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"Yes, the old gentles

of our people, doesn't he, sir? He knows they like a show, and the

seasoning of their pleasures with a little religion"

"It's the rustiest old weapon in the Pope's arsenal, dear colleague, but

itIf the people can be persuaded that

the Pope is their one friend in adversity, there couldn't be a better

feather in the Papal cap Happily our people love to sing and to dance

as well as to weep and to pray So we needn't throw up the sponge yet"

Both laughed, and the little Minister said, "Besides, it is so easy to

change religious processions into political ones And then the Vatican

is always intriguing with the powers of rebellion and preaching

obedience to the Pope alone"

The creaking of the Baron's patent-leather boots stopped, and he drew up

before his colleague

"Watch that sharply," he said, "and if you see any sign on the part of

the Vatican of intriguing with men like Rossi, any co to revolution and

regicide, let the Council hear of it immediately"