“Observe,” the count said to her, “that I do not the least claim that Fabrizio should become an exemplary priest, like so many that you see about you. No. First and foremost, he remains an aristocrat; he can continue perfectly ignorant if he so prefers it, and that will not prevent him from becoming a bishop and an archbishop if the prince only continues to consider me a useful servant. If your will condescends to change my proposal into an immutable decree,” he continued, “our _protégé_ must not appear at Parma in any modest position. His ultimate honours would give umbrage if he had been seen here as an ordinary priest.
The count explained to her that he did not expect Fabrizio to become a model priest like many others. Instead, he emphasized that Fabrizio would remain an aristocrat and could choose to remain uninformed if he wished, as this would not hinder his rise to becoming a bishop or archbishop, provided the prince continued to value the count’s service. He added that if she agreed to make his proposal final, Fabrizio should not appear in Parma in a humble role, as his eventual high position would seem inappropriate if he had been seen there as an ordinary priest.
The count addressed her, stating that he did not expect Fabrizio to become a model priest, unlike many others present. He emphasized that Fabrizio is fundamentally an aristocrat, and if he chooses to remain uninformed, it will not hinder his chances of becoming a bishop or archbishop, provided the prince views the count as a valuable ally. He further noted that if she agrees to formalize his proposal, their protégé should not be seen in a lowly role in Parma, as his eventual honors would be viewed unfavorably if he had been recognized as an ordinary priest.
The count spoke to her, saying that he did not expect Fabrizio to be a model priest, as many others here did. He stressed that Fabrizio is aristocratic in the first place, and if he wishes to remain ignorant, it will not prevent him from becoming a bishop or archbishop, if the prince considers the count a good friend. He also said that if she consents to formalize his offer, their protégé should not be regarded as a mere servant in Parma, for his future honors would be viewed as a disgrace if he had been regarded as a common priest.
The count spoke to her, saying he did not think Fabrizio would be a model priest, as many of the others were. He pointed out that Fabrizio is essentially an aristocrat, and if he is to remain ignorant, it will not prevent him from being made a bishop or archbishop, as long as the prince considers the count a useful friend. He added that if she consents to make his proposal official, their protégé should not be placed in a humble position in Parma, for his future honors would be looked upon with disfavor if he had been made an ordinary priest.