You have been too much a fellow of theirs in their drinking and their brawling, instead of holding yourself aloof with dignity." "Lord, I have learnt my lesson!" answered the cowed bully.
"Then act upon it.

Resume your command, and discipline your men to a better order.

Madonna, here, and Messer Gonzaga will forget this thing.
Is it not so, Madonna?
Is it not so, Messer Gonzaga ?" Swayed by his will and by an intuition that told her that to whatever end he might be working, he was working wisely, Valentina gave Fortemani the assurance Francesco begged, and Gonzaga was forced grudgingly to follow her example.
Fortemani bowed low, his face pale and his limbs trembling as not even fear had made them tremble.

He advanced towards Valentina, and sinking on one knee, he humbly kissed the hem of her gown.
"Your clemency, Madonna, shall give you no regret.

I will serve you to the death, lady, and you, lord." At the last words he raised his eyes to Francesco's calm face.