Page:Manzoni - The Betrothed, 1834.djvu/54

 is it? Ah! here it is, listen, listen,"—"who, whether matrimony follow or not."

"Ah! that's my case!" said Renzo.

"Listen, listen, here is more; now we will find the punishhment." Umph—"that they leave the place of their abode, &c. &c.—that if one pays a debt, he must not be molested." "All this has nothing to do with us. Ah! here it is!" "the priest refusing to do that to which he is obliged by his office,"—"Eh?"

"It appears the proclamation was made purposely for me."

"Ah! is it not so? listen, listen." "And other similar oppressions which flow from the vassals, nobility, middle and lower classes." "None escape they are all here—it is like the valley of Jehoshaphat. Hear now the penalty." "For all these and other similar evil deeds, which having been prohibited, it is nevertheless necessary to exact with rigour, &c.—His Excellency, not annulling, orders and commands, that whoever the offenders be, they shall be subjected to pecuniary and corporal punishment—to banishment, the galleys, or to death," "a mere trifle!" "at the will of His Excellency, or of the Senate. And from this there is no escape, &c. &c." "And see here the signature, "Gonsalez Fernandas de Cordova;" "and lower down," "Platonas;" "and here again"—"Videt Ferrar," "nothing is wanting." Whilst the doctor was reading, Renzo had kept his eyes on the paper, seeking to ascertain for himself its real meaning. The doctor, perceiving his new client more attentive than dismayed, marvelled greatly. "He must be enrolled as one of the bravoes," said he to himself; "Ah! ah!" exclaimed he, addressing Renzo, "you have shaved off the long lock! Well, well, it was prudent; but placing yourself in my hands, you need not have done so. The case is a serious one—you can have no idea how much resolution is required to conduct these matters wisely."

To understand this mistake of the doctor's, it should be known, that the bravoes by profession used to wear a long lock of hair, which they pulled over the face as a mask in enterprises that required prudence as well as