But Da Lodi continued, all unheeding: "And shall you, my lord, who have borne yourself so valiantly as a condottiero in the service of the stranger, hesitate to employ your skill and valour against the enemies of your own homeland?
Not so, Excellency.

We know the patriotic soul of Francesco del Falco, and we count upon it." "And you do well," he answered firmly.

"When the time comes you shall find me ready.

But until then, and touching such preparation as must be made--why do you not address his Highness as you do me ?" A sad smile crossed the noble face of Lodi, whilst Ferrabraccio laughed outright in chill contempt, and with characteristic roughness made answer: "Shall we speak to him," he cried, "of knightly deeds, of prowess, and of valour?
I would as lief enjoin Roderigo Borgia to fulfil the sacred duties of his Vicarship; I might as profitably sprinkle incense on a dunghill.

What we could say to Gian Maria we have said, and since it had been idle to have appealed to him as we have appealed to you, we have shown him yet another way by which Babbiano might be saved and Valentino's onslaught averted." "Ah! And this other way ?" inquired the Count, his glance wandering back to Fabrizio.
"An alliance with the house of Urbino," answered Lodi.