The Life and Adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue, Volume 3

Guzman appears at the Grand Duke’s Court, where a Lady falls in love with him.

The Grand Duchess had lately been brought to bed of a Prince, or rather she was just recovering from her accouchement; and there was an entertainment every day at the palace, where all persons of distinction of both sexes did not fail to resort. The Cavaliers who lodged in the same hotel with me, and who were of the first class of nobility of the country, being only come to Florence to join in those diversions, were so much the more assiduous in their attendance, as by these means they made their court to their Prince. My host inquired of me the first evening of my stay, whether I would eat by myself or with those gentlemen. I replied, that I would do myself the honour of supping with them; and when the time came, I entered the room just as they were seating themselves at table. I assumed an easy carriage, and affected the man of consequence, of which I was quite capable, and after I had saluted them politely, I seated myself at the upper end of the room in a chair which was handed me by Sayavedra, who performed his part of the ceremony to admiration.