"Spare Visconti's loving greetings. To the point, in a few words," continued Della Scala, as the secretary still hesitated.
"Then, my lord, this: the Duke of Milan will leave you Verona, where you may rule under his protection, provided you now put into his hands every other town you or your allies now, singly or together, hold."
Mastino flushed and half rose.
"Gian Visconti might have spared these insults," he said sternly, "and you yourself the relating of them. When have I so shown myself such that your master should think I could betray Lombardy to keep one town? Get back, I have no answer save I have left you your lives."
De Lana fingered the parchment nervously.
"That is not all, my lord," he began, and stopped suddenly. "I cannot say it," he murmured to Giannotto.
Della Scala beat his feet upon the floor impatiently.
"Do you think I am afraid to hear?" he said. "Still, it may be spared. I see, Gian Visconti's spirit is not peace but insult. On no terms will I treat with him."
"On no terms?" repeated Giannotto.
"On no terms of insult," said Mastino coldly. "I favor Visconti too much in listening so long. Leave me and take your lives back for answer."