"I breathed the good spring air in the woods." "And nothing else ?" sneered Gian Maria.
"I can bethink me of little else that signifies.

I met a lady there with whom I had some talk, a friar, a fool, a popinjay, and some soldiers.
But,"-- he shifted abruptly, his tone growing haughty--"whatever I did, I did as best seemed to me, and I have yet to learn that the Count of Aquila must give account of what he does and where he does it.

You have not told me yet, sir, by what right, or fancied right, you hold me prisoner." "Have I not, indeed?
See you no link between your offence and your presence near Sant' Angelo on that day ?" "If I am to apprehend that you have had me brought here with this indignity to set me riddles for your amusement, I am enlightened and yet amazed.

I am no court buffoon." "Words, words," snapped the Duke.

"Do not think to beguile me with them." With a short laugh he turned from Francesco to those upon the dais.