Bellarion the Fortunate · Chapter
IX: De Mortuis explained
Facino Cane returns to Milan victorious over Buonterzo, but is met with censure from Duke Gian Maria Visconti.
What happens
Facino Cane returns to Milan victorious over Buonterzo, but is met with censure from Duke Gian Maria Visconti. Facino credits the fallen Bellarion with the victory, leading to public mourning and a Requiem Mass. Meanwhile, Facino's wife accuses him of sending Bellarion to his death, sparking jealousy. The Montferrat delegation arrives for a political alliance, and the Princess Valeria learns of Bellarion's heroism and death.
Themes in this chapter
Fortune and Fate
Bellarion's death brings him greater glory than he might have achieved in life, illustrating how fate can elevate the fallen.
Deception and Identity
The Countess of Biandrate deceives Facino by claiming Bellarion was like a son, hiding her true feelings and motives.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Facino's loyalty to the Duke is met with suspicion and censure, while Bellarion's loyalty to Facino is rewarded only posthumously.
Ambition and Power
Gabriello Maria Visconti manipulates alliances and marriages to secure power, while Theodore of Montferrat seeks to restore lost territories.
Characters to notice
- Bellarion
Posthumously celebrated as the hero of the victory over Buonterzo; his strategy and sacrifice are praised, and a Requiem Mass is ordered for him.
- Facino Cane
Returns to Milan victorious but is rebuked by the Duke; he credits Bellarion for the victory and later confronts his wife over her concern for Bellarion.
- Valeria of Montferrat
Arrives in Milan with her uncle and nephew; learns of Bellarion's heroic death and the 'Miracle of the Dogs' from Duke Gian Maria.
- Theodore of Montferrat
Comes to Milan to negotiate a treaty and possible marriage alliance; attends the state banquet.
- Filippo Maria Visconti
Mentioned as the Duke of Milan; Gian Maria Visconti is the current Duke, but Filippo Maria is referenced in the context of the Visconti dynasty.
- Gabriello Maria Visconti
Arranges the visit of the Montferrat delegation to avert a Malatesta marriage and strengthen the Ghibelline alliance.
- Countess of Biandrate
Accuses Facino of sending Bellarion to his death and later deflects his jealousy by claiming Bellarion was like a son to her.
- Giovanni Pusterla
Mentioned as della Torre, the tall dark advisor who supports the Duke during Facino's audience.
Key passages
“There are men to whom death has brought a glory that would never have been theirs in life.”
Some people achieve greater fame after dying than they ever could have while alive.
Opening reflection on Bellarion's posthumous renown.
“A living man so extolled would completely have eclipsed the worth of Facino himself; besides which to the man who in achieving lays down his life, we can afford to be more generous—because it is less costly—than to the man who survives his achievement.”
Facino could praise Bellarion more freely because he was dead, since a living hero would have overshadowed him.
Explains Facino's generous credit to the fallen Bellarion.
“You sent him to his death!”
You are responsible for his death!
The Countess's furious accusation against Facino.
“He was as a son to me.”
I regarded him like my own child.
The Countess's false claim to deflect Facino's jealousy.
