Many examples of this delicate and sweet—almost too sweet—graciousness might be cited. Emilia Pia, for instance, one of the Urbino set, writes almost as she speaks, with great liveliness and humour, and always with equal vivacity whether the subject be toilet specifics or philosophy. The men have the same charm, and sometimes think themselves entitled to employ the same exquisitely tender formulas. Brocardo calls Marietta Myrtilla “my very sweet and dear little sister ... my sweet and matchless little sister, loved as my own soul,” and signs himself: “Thy sweetest, sweetest Brocardo.” The terms in which a well-bred man could, indeed was expected to, address a fashionable lady, may be seen from a letter from Castiglione, then ambassador in Spain, to Vittoria Colonna. “I have felt,” he says, “so much joy in the victories of the marquis that at first I would not write a letter—a letter is so vulgar a thing! One writes letters about events of no importance. I had thought of fireworks, fêtes, concerts, songs, and other vigorous demonstrations, but reflection has shown me that these are inferior to the concert of my own affections; and so I am come back to the idea of a letter, convinced that my marchioness will be able to see what I have in my soul, even though my words fail to express it.” And he dilates on this talent of the divine marchioness for penetrating hearts, and for reading there what the lips fail to utter, and then congratulates her on the delight which she cannot but feel. “And as to my duty towards your highness, seek, I beseech you, the testimony of your own heart, and give it credence, for I am sure your heart will not lie to you on what not only yourself, but the whole world, sees shining through my soul, as through the purest crystal. And thus I remain, kissing your hands and humbly commending myself to your good favour. Madrid, March 21.” Two years afterward he wrote in regard to the death of her husband: “Calamity has fallen upon you like a deluge. I durst not write to your highness at first, for I deemed you had died with the marquis; to-day in all verity and admiration I hold that the marquis still liveth in you.”