o sleep out of the house with an
opera-dancer. At length the prince determined to rise himself, and to
rouse one of his people. He had not proceeded far when a strain of
delicious melody met his ear. Like one enchanted, he followed the sound,
and found Biondello in his room playing upon the flute, with his
fellow-servants assembled around him. The prince could hardly believe his
senses, and commanded him to proceed. With a surprising degree of
facility he began to vary a touching adagio air with some fine extempore
variations, which he executed with all the taste of a virtuoso. The
prince, who, as you know, is a judge of music, says that he might play
with confidence in the finest choir in Italy.

"I must dismiss this man," said he to me next morning, "for I am unable
to reward him according to his merits." Biondello, who had overheard
these words, came forward, "If you dismiss me, gracious prince," said
he, "you deprive me of my best reward."

"You are born to something better than to serve," answered my master.
"I must not stand in the way of your fortune."

"Do not press upon me any better fortune, gracious sir, than that which
I have chosen for myself."

"To neglect talent like yours--No! I can never permit it."

"Then permit me, gracious sir, sometimes to exercise it in your
presence."

Preparations were immediately made for carrying this proposition into
effect. Biondello had a room assigned to him next the apartment of the
prince, so that he can lull him to sleep with his strains, and wake him
in the same manner. The prince wished to double his salary, but
Biondello declined, requesting that this intended boon should be
retained in his master's hands as a capital of which he might some day
wish to avail himself. The prince expects that he will soon come to ask
a favor at his hands; and whatever it may be it is granted beforehand.
Farewell, dearest friend. I am waiting with impatience for tidings from
K-----n.

LETTER III.

BARON VON F------ TO COUNT VON O-------
June 4.

The Marquis of Civitella, who is now entirely recovered from his wounds,
was last week introduced to the prince by his uncle, the cardinal, and
since then he has followed him like his shadow. Biondello cannot have
told me the truth respecting this marquis, or at any rate his account
must be greatly exaggerated. His mien is highly engaging, and his
manners irresistibly winning.

It is impossible to be out of humor with him; the