CHAPTER XI.

THE CASTLE OF MONTOBBIO.

Count Gerolamo declines propositions of the government--Intrigue of the imperial party and revolutionary tendencies of the populace--The Republic is induced by Andrea Doria to assault Montobbio--The count’s preparations for defence--Verrina and Assereto assigned to the command of the works--Andrea induces the government to decline negotiations with Fieschi--Agostino Spinola closely invests the castle--Mutiny of the mercenaries of the count--He offers to surrender the castle on condition of security for the lives and property of the beseiged--Opposition of Doria to this stipulation--The treason of his mercenaries compels Fieschi to surrender--Doria, notwithstanding the entreaties of the government, treats the defeated Fieschi with great cruelty--Punishment of the Count of Verrina and other accomplices--Raffaele Sacco and his letters--The castle of Montobbio razed to the foundations.