_Duke_. The Earl of Leicester! Yes!--is it he you mean? We differed, indeed. If I now recollect The words you used were that the Earl you knew Was neither learned nor mirthful. _Cas_. Ha! ha!--now did I? _Duke_. That did you, sir, and well I knew at the time You were wrong, it being not the character Of the Earl--whom all the world allows to be A most hilarious man. Be not, my son, Too positive again. _Cas_. 'Tis singular! Most singular! I could not think it possible So little time could so much alter one! To say the truth about an hour ago, As I was walking with the Count San Ozzo, All arm in arm, we met this very man The Earl--he, with his friend Baldazzar, Having just arrived in Rome. Ha! ha! he _is_ altered! Such an account he gave me of his journey! 'Twould have made you die with laughter--such tales he told Of his caprices and his merry freaks Along the road--such oddity--such humor-- Such wit--such whim--such flashes of wild merriment Set off too in such full relief by the grave Demeanor of his friend--who, to speak the truth Was gravity itself-- _Duke_. Did I not tell you? _Cas_. You did--and yet 'tis strange! but true, as strange, How much I was mistaken! I always thought The Earl a gloomy man. _Duke_. So, so, you see! Be not too positive. Whom have we here? It cannot be the Earl? _Cas_. The Earl! Oh no! Tis not the Earl--but yet it is--and leaning Upon his friend Baldazzar. Ah! welcome, sir! (_Enter Politian and Baldazzar_.) My lord, a second welcome let me give you To Rome--his Grace the Duke of Broglio. Father! this is the Earl Politian, Earl Of Leicester in Great Britain. [_Politian bows haughtily_.] That, his friend Baldazzar, Duke of Surrey. The Earl has letters, So please you, for Your Grace. _Duke_. Ha! ha! Most welcome To Rome and to our palace, Earl Politian! And you, most noble Duke! I am glad to see you! I knew your father well, my Lord Politian. Castiglione! call your cousin hither, And let me make the noble Earl acquainted With your betrothed. You come, sir, at a time Most seasonable. The wedding--