Bourbon then went forth, closely followed by Lannoy and Del Vasto. As the party appeared, the soldiers assailed the Viceroy with renewed threats, but, overawed by Bourbon's determined manner, they fell back, and allowed the escort to approach. As soon as Lannoy had mounted his steed, and was surrounded by his little band, his courage in some degree returned, and he said to the soldiers, “Before I go, let me make a last appeal to you to return to your duty, and obey your liege lord, the Emperor.”
“We have no other leader now but Bourbon,” rejoined the men. “Vive Bourbon!”
“Have I no longer any authority over you?” said Del Vasto.
“None,” returned the soldiers. “You do not belong to us. You are banished the army.”
“Banished!” exclaimed Del Vasto. “Who dares to pronounce my banishment?”
“We do,” replied the men. “You would betray our interests. You would sell us to the Pope. Therefore we depose you. You are no longer our general. Go to your new master.”
“Have a little patience, my good friends, and listen to reason,” said Lannoy. “I speak for your own good. I would save you from a great crime.”
“No more! We will hear no more!” cried the soldiers, furiously. “Begone! If you return again, we will massacre you.”
“Your highness had better depart at once,” said Bourbon. “If you inflame the men further, I may not be able to restrain them. You must go likewise, my lord,” he added to Del Vasto. “It will not be safe for you to remain.”
The counsel was followed. To prevent mishap, Bourbon conducted them to the outskirts of the camp.