He toils too late and early to have other means of support than labor." "Thou knowest, Jacopo, the severity of our laws in matters that concern the public moneys ?" "I know that the judgment of St.Mark, Signore, is never light when its own interest is touched." "Thou art not required to utter opinions beyond the present question.
This man hath a habit of courting the goodwill of his associates, and of making his voice heard concerning affairs of which none but his superiors may discreetly judge." "Signore, he is old, and the tongue grows loose with years." "This is not the character of Antonio.

Nature hath not treated him unkindly; had his birth and education been equal to his mind, the senate might have been glad to listen--at it is, I fear he speaks in a sense to endanger his own interests." "Surely, if he speaks to offend the ear of St.Mark." There was a quick suspicious glance from the senator to the Bravo, as if to read the true meaning of the latter's words.

Finding, however, the same expression of self-possession in the quiet features he scrutinized, the latter continued as if distrust had not been awakened.
"If, as thou sayest, he so speaks as to injure the Republic, his years have not brought discretion.

I love the man, Jacopo, for it is usual to regard, with some partiality, those who have drawn nourishment from the same breast with ourselves." "Signore, it is." "And feeling this weakness in his favor, I would have him admonished to be prudent.

Thou art acquainted, doubtless, with his opinions concerning the recent necessity of the state, to command the services of all the youths on the Lagunes in her fleets ?" "I know that the press has taken from him the boy who toiled in his company." "To toil honorably, and perhaps gainfully, in behalf of the Republic!" "Signore, perhaps!" "Thou art brief in thy speech to-night, Jacopo! But if thou knowest the fisherman, give him counsel of discretion.