Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

218 DANGER IN THE DARK.
At that time, Bedini was Commissioner Extraordinary
of the Four Legations, which post bestows
sovereign power; and holding this post, Bedini was
made supreme president of a council, composed of
the most infamous of the Pope's police for judging
political crimes.
In such high estimation was Ugo Bassi held by the
citizens of Bologna, that, even Bedini's vile instruments
of barbarous vengeance hesitated. But clothed
as he was with sovereign power, Bedini, in person,
entered the council-chamber, and ordered that sentence
of death be immediately pronounced. This
put the whole city in commotion, and multitudes
interceded for the esteemed Bassi-among whom, was
the Archbishop Oppizzoni; but Bedini proved inerorable,
and cited an especial order of the Pope which
he had received before Bassi was taken prisoner. The
cruel monster was not satisfied with having the patriot
put to death, but commanded that he first be flayed
alive! Torture for political prisoners; in barbarous
ages, was common; but to revive it in the nineteenth
century, was only worthy of Bedini, and his master
the Pope of Rome, .
'T was thus Bedini rose to eminence, without talents
or virtue. Wishing to hasten from the contemplation
of so despicable a wretch, and his bloody deeds, I
forbear further mention of him in his own country;
but shall in a subsequent chapter, have occasion to .
speak of his visit to the United States in the character
of the Pope's Nuncio.