Rizzio (Volume 2); Or, Scenes in Europe During the Sixteenth Century (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1849. Excerpt: ... strongly upon his holiness, and recommending you to him as a young man of the highest possible integrity, and the most profound secrecy and discretion. From my representations, as well as from your own despatches, his holiness has conceived the very highest opinion of you; and having been for some time anxious to find a person on whom he can strictly Vely, to undertake a mission of a private nature connected with his own family affairs, he has fixed upon you for that object, and brought you from Paris for the purpose. You are doubtless aware that in years long past, his holiness had a natural son named Pier Luigi, now Duke of Placentia, whom he loves with the most doating fondness" On hearing the name of Pier Luigi Farnese the blood forsook my cheeks, and I could feel my limbs tremble; for it was that of a man stained with every turpitude and cruelty that can disgrace a princely station. "In carving our way to fortune, Riccio," said the cardinal, observing my change of countenance, "we are obliged sometimes to deal with beings whom we abhor. To this trial you too must be subjected. I have not sought it for you, merely recommending you strongly to the pope. He decided on the occupation himself, and to oppose him would be ruinous to you and to me. Yesterday evening his holiness entrusted to me two sealed packets of the utmost importance, commanding me to send them by you to his son, who will in consequence of the contents, make you the confidant of his inmost thoughts. His holiness added, that fame, honour and riches would be the result to yourself." I humbly expressed my sense of the cardinal's kindness; but at the same time I could not refrain from showing in the most guarded terms I could employ, the sort of horror and apprehension I felt at having to de...