CHAPTER XLVII

1608. His betrothal to Princess Claudia de' Medici 196

1610. His dissolute habits 197

1616. He visits Florence 198

1617. Court pastimes at Urbino 199

1621. Apr. 29. The Prince's marriage concluded 199

" Reception of the bridal pair 201

" Francesco Maria resigns the administration of his state to the Prince 202

" And retires to Urbania 203

1622. The Prince's reckless career, and debauched life 204

1623. Jun. 29. His sudden death 207

" " The Duke's resignation 208

" Ominous warnings 209

" Monumental inscription to the Prince 210

1622. Jul. 27. Birth of his daughter Vittoria 210

1623. Princess Claudia returns to her family 211

" The Duke rouses himself 212

" The difficulties of his position 213

" Aug. 8. Election of Pope Urban VIII. 214

1624. The Duke's negotiations with the Holy See 214

" Intrigues and threats employed against him 216

" He arranges the Devolution of his state to the Holy See 219

" To which the people gave no consent 220

1628. The terms of surrender ill kept 222