"Better listen, perchance, my lord, before refusing," said Giannotto. "It is the Duke's interest to offer you these terms; methinks it will be no less yours to at least consider them."
De Lana stood silent, his eyes upon the ground. After this, give him plain soldiering.
"What plot has Visconti hatched now?" asked Della Scala. "What more has he to say?"
Giannotto's pale eyes twinkled unpleasantly.
"Only this: Visconti bids me tell Della Scala, Duke of Verona, that if he refuse his terms we take them instantly to my Lord of Este; also he bids me remind my Lord Della Scala that he hold the Duchess of Verona, my lord's dear wife."
Ligozzi drew a deep breath and looked at Della Scala; he had not quite expected this.
But Della Scala rose with a white face and stared at the two ambassadors, incredulous.
"Surely even Visconti will not use that against me?" he said.
"Visconti must have the towns; Visconti holds your wife. The rest is for you to reflect upon, my lord: or, since you refuse all terms, we will take them to my Lord of Este. Perhaps he will give up the towns and save his daughter." And Giannotto turned toward the entrance.