In its way the news affected him as well, for he feared the might of Caesar Borgia as much as any man in Italy, and he was, by virtue of it, the readier to hasten forward an alliance which should bring another of the neighbouring states into the powerful coalition he was forming.
"It shall be as you wish," answered him the gracious Lord of Urbino, "and the betrothal shall be proclaimed to-day, so that you can bear news of it to Valentino's messenger.

When you have heard this envoy, deliver him an answer of such defiance or such caution as you please.

Then return in ten days' time to Urbino, and all shall be ready for the nuptials.

But, first of all, go you and tell Monna Valentina." Confident of success, Gian Maria obeyed his host, and went in quest of the lady.

He gained her ante-chamber, and thence he despatched an idling page to request of her the honour of an audience.
As the youth passed through the door that led to the room beyond, Gian Maria caught for a moment the accents of an exquisite male voice singing a love-song to the accompaniment of a lute.
"Una donna piu bella assai che 'l sole..." came the words of Petrarch, and he heard them still, though muffled, for a moment or two after the boy had gone.