Thus the last years of Sarpi's life were overclouded by a deep discouragement, which did not, indeed, extinguish his trust in the divine Providence or his certain belief that the right would ultimately prevail, but which adds a tragic interest to the old age of this champion of political and moral liberty fallen on evil days.
I have thought it well to preface what I have to say about Sarpi with this forecast of his final attitude.

As the Italian who most clearly comprehended the full consequences of the Catholic Revival, and who practically resisted what was evil for his nation in that reactionary movement, he demands a prominent place in this book.

On his claims to scientific discoveries and his special service rendered to the Venetian Republic it will suffice to touch but lightly.
Sarpi's father was short of stature, brown-complexioned, choleric and restless.

His mother was tall, pale, lymphatic, devoted to religious exercises and austerities.

The son of their ill-assorted wedlock inherited something of both temperaments.