Page 813 of 1118

Whether from the firm resistance of the besieged, or from the

small number of troops employed against them, or, according to

some statements, from the numerous mistakes of Don Gonzalo, the

siege, although protracted, was finally unsuccessful. It was at

this very period that the sedition of Milan obliged Don Gonzalo

to go thither in person.

In the relation that was there made to him, the flight of Renzo

was mentioned, and the facts, real or supposed, which had caused

his arrest; he was also informed that this man had taken refuge

in the territory of Bergamo. This latter circumstance attracted

the attention of Don Gonzalo; he knew that the Venetians had

taken an interest in the insurrection of Milan, and that, in the

beginning of it, they had imagined that, on that account alone,

he would be obliged to raise the siege of Casale, and thus incur

a heavy disappointment to his hopes. In addition to this,

immediately after this event, the news was received, so much

desired by the senate, and so much dreaded by Gonzalo, of the

surrender of Rochelle. Stung to the quick, as a man and a

politician, and vexed at his loss of reputation, he sought out

every occasion to convince the Venetians, that he had lost none

of his former boldness and determination; he therefore ventured

to make loud complaints of the conduct of the senate.