DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.36838#0284
AW
,_J<
CHAPTER XV
1507-1508
Murder of Gian Andrea by Francesco Maria della Rovere —
Comments of Bembo and Castiglione—The Duke's failing
health—The court moves to Fossombrone—Last days and
death of Guidobaldo—Tribute of Bembo to his memory.
IN spite of the complaints of Cupid and the re-
proaches addressed by the ambassadors of Venus
to the cruel fair who dwelt on the banks of
the Metaurus, the ladies of Urbino were by no
means all of them proof against the winged shafts
of the god of love. Madonna Emilia, it is true,
preserved an inviolable fidelity to her dead husband,
and Castiglione sought no reward for his whole-
hearted allegiance but a word or smile from the Lady
Duchess. But there were others who were cast in
less heroic mould. Even at the court of Urbino
youths and maidens were human, and dances and
games in the palace, as Castiglione owns, afforded
plenty of occasion for lovers to reveal their secrets
by meeting eyes and clasping hands. It was pleasant
to sit apart in the deep recess of the high-arched
windows on a summer night, and listen to whispered
vows, when Jacopo di San Secondo's viol was pouring
out its impassioned strains, or to linger at the side of
a gallant cavalier, under the roses and jessamine of
223
,_J<
CHAPTER XV
1507-1508
Murder of Gian Andrea by Francesco Maria della Rovere —
Comments of Bembo and Castiglione—The Duke's failing
health—The court moves to Fossombrone—Last days and
death of Guidobaldo—Tribute of Bembo to his memory.
IN spite of the complaints of Cupid and the re-
proaches addressed by the ambassadors of Venus
to the cruel fair who dwelt on the banks of
the Metaurus, the ladies of Urbino were by no
means all of them proof against the winged shafts
of the god of love. Madonna Emilia, it is true,
preserved an inviolable fidelity to her dead husband,
and Castiglione sought no reward for his whole-
hearted allegiance but a word or smile from the Lady
Duchess. But there were others who were cast in
less heroic mould. Even at the court of Urbino
youths and maidens were human, and dances and
games in the palace, as Castiglione owns, afforded
plenty of occasion for lovers to reveal their secrets
by meeting eyes and clasping hands. It was pleasant
to sit apart in the deep recess of the high-arched
windows on a summer night, and listen to whispered
vows, when Jacopo di San Secondo's viol was pouring
out its impassioned strains, or to linger at the side of
a gallant cavalier, under the roses and jessamine of
223