"Bring in your men and your rope." The captain turned on his heel, and simultaneously the fool cast himself at Gian Maria's feet.
"Mercy, your Highness!" he wailed.

"Do not have me hanged.

I am----" "We are not going to hang you," the Duke broke in coldly.

"Dead you would indeed be dumb, and avail us nothing.

We want you alive, Messer Peppino--alive and talkative; we find you very reserved for a fool.