"
"It is so precious a wine that only the vicegerent of God is worthy of
wetting his lips with it. It must touch the lips of no other mortal!"
"I know such a wine," said Albani; "it thrives best in the region
of Naples,(*) and whoever drinks of it becomes a partaker of eternal
blessedness."
(*) The celebrated poison, _Acqua Tofana_, is prepared only
in Naples.
"Yes, you are right, it is a wonderfully strengthening wine!" said the
prior, folding his hands and directing his eyes toward the heavens. "We
thank God that He has left us in possession of so precious an essence!
The pope, they say, is suffering and needs strengthening. See how
closely we follow the teaching of Him whose name we bear, and who has
commanded, 'Love your enemies, bless those who curse you!' Instead of
avenging ourselves, we would be his benefactors, and refresh him with
the most precious of what we possess!"
"And you would be so unselfish as to keep from him all knowledge of your
benevolence, you would bless him quite secretly! But how if I should
betray you, and communicate your precious secret to his holiness the
pope? Yes, yes, I shall open my mouth and speak, unless I am prevented
by a golden lock put upon my lips.
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