_Magnifice vir_, &c.,--I arrived here on the 14th, and by the aid of a citizen here, called Giovanni Hermin, very friendly to your house, was introduced to Craina.[297] I offered him your help in his undertaking, praising him and alluring him _ut moris est_. After exchanging many sweet speeches (_chiaverini_) we came at last to essential matters, to which, although he enlarged _et vultu et verbis_ as much as he could, I do not attach more faith than is necessary unless he adduces better evidence. He shows nothing from the Emperor [Frederick III.], which proves there is no great eagerness in that quarter. He talks much about France and other countries, particularly about Savoy, but I believe what I see; there are many ruffians to be found, but I am a cut-throat. Who does please me is the chief personage. In capacity, talent, and doctrine, he seems to be fit for any great enterprise, _et quod magis me movet_ has great knowledge and experience of the world, for many, many years he has been employed in grave affairs and honourable legations. _Accedit_ he is a friar, which is the summit, or the adornment, of all his other qualities, and he has so confident and fearless an air that he would make a man dance a gagliarda[298] against his will, whoever he might be. Secondly the town chosen pleases me. It is convenient, handsome, healthy, and there is ample accommodation for congresses, vehicles, and ships. Thirdly the citizens are most well-disposed, which pleases me most of all. I have proof of this because they will not permit their priests to observe the interdict and support the Archbishop _quantum possunt_. Yesterday they despatched their Chancellor to the Emperor to complain of the Pope _propter interdictum_, and to remind him not to allow the Council to depart, as if it is not held in Basel it will be transferred elsewhere to his loss and shame, &c. Another of their ambassadors went to the Emperor a month ago and a courier later with letters. There is as yet no news of either, but they expect an answer from day to day. The Milanese envoy and I are idly waiting and do not know what to do with ourselves. We came here as private persons without any show and have not kept our attendants with us, in order not to spend much money in case nothing comes of this business, and so we shall remain for the present. If a favourable answer comes we shall present ourselves officially to the Commune. Perhaps I shall do so before, without the Milanese, as a guarantee to our persons _in omnem eventum_; particularly as they know through Craina that I am here for this affair, and it might rather cause suspicion and give them a bad opinion of me if I do not announce myself openly and show that I am informed of what is going on. But I have not yet made up my mind and shall follow God’s inspiration.