He need not precipitate matters by a deed that must lead to a revolt, a rising of the people to avenge their idol.
"You have given me but added reasons," he answered her stoutly.

"There is no room in my Duchy for a man whose death, if it pleased me to encompass it, would be avenged upon me by my own people." "Then send him from your dominions," she urged.

"Banish him, and all may be well.

But if you slay him, I should not count your life worth a day's purchase." This advice was sound, and in the end they prevailed upon him to adopt it.

But it was not done save at the cost of endless prayers on the part of those courtiers, and the persuasions of Caterina's biting scorn and prophecies of the fate that surely awaited him did he touch the life of one so well-beloved.