第583页 / 共1118页

This accounts for the promptitude of his promise to Don Roderick:

he wished to deprive himself of the chance of hesitation; but,

scarcely alone, he felt his resolution fail, and thoughts arose

in his mind which almost tempted him to break his word, and

expose his weakness to an inferior accomplice. But with a violent

effort he put an end to the painful conflict. He sent for

Nibbio[30], one of the most skilful and resolute ministers of his

atrocities, and of whom he had made use in his correspondence

with Egidio, and ordered him to mount his horse, to go to Monza,

to inform Egidio of the affair he had undertaken, and to require

his assistance for its accomplishment.

[30] Kite.