I followed the gentleman’s advice, thinking that I could not do less; and accordingly advanced towards the Grand Duke, who perceiving my design, was so condescending as to advance half-way to meet me. I commenced with a most profound bow, and addressing his Highness, told him in Italian, in an easy but respectful manner, “that I had but just arrived at Florence, and I trusted he would pardon my presumption for having ventured even in a ball-room, to offer him my most humble respects; but having been informed that it was his desire to know my name, I had come to announce it to him myself.” “I know it already,” answered the Prince, “and I am not a little surprised to hear a Spaniard speak Italian as well as a native of Rome.” To this remark I answered in Spanish, “that I had long resided in that city.” He replied, in the Castilian language, “that he never heard any one of my countrymen pronounce Italian so perfectly.” Then, turning the conversation on my Uncle the Ambassador, he told me, “he was well acquainted with him from having had many affairs of consequence between them, and that he should be most proud to testify his respect for him in my person.” He then invited me to frequent the Court, with a thousand other compliments, to which I could make no other answer than by bowing almost down to the ground. This was not all; the Grand Duchess came up at that moment, and I had the honour of being presented to her by the Prince her husband, who told her at the same time who I was; and I verily flatter myself that I got out of this dilemma in better style than, perhaps, the real nephew of the Spanish Ambassador would have done in my place. The ball then commenced, and I retired from where I stood, for fear of incommoding the dancers. After three or four dances, a lady came up and was introduced to me by the Duke’s desire. I affected to wish to decline dancing, though in fact I was particularly desirous; and pleaded in excuse, that I had not long alighted from horseback, as might be seen by my frightful dishabille. The Prince who heard me, put an end to the contest, by crying out that he was sure I could not refuse so lovely a lady, even were I to dance in boots. At this desire I instantly obeyed, and my dancing attracted the attention of the whole company. The Grand Duchess especially, who preferred Terpsichore to all the other Muses, was so much pleased, that she requested me to dance some of the newest figures, in which I acquitted myself equally well. This exhilirated my spirits to such a degree, that I made love to all the ladies in company. I would tell you, moreover, friendly reader, were I not fearful of being deemed conceited, that of all the women in Italy, the Florentines understand genteel behaviour the best, and I was by no means badly received among them.