"
"This is natural. And now, Signor Capitano," added Andrea, glancing at,
the podesta, to make sure that he was listening, "will you have the
goodness to explain to me what sort of a government this Inghilterra
possesses--whether monarchy, aristocracy, or democracy?"
"Peste!--that is not so easily answered. There is a king, and yet there
are powerful lords; and a democracy, too, that sometimes gives trouble
enough. Your question might puzzle a philosopher, Signor
Vice-governatore."
"This may be true enough, neighbor Vito Viti, for the constitution of
Inghilterra is an instrument of many strings. Your answer convinces me
you have thought on the subject of your government, Capitano, and I
honor a reflecting man in all situations in life. What is the religion
of the country?"
"Corpo di Bacco! that is harder to answer than all the rest! We have as
many religions in England as we have people. It is true the law says one
thing on this head, but then the men, women, and children say another.
Nothing has troubled me more than this same matter of religion."
"Ah! you sailors do not disquiet your souls with such thoughts, if the
truth must be said. Well, we will be indulgent on this subject--though,
out of doubt, you and all your people are Luterani?"
"Set us down as what you please," answered the captain, with an ironical
smile. "Our fathers, at any rate, were all good Catholics once. But
seamanship and the altar are the best of friends, living quite
independent of each other.
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