The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-09-25
into another channel.

into another channel.
"Prythee. good sir" said I, Inform
me Of the circumstances which brought
thee to this most unfortunate pass. 1t
would nightly divert me to know the
matters with which thou hast been
charged. For l cannot believe that
they could have been such as to Justify
the authorities in roasting thee"
Truly, thou sayest well. 1t was but
trifling thing of which they accused
me, and 1t sits but lightly upon my con-
science. Had 1t not been for Duke Cas-
truccio, do believe that should have
had mercy. But the election Is toward,
and cometh off in matter of ten days
or so. He therefore interested himself
in the business, and caused the sem
tence to be brought about, that he
might occasion pleasing pageant, and
make himself popular with the people.
They have no longer any will of their
own. Castruccio has ennervated them
with luxury, and has blinded with with
his Journeys and pageants and cere-
monies. At the same time, he puts
himself upon level with them, by
singing in the public streets ditties of
his own composing, after the manner
OF Lorenzo of Florence. And between
thee and me. his odes are not whit
more moral than those of the grandson
of Cosimo. He controls the council of
ten, the council of fifty and the council
of one hundred; and that, by so large
a majority, that he hath scant trouble
to jam through whatsoever legislation
seemeth good to him. All offices Of the
state are within his gift, and IL, before
election, a hundred men come to him,
and each bespeak the same office, to
each of the hundred he giveth the as
surance of the place. Whereas. be he
once elected, he knoweth them not, but
showeth, in their regard, the marble
heart"
l wondered to hear the quaint eX-
pressons with which he interlarded
his discourse; and by them l was so
forcihly reminded Of my own land and
times. that felt a sort OF inconsistencies
creeping over me. "Truly," thought 1,
there is nothing new under the sun,
and these political conditions have
been the same In every age"
THE Duke Castruccio," continued
Brother Ambrose, "giveth tonight, at
his lordly palace upon the street OF the
Traditori. rare and goodly banquet
whereat there will be much feasting
and drinking. and store of noble
clothes. and music, and beauty. Many
are hidden, and as those who list may
so masked. peradventure of those who
are not hidden not few will there be
present. Mask thy face then, fair
prince, and HE thee presently to the
palace of the duke. There shalt thou
note many Of the things which l have
spoken, and in the same hour get much
pleasure from such goodly company of
rich knights and beautcous DANES"
Brother Ambrose" said I, thy sug-
gestion is we'll made. but cometh tard-
lily. as l already did intend. before l
saw thee, to be present at the func-
tion.'
Go to. prince, but thou sayest we'll.
1t will be rare occasion; and the more
so, that thou wilt have opportunity to
meet divers of the head men of thine
own faction, whose purpose, if I do
not err, is to disguise themselves and
mingle with the crowd. Were l at
thine elbow, thou shouldst know them
all. Perdio, thou shalt not lack for
guide in these matters. I will so with
thee"
I was very much put out by the fell
lows impudence and forwardness, and
I did not RELISH in the least the idea
of having for a companion at such an
affair. a monk who had just escaped
from the flames.
And who asked thee to go?" said
CURLY.
And should I put the same question
to thee" he replied with effrontery,
what wouldst thou say? Thou art no
more hidden than /, and should I
choose to enter the palace, before thee
or after thee. what should hinder me?"