_Char._ I have discharged, To the utmost of my power, the trust the duke Committed to me, and with joy perceive The seed of my endeavours was not sown Upon the barren sands, but fruitful glebe, Which yields a large increase: my noble charge, By his sharp wit, and pregnant apprehension, Instructing those that teach him; making use, Not in a vulgar and pedantic form, Of what's read to him, but 'tis straight digested, And truly made his own. His grave discourse, In one no more indebted unto years, Amazes such as hear him: horsemanship, And skill to use his weapon, are by practice Familiar to him: as for knowledge in Music, he needs it not, it being born with him; All that he speaks being with such grace deliver'd, That it makes perfect harmony. _Cont._ You describe A wonder to me. _Char._ Sir, he is no less; And that there may be nothing wanting that May render him complete, the sweetness of His disposition so wins on all Appointed to attend him, that they are Rivals, even in the coarsest office, who Shall get precedency to do him service; Which they esteem a greater happiness Than if they had been fashion'd and built up To hold command o'er others. _Cont._ And what place Does he now bless with his presence? _Char._ He is now Running at the ring[61], at which he's excellent. He does allot for every exercise A several hour; for sloth, the nurse of vices, And rust of action, is a stranger to him. But I fear I am tedious; let us pass, If you please, to some other subject, though I cannot Deliver him as he deserves. _Cont._ You have given him A noble character. _Char._ And how, I pray you, (For we, that never look beyond our villas, Must be inquisitive,) are state affairs Carried in court? _Cont._ There's little alteration: Some rise, and others fall, as it stands with The pleasure of the duke, their great disposer. _Char._ Does Lodovico Sanazarro hold Weight and grace with him? _Cont._ Every day new honours Are shower'd upon him, and without the envy Of such as are good men; since all confess The service done our master in his wars 'Gainst Pisa and Sienna may with justice Claim what's conferr'd upon him.