Then Giovanni smiled on me in his mocking, infernal way.
"'Not that,' I cried, guessing his purpose.
"'Aye, that,' he answered me; 'that or the hangman's noose.

A man who could devise so monstrous a jest as was your challenge to the Tyrant of Pesaro should be a merry fellow if he would.

I need such a one.

There are two Fools at my Court, but they are mere tumblers, deformed vermin that excite as much disgust as mirth.

I need a sprightlier man, a man of some learning and more drollery; such a man, in short, as you would seem to be.' "I recoiled in horror and disgust.