The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1876-07-05
ROMANCE OF HISTORY.

"OAA0A VI uC4 11NlC
In the early part of the fourteenth
century the Island of Corsica was a
bone of contention between the mari
time Republics of Italy, the Duchy of
Savoy, and the Kingdom of France.
The latter 1T that time, was ruled
by the chivalrous Francis the First,
one of the most remarkable characters
in history.
His ambition was only equalled by
his reckless audacity, and lle alone of
all the princes of his time velltured to
break lance with the powerful EN-
peror Charles the Fifth, who SO dis.
astrously defeated him at Pavia, in
1921.
In the preceding year, King Francis
had a quarrel with his wife, who had
reproached him for his intidelities.
One day, maddened by her taunts. he
said to his valet, Gavin. a Corsican:
''Ah, must get rid of her Majesty.
Her temper is too bad. l am sure that
the Holy Father will grant me a d.
Vorce from her. But where shall
find a new wife!''
''Iour Majesty has only to choose
among the most beautiful princesses
of Europe,' said Gavin. H.
"But there is not a single beautiful
Princess in Europe rejoined the
King, almost angrily. ':Amelia, of
Savoy is the only one that is not abso-
lutely homely, and hate her father
SO bitterly that [ should be reluctant
to enter into union with any men,
Der of his family.''
IF your Majesty will permit me-
said the willy Corsican, Il could tell
you of a lady with royal blood in her
veins. who is young and handsome
enough to grace the throne of France
by your side.'' w.
And who is she e. asked the King,
eagerly.
She is the Marchioness Isolena
Della Ballo.''
Il have never heard of her,
She is the richest woman in Cor.
slca, where her ancestors. since time
immemorial, have owned most of the
real estate, and where they have been
more powerful than the real rulers of
the island ever were. Her grand.
mother was niece of the Emperor
Maximilian and she is the last of her
race, your Majesty.
The last of her race, Gavini, and
still unmarried -
Your Majesty, there is strange
tale to this: replied Gavin. about
seven years ago the Warehouses, with
her aged father, was having boat
ride off Ajaccio. A thunderstorm
sprang up. and the frail bark was in
danger Of capsiZing. The old Marquis
was frightened to death.
Pray. my child he cried in his
terror, pray to Her who alone can
save us. Pray to Her, and promise to
remain a virgin. unless King should
come to solicit your hand!
'lsolena took that pledge, and now
she is mistress of immense estates, and
one Of the most beautiful women in
the world.''
The amorous king, who acted as if
ne had already got rid Of his legiti~
mate wife, had by this time become
deeply interested in the subject.
"Gavini,' he said, show does this
Warehouses look -
''Your Majesty, | have truly never
seen a lady Worthier to adorn throne
than she. She is the fairest daughter
whom Italy, the land of pretty women.
ever gave birth to-. Tall, slender, ma
lestlc. with a complexion of marble,
and features which Phidias would have
gladly chiseled in stone, she has on
her ripe lips the tempting smile of Gu
pld, and in her black eyes all the fire
of the goddess of love-
In this manner the artful valet slim
ul'tcd the desires of his royal master.
until the latter said to- him:
II should like to make her acquaint-
tnce; but that has to be done in very
discreet manner
After hemming and having for Il
long while. Gavin suggested that he
himself might go to Corsica, and make
oVertures to the beautiful Marchion-
esS.
The King eagerly embraced this Of
fer.
''Iou shall go, c;avini.' he cried.
''Go to Nontlas. my treasurer. and
draw as many livres in gold as you
need.
But your Majesty,' said the valet,
'muncy is not sufficient for such Il mis-
sion: ought to have to that end also
:What? ::
"A poSition!''
Nv hat position g.
- ought to be clothed with the
rank OF a minister, your Majesty
'he King looked at his valet for a
mlh''te without saying anything.
linen ne burst into laughter.
""avlni, he exclaimed, :you are
the most impudent rascal ever saw.