Page:The Book of the Courtier.djvu/451

 THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE COURTIER 42.— Then messer Bernardo Bibbiena said, laughing: " My lord Ottaviano, you are taking sides with my lord Caspar and Frisio." My lord Ottaviano replied, also laughing: " The dispute is finished, and I am far from wishing to renew it; so I shall say no more of women, but return to my prince." Frisio replied: " You can very well leave him now, and rest content that he should be such as you have described him. For without doubt it would be easier to find a lady with the qualities mentioned by my lord Magnifico, than a prince with the qualities mentioned by you ; hence I fear that he is like Plato's Republic, and that we are never to see his equal, unless perhaps in Heaven." My lord Ottaviano replied: " Although they be difficult, things that are possible may still be hoped to come to pass. Therefore we shall in our times per- haps yet see him on earth ; for although the heavens are so chary of producing excellent princes that hardly one is seen in many centuries, this good fortune may fall to us." Then Count Ludovico said: " I certainly trust that it may be so; for, besides those three great princes whom we have named, to whom we may look for that which has been said to befit the highest type of a perfect prince, — there are also to be found in Italy to-day several princes' sons, who, although they are not likely to have such great power, will perhaps fill its place with worth. And the one among them all who shows the best natural bent, and gives greater promise than any of the others, seems to me to be my lord Federico Gon- zaga, eldest son of the Marquess of Mantua and nephew to our lady Duchess here.*^ For besides the gentleness of behaviour and the discretion which he shows at such a tender age, those who have charge of him tell wonderful things of his capacity, eagerness for honour, magnanimity, courtesy, generosity, love of justice; so tjiat from so good a beginning we cannot but hope for the best of ends." Then Frisio said: "No more of this at present; we will pray God that we may see this hope of yours fulfilled." 279