A Decade of Italian Women, vol. 2 (of 2)
CHAPTER VIII.
Three hypotheses respecting the deaths of Francesco and Bianca.—The official version of the story.—The Novelist's version of the story.—A third possibility.—Circumstances that followed the two deaths.—Bianca's grave; and epitaphs for it by the Florentines.—Ferdinand's final success 333
OLYMPIA PAMFILI.
Born, 1594. Died, 1656.
Pope Joan rediviva.—Olympia's outlook on life.—Her mode of "opening the oyster."—She succeeds in opening it.—Olympia's son.—Olympia at home in the Vatican.—Her trade.—A Cardinal's escape from the purple.—Olympia under a cloud. Is once more at the head of the field; and in at the death.—A Conclave.—Olympia's star wanes.—Pœna pede claudo 346
ELISABETTA SIRANI.
Born, 1638. Died, 1665.