It is a bondage into which I would not sell myself.

A man's life for me, Fabrizio--a free life that is not directed by councillors and at the mercy of the rabble." Fabrizio's face grew sad.

He sighed profoundly, yet since it might not be well for him that he should remain over-long in talk with one who, in the Duke's eyes, was attainted with treason, he had not leisure to insist with persuasions, which, after all, he clearly saw must in the end prove barren.
"What was the salvation of the people of Babbiano," he murmured, "was also your Excellency's, since did you adopt the course I urge there would be no need to go in banishment." "Why, this exile suits me excellently well," returned Francesco.

"Idle have I been over-long, and the wish to roam is in my veins again.

I'll see the world once more, and when I weary of my vagrancy I can withdraw to my lands of Aquila, and in that corner of Tuscany, too mean to draw a conqueror's eye, none will molest me, and I shall rest.