Offending prelates were brought from distant sees to meet the
displeasure of the Republic; hesitating priests were silently hastened
to decision by scaffolds, looming suddenly within their precincts. While
leaflets--expressly prepared to disaffect the Venetians--proclaiming
that no obedience was due from a people to its prince under censure;
that all vows, contracts, and duties between man and man, husband and
wife, children and parents were nullified for those who remained
faithful to the Church in acknowledging the censure, as against those
who disclaimed it--these leaflets, introduced by secret agents of the
Pontiff and interdicted by the Republic, flowed in vast numbers, but
silently, into the hands of the Ten, and were seen no more.