Shall a ducal crown and a cloak of purple----" He broke off sharply with a laugh.

"There, my friends! You have had reasons and to spare.

Again I thank you, and deplore that being such as I am, I may not become such as you would have me." He sank back in his chair, eyeing them with a glance never so wistful, and after a second's silence, Da Lodi's voice implored him, in accents that trembled with pathetic emphasis, to reconsider his resolve.

The old man would have proceeded to fresh argument, but Aquila cut him short.
"I have already so well considered it, Messer Fabrizio," he answered resolutely, "that nothing now could sway me.

But this, sirs, I will promise you: I will ride with you to Babbiano, and I will seek to reason with my cousin.