It soon
became clear that the ambassador's true mission was to pick a quarrel
with Babbiano on his master's behalf, to the end that the Borgia might be
afforded a sound pretext for invading the Duchy. He demanded, at first
politely and calmly, and later--when denied--with arrogant insistance,
that Gian Maria should provide the Duke of Valentinois with a hundred
lances--equivalent to five hundred men--as some contribution on his part
towards the stand which Caesar Borgia meant to make against the impending
French invasion.
Gian Maria never heeded the restraining words which Lodi whispered in his
ear, urging him to temporise, and to put off this messenger until the
alliance with the house of Urbino should be complete and their position
strengthened sufficiently to permit them to brave the anger of Caesar
Borgia. But neither this nor the wrathful, meaning glances which his
cunning mother bent upon him served to curb him. He obeyed only the
voice of his headstrong mood, never dreaming of the consequences with
which he might be visited.
"You will bear to the Duca Valentino this message from me," he said, in
conclusion. "You will tell him that what lances I have in Babbiano I
intend to keep, that with them I may defend my own frontiers against his
briganding advances. Messer da Lodi," he added, turning to Fabrizio and
without so much as waiting to see if the envoy had anything further to
say, "let this gentleman be reconducted to his quarters, and see that he
has safe conduct hence until he is out of our Duchy.
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