Note 7 — Chapter VIII
Reading edition
As may be imagined, Father Salazar's invention produced a perfect torrent of satires, and the Jesuit himself was sternly reproved by his ecclesiastical superiors for busying himself in financial affairs. So bitter was the feeling against him, that he was forced to leave the Society. Amongst other rumours about him was that he had devised a government monopoly of drinking water. In the ensuing Lent the pulpits of Madrid rang in denunciation of Father Salazar; and at the carnival a masker dressed as a peasant bore a banner inscribed—
Sisas alcabalas y papel sellado, Me tienen desollado.
With food excise and tax on all I sell. And now with paper stamps, you've flayed me well.
The unfortunate masker had to fly to hiding to escape the wrath of Olivares.