"And since when has Babbiano been a republic--or is it your aim to make it one, and establish yourself as its chief magistrate ?" "If you misapprehend me so----" began Francesco, but his cousin interrupted him with heightening scorn.
"Misapprehend you, Messer Franceschino?
No, no.

I understand you but too well." He rose suddenly from his interrupted meal, and came a step nearer his cousin.

"I hear rumours of this growing love my people are manifesting for the Count of Aquila, and I have let them go unheeded.
That rogue Masuccio warned me ere he died, and I answered him with my whip across his face.

But I am by no means sure that I have been proceeding wisely.

I had a dream two nights ago---- But let that be! When it so happens that in any State there is a man whom the people prefer to him who rules them, and when it so happens that this man is of as good blood and high birth as are you, he becomes a danger to him that sits the throne.