There are men beyond the pillars of Hercules who are not satisfied with doing all that can be done on their own coasts, but who are pretending to do much of that which can be done on ours." "The republic is a little aged, caro, and years need rest.

The joints of the Bucentaur are racked by time and many voyages to the Lido.

I have heard my master say that the leap of the winged lion is not as far as it was, even in his young days." "Don Camillo has the reputation of talking boldly of the foundation of this city of piles, when he has the roof of old Sant' Agata safely over his head.

Were he to speak more reverently of the horned bonnet, and of the Council of Three, his pretensions to succeed to the rights of his forefathers might seem juster in the eyes of his judges.

But distance is a great mellower of colors and softener of fears.