Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/214

190 90 castiliajs literature. PART with him in the palace. By this means, it was -' — hoped to combine the advantages of public, with those of private education ; which last, from its solitary character, necessarily excludes the subject of it from the wholesome influence exerted by bringing the powers into daily collision with antag- onists of a similar age. ^ A mimic council was also formed on the model of a council of state, composed of suitable persons of more advanced standing, whose province it was to deliberate on, and to discuss, topics connected with government and public policy. Over this body the prince presided, and here he was initiated into a practical acquaintance with the important duties, which were to devolve on him at a future period of life. The pciges, in attendance on his person, were also selected with great care from the cavaliers and young nobility of the court, many of whom afterwards filled with credit the most consid- erable posts in the state. The severer discipline of the prince was relieved by attention to more light and elegant accomplishments. He devoted many of his leisure hours to music, for which he had a fine natural taste, and in which he attained sufficient proficiency to perform with skill on a va- riety of instruments. In short, his education was happily designed to produce that combination of mental and moral excellence, which should fit him for reigning over his subjects with benevolence and wisdom. Hbw well the scheme succeeded is abun- 8 Oviedo, Quincuagenas, MS., dial, de Deza. — Mem. de la Acad, de Hist., torn. vi. Ilust. 14.