And this it is has led us to invite you to meet us here to-night.
His Highness will do nothing to save the Duchy, and so we turn to you.
The people are with us; in every street of Babbiano are you spoken of
openly as the duke they would have govern them and defend their homes.
In the sacred name of the people, then," the old man concluded, rising,
and speaking in a voice shaken by emotion, "and with the people's voice,
of which we are but the mouthpiece, we now offer you the crown of
Babbiano. Return with us to-night, my lord, and to-morrow, with but
twenty spears for escort, we shall ride into Babbiano and proclaim you
Duke. Nor need you fear the slightest opposition. One man only of
Babbiano--that same Masuccio whom you tell us that you saw to-night--
remains faithful to Gian Maria; faithful because he and the fifty Swiss
mercenaries at his heels are paid to be so. Up, my lord! Let your own
good sense tell you whether an honest man need scruple to depose a prince
whose throne knows no defence beyond the hired protection of fifty
foreign spears."
A silence followed that impassioned speech. Lodi remained standing, the
others sat, their eager glances turned upon the Count, their ears
anxiously alert for his reply. Thus they remained for a brief spell,
Aquila himself so still that he scarcely seemed to breathe.
He sat, gripping the arms of his chair, his head fallen forward until his
chin rested on his breast, a frown darkening his lofty brow.
Pages:
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30