.

THE GOVERNOR OF CESENA.
That night I would have supped in my own quarters but that Filippo sent for me and bade me join him and swell the little court he kept.

At times I believe he almost thought that he was the true Lord of Pesaro--an opinion that may have been shared by not a few of the citizens themselves.

Certainly he kept a greater state and was better housed than the duke of Valentinois' governor.
It was a jovial company of perhaps a dozen nobles and ladies that met about his board, and Filippo bade his servants lay for me beside him.

As we ate he questioned me touching the occupation that I had found during my absence from Pesaro.