CHAPTER IX. Chi fa quel che i preti diss, Chi, fa quel che i preti fa, Al diavolo se ne va. MILANESE PROVERB. When Hawkwood left the presence of Visconti, he was followed immediately by Antonio, who, after some preliminary conversation, quietly requested a private conference with him. The General seemed surprised at the unusual nature of the demand, but acquiesced at once in his proposal, and followed him to his apartments in a distant part of the palace. When they were alone, the secretary carefully secured the door of the room, and offi ciously handing the General a seat, he himself remained standing, as if from courtesy to his guest. "General Hawkwood will doubtless be somewhat surprised at my request of an interview," at length said the monk. 66 Indeed, I confess I am at a loss to guess its meaning," replied the knight. "To be short, then, General," continued Antonio, with affected frankness, "I have been entrusted to make a proposal to you of great importance. But before doing so, you must promise, on the honour of your knighthood, that whether you accept or not, you will keep my counsel faithfully; because, to speak truth, its betrayal would cost me my head.” "If, sir secretary, it may be kept without dishonour to myself." "It may, General. But before we proceed to business, allow me to express my surprise at your having so readily taken service under a prince, whose reputation for bad faith is so justly merited, and so widely spread, as the younger Visconti." "I thank you, sir secretary," replied Hawk wood, somewhat disdainfully, "for the interest you profess to feel in my affairs; but I cannot see how my having entered Visconti's service, can, in the smallest degree, affect you." "My dear General, you misunderstand me utterly; can you suppose that any interest I feel in your affairs, arises from anything else than a sincere admiration of your talents?" Hawkwood threw himself impatiently back in his seat, but made no reply. "Our prince is, you know, of a scheming, jealous, and vindictive temper, who values no one, farther than as they may serve as the instruments of his ambition; who, in short, sacrifices everything that men hold dearest, for the gratification of his darling passion." "Enough, enough; every one knows the character of Visconti." "Well then, to be short, General, I have resolved to quit the service of a master, who only remembers the injuries he receives." 66 Say you so ?" "I do, indeed." Hawkwood remained silent for a few seconds, with his eyes fixed on the monk;-" Whom do you mean to serve ?" "A people, General, who have both the generosity to appreciate merit, and the wealth to reward it, the brave Florentines !" "Indeed !" Yes, General; and could I but have the happiness of persuading you to accompany me, I should reckon myself fortunate in being the instrument of regaining their favourite General to the republic." 66 How, sir!-I do not understand you." The secretary glanced hastily round the room, as if to satisfy himself once more that they were beyond the reach of observation; and unlocking a private door in the wall, he opened a small drawer, and took from it a scroll of parchment, which he unrolled, aud laid before the General; watching with the utmost curiosity each change of his countenance, as he glanced over its contents. "This is what I call treachery, sir monk," at length said Hawkwood, sternly, and rising from his seat at the same time. "You are not serious, General ?" "I am; and I tell you, once for all, I'll have no such underhand dealings; sir secretary, you are answered-good night." "Now, by St. Dominic," replied the monk, with a familiar insinuating air, "there is no dealing with you English, who seem to expect that you should find all the world as straightforward as yourselves. Look you, General, you have seen but half the proposal; shall I read ?" 66 Nay, spare yourself the trouble. I have seen enough to convince me of its nature; I will not accept it on any terms. Your secret, however, is safe from me-once more, I say good-night.' He continued moving towards the door as he spoke, the secretary following him with his eyes, chagrined at the failure of his scheme. A sudden thought, however, seemed to strike him before Hawkwood reached the door. "General," he said, "you remember when you were in Galeazzo's service during the war of Chiozza?" |