allegorical allusions to
Lucretia, Ferrara, Caesar, and Alexander.

In spite of the outlay the duke had made, his entertainments lacked
novelty and variety, although they probably pleased most of those
present. Isabella, however, did not hesitate to mention the fact that
she was bored. "In truth," so she wrote her husband, "the wedding was a
very cold affair. It seems a thousand years before I shall be in Mantua
again, I am so anxious to see your Majesty and my son, and also to get
away from this place where I find absolutely no pleasure. Your
Excellency, therefore, need not envy me my presence at this wedding; it
is so stiff I have much more cause to envy those who remained in
Mantua." Apparently the noble lady's opinion was influenced by the
displeasure she still felt on account of her brother's marriage with
Lucretia, but it may also have been due partly to the character of the
festivities themselves, for the marchesa in all her letters complains of
their being tiresome.[174]

Soon after the conclusion of the festivities the marchioness returned to
Mantua; her last letter from Ferrara to her husband is dated February
9th. Her first letter from Mantua to her sister-in-law, which was
written February 18th, is as follows:

ILLUSTRIOUS LADY: The love which I feel for your Majesty,
and my hope that you continue in the same good health in which you
were at the time of my departure, cause me to believe that you have
the same feelings for me; therefore I inform you--hoping that it
will be pleasant news to you--that I returned to this city on
Monday in the best of health, and that I found my illustrious
consort also well. There is nothing more for me to write but to ask
your Majesty to tell me how you are, for I rejoice like an own
sister in your welfare. Although I regard it as superfluous to
offer you what belongs to you, I will remind you once for all, I
and mine are ever at your disposal. I am also much beholden to you,
and I ask you to remember me to your illustrious consort, my most
honored brother.

Lucretia replied to the marchioness's letter as follows:

MY ILLUSTRIOUS LADY, SISTER-IN-LAW, AND MOST HONORED
SISTER: Although it was my duty to anticipate your Excellency
in the proof of affection which you have given me, this neglect on
my part only makes me all the more beholden to you. I can never
tell you with what pleasur