A fine concert was to form the amusement of the court that evening, and I did not fail to appear there in all my charms, after having taken a slight repast at my inn. I need not tell you that my first care was to see if my charming widow was among the crowd. It was not long before I perceived her; her rich and superb dress, and superior charms to all around, could not long be concealed. I advanced towards her with an eagerness which seemed by no means to displease her, and we continued to converse together and admire each other, reciprocally exchanging the most tender looks for some time. All this was exceedingly pleasant, but still I was uncertain of my fate; and thinking that I had no time to lose, I determined to explain myself more clearly, now that I had an opportunity of speaking to her without being overheard. “Madam,” said I, in a voice timid but empassioned, “to what punishment would you condemn an insolent who could dare to tell you that he loves you?” The lady blushed a little at this question, but answered, “that it depended upon who it might be, whether she could have resolution sufficient to wish him to be punished at all.” “In what a pitiable situation then am I,” replied I, “in being prevented by the respect I owe to their Highnesses, from this moment throwing myself at your feet!” My charming widow answered only with her eyes, and I was myself so transported with joy, that being no longer able to speak, I remained silent for some moments, leaving my sighs to do the office of my tongue. I had scarcely regained the power of speech, which my joy had deprived me of, when the lady touching my elbow, said with a confused air: “We are observed, the Duchess is watching us with an attention that embarrasses me; I request that you will withdraw a little distance from me.” I retired immediately, not without complaining of the Princess’s cruelty in disturbing the sweetest moments of my life. I then glided behind the Duchess’s chair, whence, as though I had been very attentive to the concert, I cried out: “It must certainly be confessed, that nothing can be better performed.” This was really true, for the Duke had some of the best players and singers in Italy; but I had not heard sufficient to be able to decide on their merits, and the Duchess, who well knew it, said it satirically, “You have certainly been so extremely attentive to the concert, that you may boldly decide. But there is some excuse for you,” added she smiling, “the lady’s charms are much more attractive to you than those of music.” Her Highness, observing that this embarrassed me, changed her tone, and asked me what I seriously thought of the voices and performers. I then took the liberty of stating my real opinion; and if I did not answer like a master of the art, I at least made it apparent that I was not altogether ignorant of music.