 The Book of the Courtyre by Count Baldazar Castiglione Read by Nicholas Bolton for Naxos audiobooks To the Reverend and illustrious Lord Dom Miguel de Silva, Bishop of Visor When my Lord Guido Baldo de Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, passed from this life, I, together with several other Cavaliers who had served him, remained in the service of Duke Francesca Maria de la Riverae, his heir and successor in the state, and as the recollection of Duke Guido's character was fresh in my mind, and the delight I had during those years in the kind companionship of the notable persons who at that time frequented the court of Urbino, I was moved by their memory to write these books of the Courtyre, which I did in a few days, purposing in time to correct those errors that arose from the wish to pay this debt speedily. But for many years past, Fortune has burdened me with toil so constant that I never could find leisure to make the book, such as would content even my poor judgment. Now being in Spain and learning from Italy that my Lady Vittoria della Colonna, Marchones of Pescara, to whom I gave a copy of the book, had against her word caused a large part of it to be transcribed, I could not but feel some annoyance, fearing the many inconveniences that may befall in such cases. Still, I relied upon the wit and good sense of this Lady, whose character I have always held in veneration as a thing divine, to prevent any mischief coming to me from having obeyed her wishes. Finally I was informed that this part of the book was in the hands of many people at Naples, and as men are always eager for anything new, it seemed likely that someone might try to have it printed. Alarmed at this peril, then, I resolved to revise the book at once so far as I had time with intent to publish it, for I thought better to let it be seen imperfectly corrected by my own hand than grievously mutilated by the hand of others. And so to carry out this plan I began to read the book again, and touched at the very outset by the title I was saddened not a little and far more so as I went on by the thought that most of the personages introduced in the discussion were already dead. For besides those mentioned in the poem of the last book, Mesa Alfonso Ariosto, to whom the work is dedicated, is also dead, a gracious youth, considerate of the highest breeding and apt in everything proper to a man who lives at court. Likewise Duke Giuliano de Medici, whose kindness and noble courtesy deserved to be enjoyed longer by the world. Mesa Bernardo, cardinal of Santa Maria in Portico, who for his keen and playful readiness of wit, was most delightful to all that knew him. He too is dead. Dead also is my lord Ottaviano Fregoso, a man very rare in our times. Magnanimous, devout, full of kindness, talent, good sense and... Sample complete. Ready to continue?