'What do you mean?' said Checco, starting as if from a dream.
'Have you the right to sacrifice your fellowmen? The citizens of Forli depend on you.'
'Ah, they will easily find another leader. Why, you yourself will be of greater assistance to them than I have ever been. How much better will they be in your strong hands than with me!'
'No, no! You are the only man who has power here. You could not be replaced.'
'But what can I do more than I am doing. I do not seek to leave Forli; I will stay here and protect myself as much as I can. I cannot do more.'
'Oh, Checco, look at their state. It cannot continue. They are ground down now; the Count must impose these taxes, and what will be their condition then? The people are dying in their misery, and the survivors hold happy those who die. How can you look on and see all this? And you, you know Girolamo will kill you; it is a matter of time, and who can tell how short a time? Perhaps even now he is forging the weapon of your death.'
'My death! My death!' cried Checco. 'All that is nothing!'
'But what will be the lot of the people when you are gone? You are the only curb on Riario's tyranny. When you are dead, nothing will keep him back. And when once he has eased his path by murder he will not fail to do so again. We shall live under perpetual terror of the knife. Oh, have mercy on your fellow-citizens.'
'My country!' said Checco. 'My country!'
'You cannot resist this. For the good of your country you must lead us on.'