"We all knew him as the oldest and the most skilful fisherman of the Lagunes, and one ever ready to assist an unlucky companion."
"I can believe thee!"
"Thou mayest, for the holy books are not more true than my words: yesterday he came down this very canal in triumph, for he bore away the honors of the regatta from the stoutest oars in Venice."
"I have heard of his success."
"They say that Jacopo, the Bravo—he who once held the best oar in the canals—was of the party! Santa Madonna! such a man was too precious to die!"
"It is the fate of all—rich and poor, strong and feeble, happy and miserable, must alike come to this end."
"Not to this end, reverend Carmelite, for Antonio having given offence to the Republic, in the matter of a grandson that is pressed for the galleys, has been sent to purgatory without a Christian hope for his soul."
"There is an eye that watcheth on the meanest of us, son; we will believe he was not forgotten."
"Cospetto! They say that those the Senate look black upon get but little aid from the church! Wilt thou pray for him, Carmelite, and make good thy words?"
"I will," said Father Anselmo, firmly. "Make room, son, that no decency of my duty be overlooked."