and loving embrace, with a motto on the base saying, VIRTUTEM
FORTUNA SEQUETUR; as if to demonstrate that, whatever many may say,
where virtue is fortune is never wanting; and upon the other Fatigue or
Diligence, who in like manner was shown in the act of embracing Victory,
with a motto at her feet saying: AMAT VICTORIA CURAM. And above the
half-columns that were at the extremities, and upon which the pedestals
were narrower, adorning each of them with a single statue, on one there
was seen Eternity as she is figured by the ancients, with the heads of
Janus in her hands, and with the motto, NEC FINES NEC TEMPORA; and on
the other Fame figured in the usual manner, likewise with a motto
saying: TERMINAT ASTRIS. Between one and the other of these, there was
placed with ornate and beautiful composition, so as to have the
above-named escutcheon of the Duke exactly in the middle, on the right
hand that of the most excellent Prince and Princess, and on the other
that which the city has been accustomed to use from ancient times.

OF THE COURT OF THE PALACE.

I thought, when I first resolved to write, that it would take much less
work to bring me to the end of the description given above, but the
abundance of the inventions, the magnificence of the things done, and
the desire to satisfy the curiosity of craftsmen, for whose particular
benefit, as has been told, this description is written, have in some
way, I know not how, carried me to a length which might perchance appear
to some to be excessive, but which is nevertheless necessary for one who
proposes to render everything distinct and clear. But now that I find
myself past the first part of my labours, although I hope to treat with
more brevity, and with perhaps no less pleasure for my readers, the
remainder of the description of the spectacles that were held, in which,
no less than the liberality of our magnanimous Lords, and no less than
the lively dexterity of the ingenious inventors, there appeared rare and
excellent the industry and art of the same craftsmen, yet it should not
be thought a thing beside the mark or altogether unworthy of
consideration, if, before going any further, we say something of the
aspect of the city while the festivities for the nuptials were being
prepared and after they were finished, for the reason that in the city,
to the infinite entertainment of all beholders, were seen many streets
redecorated both within and without, the Ducal Palace (as