Note 116 — Chapter V · THE HUSBAND AND THE VARIOUS WAYS OF SLIPPING HIS YOKE

The diplomatic agent of Mantua thus reports his visit of condolence to the Duchess of Urbino: “I found her in her room among her ladies, all in black, the shutters closed, the apartment lighted by a single torch placed on the floor. She was seated on a cushion, a black veil on her head, and wore a high-necked dress, or at any rate her bosom was covered with a veil as high as her chin.... She held out her hand and burst into tears; a moment passed before her sobs and mine permitted us to speak. I handed her your lordship’s letter, and dispatched my visit, my condolences, and my attempts at solace in a few words, so as not to prolong her grief. I imparted to her also the recommendations and offers with which I was charged by my most illustrious lord. Both were well received.” Then they talked of Mantua and the Gonzaga family: the Duchess kept the ambassador for more than two hours. Next day, there was another visit of three hours; this time, her spirit got the upper hand, an interesting discussion ensued, and the ambassador succeeded in making her laugh.