It has for many generations been our Italian error to imagine a positive blood relationship--not to say maternity itself--existing between intentions and deeds.

Nothing of the sort! There is only the intention of a link to unite them.

You perceive?
It's much to be famous for fine intentions, so we won't complain.

Indeed, it's not our business to complain, but Posterity's; for fine intentions are really rich possessions, but they don't leave grand legacies; that is all.

They mean to possess the future: they are only the voluptuous sons of the present.
It's my belief, Carlino, from observation, apprehension, and other gifts of my senses, that our paternal government is not unacquainted with our intention to sing a song in a certain opera.