Such was the message that in another of his arrow-borne letters Gonzaga had suggested Gian Maria should send.
It was Francesco who stepped forward to reply.

He had been stooping over one of the guns, as if to assure himself of the accuracy of its aim, and as he rose he pronounced himself satisfied in a voice loud enough for the herald's hearing.

Then he advanced to Valentina's side, and whilst he stood there delivering his answer he never noticed the silent departure of the men from the wall.
"You will tell his Highness of Babbiano," he replied, "that he reminds us of the boy in the fable who cried 'Wolf!' too often.

Tell him, sir, that his threats leave this garrison as unmoved as do his promises.

If so be that he intends in truth to bombard us, let him begin forthwith.
We are ready for him, as you perceive.