It is--in principle.' 'Then put your principles into practice and make him do it!' cried the soldier rudely.
Monsignor Saracinesca was unmoved by this attack, which he answered with calm dignity.
'My dear Captain,' he said, 'in the first place, no one can "make" the Pope do things.

That is not a respectful way of speaking.' Giovanni was naturally courteous and he felt that he had gone too far.
'I beg your pardon,' he answered.

'I mean no disrespect to the Pope, though I tell you frankly that I do not believe in much, and not at all in his authority.

What I ask is common justice and your help as a friend.

I ask you to go to him and lay the case before him fairly, as before a just man, which I heartily believe him to be.