Monsignore has told the people here that we have come in favour of their cause, and as on account of the delay of these envoys I feared they might draw back seeing Monsignore unsupported, I informed the town council that I was sent officially by our Signoria, presented the letters, &c., and made a long oration _in favorem Consilii_, praising the holy enterprise and Craina, and condemning the Sixtine government, and showing the necessity for a Council; all which they heard with great pleasure, particularly as I offered not only help and favour, and embassies and prelates from the Florentines, but promised to confirm this in their name and in that of the League. I am sure that in their _perplexione propter venturos Legato Pontificiis_ this has comforted their minds, _juxta Terentianum illud, dum in dubis est animus_, &c. They promised to reply _post consultationem_. _Sic res se habent nunc._ To-day I await them in my house and shall hear their answer. _Post scripta._--Four of the members have just been here and in the name of the Senate praised my speech, and thank the Florentines for their offers which they reciprocate. As to the Council they declare that they are well-disposed towards the Apostolic See if the Church is reformed _pro Religione et fide Christi, quam vident in magno periculo vel potius ruina_. They also affirm that they initiated nothing, but only acted according to the wishes of the Emperor, from whom an explicit answer is expected in a few days. When it arrives they will tell me at once so that I can write to my Signoria who can then send prelates and ambassadors as I have promised. For this I thanked them with opportune words. I see that I am everything in their eyes, besides which Craina depends entirely on me and has not been happy since he entered into this business until I spoke officially. He will not let me out of his sight, either to go to the Emperor or elsewhere. A thousand times a day he raises his hands to heaven thanking God for sending me to him. You have no idea how intently these Doctors of the University read the documents I have published. What can I say more? The Pope is more hated here than he is with us, and if the Emperor does not spoil our game _non sum sine spe_ to arrive at something. This is all I write to-day as I send this by a man who is passing through in haste. Will Your Magnificence be good enough to make my excuses to the Eight? Your letter was begun and there is no time to write another. This must serve also for their Excellencies. I commend myself to Your Magnificence.--Basel, September 30, 1482.[300] Ugolino Baccio _to_ Lorenzo de’ Medici