human
Meanwhile I have done what may be done to bring hither more who are of our ways of thinking; for who should care for her, if not we '_of Venice_?' It was evident that the thrust rankled.
gpt
I saw our Consul yesterday, who seemed not overanxious from what I told him--therefore _I told him not all_--I trust he hath not been tampered with by this most wily 'Council to the Queen!' but before the night had fallen, I sent a letter of warning to Mocenigo who, with his fleet, will be at anchor off the coast of Rhodes--to pray that he will come, or will send our Provveditore Vettore Soranzo to await the need.
human
It must be long before they can come,
gpt
Not many days, he answered reassuringly;
human
Is there aught else that may be done?
gpt
I have given command to put my fastest brig in trim, and to-morrow she will sail with merchandise for Venice; all day she hath been lading in the port. The message in my special cypher, known only to the Secretary of the Ten, is ready here. He drew the missive from his breast, as he spoke, replacing it instantly.
human
Marco Bembo will sail with it on the morrow, which he may well do without suspicion, having come hither for the ceremonies now over. The brig will leave the port with all due tranquillity; and afterward will make all possible speed.
gpt
There could be nothing more, she said rising;
human
I thought also to have some one watching--ready to appeal to the burghers, if need should be: and I have sent but now a most secret message by my own trusty squire to his Eccellenza, Mutio di Costanzo, to tell him what hath chanced. He being Governor and Admiral of Cyprus, hath so great power that it should not be left for the Queen's Council to reach him first--if there should be scheming. Being Vice-Roy of Nikosia, he will have the will of the citizens for his following--if need should be. And his loyalty is sure: it was he, who with our _bailò_ of Venice received Caterina's oath of allegiance, after the death of Janus; and he will not fail her.
gpt
Thou hast a right to thy weariness, his Mother said, laying her firm white hand with a weight of tenderness for a moment on his head.
human
Thou mindest me of thy father--so full of carefulness to be before in any cause that he held dear. I would thou wert not lost to Venice--it was my hope for thee--thou wouldst have been a power in her Councils.
gpt
We would not be false to our own for any fancied glory that might be possible for us,