The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-11-16
Selert Sturv.
ROMANCE OF HISTORY.
The Most Beautiful Woman Of Her Time.

In the early part OF the fourteenth CEN
tury the Island of Corsica was a bone OF
contention between the Maritime Re-
publics of Italy, the Duchy of Savoy, and
the Kingdom of France.
The later, at that time, was ruled by
the chivalrous Francis the First, one of
the most remarkable characters known
to history.
His ambition was only equalled by his
reckless audacity, and he alone, of all
princes of his time, ventured to break a
lance with the powerful emperor, Charles
the Fifth, who so disastrously defeated
him at Pavia, in 1921.
In the preceding year, King Francis
had quarrel with his wife, who had re-
preached him for his infdelities. One
day, maddent6 by her taunts, he said to
his valet, Gavin, Corsican:
"Ah, 1 must get rid of Her Majesty.
Her temper is too bad. l am sure that
the Holy Father will grant me divorce
from her. But where shall | find new
wife2" ...
"Your Majesty has only to choose from
among the most beautiful princesses of
Europe" said Gavin.
"But there is not single beautiful
princess in Europe" rejoined the king,
almost angriiy. "Amelie, of Savoy, is the
only one that is not absolutely homely,
and l hate her father so bitterly that |
should b. reluctant to enter into union
with a member of mis- family"
"If your Maj sty will permit me-" said
the willy Corsican, 81 could tell you of
lady with royal blood in her veins who is
young and handsome enough to grace the
throne of France by your side"
"And who is she ?" asked the king,
ergerly.
"She is the Marchioness Isolena Bal.
To-"
II never heard of her"
"She is the richest woman in Corsica,
where her ancestors, since time imme-
mortal, have owned most of the real es.
tate, and where they have been more
powe full than the real rulers of the island |
ever were. Her grandmother was a
niece Of the Emperor Maximiiian, and
she is the last of her race, your Majesty"
"The last of her race, Gavin, and still
"Your Majesty there is a strange tale
70 this" replied Gavini. about seven
years ago the marchioness with her aged
father was having boat ride off Aiaccio.
A thunder storm sprang up, and the frail
bark was in danger of capsizing. The old
marquis was frightened to death.
"Prqy, my child, he cried in his ter
ror, pray to her who alone can save us.
Pray to her and promise to remain viz
gin unless king should come to solicit
your hand ~.
"IsOlena 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 he
had already got rid Of his legitimate wife,
had by this time become deeply interest
ed in the subject,
"Gavini," he said, chow does this mar
chioness look ?"
"Your Majesty, l have truly never seen
a lady worthier to adorn a throne than
she. She is the fairest daughter whom
Italy, the land of pretty women, ever
gave birth to. Tall, slender, majestic
with complexion ofmarble, and features
which Phidias would have gladly chiseled
in stone; she has on her ripe lips the
smile of Cupid, and in her black
eyes all the fire of the goddesses of love-"
In this manner the artful valet stimu-
lated the desires of his royal master, un-
til the latter said TO him; 71
~ shonld like to make her acquaint-
ance; but that has to be done in very
discreet manner"
After hemming and having for long
while, Gayini suggested that he himself
might 90 to Corsica and make overtures
20 the beautiful marchioness.
The king eagerly embraced this offer.
"You shall go, Gavini," he cried. Go
10 Montpas, my treasurer, and draw as
many livres in gold as you may need"
"But, your Majesty" said the valet,
money is not sufficient for such mis-
ion. ought to have to that end, also,
what"
"a position. ought to be clothed with
he rank off Minister, your highness."
The king looked at his valet minute
without saying anything. Then he burst
nto laughter. gErhE1a
"Gavini," he exclaimed, "you are the
most impudent rascal ever saw. But
four idea is a good one, Yes, you low
porn villain, shall 60 for once as my en-
10y to Corsica Prevail upon the mar
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