iven in the "Facezie" a story which may be intended as a jest
on this family. It is as follows:

"It happened once that a certain doctor or _medico_, who was by no
means wanting in _temerita_ or bold self-conceit, was sent as
ambassador to Giovanna la Superba, or Joanna the Proud, Queen of
Naples. And this Florentine Medico having heard many tales of the
gallantries of the royal lady, thought he would try the chance, and
thereby greatly please himself, and also the better advance his
political aims. Therefore, at the first interview, he told her that
he was charged with a secret mission, which could only be confided to
her 'between four eyes,' or in private. So he was taken by her into
a room, where he bluntly made a proposal of love. {8}

"Then the Queen, not in the least discomposed, looking straight at
him, asked if that was one of the questions or demands with which he
had been charged by the Florentines. At which he blushed like a beet
and had no more to say, having learned that a bold beggar deserves a
stern refusal."

The name of the Medici naturally gave rise to many jests, and one of
these is narrated of Gonella, a famous _farceur_. It is as follows:

"One morning, at the table of the Grand Duke Lorenzo, there was a
discussion as to the number and proportion of those who followed
different trades and callings, one declaring that there were more
clothmakers, another more priests than any others, till at last the
host asked Gonella his opinion.

"'I am sure,' said Gonella, 'that there are more doctors than any
other kind of people--_e non accade dubitarne_--and there is no use
in doubting it.'

"'Little do you know about it,' replied the Duke, 'if you do not know
that in all this city there are only two or three accredited
physicians.'

"'With how little knowledge,' answered Gonella, 'can a state be
governed. It seems, O Excellency, that you have so much to do that
you do not know what is in your city, nor what the citizens do.' And
the result of the debate was a bet, and Gonella took every bet
offered, his stakes being small and the others great--_A quattrino e
quattrino si fa il fiorino_--Farthings to farthings one by one make a
pound when all is done.

"The next morning Gonella, having well wrapped up his throat and face
in woollen stuff, stood, looking pi