“I might have found it so for myself but that my lot has been cast among sinners,” answered the Cardinal, comprehending the company in his glance and gesture. “As it is, I do what I can to mend their lot.”
“Now here is gallantry of a different sort!” cried the little Leocadia with a giggle.
“O, as to that,” quoth Cosimo, showing his fine teeth in a smile, “there is a proverb as to the gallantry of priests. It is like the love of women, which again is like water in a basket—as soon in as out.” And his eyes hung upon Giuliana.
“When you are the basket, sir captain, shall anyone blame the women?” she countered with her lazy insolence.
“Body of God!” cried the Cardinal, and laughed wholeheartedly, whilst my cousin scowled. “There you have the truth, Cosimo, and the truth is better than proverbs.”
“It is unlucky to speak of the dead at table,” put in Caro.
“And who spoke of the dead, Messer Annibale?” quoth Leocadia.
“Did not my Lord Cardinal mention Truth?” answered the brutal poet.
“You are a derider—a gross sinner,” said the Cardinal languidly. “Stick to your verses, man, and leave Truth alone.”
“Agreed—if your excellency will stick to Truth and quit writing verses. I offer the compact in the interest of humanity, which will be the gainer.”