Bellarion the Fortunate · Chapter
III: Facino's Return explained
Facino Cane returns to Milan after recovering from illness, negotiating with Duke Gian Maria Visconti for the restoration of his governorship.
What happens
Facino Cane returns to Milan after recovering from illness, negotiating with Duke Gian Maria Visconti for the restoration of his governorship. Bellarion boldly rebukes the Duke, earning his enmity. Facino ultimately re-enters Milan, suppresses rebellions, sacks Pavia, and establishes Bellarion as Count of Gavi.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Facino consolidates absolute power over Milan, while Filippo Maria's brief ambition is crushed; Bellarion rises through loyalty.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Facino feels betrayed by Gian Maria's ingratitude; Bellarion's loyalty earns him rewards; Pusterla urges betrayal of the Duke.
Deception and Identity
Gian Maria's feigned trust and Facino's strategic negotiations highlight the deceptive nature of court politics.
Characters to notice
- Bellarion
Laughs at the Duke's impotence, rebukes him, and later becomes Facino's deputy in Milan, earning the title Count of Gavi.
- Facino Cane
Recovers from illness, negotiates terms with the Duke, returns to Milan as governor, suppresses rebellions, and sacks Pavia.
- Theodore of Montferrat
Mentioned as the Regent whose affairs Facino will address later; his sister Valeria rejoins him.
- Valeria of Montferrat
Leaves Casale with the Countess of Biandrate to rejoin her brother Theodore and escape her uncle's power.
- Filippo Maria Visconti
The Duke's brother, Count of Pavia, whose ambition is quashed by Facino's sack of Pavia; he submits apathetically.
- Francesco Busone da Carmagnola
Sent by Facino to escort the Countess of Biandrate from Casale to Alessandria.
- Giovanni Pusterla
Visits Facino in Vigevano, urging him to hang Gian Maria and make himself Duke.
- Antonio della Torre
Accompanies the Duke to Vigevano, attempts to mediate, and is later demanded by Facino to be banished.
Key passages
“Yourself, Lord Duke, who in yourself are nothing. You are Duke of Milan at present by the grace of God and the favour of Facino Cane. Yet you do not hesitate to offend against both.”
Bellarion tells the Duke that his power depends on God and Facino, and he is foolish to insult them.
Bellarion's bold rebuke to Gian Maria Visconti, highlighting the Duke's dependency.
“By God, it is your highness shall be taught!”
Facino threatens to teach the Duke a lesson after Gian Maria threatens Bellarion.
Facino's explosive anger defending Bellarion against the Duke's threats.
“That sack of Pavia is one of the most unsparing and terrible in the terrible history of sacks, and the deed remains a blot upon the fame of a soldier who, although rough and occasionally even brutal in his ways, was yet a leader of high principles and a high sense of duty.”
The author notes that Facino's sack of Pavia was exceptionally brutal and stains his otherwise principled reputation.
Moral judgment on Facino's actions during the Christmas sack of Pavia.
