his first journey thither, whither he would accompany
him, and perhaps prevail with his Father to do the like throughout his
Travels.

They accordingly set out, but not being able easily to reach Florence the
same Night, they rested a League or two short, at a Villa of the great
Duke's called Poggio Imperiale, where they were informed by some of his
Highness's Servants, That the Nuptials of Donna Catharina (near Kinswoman
to the great Duke) and Don Ferdinand de Rovori, were to be solemnized the
next day, and that extraordinary Preparations had been making for some
time past, to illustrate the Solemnity with Balls and Masques, and other
Divertisements; that a Tilting had been proclaimed, and to that purpose
Scaffolds erected around the Spacious Court, before the Church Di Santa
Croce, where were usually seen all Cavalcades and Shews, performed by
Assemblies of the Young Nobility: That all Mechanicks and Tradesmen were
forbidden to work or expose any Goods to Sale for the space of three
days; during which time all Persons should be entertain'd at the Great
Duke's Cost; and publick Provision was to be made for the setting forth
and furnishing a multitude of Tables, with Entertainment for all Comers
and Goers, and several Houses appointed for that use in all Streets.

This Account alarm'd the Spirits of our Young Travellers, and they were
overjoy'd at the prospect of Pleasures they foresaw. Aurelian could not
contain the satisfaction he conceiv'd in the welcome Fortune had prepar'd
for his dear Hippolito. In short, they both remembred so much of the
pleasing Relation had been made them, that they forgot to sleep, and were
up as soon as it was light, pounding at poor Signior Claudio's Door (so
was Hippolito's Governour call'd) to rouse him, that no time might be
lost till they were arriv'd at Florence, where they would furnish
themselves with Disguises and other Accoutrements necessary for the
Prosecution of their Design of sharing in the publick Merriment; the
rather were they for going so early because Aurelian did not think fit to
publish his being in Town for a time, least his Father knowing of it,
might give some restraint to that loose they designed themselves.

Before Sun rise they entred Florence at Porta Romana, attended only by
two Servants, the rest being left behind to avoid notice; but, alas! they
needed not to have used half that caution; for early as it was, the
Streets were crowded with all sorts of People