Three Books on Gold

...and how, in loving you and serving you, I yielded to no one, I had openly shown to all. But I shall not pass over in silence the studies and kindnesses with which you pursued not only everyone, but especially me, when I arrived at Rome and Tivoli for the purpose of visiting you with the illustrious Bentivogli. We found you at your Tiburtine residence, convalescing from a serious illness, yet still resting a little in bed. For first, you received and hosted us all with a cheerful countenance and a glad spirit, as is always your custom. Then, as others were departing, you immediately ordered me to be called back to you, and wished me to sit near your bed, where it is not easy to relate with what words, with what expression, and what things you deigned to promise me. The illustrious Bentivogli likewise know, both while they were with you and when they departed from you, with what munificence and liberality we were received by you yourself and by all your most distinguished noblemen. Among them were present the most illustrious Ptolomeo, the great steward; the Reverend Manzolo, most worthy Bishop of Reggio; the very illustrious men Hercules and Octavio d'Este of Tassoni; the Knight of Rome; the Knight Coloredi, the commendator; the Knight Madi; the illustrious Giglioli, Pignatti, Zocchi, Lombardini, Bonacioli, and many others who, on account of the splendor of their virtue and the integrity of their character, are most renowned among all. All these things still cling so to my innermost heart that no time, no oblivion could ever erase such remarkable grace from my memory. I pass over the honors bestowed by you and the most splendid banquet prepared at your expense in Rome at your most spacious residence at Monte Giordano, when, with your favor, the illustrious Giovanni Bentivogli—a youth of excellent promise and highest virtue—was created a Knight of Malta. In that place, on the other side at the high table, sat the illustrious orator who was acting in the person of the illustrious President of the Military Order of Malta; then, after him, the other heroes and illustrious men. On the other side, the candidate youth, and we ourselves, although reluctant, were compelled to sit in the same order of that most distinguished gathering. Finally, in a lower place at the major table, the knights and illustrious men were ordered to sit out of honor, grace, and kindness toward us, where the butler, the master of the house, and others...