Oh, I would have wooed her nicely had she let me,
with gentle words and mincing ways that maidens love. But since she
defies us, I'll woo her with arquebuse and cannon, and seek by starvation
to make her surrender to my suit. My love shall put on armour to subject
her, and I vow to God that I shall not shave my beard until I am inside
her castle."
Guidobaldo looked grave.
"I should counsel gentler measures," said he. "Besiege her if you will,
but do not resort to too much violence. Cut off their resources and let
hunger be your advocate. Even so, I fear me, you will be laughed at by
all Italy," he added bluntly.
"A fig for that! Let the fools laugh if they be minded to. What forces
has she at Roccaleone?"
At the question Guidobaldo's brow grew dark. It was as if he had
recalled some circumstance that had lain forgotten.
"Some twenty knaves led by a notorious ruffian of the name of Fortemani.
The company was enrolled, they tell me, by a gentleman of my court, a
kinsman of my Duchess, Messer Romeo Gonzaga."
"Is he with her now?" gasped Gian Maria.
"It would seem he is."
"By the Virgin's Ring of Perugia!" spluttered Gian Maria in increased
dismay. "Do you suggest that they fled together?"
"My lord!" Guidobaldo's voice rang sharp and threatening. "It is of my
niece that you are speaking. She took this gentleman with her just as
she took three of her ladies and a page or two, to form such attendance
as befits her birth.
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