“The mob going to the robber’s execution,” said Bruttini; “proceed, Sir Knight!”
“And,” continued Montreal, surveying his audience before he proceeded farther, “what think ye—(I do but ask your opinion, wiser than mine)—what think ye, as a fitting precaution against too arbitrary a power in the Senator—what think ye of the return of the Colonna, and the bold Barons of Palestrina?”
“Here’s to their health!” cried Vivaldi, rising.
As by a sudden impulse, the company rose. “To the health of the besieged Barons!” was shouted aloud.
“Next, what if—(I do but humbly suggest)—what if you gave the Senator a colleague?—it is no affront to him. It was but as yesterday that one of the Colonna, who was Senator, received a colleague in Bertoldo Orsini.”
“A most wise precaution,” cried Vivaldi. “And where a colleague like Pandulfo di Guido?”
“Viva Pandulfo di Guido!” cried the guests, and again their goblets were drained to the bottom.
“And if in this I can assist ye by fair words with the Senator, (ye know he owes me monies—my brothers have served him), command Walter de Montreal.”
“And if fair words fail?” said Vivaldi.
“The Grand Company—(heed me, ye are the counsellors)—the Grand Company is accustomed to forced marches!”