In a score of ways, since their coming to Roccaleone, had Ercole been wanting in that respect to which Gonzaga held himself entitled, and this opportunity he seized with eagerness to vent his vindictive rancour.
Valentina begged of Francesco that he, too, would stay, and help them with his wide experience, a phrase that sent an unpleasant pang through the heart of Romeo Gonzaga.

It was perhaps as much to assert himself as to gratify his rancour against Fortemani, that, having despatched a soldier to fetch the prisoner, he turned to suggest curtly that Ercole should be hanged at once.
"What boots a trial ?" he demanded.

"We were all witnesses of his insubordination, and for that there can be but one punishment.

Let the animal hang!" "But the trial is of your own suggestion," she protested.
"Nay, Madonna.

I but suggested judgment.