_Guzman appears at the Grand Duke’s Court, where a Lady falls in
love with him._
The Grand Duchess had lately been brought to bed of a Prince, or rather
she was just recovering from her accouchement; and there was an
entertainment every day at the palace, where all persons of distinction
of both sexes did not fail to resort. The Cavaliers who lodged in the
same hotel with me, and who were of the first class of nobility of the
country, being only come to Florence to join in those diversions, were
so much the more assiduous in their attendance, as by these means they
made their court to their Prince. My host inquired of me the first
evening of my stay, whether I would eat by myself or with those
gentlemen. I replied, that I would do myself the honour of supping with
them; and when the time came, I entered the room just as they were
seating themselves at table. I assumed an easy carriage, and affected
the man of consequence, of which I was quite capable, and after I had
saluted them politely, I seated myself at the upper end of the room in a
chair which was handed me by Sayavedra, who performed his part of the
ceremony to admiration.
This bold step attracted the attention of all the company present, who,
wishing to know who I was, were uselessly employed in inquiring that
information of each other in a whisper. They were most impatient to hear
me speak, hoping to discover my nation by my accent. I was malicious
enough to keep them in doubt even on this point. In vain did they
endeavour to provoke me to speak by little attentions at table; I
answered all their civilities either by most gracious looks or by an
inclination of the head. Being obliged, however, to utter a few words, I
passed in their opinion for a Roman; but afterwards giving orders to
Sayavedra in Spanish, puzzled them as much as before.
One of these gentlemen, more curious than the rest, rose from table in
order that he might go and interrogate the host as to who I was. In a
few moments he returned to his seat with a satisfied air, and whispered
something to those next him, and they to the others; and I was in a
short time recognised by the whole party as the nephew of the Spanish
Ambassador.
As soon as supper was over, all the company, looking upon me as a young
nobleman, crowded round me, and one of them addressing me said: “Perhaps
I was not aware that there was almost every day a ball at court, on
account of the birth of the young prince, that there would be one held
that very evening, and that if I had the least wish to go, they would
have the pleasure of conducting me to the palace.” I replied, “that it
would be most ungracious in me to reject so polite an offer, though
indeed my travelling clothes formed some obstacle to the gratification
of my curiosity; but that nevertheless, as I was not known at Florence,
I would have the honour of accompanying the party to partake of an
amusement of which I was exceedingly fond.” All the party, except
myself, were very elegantly dressed; as to me I did nothing but change
my shirt, and adjust myself a little. Ill-dressed as I was, however, in
comparison with the others, you will hear what happened to me at the
ball.
When we entered the saloon, the Duke and a large party were already
assembled there. His Highness fixed his eyes on me immediately; and this
somewhat disconcerted me. I thought that he was either displeased at the
plainness of my dress, or found something ridiculous in my person; and
what convinced me the more was, that he pointed me out to a courtier who
stood by him, and as I imagined desired him to ascertain who I was. I
was not wrong in my conjecture; the courtier, whom I did not lose sight
of, made his way through the crowd and accosted one of the gentlemen
whom I had accompanied, whispered something to him, received an answer
in the same manner, and then returned to the Grand Duke, to whom I saw
him give an account of his commission. All this appeared to me equivocal
enough, and I did not know what to think of it, when the same gentleman
who had been addressed by the courtier, approached and said to me: “You
are known, Signor Cavalier; the Grand Duke knows that you are a relation
of the Ambassador from Spain to Rome. I should advise you to go
immediately and salute the Prince; he looks at you continually, and
seems to wish that you should take that liberty.”
I followed the gentleman’s advice, thinking that I could not do less;
and accordingly advanced towards the Grand Duke, who perceiving my
design, was so condescending as to advance half-way to meet me. I
commenced with a most profound bow, and addressing his Highness, told
him in Italian, in an easy but respectful manner, “that I had but just
arrived at Florence, and I trusted he would pardon my presumption for
having ventured even in a ball-room, to offer him my most humble
respects; but having been informed that it was his desire to know my
name, I had come to announce it to him myself.” “I know it already,”
answered the Prince, “and I am not a little surprised to hear a Spaniard
speak Italian as well as a native of Rome.” To this remark I answered in
Spanish, “that I had long resided in that city.” He replied, in the
Castilian language, “that he never heard any one of my countrymen
pronounce Italian so perfectly.” Then, turning the conversation on my
Uncle the Ambassador, he told me, “he was well acquainted with him from
having had many affairs of consequence between them, and that he should
be most proud to testify his respect for him in my person.” He then
invited me to frequent the Court, with a thousand other compliments, to
which I could make no other answer than by bowing almost down to the
ground. This was not all; the Grand Duchess came up at that moment, and
I had the honour of being presented to her by the Prince her husband,
who told her at the same time who I was; and I verily flatter myself
that I got out of this dilemma in better style than, perhaps, the real
nephew of the Spanish Ambassador would have done in my place.
The ball then commenced, and I retired from where I stood, for fear of
incommoding the dancers. After three or four dances, a lady came up and
was introduced to me by the Duke’s desire. I affected to wish to decline
dancing, though in fact I was particularly desirous; and pleaded in
excuse, that I had not long alighted from horseback, as might be seen by
my frightful dishabille. The Prince who heard me, put an end to the
contest, by crying out that he was sure I could not refuse so lovely a
lady, even were I to dance in boots. At this desire I instantly obeyed,
and my dancing attracted the attention of the whole company. The Grand
Duchess especially, who preferred Terpsichore to all the other Muses,
was so much pleased, that she requested me to dance some of the newest
figures, in which I acquitted myself equally well. This exhilirated my
spirits to such a degree, that I made love to all the ladies in company.
I would tell you, moreover, friendly reader, were I not fearful of being
deemed conceited, that of all the women in Italy, the Florentines
understand genteel behaviour the best, and I was by no means badly
received among them.
Among the rest there were three young ladies present, who were decidedly
the ornaments of the Ball. I never saw more perfect beauties. It would
have puzzled any honest man to have made his choice of one of them. I
soon decided, however, favour of a Brunette, who attracted me by a
certain _je ne sçai quoi_ which the others did not possess. I attached
myself to that lady only during the whole ball.
One of the gentlemen who had brought me to the palace, perceiving my
_penchant_ for this Brunette, approached me; “Signor Don Guzman,” said
he with a smile, “how many lovers will you distract with jealousy this
night, if you continue your attentions to that lady, who is a rich
widow, and has a great number of admirers.” My vanity was flattered by
this information, which inspired me with the design of attempting the
conquest of a heart which was disputed by so many rivals. I hazarded
some soft speeches which were not ill-received, but while my favorable
progress inclined me to push my success, the Grand Duchess, who had not
danced since her confinement, took a fancy to do me the honour of
choosing me for her partner. In fact, foreseeing the consequences, I did
all in my power to avoid it: but she would take no denial. The Grand
Duke, though he approved of the great respect I paid the Princess by my
diffidence, gave me to understand by a nod, that he wished I would
comply with the desires of her Highness: so that there were no means of
escaping. I danced and performed even better than before: which pleased
the Duchess so much that she would not leave off dancing with me, until
the Prince was obliged to beg her to desist, lest so much exertion
should injure her health.
Their Highnesses then retired, and I accompanied them to their
apartment, together with the Lords of the Court, and returned with an
air of impatience to the ball-room, when I found the pretty Brunette was
also about to retire. I made love to her with so much ardour, that I had
the pleasure to see that she quitted me with regret. As soon as she was
gone I returned to the Hotel, with the before-mentioned gentlemen who
had rejoined me. I was so taken up with the honour that had been
conferred on me that evening, that I said but little in answer to the
compliments they paid me on my talents for dancing. On our arrival at
the Hotel, we took leave of each other with great politeness, and
retired to our chambers.
When I was alone with Sayavedra: “My friend,” said I, “my joy overpowers
me, I must ease my heart.” At the same time I recounted to him all that
had happened at the ball, where I had been so much distinguished, the
infinite praise bestowed on me by the Duchess, and my flattering
reception from the Duke. My confident cared for nothing but what was
solidly advantageous. Praises he looked on as smoke; but the account of
the widow charmed him. His eyes sparkled with joy when I mentioned her
to him, “Think nothing of the rest,” said he; “this may turn out to your
advantage, if you know how to profit by the favourable impression you
have made on that lady.” Sayavedra and I employed half the night in
building castles in the air on this subject, and in deliberating what
course we ought to take to bring the affair to a happy issue. It was
resolved in council that on the ensuing day we should procure the large
trunk we had spoken of before, and that I should purchase as splendid a
suit as my purse would afford, to enable me to sustain at Court the
character I had already assumed.
This resolution was followed by my giving strict orders to Sayavedra to
be in the field early the next morning to put our plans in practice:
after which I went to bed. Not that I could close my eyes during the
whole night, for it was already day, when, by rocking myself so
incessantly with chimeras, I fell asleep for a short time. Sayavedra,
who had returned from executing his commissions, came into my room and
awoke me. He was followed by a Tailor, at whose shop he had found a suit
ready made, which had never been worn. The Tailor told me, that it had
been ordered by a young Nobleman, who had suddenly disappeared from
Court, after having lost a large sum of money by gaming, and that he
desired nothing better than to get rid of it at a fair price. I got up
directly and tried it on, and most fortunately it fitted me as well as
if it had been made for me. Nothing was wanting but to fix the price:
which we agreed on, after a dispute which would have lasted longer, if
the Tailor had not wanted money, and if I had not had an earnest longing
for the suit; to which he added some gold lace to correspond: which
completed it in the fashion of dress at Rome.
I had no sooner paid and sent away the Tailor, than my host came up and
informed me that the Grand Duke had sent me, while I slept, a present of
wine, fruits, and sweetmeats. This was a compliment that this Prince was
in the habit of making to the illustrious foreigners who visited his
court. The landlord added that he would not disturb my repose to
acquaint me with it. I was not sorry that I had not seen the gentleman
whom the Duke had sent with this present, as I must have paid pretty
roundly for the carriage; and I could not be too frugal, considering how
much I should need money to enable me to make any appearance at Court. I
thought then that I should escape this expense, in which I was a little
mistaken. Scarcely had my host ordered the Prince’s fruit and wine to be
brought into my chamber, when his Highness’s gentleman was announced to
me. I was obliged to endure a common place harangue, which ended in
informing me that the Duchess hoped to see me in the afternoon. I made
upon that an abundance of compliments to this gentleman, and Sayavedra,
like a well-bred valet, attended him to the door to slip a few crowns
into his hand. I amused myself then by trying on the rest of our
purchases: such as silk stockings, a superfine hat, ribbons, gay shoes,
linen, gloves, and every other necessary article of dress. Seeing that
nothing was wanting, I began by shaving, combing, cleaning, and
powdering myself; then being dressed, and looking at myself continually
in a glass, I turned towards my confidant, to ask him if he thought
there was any thing wanting. He answered, that I looked so well, that he
was much mistaken if I did not that day distract all the men with
jealousy and all the women with love. I did not fail then to put on my
elegant gold chain, and fasten below it with a ribbon a miniature
portrait of my dear master which he had given me the day before my
departure.
I was like another Narcissus, enchanted with myself; I wished myself
already at the palace, so desirous was I of showing myself off. I think
I should have gone without any refreshment, if Sayavedra had not
represented to me that it was necessary to take care of the inside, on
which the outside depended; and that starvation was not very likely to
improve my complexion. Though I had but little appetite, for I was
puffed out with my dress, and my stomach might be said to be as full of
wind as my head was; I suffered myself to be prevailed upon to eat a
little of what my confidant ordered into my chamber. I was so fearful of
soiling myself in eating, that I was quite uneasy until dinner was
finished. I tasted the Duke’s fruit, and drank a few glasses of verdee
which had accompanied the fruits. I found this wine most excellent, and
I did not doubt but it would enliven my conversation, if taken in
moderation. After this slight repast, I walked up and down my room
strutting about; I did nothing but question my squire as to my
appearance, and he assured me that I was a very mirror of cavaliers.
Satisfied with this testimony, to which my self-love very readily
assented, I repaired to the palace, attended by Sayavedra, who, to do me
credit, had also made a few purchases for himself at the expense of my
purse, which began now to look rather foolish after such copious
bleeding.
I was received at the Duke’s palace with as many honours as could
possibly have been conferred on the Ambassador himself. The Prince first
complimented me on my good looks; he then began to speak of the
Ambassador, and communicated something to me in the hope that on my
return to Rome I should repeat it to his Excellence. He was completely a
man of the world, and never spoke but with some motive. I soon observed
that he was anxious to engage me to speak of the Ambassador’s private
affairs, but I was so completely on my guard against him, that though I
staid two hours, not a single indiscreet word escaped my lips. Finding
his hints and flattery of no avail, he at length desisted, for fear of
exciting suspicion in my mind, and proposed that I should pay my
respects to the Duchess.
I was exceedingly glad to be dismissed from a conversation which began
to grow tiresome, and I went immediately to wait upon the Duchess, who,
after receiving me with great politeness, told me that she had been much
delighted with my dancing the preceding evening, and especially with the
two last dances, which she should very much like to learn. I replied
that my humble ability was entirely at her service, and undertook that
she should be perfect in both dances before the next ball-night. She
seemed to anticipate much pleasure in the general surprise she should
cause in dancing these new figures, and desired that I would not speak
of it to any one.
A fine concert was to form the amusement of the court that evening, and
I did not fail to appear there in all my charms, after having taken a
slight repast at my inn. I need not tell you that my first care was to
see if my charming widow was among the crowd. It was not long before I
perceived her; her rich and superb dress, and superior charms to all
around, could not long be concealed. I advanced towards her with an
eagerness which seemed by no means to displease her, and we continued to
converse together and admire each other, reciprocally exchanging the
most tender looks for some time. All this was exceedingly pleasant, but
still I was uncertain of my fate; and thinking that I had no time to
lose, I determined to explain myself more clearly, now that I had an
opportunity of speaking to her without being overheard. “Madam,” said I,
in a voice timid but empassioned, “to what punishment would you condemn
an insolent who could dare to tell you that he loves you?” The lady
blushed a little at this question, but answered, “that it depended upon
who it might be, whether she could have resolution sufficient to wish
him to be punished at all.” “In what a pitiable situation then am I,”
replied I, “in being prevented by the respect I owe to their
Highnesses, from this moment throwing myself at your feet!” My charming
widow answered only with her eyes, and I was myself so transported with
joy, that being no longer able to speak, I remained silent for some
moments, leaving my sighs to do the office of my tongue.
I had scarcely regained the power of speech, which my joy had deprived
me of, when the lady touching my elbow, said with a confused air: “We
are observed, the Duchess is watching us with an attention that
embarrasses me; I request that you will withdraw a little distance from
me.” I retired immediately, not without complaining of the Princess’s
cruelty in disturbing the sweetest moments of my life. I then glided
behind the Duchess’s chair, whence, as though I had been very attentive
to the concert, I cried out: “It must certainly be confessed, that
nothing can be better performed.” This was really true, for the Duke
had some of the best players and singers in Italy; but I had not heard
sufficient to be able to decide on their merits, and the Duchess, who
well knew it, said it satirically, “You have certainly been so extremely
attentive to the concert, that you may boldly decide. But there is some
excuse for you,” added she smiling, “the lady’s charms are much more
attractive to you than those of music.” Her Highness, observing that
this embarrassed me, changed her tone, and asked me what I seriously
thought of the voices and performers. I then took the liberty of stating
my real opinion; and if I did not answer like a master of the art, I at
least made it apparent that I was not altogether ignorant of music.
In about an hour the concert was interrupted by a magnificent collation
by way of interlude. I took this opportunity to return to my divinity,
to whom I now publicly paid the most marked attention, in preference to
the other ladies present; and my rivals now no longer doubted that I was
the favoured lover. Whatever malice, however, they might on this account
nourish against me, they none of them dared think of being revenged on
me, which they were well convinced the Duke would make them repent of.
For my part I cared so little for their displeasure, that I thought of
nothing but of completing the conquest of my charmer. And love seemed
willing to furnish me with opportunity; for just at this moment, a
musician passing close by us, I called to him, and asked if he knew the
two or three new airs that had lately been so popular at Rome. “I
received them only this day,” answered he, “so that I have not yet had
leisure to study them.” The ladies then asked me if I knew them. I
replied in the affirmative; and no sooner did they signify that they
should like to hear them, than, without waiting like a professional man
to be further pressed, I began to hum them in a very faint voice,
pretending that I did not wish all the company to hear me. No sooner had
I begun, however, than I was surrounded by all the ladies and gentlemen
near me. My notes were not so very inaudible but that they reached the
Duchess’s ear, who, advancing towards me, requested particularly that I
would give my voice full scope.
I must not forget one circumstance. Her Highness made signs to my widow
and some other ladies of rank near her, to join the party to partake of
the pleasure she anticipated. They advanced towards her directly; and
the Duchess, either out of malice or goodness, placed them in such a
manner that my mistress stared me full in the face. After which she
whispered to me with a smile: “You see I am willing to pay you in
advance for the favour you are about to grant me.” At these words I
bowed most obsequiously, and least she should continue thus to
tantalize me, I hastened to begin my song.
Have a care friend Guzman, you will here be ready to tell me, or you
certainly are going to praise yourself again. I confess that I am on the
point of so doing, and since I have told you all my bad qualities, it is
but fair that I should be allowed to say what I can in my own praise. My
voice then was so much admired, that the saloon resounded with applause.
And this is not much to be wondered at. A man who at Rome had passed for
a good singer, was not very likely to fail at Florence. In short I
amused the assembly until the fête broke up, when the Duke and Duchess
withdrew to their own apartments, and I rejoined my widow, who was
evidently waiting only to take leave of me. I had just time to say a few
sweet words to her, which were repaid with usury, and to request
permission to pay my respects to her at her own house. This is usual at
Florence, and was most gracefully granted. The lady even appointed an
hour herself, than which she could not have paid me a greater
compliment.