DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.36838#0065
FRANCESCO GONZAGA
27
undivided.'^ The Bishop's proposals, however, met
with no better success than those of the Marchesana.
Baldassare himself had evidently no wish to plight his
troth and remained for many years to come far more
eager to gain military glory and diplomatic renown
than domestic happiness.
Before long Francesco Gonzaga discovered that
Messer Baldassare possessed qualities of head and
heart even more valuable than his attractive exterior
and manifold accomplishments, and began to realize
that his quick intelligence, exquisite tact, and perfect
self-control, his inviolable honesty and fidelity, fitted
him in an especial manner for the conduct of delicate
negotiations in affairs of state.
But loyally as Castiglione served his master,
Francesco Gonzaga's personality, it is evident, never
attracted him. This rough, fiery soldier was of too
coarse a mould to appreciate the finer shades of
Baldassare's nature, and was as insensible to the
purity and nobility of Castiglione's character as he
was to his elegant scholarship. A born intriguer
himself, who had little consideration for others, and
cared solely for his own interest, Francesco's brutal
temper and recklessness in the means which he used
to attain his selfish ends, must often have jarred on
Baldassare's nobler and more elevated nature. It is,
accordingly, not to be wondered if the Marquis failed
to inspire his faithful servant with any strong feeling
of personal attachment, and if Castiglione soon found
a master whose service was more congenial. With
the Marchioness Isabella it was altogether different.
This gifted lady, with her heaven-born instinct for
discerning excellence in any shape or form, quickly
recognized the rare charm and beauty of the young
i S. Bettinelli, 'Delle lettere e delle arti Mantovane,' 147.
27
undivided.'^ The Bishop's proposals, however, met
with no better success than those of the Marchesana.
Baldassare himself had evidently no wish to plight his
troth and remained for many years to come far more
eager to gain military glory and diplomatic renown
than domestic happiness.
Before long Francesco Gonzaga discovered that
Messer Baldassare possessed qualities of head and
heart even more valuable than his attractive exterior
and manifold accomplishments, and began to realize
that his quick intelligence, exquisite tact, and perfect
self-control, his inviolable honesty and fidelity, fitted
him in an especial manner for the conduct of delicate
negotiations in affairs of state.
But loyally as Castiglione served his master,
Francesco Gonzaga's personality, it is evident, never
attracted him. This rough, fiery soldier was of too
coarse a mould to appreciate the finer shades of
Baldassare's nature, and was as insensible to the
purity and nobility of Castiglione's character as he
was to his elegant scholarship. A born intriguer
himself, who had little consideration for others, and
cared solely for his own interest, Francesco's brutal
temper and recklessness in the means which he used
to attain his selfish ends, must often have jarred on
Baldassare's nobler and more elevated nature. It is,
accordingly, not to be wondered if the Marquis failed
to inspire his faithful servant with any strong feeling
of personal attachment, and if Castiglione soon found
a master whose service was more congenial. With
the Marchioness Isabella it was altogether different.
This gifted lady, with her heaven-born instinct for
discerning excellence in any shape or form, quickly
recognized the rare charm and beauty of the young
i S. Bettinelli, 'Delle lettere e delle arti Mantovane,' 147.