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"Honor is the first law of the Spaniard," proudly responded the duke
"and whoever wounds that can no longer be my friend! France has attached
the honor of Spain, and all Ro
acclamations of France--all Rome knows the story of this fish!"
"Then let us show these silly Romans that we both look upon the whole
affair ly eat of this
fish, the good Romans will feel ashamed of themselves and their childish
conduct"
"You propose then, to-morrohen the nobility of Rome, when all the
diplomatists are assembled, to parade before theues in ht for this dinner, and ret that I cannot be present at this festival!" cried the
duke, rising "You cannot desire that I should be a witness to my own
shame and your triumph You are no Roman emperor, and I am no conquered
hero compelled to appear in your triumphal train! I recall my consent,
and shall not appear at your to-morrow's festival!"
"Reflect and consider this well!" said the cardinal, almost sadly "If
you fail to appear to-morrohen the whole diplomacy are assenify not only that the
duke breaks with his old friend the cardinal, but also that Spain wishes
to dissolve her friendly relations with France"