Marjorie Bowen,
The Viper of Milan — 14. The Tumult at the Western Gate
(1906)
“ Visconti turned again."A crushed foe is scarcely to be feared! Have I not set my standard in the market-place of Verona? Have I not dragged a hostage from Della Scala's palace? Lords of Milan, am I not Visconti?" ”
Marjorie Bowen,
The Viper of Milan — 14. The Tumult at the Western Gate
(1906)
“ He thought, "I know he would betray me for a ducat!—if I were not Visconti."He turned to the narrow window, and looked out onto the city spreading beneath him."The Empire," he muttered to himself. "The Empire and the French—I will awe them and humor them while I must—but let me once gain Carrara—as I shall—I can dispense with them and deal with Della Scala as I list."He turned from the window to Giannotto, and his face had lost its lines."Well?" he asked. "What think you?""This is a master-stroke of temptation, my lord. You have always found craft a good servant." ”
Marjorie Bowen,
The Viper of Milan — 14. The Tumult at the Western Gate
(1906)
“ Only a few weeks had passed since Della Scala, falling first on Verona, and taking it, had marched on Milan and almost snatched it from Visconti's unsuspecting hold. But the alarm given at Valentine's wedding-feast had come in time. With almost superhuman energy, in two hours' time Visconti armed the walls and put the city in defense. To surprise a victory was impossible. Still, the Duke of Verona's army was only some fifteen miles from the walls, and day by day drew nearer. ”
