From time to time we were visited by Galeotto. It was well for him that
fatigue had overwhelmed him that day at Bologna, and so hindered him from
taking a hand with us in the doings of that hideous night, else he might no
longer have freedom to roam the State unchallenged as he did.
He told us of the new citadel the Duke was building in Piacenza, and how
for the purpose he was pulling down houses relentlessly to obtain material
and to clear himself a space, and how, further, he was widening and
strengthening the walls of the city.
"But I doubt," he said one morning in that spring, "if he will live to see
the work completed. For we are resolved at last. There is no need for an
armed rising. Five score of my lances will be all that is necessary. We
are planning a surprise, and Ferrante Gonzaga is to be at hand to support
us with Imperial troops and to receive the State as the Emperor's
vicegerent when the hour strikes. It will strike soon," he added, "and
this, too, shall be paid for with the rest." And he touched the black
mourning gown that Bianca wore.
He rode away again that day, and he went north for a last interview with
the Emperor's Lieutenant, but promising to return before the blow was
struck to give me the opportunity to bear my share in it.
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