?"
"Have patience," said the Cardinal; "from what I hear you will not have long to wait."
"I am glad you believe in purgatory," said the Priest who had spoken first. "I did not know that your Eminence was so orthodox."
"You mistake. I do not look so far. I am satisfied with the purgatory of this life. I merely meant that I fear we shall not long have his Holiness among us."
"The moderns have burnt others besides Servetus," said one of the guests—"Vaninus, for instance."
"I did not instance Vaninus," said the Cardinal, "because his punishment was more justifiable, and nearer to that of Socrates. Vaninus taught atheism, which is dangerous to society, and he courted his death. I suppose, Mr. Inglesant, that your bishops would burn Mr. Hobbes if they dared."
"I know little of the Anglican bishops, Eminence," replied Inglesant; "but from that little I should imagine that it is not impossible."
"What does Mr. Hobbes teach?" said one of the party.
The Cardinal looked at Inglesant, who shook his head.