Whatever be the ideas of those who read in the nineteenth century, it is clear that the statesmen of the sixteenth heartily approved of Fieschi’s work. He was what these times made him. A stranger to the spirit of the classic revolutions of the earlier part of his century, to the ascetic revolts of Savonarola, to the paralytic ardours of Soderini, he drank in with his Guelph principles the dissimulation of Rome. An Italian and a disciple of Macchiavelli, he wished to liberate his country without the aid of foreign arms. A more favourable time could not have been desired. The outbreak of the conspiracy would terrify Charles who was deep in the German wars; Fieschi would be able to form close alliances with France, England, Denmark and Turkey; he would stir the languid pulses of the Italians and unite together Rome, Venice, Genoa, Parma and Ferrara; Lucca and Siena, yet free, were ready to join the Italian confederacy; Naples and Milan would raise their heads. Three centuries more of abject servitude were reserved for Italy. CHAPTER VIII. THE SUPPER IN VIALATA. Bloody propositions attributed to Verrina--The count repulses all treacherous plans--New schemes--The conspirators introduced into the city--Gianluigi pays his respects to Prince Doria--Gianettino removes the suspicions of Giocante and Doria--The supper of Gianluigi--The guests embrace the conspiracy--Eleonora Cybo and her presentiments. EVERYTHING being now in readiness, the count called together a few of his most trusted partisans to consult upon the time and plan of their uprising. About this time were celebrated the espousals of Giulio Cybo, prince of Massa and Carrara and brother of Eleonora Fieschi, with Peretta, the sister of Gianettino. Verrina proposed that Gianluigi should give a splendid banquet to the young couple which the Dorias would be obliged to attend; and, that in the midst of the festivities, assassins concealed for the purpose should fall upon and butcher them. We find that Verrina sent a messenger to Milan to make purchases for the banquet and that with these purchases he introduced into the palace some chests filled with ammunition, swords, arquebuses, pikes and halberds.[42] However, the count refused his assent to the proposition as a violation of the laws of hospitality.