ecially in the handling of horses, in the practice of all kinds of
weapons, and indeed in every diversion and pastime befitting a young
man.

However, war broke out again in Languedoc, and it was necessary that
Amadour should return thither with the Governor. This he did, but not
without great regret, since he could in no wise contrive to return to
where he might see Florida. Accordingly, when he was setting forth, he
spoke to a brother of his, who was majordomo to the Queen of Spain,
and told him of the good match he had found in the Countess of Aranda's
house, in the person of Avanturada; entreating him, in his absence,
to do all that he could to bring about the marriage, by employing his
credit with the King, the Queen, and all his friends. The majordomo, who
was attached to his brother, not only by reason of their kinship, but on
account of Amadour's excellent qualities, promised to do his best. This
he did in such wise that the avaricious old father forgot his own nature
to ponder over the qualities of Amadour, as pictured to him by the
Countess of Aranda, and especially by the fair Florida, as well as by
the young Count of Aranda, who was now beginning to grow up, and to
esteem people of merit. When the marriage had been agreed upon by the
kinsfolk, the Queen's majordomo sent for his brother, there being at
that time a truce between the two kings. (7)

Meanwhile, the King of Spain withdrew to Madrid to avoid the bad air
which prevailed in divers places, and, by the advice of his Council, as
well as at the request of the Countess of Aranda, he consented to the
marriage of the young Count with the heiress Duchess of Medina Celi.
(8) He did this no less for their contentment and the union of the two
houses than for the affection he bore the Countess of Aranda; and he
caused the marriage to be celebrated at the castle of Madrid. (9)

7 There had been a truce in 1497, but Queen Margaret
probably alludes to that of four months' duration towards
the close of 1503.--B.J.

8 Felix-Maria, widow of the Duke of Feria, and elder sister
of Luis Francisco de la Cerda, ninth of the name. She became
heiress to the titles and estates of the house of Medina-
Celi upon her brother's death. If, however, Queen Margaret
is really describing some incident in her own life, she must
refer to Louis XII.'s daughter, Claude, married in 1514 to
Francis I.--D.

9 The castle here re