The princes and people of Italy were
invited to the feasts, which continued three months; the
fertile meadows, which are intersected by the slow and
winding course of the river, were covered with innumerable
tents, and the bridegroom displayed and diversified the
scenes of his proud and tasteless magnificence. All the
utensils of the service were of silver, and his horses were
shod with plates of the same metal, loosely nailed and
carelessly dropped, to indicate his contempt of riches. An
image of plenty and profusion was expressed in the banquet;
the most delicious wines were drawn in buckets from the
well; and the spices of the East were ground in water-mills
like common flour. The dramatic and musical arts were in the
rudest state; but the Marquis had summoned the most popular
singers, harpers, and buffoons to exercise their talents in
this splendid theatre. After this festival I might remark a
singular gift of this same Boniface to the Emperor Henry
III., a chariot and oxen of solid silver, which were
designed only as a vehicle for a hogshead of vinegar.
Pages:
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271