It is a declaration of war, Highness, and war we shall have." "You would resort to force ?" asked Guidobaldo, disapproval lurking in his voice.
"To the force of arms, your Highness," answered Gian Maria, with prompt fierceness.

"I will lay siege to this castle of hers, and I shall tear it stone from stone.

Oh, I would have wooed her nicely had she let me, with gentle words and mincing ways that maidens love.

But since she defies us, I'll woo her with arquebuse and cannon, and seek by starvation to make her surrender to my suit.

My love shall put on armour to subject her, and I vow to God that I shall not shave my beard until I am inside her castle." Guidobaldo looked grave.
"I should counsel gentler measures," said he.