I manage to reach Brescia by late morning, and, in the bright sunshine, I make my way to Piazza della Loggia.

I have been to Brescia before on business for the Conte, so I know it quite well. It is said that its an old town dating back to Roman times and was then known as Brixia.

I always enjoy coming to this square, and looking at the clock with the two Moors. It reminds me of the one back home in San Marcos square. The story goes that both clocks were made by the same artisan, who made the one in Brescia first, and was then commissioned to make the one in Venice. When he had completed the clock in San Marcos square, the Doge had him blinded so that he would never make another. I dont know if there is any truth in this, it may just be a story.

I quickly make my way through the back streets to Piazza del Duomo. Its called Duomo because of the two domed buildings standing next to each other. They started building the Cathedral at the beginning of the 17 ^th century, and they still havent finished it. The church next to the Cathedral is much older. 11 ^th century I think. It is Romanesque in architecture, sometimes called the Rotonda. I always think its looks so strange that the older Church is at a much lower level than the Cathedral and square.

I want to deliver the letters as quickly as possible to the Vescovo, so I go round the back of the Cathedral where he has his private rooms.

I really just expected to leave the letters with the secretary of the Vescovo, so imagine my surprise when I am ushered into the presence of Giovanni Nani, Vescovo of Brescia. He very kindly asks me to sit down, and explains how pleased he is to meet a fellow Venetian. I give him the letters and he asks me if I am returning to Torbiato. I explain that I am on my way to Melioria with other letters. Ahh he says, be careful he says, once you leave the Veneto there is very little law and order. The south is filled with Bandits and Wolves. Which route are you planning on taking? He asks.

I tell him of my plans, and he gives me a map and good advice on the best route, for which I amextremelygrateful. I confess that I had very little idea where I was going.

Having accomplished my immediate Mission here, I am free to go shopping and after the Vescovos warnings about the possible dangers of my journey, I have decided to use some of the gold to buy myself a good Flintlock Pistol, in case I have to defend myself against either Wolves or Bandits.

The Hills in nearby Gardone Valtrompia are rich in Iron Ore and they have been making weapons here since Roman times. So Brescia is well known for its gun manufacturers, especially those made by the Beretta Family.

Sure enough under the Porticci I find the Family shop, and am greeted by Signor Giovanni Beretta who helps me to choose a suitable weapon.

He seems a very jovial Man, and when he hears that I am Venetian he launches into the tale of his illustrious ancestor Bartolomeo Beretta who in 1526 was paid 296 Ducats for making 185 Arquebus Barrels for the Arsenale of Venice, thereby starting the Family business.

I choose a simple gun, with a tiny bit of Inglesina engraving, but a very reasonable price, and having paid I hurry out of Brescia and back onto the road. If all goes well I may get to Mantova by nightfall.