Page:The Voyage of Italy (1686).djvu/185

Part I. here, end here too. At last, that side which throws or strikes the Ballon over the Rails of the other side, wins the day, and runs to the Standards, which they carry away till night, at what time the Conquering Prince entertains them at a Festino di Ballo at Court, made to some Lady, and where all his Chief Officers and Combatants dance alone with the Ladies at the Ball, none else being permitted to dance with them that night.

Other Pastimes.

Besides these Pastimes, they have once a week, dancing at the Court from Twelfth-day till Lent, at which Balls, all the Ladies of the Town are invited, to the number sometimes of two hundred, and these all Married Women, and all invited by a particular Ticket. Then their several Operas or Musical Dramata are acted and sung with rare Cost and Art. Lastly, their publick running at the Ring, or at the Fauchin, for a piece of Plate. And in Summer, they have their several Dancing Days, and their frequent Corsi di Palio upon certain known days and for known Prizes, and all before the good Prince, who countenanceth all these Sports with his Presence thinking wisely, that there's less hurt in publick Mirth, than in private Mutinies.

The Court.

Having said thus much of Florence, I will now say something of the Court, the Government, Strength, Gentry, Riches, Interest, Language, and Learned Men of this Town.

For the Court, it's clearly one of the best of Italy. Great Riches make it look plump, and give it an excellent en bon point. The Noble Palace, the Prince, his Title of Serenissimo, his