So that all that we have done this day may go for naught unless we
take our measures."
The silence deepened.
"But you have been served by men who have the interest of the State at
heart; and more has been done to serve you than the mere slaying of Pier
Luigi Farnese. Our plans are made, and we but wait to know is it your will
that the State should incorporate itself as of old with that of Milan, and
place itself under the protection of the Emperor, who will appoint you
fellow-countrymen for rulers, and will govern you wisely and justly,
abolishing extortion and oppression?"
A thunder of assent was his answer. "Cesare! Cesare!" was now the cry,
and caps were tossed into the air.
"Then go arm yourselves and repair to the Commune, and there make known
your will to the Anziani and councillors, and see that it is given effect
by them. The Emperor's Lieutenant is at your gates. I ride to surrender
to him the city in your name, and before nightfall he will be here to
protect you from any onslaught of the Pontificals."
With that he pushed on, the mob streaming along with us, intent upon going
there and then to do the thing that Galeotto advised. And by now they had
discovered Galeotto's name, and they were shouting it in acclamation of
him, and at the sound he smiled, though his eyes seemed very wistful.
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