to Fra Moreale, in his own fortress, the news of Rome, bowed low as he
accepted the gift.

The astute Provencal, who saw the evident impression he had made,
perceived also that it might be of advantage in delaying the measures
he might deem it expedient to adopt. "Assure the Tribune," said he, on
dismissing the messenger, "shouldst thou return ere my letter arrive,
that I admire his genius, hail his power, and will not fail to consider
as favourably as I may of his demand."

"Better," said the messenger, warmly (he was of good blood, and gentle
bearing),--"better ten tyrants for our enemy, than one Montreal."

"An enemy! believe me, sir, I seek no enmity with princes who know how
to govern, or a people that has the wisdom at once to rule and to obey."

The whole of that day, however, Montreal remained thoughtful and uneasy;
he despatched trusty messengers to the Governor of Aquila (who was then
in correspondence with Louis of Hungary), to Naples, and to Rome:--the
last charged with a letter to the Tribune, which, without absolutely
compromising himself, affected submission, and demanded only a longer
leisure for the preparations of departure. But, at the same time, fresh
fortifications were added to the castle, ample provisions were laid in,
and, night and day, spies and scouts were stationed along the pass, and
in the town of Terracina. Montreal was precisely the chief who prepared
most for war when most he pretended peace.

One morning, the fifth from the appearance of the Roman messenger,
Montreal, after narrowly surveying his outworks and his stores, and
feeling satisfied that he could hold out at least a month's siege,