the author of the 'Asolani' to the newly-married
Giuliano in March, 1515, 'that the joys of a truly
happy marriage are the greatest which one can have
in this life. It is true that I also believe them to be
very rare.' ¹

The troubles which had befallen the ducal family
of Urbino, and Castiglione's devoted loyalty to his
lord, had hitherto delayed the completion of his
marriage; but when once the Marquis of Mantua's
agreement with the Pope was signed, and the Duke
and Duchesses were settled in the Corte Vecchia,
M. Baldassare began to make preparations for his
own wedding. Towards the end of August he.
went to Modena, where his presence was eagerly
awaited and warmly welcomed by the youthful bride,
who had as yet enjoyed little of her betrothed
husband's company. The letters which Ippolita
wrote to the Count after his departure, breathe the
warmest and most natural affection.

'Although you told me not to write until I heard
from you, I feel that I must send you a little note by
our Gio. Maria, just to tell you that since you left me
I seem to have been deprived of my own soul. Every
hour seems a thousand years until I hear from you,
and especially until I know you have reached Mantua
safely. I commend myself warmly to you and to
Madonna my mother.

'Your lordship's most loving wife,

' IPPOLITA TORELLI DA CASTIGLIONE. ²

' September, 1516.'

A few hours later that evening the impulsive girl,
having seen a mutual friend who was on his way
to Mantua, sat down to write another letter to her
absent lord:

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