"The frequency of assassinations is a disgrace to our city; nor will it ever be put down until some men of high rank are executed, and the seignory show that they are as jealous of the lives of private citizens, as they are of the honour and well being of the republic." Francis gladly threw aside his books when he was told that Signor Polani desired him to accompany him, and was soon seated by the side of the merchant in his gondola.
"How old are you, my friend ?" the merchant asked him, as the boat threaded the mazes of the canals.
"I am just sixteen, signor." "No more!" the merchant said in surprise.

"I had taken you for well-nigh two years older.

I have but just come from the Palazzo Giustiniani, and my young kinsman, Matteo, tells me that in the School of Arms there are none of our young nobles who are your match with rapier or battleaxe." "I fear, sir," Francis said modestly, "that I have given up more time to the study of arms than befits the son of a sober trader." "Not at all," the Venetian replied.

"We traders have to defend our rights and our liberties, our goods and our ships, just as much as the nobles have to defend their privileges and their castles.

Here in Venice there are no such distinctions of rank as there are elsewhere.
Certain families, distinguished among the rest by their long standing, wealth, influence, or the services they have rendered to the state, are of senatorial rank, and constitute our nobility; but there are no titles among us.