At last, against his will, he sullenly consented that the banishment of his cousin should content him.

But it was with infinite bitterness and regret that he passed his word, for his jealousy was of a quality that nothing short of Francesco's death could have appeased.

Certain it is that nothing but the fear of the consequences, which his mother had instilled into his heart, could have swayed him to be satisfied that the Count of Aquila should be banished.
He sent for Martino and bade him return the Count his sword, and he entrusted the message of exile to Fabrizio da Lodi, charging him to apprise Francesco that he was allowed twenty-four hours' grace in which to take himself beyond the dominions of Gian Maria Sforza.
That done--and with an exceedingly ill grace--the Duke turned on his heel, and with a sullen brow he left the ducal chamber, and passed, unattended, to his own apartments.
Rejoicing, Fabrizio da Lodi went his errand, which he discharged with certain additions that might have cost him his head had knowledge of them come to Gian Maria.

In fact, he seized the opportunity to again press upon Francesco the throne of Babbiano.
"The hour is very ripe," he urged the Count, "and the people love you as surely prince was never loved.

It is in their interests that I plead.
You are their only hope.