Curiosity pricks us to know in what way you believe it possible to rejuvenate this poor old Papacy, of which we laymen are ahead not only in the conquest of civilisation, but also in the science of God, even in the science of Christ, this Papacy which follows us at a great distance, panting and stopping by the way every now and then, hanging back like an animal which smells the shambles, and then, when it is pulled very hard, jumping forward, only to stop again until the rope is twitched once more.

Explain your idea of Catholic reform to us.

Let us hear it." Benedetto remained silent.
"Speak," continued the unknown deity who appeared to reign in that place.

"My friend is not Herod, nor am I Pilate.

We might perhaps both become apostles of your idea." His friend once more extended his wide-open hands, without raising his head from the sofa-back, and said again, with a stronger accent on the first syllable: "Steady!" Benedetto was silent.
"It appears to me, _caro mio_," said the friend, turning his head alone towards his colleague, "that this promises to be the first time your eloquence has failed you.