the fountains and groves of the gardens; already have commenced to
congregate the gay courtiers and lovely dames of this land of the
sun. The diamond tiaras that sparkle on those lovely brows are less
dazzling than the lovely and soul-ravishing eyes that look out from
that mental diamond, the soul within; the jewelled stars upon those
manly breasts well become the noble bearing of the wearers.
Brilliant indeed was the soiree of the rich and liberal Grand Duke
of Tuscany. The Austrian-born monarch seemed to delight in
surrounding the nobles of his court with the most magnificent luxury
and display that wealth could procure, as if he would fain show his
Italian subjects his own national taste.

"The duke spares no expense in his entertainments," said the English
consul to a friend, by whom he was standing.

"I have known him send to Rome frequently for an artifice to serve
him a single evening," was the reply.

"It may be a weakness thus to lavish expenditure, but it is a most
brilliant one," said the consul.

"And one which is dictated as much by policy as by his own personal
gratification," said the other.

"Perhaps so; but without questioning his motives, we may at all
events enjoy the feast he spreads."

"That is but proper and reasonable, and I most heartily subscribe to
the same,"