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from the rapacity and double-dealing of King Louis. He had more than once undertaken at a price to send troops to assist them in their difficulties and then, having received the money, had delayed and delayed, and in the end sent only half the number paid for. The Duke could not have made himself more plain. The Florentines must either accept the alliance he offered them (and everyone in Italy knew what a faithless friend he was), or else he would compose his differences with his discontented captains and together with them attack the Republic. Blackmail! The situation was alarming, and Machiavelli in distress sought for something to say that would at least leave the way open for further negotiations, but the Duke prevented him from speaking.
    'What are you waiting for, Secretary? You may withdraw.'
    He did not trouble to acknowledge Machiavelli's low bow. Agapito da Amalia accompanied the envoy down the stairs.
    'His Excellency is a quick-tempered man and is unused to being crossed,' he said.
    'That is a fact which has not escaped my observation,' replied Machiavelli acidly.

6
    Piero and the courier were waiting in the guard-room, and when the doors were duly unbarred and unlocked the three of them went out into the square. His attendants conducted Machiavelli to the Golden Lion. They had made much of the fact that the repast they had ordered was for the Florentine envoy, and he ate well and amply. The wine of the country, though not to be compared with the Tuscan wine, was strong, and he drank freely. On reflection he came to the conclusion that his conversation with the Duke was after all not unsatisfactory. Il Valentino's anger seemed to indicate that he was nervous, and his insistence on an immediate alliance with the Republic that he knew his position was perilous. Machiavelli was indifferent to the scant courtesy with which he had been treated. He knew when he started on his mission that he need not expect to be used with consideration. Having done eating and belched his full, he bade the courier show the way to the monastery where he was to lodge. In view of his importance a cell had been vacated for him, but Piero and the courier were to share a straw mattress in a corridor along with a number of transients only too glad to have a roof over their heads. But before going to bed Machiavelli wrote a letter to the Signory in which he described the events of the evening. The courier was to take it back to Florence at the crack of dawn.
    'You had better write to Biagio so that he can tell your mother you have arrived here without mishap,' he said to Piero. 'And ask him to send me a Plutarch.'
    Machiavelli had brought his Dante with him, and besides that only Livy's Annals. When Piero had finished, Machiavelli without ceremony took the letter and read it. He smiled faintly when he read: 'Messer Niccolo was silent throughout the morning, and thinking he was occupied with weighty matters I did not disturb him; but after he had dined he talked with so much wit, clearness and good sense that it seemed to me we had hardly left Scarperia when we were arrived at Imola. He thinks I have a good voice. I wish it had been possible to bring my lute.'
     
    'A very good letter,' said Machiavelli. 'The message you have asked Biagio to deliver to your mother is very fit and proper. And now after this long day let us take a well-earned rest.'

7
    Machiavelli needed little sleep and awoke soon after sunrise. He called Piero to help him dress. His riding clothes were packed in the saddle-bags and he put on the black raiment which was his usual wear. He had no intention of remaining at the monastery, for he needed quarters where he could if necessary receive persons in secret, and he knew very well that at the monastery his visitors and his movements would be conspicuous. The courier was already on his way to Florence. With Piero to accompany him, Machiavelli set out for the Golden Lion. Imola was a bright little town and there was no sign