the just wrath of the Almighty will weigh heavily upon thee; and we are
resolved to lose our liberty only with our lives; but if we found we
could not ultimately defend it, we would submit ourselves to anyone
rather than to thee. And if our sins be so great that in spite of
our utmost resolution, we should still fall into thy hands, be quite
assured, that the sovereignty which is commenced in deceit and villainy,
will terminate either in thyself or thy children with ignominy and
blood."

The count, though not insensible to the just reproaches of the Milanese,
did not exhibit either by words or gestures any unusual excitement, and
replied, that "He willingly attributed to their angry feelings all the
serious charges of their indiscreet harangue; and he would reply to
them in detail, were he in the presence of anyone who could decide
their differences; for it would be evident that he had not injured the
Milanese, but only taken care that they should not injure him. They
well knew how they had proceeded after the victory of Caravaggio; for,
instead of rewarding him with either Verona or Brescia, they sought
peace with the Venetians, that all the blame of the quarrel might rest
on him, themselves obtaining the fruit of victory, the credit of peace,
and all the advantages that could be derived from the war. It would
thus be manifest they had no right to complain, when he had effected
the arrangements which they first attempted to make; and that if he had
deferred to do so a little longer, he would have had reason to accuse
them of the ingratitude with which they were now charging him. Whether
the charge were true or false, that God, whom they had invoked to avenge
their injuries, would show at the conclusion of the war, and would
demonstrate which was most his friend, and who had most justice on their
side."

Upon the departure of the ambassadors, the count determined to attack
the Milanese, who prepared for their defense, and appointed Francesco
and Jacopo Piccinino (attached to their cause, on account of the ancient
feud of the families of Braccio and Sforza) to conduct their forces in
support of liberty; at least till they could deprive the count of
the aid of the Venetians, who they did not think would long be either
friendly or faithful to him. On the other hand, the count, perfectly
aware of this, thought it not imprudent, supposing the obligation of
the treaty insufficient, to bind them by the ties of interest; and,