Chapter 23 Chapter Twenty-Three

Machiavelli stayed in bed for several days.He was restored to health through enemas and bloodletting.The first thing he did after his recovery was to find Father Timoteo.He told the latter the unfortunate story.The priest was very sympathetic. "What we have to do now," said Machiavelli, "is, let us use our brains together to devise a way of making our dear friend Bartolomeo go away once more." "I have done my best, my lord. There is nothing I can do." "My lord priest, when the wise and mighty Duke attacked Fuli City, he was blocked back. But he didn't choose to besiege the city for this reason. Instead, he used his brain and came up with every method, and finally let the city Those who surrender obediently."

"I have seen Monsieur Bartholomew, he has done exactly what I told him, and he is now convinced that St. Vitale's intervention was effective. He is sure, Aurelia The lady became pregnant the night he returned from Ravenna." "This dude is an idiot." "Although I am a religious person, I am not so ignorant that I do not understand that only time will tell whether he is right or wrong." Machiavelli was a little annoyed.The priest was not as helpful as he had hoped. "Don't do it, don't do it, my lord. Don't take me for a fool too. Whatever magic powers may be possessed by the bones of saints, making a barren man fertile is certainly not one of those magic powers. I made up that story, and you and I both know that not a word of it is true."

Father Timoteo smiled, and replied with a false feeling in his voice: "The works of God are unpredictable. Who can say that he understands how God will work? Have you not heard the story of St. Elizabeth of Hungary? Her cruel husband forbade her to give relief to those in need, and one day she I was met by her husband on the street, when she was carrying a basket full of bread, and was going to help the poor. Her husband suspected that she had not obeyed his orders, so he asked her what was in the basket, and was horrified. She answered that it was roses, and he snatched the basket from her, and when he lifted the veil he suddenly saw that she was telling the truth, and suddenly the basket of bread was magically transformed into a basket of fragrant roses."

"It's a good story to open people's minds," Machiavelli replied coldly, "but I don't understand what you mean." "Could it be that St. Vitale heard the pious Bartholomew's prayer for a son in heaven, was moved, and raised his hand to perform a miracle, just as you promised Bartholomew? Is it impossible? Doesn't the Bible tell us that mountains can be moved if we have faith?" If Machiavelli hadn't had extraordinary self-control, he would have lost his temper.He knew very well why the monk would refuse further help.For twenty-five gold ducats, he had done what he was supposed to do, and if the plan aborted, it would not be his fault.He wanted more money, but Machiavelli had nothing more to give him.The necklace he had given Caterina some time ago, the gloves and rose oil he had given Aurelia had already spent all his spare change.He owed money to Bartolomeo at the moment, and he owed money to several traders.The money he received from the junta was only enough to cover his daily expenses.He now had nothing else to offer the monk but promises.He had a hunch that empty promises meant little to Father Timoteo.

"Your eloquence and your piety confirm the good things I have heard about you. If my letter of recommendation to the Consulate does what we both hope to do, I am sure it will greatly increase the Florentine population. spiritual well-being.” The monk bowed solemnly, but Machiavelli saw that he was not moved, so he continued. "A wise man doesn't put all his eggs in one basket. If one plan fails, he tries another. Don't forget that if Bartholomew doesn't get what he wants, he will Adopting his nephew will hurt his wife and mother-in-law and cost you this church."

"That would be an unfortunate end. When it comes, I, as a Christian clergyman, will make the parties affected adapt to the situation." "We are told that God helps those who help themselves. You know that I have not been stingy in the past, and you will see that I will not be stingy in the days to come. Let Bartolomeo do what he wants, and a Heir, there are real interests for you and for the other two ladies." A faint smile illuminated Father Timoteo's Roman face for an instant. "You know I'll do my best for a man of your caliber, but if Bartolomeo doesn't get what he wants, how do you think we can get God's help by helping ourselves?"

Machiavelli suddenly had an idea.The idea made him very happy.So much so that he almost laughed out loud. "My lord priest, like everyone else, you must need a bowel wash from time to time. If you take a dose of aloe at night, the next morning, you will find that if you take another dose of salt that morning, the wash will The effect of the intestines would be more satisfactory. Did it not occur to you that the effect of Bartolomeo's pilgrimage to San Vitale would be greatly increased, if, for example, he went to Rimini again? Then he would You can leave the city for twenty-four hours."

"You are a passionate man, my lord, and I admire you, but it is too late. My lord Bartholomew may be a fool, but if I were to expect him to be more than the average fool If he's stupid and he's not, I'd be an asshole myself." "You have enormous influence over him." "That's why I can't lose that influence." "Does that mean I can't count on your help?" "I didn't say that. Wait a month and then we'll talk about it." "To a man in love, a month is like a hundred years." "Let us not forget that Jacob served Laban seven years in order to marry Rachel."

Machiavelli saw clearly that the monk was making things difficult for him.He is determined not to scatter eagles without seeing rabbits.Machiavelli was very angry, but he knew that if he lost his temper, things would get out of hand.He got himself under control and said goodbye to the monk.Before leaving, he silenced the monk. He took out a florin and begged the monk to accept it.He asked the church to use this florin to buy a candle, light it in front of the wonderful Madonna, and pray for Bartholomew's wish to be granted.If you are willing to admit failure, there will be no resentment.