“It will be repaired in the morning, good Messer Benvenuto Cellini,” replied the sentinel.
“To-morrow may be too late,” remarked Cellini. “I will see our general about it without delay.”
“You need not go far to seek him, brave Benvenuto,” said Renzo da Ceri, marching towards them. “What have you to say to me?”
“I would pray your lordship to look at the condition of these ramparts,” said Cellini. “There is a breach as if made by cannon.”
“By Heaven! the wall is very ruinous here!” cried Renzo. “I cannot think how the gap escaped my notice.”
“Since it has escaped your lordship's quick eyes, it may escape those of the enemy,” said Cellini. “But it may be well to have it speedily repaired.”
“It shall be repaired to-morrow morning,” said Renzo.
“Provided Bourbon does not enter by it in the mean time,” said Cellini.
“Oh! he will not attempt the assault for a month,” rejoined Renzo, contemptuously. “He has no artillery. To-morrow, or next day at the latest, we shall have Count Guido Rangone, with five thousand fantassins and a corps of artillery. He is now at Ponte Salario. We shall also be speedily reinforced by detachments from the armies of the Duke of Urbino and the Marquis of Saluzzo. Rome, therefore, is secure.”
“Your lordship must pardon me, but I cannot think Rome secure while Bourbon is encamped before it,” remarked Cellini.