"But why does he remain outside of the town? What prelates are with him?"
"You can ask him yourself, Sire."
Frederic was going out, when the Podestà of Pavia entered.
"One word only, Sire," he said.
"Well, but speak quickly; the Metropolitan of Salzburg, accompanied by several other prelates, has just arrived to offer us their congratulations."
The crafty Pavian understood better than Goswin the bearings of this visit.
"It is another victory, Sire, a new triumph for your ideas, more important, perhaps, even than that which you achieved at Milan. I merely wished to inquire whether the two hundred silver marks, which Pavia has laid at your feet, will be sufficient?--we are quite ready to offer more, should it be required."
"The sum is sufficient, Count; many thanks!"
"I also desire to remark, that the destruction of Tortona is absolutely necessary to the security of your faithful Pavia. Your magnanimous generosity was satisfied with the demolition of the fortifications; but, Sire, the work is only half done."
"Pavia has nothing to fear from an open place."