Pagina 663 di 788

"But there in the corridor, sirs, pray notice that reverend old

priest advancing in his chasuble; that is the Prior bringing the

Host from the altar, while a boy in a surplice rings a bell and

asks all to give way. The gentry at once sheathe their sabres,

cross themselves, and kneel; but the priest turns in the

direction whence a clink of arms is still heard: soon he will

arrive, and at once he will calm and reconcile all.

"Ah, you young men, do not remember this, how among our

turbulent, self-willed gentry, always under arms though they

were, no police were ever needed: while the true faith

flourished, laws were respected; there was liberty with order and

glory along with plenty I In other lands, I hear, the government

maintains soldiers and all sorts of policemen, gendarmes, and

constables. But if the sword alone guards the public security,

then I shall never believe that liberty can exist in those

lands."

Suddenly, tapping his snuffbox, the Chamberlain said:-