"His diabolical Majesty has not only snares and pitfalls to catch fools, but also executioners to hunt them up! If I mistake not, one of these gentry is about to pay you a visit, cousin! Come, I will show him to you, but take good care of yourself, noble Lion!"
The prince looked anxiously to where Lanzo pointed, for he knew that his jester often veiled really serious truths beneath the semblance of frivolity.
"Here is His Majesty's servant!" said the fool, as Rinaldo entered, with a smile.
"Forgive me, my lord, for thus disturbing your family party for a moment; I could not resist the temptation of being the messenger of good news!"
"You are welcome, my lord; and these news are?"
"That to-morrow we break camp, and march upon Milan."
"At last!" cried the soldier; "it is, indeed, good news that you bring me. Camp-life is demoralizing, and we should have finished long since with our enemies!"
"So I have urged," replied Rinaldo. "His Majesty wished at first to await the arrival of the Austrian duke, but your counsels have modified the plan. I must really admire your influence over one who is so little patient of advice or control. Your Highness is as great in the council as in the field."
[Transcriber's note: Initial text of paragraph missing--possibly "The Duke was ...">[ secretly flattered by this homage to his pride. "My observations have only served to develop the great military talent of the Emperor."
"With an ironical smile, scarcely perceptible around the corners of his mouth, Rinaldo answered,--