3 The Duke’s two sons were Federigo, born in March 1511, and Guidobaldo, born in April 1514.  The former according to all authorities died when “young,” and probably long before reaching man’s estate.  Dennistoun, in his searching Memoirs of the Dukes of Urbino (London, 1851), clearly shows that for many years prior to Francesco Maria’s death his second son Guidobaldo was the only child remaining to him.  Already in 1534, when but twenty years old, Guidobaldo was regarded as his father’s sole heir and successor.  In that year Francesco Maria forced the young man to marry Giulia Varana, a child of eleven, in order that he might lay claim to her father’s state of Camerino and annex it to the duchy.  There is no record of Guidobaldo having ever engaged in any such intrigue as related by Queen Margaret in the above tale, still it must be to him that she refers, everything pointing to the conclusion that his brother Federigo died in childhood.  Guidobaldo became Duke of Urbino on his father’s death.—­Ed.

He could not, however, conceal his anger so well that the maiden was not advised of it, and knowing his wickedness, which was in her eyes as great as his conscience was small, she felt a wondrous dread.  Going therefore to the Duchess, she craved leave to retire somewhere out of the Duke’s sight until his passion should be past; but her mistress replied that, before giving her leave to do so, she would try to find out her husband’s will in the matter.

Very soon, however, the Duchess heard the Duke’s evil words concerning the affair, and, knowing his temper, she not only gave the maiden leave, but advised her to retire into a convent until the storm was over.  This she did as secretly as she could, yet not so stealthily but that the Duke was advised of it.  Thereupon, with pretended cheerfulness of countenance, he asked his wife where the maiden was, and she, believing him to be well aware of the truth, confessed it to him.  He feigned to be vexed thereat, saying that the girl had no need to behave in that fashion, and that for his part he desired her no harm.  And he requested his wife to cause her to come back again, since it was by no means well to have such matters noised abroad.

The Duchess replied that, if the poor girl was so unfortunate as to have lost his favour, it were better for a time that she should not come into his presence; however, he would not hearken to her reasonings, but commanded her to bid the maiden return.

The Duchess failed not to make the Duke’s will known to the maiden; but the latter, who could not but feel afraid, entreated her mistress that she might not be compelled to run this risk, saying that she knew the Duke was not so ready to forgive her as he feigned to be.  Nevertheless, the Duchess assured her that she should take no hurt, and pledged her own life and honour for her safety.