"It is fated that we Medici should never be fortunate in our women."
"What? What do you mean?" cried Francesco, starting up in his bed. "Of what fault can you accuse the Grand Duchess Giovanna!"
"May God have her in His peace, she was a saint."
"And Bianca?"
"Oh! Bianca! Since your marriage, I know not of what to accuse her; but before——"
"Before, she did not belong to me, and I have no right to investigate her life before she was mine——"
"Eh! Here is no question about you; others take this right for you."
"When we threw upon her our grand-ducal mantle the woman disappeared and the princess rose; and having elevated her to our seat, we have regenerated her in a baptism of majesty."
"Soap does not wash everything, and sometimes the cloth may wear out, but not the spot; and you must have a certain red stain on your hands which all the water of Arno could not wash away—and this stain comes from the blood of Bonaventuri——"
"Who can declare that I caused Bonaventuri to be killed? If my father himself affirmed it, I would say to him: 'You lie in your throat! I did not order, I did not commit the crime'—and I could swear to it."