The Jesuit's eyes, searching round the room, were quick to notice the case behind the sofa. He went towards it as though wishing to inspect something with which he was not familiar. The King seeing his movement, blushed and looked reproachfully at Sulkowski, who rushed to the priest and whispered something to him; Augustus III evidently wishing to be beforehand with his excuse muttered to Guarini,
'I did not wish to look at it--it is mythology.'
'Eh!' answered the Padre laughing, 'mythology might be dangerous for your Majesty, but not for an old man like me.'
Sulkowski tried to stop the priest, but the Padre insisted, while the King was embarrassed, and he frowned at Sulkowski. Guarini had no wish to give in, and repeated, 'I must see it.'
Sulkowski's position became unpleasant, for through this picture he had now compromised the King, who always wished to be regarded as a man of severe morals.
'Sentile!' said Guarini to Sulkowski, 'if you do not show me the picture, I might think that you have brought something very ugly into the palace, and that you are endeavouring to serve two gods at the same time,--ruling the country and being fond of art,--one of these two you must do badly, for the saying is--chi due lepri caccia, una non piglia e l'altra lascia.'
Sulkowski's conscience pricked him, and he went towards the case followed by the Jesuit. The King inclined his head towards the window. They lifted the cover; Guarini clapped his hands.
'A masterpiece!' he exclaimed, 'miraviglia! But why do you say that the picture is immoral? On the contrary! The culprits are punished. Vulcan catches them, and he, according to sensus paganorum, represents God's justice. As to Venus, the poor thing is not dressed, ma--'
The Jesuit waved his hand. The King looked at him relieved and happy at this explanation, and cried to Sulkowski: 'Bring it here! Show it to me!'
The minister brought the picture. The King was looking at Venus with evident admiration, when there happened what they dreaded most. While all were bent over Venus, the door leading from the Queen's apartment opened and Queen Josephine, like an avenging angel, proudly entered the room.