human
This was known by some of us in Cyprus before the marriage of our King--yet was kept hushed, lest trouble should grow from mention of the displeasure of the Holy Father; but no threat of excommunication hath reached this court. My children, I am trusting you with confidences--for it is a time of trouble for our most gracious Lady and we of her court must know truth from slander that we may stand for her.
gpt
Later, not long since, she continued,
human
Is it true, Madama, that an ambassador is already come from the Sultan to acknowledge Caterina as Queen of Cyprus, and that there shall be some gathering of the court to-night to receive his homage?
gpt
Aye; such a gathering as one may have in these sad days, my children.
human
And Carlotta? another asked eagerly--
gpt
Ecciva--tell them what thou hast spoken of Carlotta.
human
That she, in very person, hath sailed from Rhodes to meet the Admiral of Venice on his fleet--to throw herself on his mercy, as _heir of Cyprus_, to ask his help, to place her on the throne, _from the long friendship between the islands_.
gpt
Carlotta! To seek aid from Venice!--It cannot be true!
human
Aye; it is verily true, Madama de Thénouris said quietly--
gpt
She hath lost her reason, one would say: there can be no more to fear from Carlotta!
human
No more to _hope_ from Carlotta,