DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.55699#0041
VENICE-THE BALBI PALACE.
21
one of the most gorgeous palazzi, near the Rialto, on the
Grand Canal, and hired a train of domestics, whom he
attired in the most splendid manner.
At that time a new doge was just elected, and a
sumptuous feast was prepared on the occasion. In some of
the old chronicles a very minute account is given of the
riches of the masquerade, the delicacies of the banquet,
the exquisiteness of the music, and the consequent ap-
probation of the numerous guests. Amongst these was
our mysterious stranger. He wandered about amidst
the crowds of splendid masques with a vacant and care-
less air, till he approached the lovely Bianca di Gonzaga,
at that time the loadstar of all the eyes of Venice. At
the sight of her his hitherto listless features were ani-
mated with a dark and fiery glance, and he bent on her
a look in which the most powerful interest was deeply
expressed.
Bianca di Gonzaga was indeed a lady never to be
passed without interest. Even if her figure had been
less faultless, her countenance less heavenly, the mourn-
ful circumstances of her sad story would have fixed atten-
tion. The descendant of a line of the most powerful
nobles in Italy, she had at one time been duchess of Pisa.
A rebellion had arisen in her dominions, and a young
baron had driven her from her throne to seat himself
upon it. Alone, deserted by all her former friends, she
had fled to Venice ; where her misfortunes met with
sympathy, while her beauty excited admiration. But
the kindness of friendship could not efface the remem-
brance of love. Whilst in possession of her ducal dig-
21
one of the most gorgeous palazzi, near the Rialto, on the
Grand Canal, and hired a train of domestics, whom he
attired in the most splendid manner.
At that time a new doge was just elected, and a
sumptuous feast was prepared on the occasion. In some of
the old chronicles a very minute account is given of the
riches of the masquerade, the delicacies of the banquet,
the exquisiteness of the music, and the consequent ap-
probation of the numerous guests. Amongst these was
our mysterious stranger. He wandered about amidst
the crowds of splendid masques with a vacant and care-
less air, till he approached the lovely Bianca di Gonzaga,
at that time the loadstar of all the eyes of Venice. At
the sight of her his hitherto listless features were ani-
mated with a dark and fiery glance, and he bent on her
a look in which the most powerful interest was deeply
expressed.
Bianca di Gonzaga was indeed a lady never to be
passed without interest. Even if her figure had been
less faultless, her countenance less heavenly, the mourn-
ful circumstances of her sad story would have fixed atten-
tion. The descendant of a line of the most powerful
nobles in Italy, she had at one time been duchess of Pisa.
A rebellion had arisen in her dominions, and a young
baron had driven her from her throne to seat himself
upon it. Alone, deserted by all her former friends, she
had fled to Venice ; where her misfortunes met with
sympathy, while her beauty excited admiration. But
the kindness of friendship could not efface the remem-
brance of love. Whilst in possession of her ducal dig-