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"Do not believe it, count, do not believe it," added the podestà;

"I have an opportunity of knowing, because the Spanish keeper of

the castle, who is my friend, and who is the son of a dependant

of the Count Duke, is informed of every thing."

"I tell you I have discoursed on the subject daily at Milan; and

I know from good authority that the pope, exceedingly interested

as he is for peace, has made propositions--"

"That may be, the thing is in order; his Holiness does his duty;

a pope should always endeavour to make peace between Christian

princes; but the Count Duke has his own policy, and--"

"And, and, and, do you know, Signor Podestà, how much thought the

emperor now gives to it? Do you believe there is no place but

Mantua in the world! There are many things to provide for,

signor, mind. Do you know, for instance, how far the emperor can

trust this Prince of Valdistano, or di Vallistai, as they call

him; and if--"