CHAPTER XX.
FINANCES.
"The subjects of the Pope are necessarily poor--but then they pay hardly any taxes.

The one condition is a compensation for the other!" This is what both you and I have often heard said.

Now and then, too, it is put forth upon the faith of some statistical return or another of the Golden Age, that they are governed at the rate of 7s.6d.

per head.
This calculation is a mere fable, as I can easily prove.

But supposing it to be correct, the Romans would not be the less deserving of pity.
It is a miserable consolation to people who have nothing, to be told that their taxes are low.