It may be true, and on the other hand it may have been the invention of some mischievous Venetian wag wishing to get a laugh out of the inquisitive Somerset pedestrian, whose leg was, I take it, invitingly pullable.

"Near to this stone," he says, referring to the Pietra del Bando, "is another memorable thing to be observed.

A marvailous faire paire of gallowes made of alabaster, the pillars being wrought with many curious borders, and workes, which served for no other purpose but to hang the Duke whensoever he shall happen to commit any treason against the State.

And for that cause it is erected before the very gate of his Palace to the end to put him in minde to be faithfull and true to his country.

If not, he seeth the place of punishment at hand.