An Italian Opera Comique was then amusing the Court, with the exception of the king, who had no taste for music.  His majesty bore a considerable resemblance to a sheep in the face, and it seemed as if the likeness went deeper, for sheep have not the slightest idea of sound.  His favourite pursuit was sport, and the reason will be given later on.

An Italian musician at the Court desired to compose some music for a new opera, and as there was no time to send to Italy I offered to compose the libretto.  My offer was accepted, and by the next day the first act was ready.  The music was composed in four days, and the Venetian ambassador invited all the ministers to the rehearsal in the grand hall of his palace.  The music was pronounced exquisite; the two other acts were written, and in a fortnight the opera was put upon the stage.  The musician was rewarded handsomely, but I was considered too grand to work for money and my reward was paid me in the Court money of compliments.  However, I was glad to see that the ambassador was proud of me and that the minister’s esteem for me seemed increased.

In writing the libretto I had become acquainted with the actresses.  The chief of them was a Roman named Pelliccia, neither pretty nor ugly, with a slight squint, and but moderate talents.  Her younger sister was pretty if not handsome; but no one cared for the younger, while the elder was a universal favourite.  Her expression was pleasant, her smile delightful, and her manners most captivating.  Her husband was an indifferent painter, plain-looking, and more like her servant than her husband.  He was indeed her very humble servant, and she treated him with great kindness.  The feelings she inspired me with were not love, but a sincere respect and friendship.  I used to visit her every day, and wrote verses for her to sing to the Roman airs she delivered so gracefully.

On one of the days of rehearsals I was pointing out to her the various great personages who were present.  The manager of the company, Marescalchi by name, had entered into an arrangement with the Governor of Valentia to bring the company there in September to play comic opera in a small theatre which had been built on purpose.  Italian opera had hitherto never been presented at Valentia, and Marecalchi hoped to make a good deal of money there.  Madame Pelliccia knew nobody in Valentia, and wanted a letter of introduction to someone there.  She asked me if I thought she could venture to ask the Venetian ambassador to do her the favour, but I advised her to try the Duke of Arcos.

“Where is he?”

“That gentleman who is looking in your direction now.”

“How can I dare to ask him?”

“He is a true nobleman, and I am sure he will be only too happy to oblige you.  Go and ask him now; you will not be denied.”

“I haven’t the courage to do so.  Come with me and introduce me.”

“That would spoil everything; he must not even think that I am your adviser in the matter.  I am just going to leave you; you must make your request directly afterwards.”