“If it depended on me!”
“The fact is that the way things are arranged today is no good,” said Cæsar. “A hundred years ago, by the mere fact of being a Cardinal’s nephew, I should have been somebody.”
“That’s true,” exclaimed Preciozi.
“And as I should have no scruples, and neither would you two, we would have plunged into life strenuously, and sacked Rome, and the whole world would be ours.”
“You talk like a Cæsar Borgia,” said Preciozi, aroused. “You are a true Spaniard.”
“Today one must have something to stand on,” said Cittadella, coldly.
“Friend Cittadella,” retorted Cæsar, “I, as you see me here, am the man who knows the most about financial matters in all Spain, and I believe I shall soon get to where I can say, in all Europe. I put my knowledge at the service of whoever pays me. I am like one of your old condottieri, a mercenary general. I am ready to win battles for the Jewish bank, or against the Jewish bank, for the Church or against the Church.”
“For the Church is better. Against the Church we cannot assist you,” said Preciozi.
“I will try first, for the Church. To whom can you recommend me first?”
The two abbés said nothing, and drank in silence.