though happily his cruel egotism did not degenerate into a purposeless
thirst for blood. He lived in the Citadel of Milan, surrounded by
magnificent gardens, arbors, and lawns. For years he never set foot in
the city, making his excursions only in the country, where lay several
of his splendid castles; the flotilla which, drawn by the swiftest
horses, conducted him to them along canals constructed for the purpose,
was so arranged as to allow of the application of the most rigorous
etiquette. Whoever entered the citadel was watched by a hundred eyes;
it was forbidden even to stand at the window, lest signs should be
given to those without. All who were admitted among the personal
followers of the Prince were subjected to a series of the strictest
examinations; then, once accepted, were charged with the highest
diplomatic commissions, as well as with the humblest personal services
both in this Court being alike honorable. And this was the man who
conducted long and difficult wars, who dealt habitually with political
affairs of the first importance, and every day sent his
plenipotentiaries to all parts of Italy. His safety lay in the fact
that none of his servants trusted the others, that his Condottieri were
watched and misled by spies, and that the ambassadors and higher
officials were baffled and kept apart by artificially nourished
jealousies, and in particular by the device of coupling an honest man
with a knave. His inward faith, too, rested upon opposed and
contradictory systems; he believed in blind necessity, and in the
influence of the stars, and offering prayers at one and the same time
to helpers of every sort; he was a student of the ancient authors, as
well as of French tales of chivalry. And yet the same man, who would
never suffer death to be mentioned in his presence, and caused his
dying favorites to be removed from the castle, that no shadow might
fall on the abode of happiness, deliberately hastened his own death by
closing up a wound, and, refusing to be bled, died at last with dignity