The frequent allusion to the Court of Rome under the title of _La Meretrice_, especially in letters to Duplessis Mornay, looks suspicious.[153] Yet Dante, Petrarch and Savonarola used similar metaphors, when describing the secular ambition of the Papacy.

Having pointed out a weakness in this important series of documents, I will translate some obviously genuine passages which illustrate Sarpi's attitude toward reform.
Writing to Leschassier upon the literary warfare of James I., he says it is a pity that the king did not abstain from theology and confine himself to the defense of his princely prerogatives against the claims of Rome.

He has exposed himself to the imputation of wishing to upset the foundations of the faith.

'With regard to our own affairs [_i.e._ in Venice], we do not seek to mix up heaven and earth, things human and things divine.

Our desire is to leave the sacraments and all that pertains to religion as they are, believing that we can uphold the secular government in those rights which Scripture and the teaching of the Fathers confirm.'[154] In another place he says: 'I have well considered the reasons which drew Germany and England into changing the observances of religion; but upon us neither these nor others of greater weight will exercise any influence.
[Footnote 153: _Lettere_, vol.ii.pp.