"But, by your leave, I will make it clear to Messer Baudichon also, who will doubtless like to know.

I would have had of him the time and place and circumstance of the attack, if such be in preparation.

And then, when I knew all, I would have made dispositions, not only to safeguard the city, but to give the enemy such a reception that Italy should ring with it! Ay, and such as should put an end for the rest of our lives to these treacherous attacks!" The picture which he drew thus briefly of a millennium of safety, charmed not only his own adherents, but all who were neutral, all who wavered.

They saw how easily the thing might have been done, how completely the treacherous blow might have been parried and returned.
Veering about they eyed Baudichon, on whom the odium of the lost opportunity seemed to rest, with resentment--as an honest man, but a simpleton, a dullard, a block! And when Blondel added, after a pause, "But there, I have done! The office of Fourth Syndic I leave to you to fill," they barely allowed him to finish.
"No! No!" came from almost all mouths, and from every part of the council table.
"No," Fabri said, when silence was made.

"There is no provision for a change, unless a definite accusation be laid." "But Messer Baudichon may have one to make," Blondel said proudly.