CHAPTER XXII

1507. The Duke's declining health 72

" The court enlivened by female society 72

" Emilia Pio, surnamed Pia 75

" Her decorum and wit 76

" Her management of the social resources of the palace 77

" The origin of Castiglione's _Cortegiano_ 78

" Guidobaldo a martyr to gout 79

1506-1508. Extraordinary derangement of the seasons 79

1508. April. He is carried to Fossombrone 80

" " 11. His great sufferings and resigned end 80

" " The paganism of his biographers 81

" " Precautions of the Duchess against a revolution 82

" " And of the Pontiff 83

" " His body taken to Urbino 84

" " 13. The Prefect Francesco Maria proclaimed Duke of Urbino 85

" " His visit to the Duchess 85

" " Funeral of Guidobaldo 85

" May 2. His obsequies and funeral oration 85

" His portraits 86

" His accomplishments and excellent character 86

" His patronage of Paolo Cortesio 87

" Enduring influence of his reign 88

" His widow 89