“Art of⁠—”

“That Illuminist Freemasonry had the regent degree⁠—”

“That is fine, Herr Settembrini: art of government, degree of regent⁠—I like all that very much. But tell me something: are you Christians, you Masons?”

“ Perché? ”

“I beg your pardon, I will ask another question; I’ll put it more simply and generally. Do you believe in God?”

“I will reply to you. But why do you ask?”