Storia do Mogor 338.7.4

338.7.4

He said, further, that he had in his possession a patent as parish priest of Madras, but he did not wish to make use of it. Here it seems as if he wanted to make himself out an innocent, thereby better to cover up his sagacity. Feint of a discreet man! invention of a politic person! For he gave as his reason the great obligation he was under to the Capuchins for the kindness received from them (a finely-gilded pill!) in the period of three years and more they had kept him with them in their convent: 'Por la mano lheva el hombre A su casa con que llore.' They had lived like brothers, without the least difference in treatment (we ought to say it was public on the part of the Capuchins, while secret on his, for they to-day are testing it, and Time publishes it). Therein he hoped to recompense those favours, if he could on this occasion help them (considering that the annihilation of the Capuchins was a small matter). If it cost him the blood from his veins, he meant to do it with a high heart. I believe him, and everyone may believe as he pleases or as it appears to him. For Time will disenchant us all, he being a pilgrim capable of dissimulations. Who would not allow himself to be paid in such soft speeches and such honied arguments ?