I don’t know who’s deceived whom. This rogue Ligurio came to me here
with that first tale to test me, so that if I agreed to that he could lead me more easily to
this. If I hadn’t agreed, he would never have spoken of this one so as not to reveal
their plans to no avail. And the first one, which was a fabrication, didn’t matter to
them. The fact is that I have been deceived, but this deception is to my advantage.
Messer Nicia and Callimaco are rich, and each of them, in his different way, is about
to gain considerably. It’s essential that the matter remain secret, because the
consequences of speaking about it are as serious for them as it is for me. Whatever
happens, I’m not sorry. It is indeed true that I fear I’ll have some difficulty, because
Madonna Lucrezia is wise and good. But I’ll get at her through her goodness. And in
the end, women don’t have much of a brain; and if there’s one who knows how to put
two words together, it’s broadcast at once, because in the land of the blind the oneeyed
man is king. And here she is with her mother, who is indeed a tough customer,
and she’ll be a great help to me in making her bow to my wishes.