At sight of Francesco, they raised a fierce yell, as might a pack of dogs that have sighted their quarry.
"To the gates!" was the shout.

"Down the draw-bridge! We accept the terms of Gian Maria.

We will not die like rats." "By God, but you shall, if I so will it!" snarled Francesco through his set teeth.

Then turning his head in a fever of impatience "Peppe," he shouted, "will you never bring that sword ?" The fool came up at that moment, staggering under the weight of a great, double-edged two-hander, equipped with lugs, and measuring a good six feet from point to pummel.

Francesco caught it from him, and bending, he muttered a swift order in Peppino's ear.
"...In the box that stands upon the table in my chamber," Gonzaga overheard him say.