But in that case, what
should they be doing this side of Po?
An hour later, from the battlements where we paced side by side--Bianca and
I--we were able to estimate this force and we fixed its strength at five
score lances. Soon we could make out the device upon their bannerols--a
boar's head azure upon an argent field--my own device, that of the
Anguissola of Mondolfo; and instantly I knew them for Cosimo's men.
On the lower parapet six culverins had been dragged into position under the
supervision of Falcone--who was still with us at Pagliano. These pieces
stood loaded and manned by the soldiers to whom I had assigned the office
of engineers.
Thus we waited until the little army came to a halt about a quarter of a
mile away, and a trumpeter with a flag of truce rode forward accompanied by
a knight armed cap-a-pie, his beaver down.
The herald wound a challenge; and it was answered from the postern by a
man-at-arms, whereupon the herald delivered his message.
"In the name of our Holy Father and Lord, Paul III, we summon Agostino
d'Anguissola here to confer with the High and Mighty Cosimo d'Anguissola,
Tyrant of Mondolfo and Carmina."
Three minutes later, to their infinite surprise, the bridge thudded down to
span the ditch, and I walked out upon it with Bianca at my side.
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