'Wait--it is better that no one else should be scandalised by it; put it there in the corner; then we shall see--we shall burn it.'
'Burn such a masterpiece?'
The King became thoughtful and continued to smoke the pipe. The minister put the case behind the sofa and returned to the King. Still under the influence of the picture Augustus III continually murmured: 'Diavolo incarnato!' and he shrugged his shoulders, 'but the picture is admirable. If Mars were not there, and if one could change Venus into repenting Magdalene, I would hang it in my room.'
'Your Majesty, there is no indecency in works of art, one admires only the picture of a master.'
The King was silent.
'I must confess to Father Guarini,' he said presently.
'I am sure that the Padre himself,' said Sulkowski, 'would look at this masterpiece, and not think of confession.'
'Siete un birbante!' muttered the King. 'Tace! basta!'
Thus the conversation about Titian's Venus ended, and as Brühl was not there the King asked after him. Sulkowski sighed. Augustus III glanced at him.
'I see,' said Sulkowski, 'that Brühl supersedes me in your Majesty's favour, and the sight hurts an old and faithful servant like myself. For that alone I could dislike him.'