celebrity in Venice. What WE should be unable to effect by every
power of persuasion, banditti by their daggers, and princes by their
treasuries, can one of those Phrynes accomplish with a single look.
Where the terrors of the scaffold are without effect, and the
exhortations of the priests are heard with coldness, a wanton look
and a tender promise often perform wonders. The bell which sounded
the hour of assignation has often rang the knell of the most sacred
principles and most steadfast resolutions. But should you either
fail to gain the mastery over the minds of these women, or fear to
be yourselves entangled in the nets which you wish to spread for
others, in these cases you must have recourse to the holy father
confessors. Flatter the pride of these insolent friars; paint for
them upon the blank leaf of futurity bishops' mitres, patriarchal
missions, the hats of cardinals, and the keys of St. Peter; my life
upon it, they will spring at the bait, and you will have them
completely at your disposal. These hypocrites who govern the
consciences of the bigoted Venetians, hold man and woman, the noble
and the mendicant, the Doge and the gondolier, bound fast in the
chains of superstition, by which they can head them wheresoever it
best suits their pleasure. It will save us tons of gold in gaining
over proselytes, and keeping their consciences quiet when gained, if
we can but obtain the assistance of the confessors, whose blessings
and curses pass with the multitude for current coin. Now, then, to
work, comrades, and so farewell.



CHAPTER IX: CINTHIA'S DWELLING.