"The next story is about Venice," continued the father.
"Once upon a time there lived in Italy a people known as the Veneti. They were not fish, yet they built a city in the water.
"Savage tribes had driven them from their land. They had no home. So they settled upon some small islands at the head of the Adriatic Sea. They called their island-city Venice.
"Fish were plentiful. They salted them and traded them for treasures of all kinds. People began to come from everywhere to buy these treasures. Venice became the most important market in Europe.
"St. Mark is the patron saint of Venice. To him the Veneti, or Venetians, have built a wonderful cathedral. In front stands the statue of a lion, the favorite animal of St. Mark.
"Four huge horses adorn the door. Though they are made of bronze, they have travelled widely. They have been moved to different places at many times.
| THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS: VENICE |