Produced by David Widger
By Anthony Hamilton
Military glory is at most but one half of the accomplishments whichdistinguish heroes. Love must give the finishing stroke, and adorn theircharacter by the difficulties they encounter, the temerity of theirenterprises, and finally, by the lustre of success. We have examples ofthis, not only in romances, but also in the genuine histories of the mostfamous warriors and the most celebrated conquerors.
The Chevalier de Grammont and Matta, who did not think much of theseexamples, were, however, of opinion, that it would be very agreeable torefresh themselves after the fatigues of the siege of Trino, by formingsome other sieges, at the expense of the beauties and the husbands ofTurin. As the campaign had finished early, they thought they should havetime to perform some exploits before the bad weather obliged them torepass the mountains.
They sallied forth, therefore, not unlike Amadis de Gaul or Don Galaorafter they had been dubbed knights, eager in their search afteradventures in love, war and enchantments. They were greatly superior tothose two brothers, who only knew how to cleave in twain giants, to breaklances, and to carry off fair damsels behind them on horseback, withoutsaying a single word to them; whereas our heroes were adepts at cards anddice, of which the others were totally ignorant.
They went to Turin, met with an agreeable reception, and were greatlydistinguished at court. Could it be otherwise? They were young andhandsome; they had wit at command, and spent their money liberally. Inwhat country will not a man succeed, possessing such advantages? AsTurin was at that time the seat of gallantry and of love, two strangersof this description, who were always cheerful, brisk and lively, couldnot fail to please the ladies of the court.
Though the men of Turin were extremely handsome, they were not, however,possessed of the art of pleasing. They treated their wives with respect,and were courteous to strangers. Their wives, still more handsome, werefull as courteous to strangers, and less respectful to their husbands.
Madame Royale, a worthy daughter of Henry IV., rendered her little courtthe most agreeable in the world. She inherited such of her father'svirtues as compose the proper ornament of her sex; and with regard towhat are termed the foibles of great souls, her highness had in no wisedegenerated.
The Count de Tanes was her prime minister. It was not difficult toconduct affairs of state during his administration. No complaints werealleged against him; and the princess, satisfied with his conductherself, was, above all, glad to have her choice approved by her wholecourt, where people lived nearly according to the manners and customs ofancient chivalry.
The ladies had each a professed lover, for fashion's sake, besidesvolunteers, whose numbers were unlimited. The declared admirers woretheir mistresses' liveries, their arms, and sometimes even took theirnames. Their office was, never to quit them in public, and never toapproach them in private; to be their squires upon all occasions, and,in jousts and tournaments, to adorn their lances, their housings, andtheir coats, with the cyphers and the colours of their dulcineas.
Matta was far from being averse to gallantry