For, surely, considering the mission on which ostensibly I should be returning--as the saviour and protector of his kinswoman--Giovanni Sforza could not enforce that ban against me.

Next I bethought me of the other aspect that the business wore.

In fooling Ramiro I had thwarted the Borgia ends; in rescuing Madonna Paola I had perhaps set at naught the Cardinal of Valencia's aims.

If so, what then?
It would seem that because the lady's eyes were mild and sweet, and because her beauty had so deeply wrought upon me, I had indeed fooled away my chance of salvation from the life and trade that were grown hateful to me.

For back to Rome and Cesare Borgia I should dare go no more.