He therefore answered evasively and vaguely those who
came to fathom his designs, and to become acquainted with his plans.
The Grand-duke of Tuscany sent to Montebello for this purpose, the
Marquis Manfredini. He was instructed to ask General Bonaparte if it
was his intention to destroy the grand-duchy of Tuscany, and to
incorporate its territory into the great Italian republic. The
marquis implored Bonaparte with persuasive, touching accents, to
tell him what his plans were, and if he would allow Tuscany to
subsist as an independent state.
Bonaparte, smiling, shrugged his shoulders: "Signor marquis," said
he, "you remind me of that creditor who once asked the Cardinal de
Rohan when he wished to pay him. The cardinal simply answered: 'My
dear sir, do not be so curious.' If your grand-duke will keep quiet,
he will suffer no injury."
Napoleon exhibited less friendliness and good-nature toward the
republic of Venice, which had also sent her delegates to Montebello
for the sake of reconciling the general, who had sworn vengeance
against the republic, because a sort of Sicilian Vespers had been
organized there against the French; and because, especially in
Verona, and throughout the Venetian provinces, thousands of
Frenchmen had been murdered by the revolted peasants, whom the
fanatical priesthood had stirred to sedition.
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