The Genoese emissary rises to his feet, and addresses the Sicilian envoy.

"You speak false, you faithless cur! The Republic of Genoa had no intention whatsoever of war with the Moorish Caliphate. Our trade was prospering with the income of their many wares, and we had much to lose and naught to gain from engaging in such a foolhardy venture. Would we be fool enough to risk the possession of Marseilles, which had so recently been promised to us?

He thens turns to the Moorish representative.

"We only sought assurances from the Sicilians that if aggression proceeded from the Moors, that they would come to our aid. Any state of our size would be imprudent if they did not do so.

It is rather the unparalleled greed, aggression, and treachery of the Sicilians here that is most sickening. We at least, gave warning to Venetians that war was imminent, and then sought to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict that would be agreeable to both sides. But the Sicilians not only gave us no such warning when we asked their opinion on the matter, but led us to believe that such a move would be in their interests. Their true nature is revealed when, instead of warning us to leave off the Venetians, they play the fox and seize our lands!

I call upon the Moorish Caliph to address these injustices that have been inflicted upon our Republic, by the jealously and greed of the Sicilians, who were envious of our wealth and trade in the Western Mediterranean."