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The council of ten then requested the cardinal to order a solemn

procession, for the purpose of carrying through the streets the

body of San Carlos. The good prelate refused; this confidence in

a doubtful means disturbed him, and he feared that, if the effect

should not be obtained, confidence would be converted into

infidelity, and rebellion against God. He also feared that if

there really were poisoners, this procession would be a

favourable occasion for their machinations; and if there were

not, so great a collection would have a tendency to spread the

contagion.