There is a law in Venice which commandeth that none claiming an interest in its affairs shall so bind himself to the stranger as to endanger the devotion all owe to the Republic.

Thus may not the patrician of St.Mark be a lord in other lands, nor may the heiress of a name, great and valued as thine, be given in marriage to any of note, in a foreign state, without counsel and consent from those who are appointed to watch over the interests of all." "Had Providence cast my lot in an humbler class, this would not have been.

Methinks it ill comports with the happiness of woman to be the especial care of the Council of Ten!" "There is indiscretion, and I lament to say, impiety in thy words.

Our duty bids us submit to earthly laws, and more than duty, reverence teaches us not to repine at the will of Providence.

But I do not see the weight of this grievance against which thou murmurest, daughter.