Sources:
Histoire des intrigues galantes de la reine Christine de Suede: et de sa cour, pendant son sejour à Rome, pages 44 to 48, by Christian Gottfried Franckenstein, 1697
The history of the intrigues & gallantries of Christina, Queen of Sweden, and of her court whilst she was at Rome faithfully render'd into English from the French original, translated by Philip Hollingworth, 1697
Above: Kristina.
The account:
Quoy que la Reine eût reformé à Rome une partie de sa maison comme les pages, les Gentilshommes, & autres Officiers, neantmoins pour marque de grandeur, on payoit toûjours les appointemens du Duc de Pol[i], & de plusieurs grands Officiers de sa chambre. Le Cardinal Azolin qui ne s'étoit pas trop opposé au voyage de la Reine, croyant qu'elle modéreroit par là ses dépenses pour s'aquitter, fut fort surpris d'apprendre ses profusions, & ne pût s'empêcher d'en écrire à sa Majesté, en lui faisant connoître qu'il ne pouvoit plus faire subsister sa maison à Rome, où elle n'envoyoit plus rien, qu'il avoit emprunté ce qu'il avoit pû, mais qu'il n'avoit plus de credit, & qu'on devoit dêja quelques quartiers aux domestiques, qu'il lui demandoit au moins la permission de vendre ses chevaux, & de mettre bas l'ecurie, parce c'étoit la plus grosse dépense. La Reine qui ne manquoit pas de penetration, s'imaginoit neantmoins qu'on ne sçauroit pas sa vie à Rome, à la lecture de lettre elle entra dans des emportemens epouvantables, elle se plaignit qu'elle avoit autant d'espions que de serviteurs, son Medecin fut soupçonné plus que les autres, d'avoir écrit à Rome la vie de sa Maîtresse. Ce pauvre homme paroissant en sa presence, elle lui Sauta au collet, & l'auroit etranglé si on ne le lui eut ôté d'entre les mains; aprés bien des injures elle le chassa de son service, sans lui donner le tems de se justifier: le Marquis Delmonte qui se d'outoit qu'il seroit mis en jeu, eut une extréme curiosité de voir les lettres qui venoient de Rome, il importuna tant la Landini qu'elle se hazarda de les prendre sur la toilette, & même dans les poches de la Reine, quand elle étoit au lit, pour les lui faire lire. Il trouva ce qu'il cherchoit & sçût qu'Azolin étoit informé de tout; ce fut alors qu'il joüa d'adresse, & mit dans ses interêsts tous ceux qui trouvoient leur compte aux profusions de la Reine, parce que chacun la pilloit de son côté. Son Intendant nommé le Pecze que le Cardinal Azolin lui avoit donné comme un homme de probité, & de grande economie, la pria plusieurs fois de recevoir ses comptes, & de moderer ses depenses, mais elle lui disoit toûjours qu'il ne lui rompît point la tête, qu'il la volât plûtôt comme les autres, & qu'il la laissât en repos. Belle economie, & bel ordre dans une Cour comme celle de la Reine qui se piquoit de faire la Philosophe, & qui moralisoit sur toutes choses. Mais son Intendant contre l'ordinaire des gens de cette sorte, lui fut fidele jusques à la mort qui arriva bientôt aprés, dans une petite ville de Brunswick, en retournant à Rome avec la Reine. La Violence des Convulsions au milieu desquelles il expira fit connoître qu'il avoit été empoisonné, & le Marquis Delmonte fut soupçonné d'en être l'auteur, quoy qu'il courut alors un bruit, & qu'on imprima même dans les Gazettes, que la Reine l'avoit fait tuer, mais c'étoit une pure calomnie, elle n'avoit point de haine contre lui, voyant qu'il la servoit bien, mais aussi elle ne fit aucune recherche de cette mort, & même quand elle fut retournée à Rome, le frere de ce malheureux étant venu se jetter à ses pieds, la priant avec pleurs & sanglots de lui faire justice, elle n'en fit que rire, & ne donna pas une parole de consolation à ce pauvre homme.
Quant à la Landini c'étoit une Lingere de Paris qui s'appelloit Fanchon. La Reine étant à Paris la prit à son service, à cause de son caquet, & parce qu'elle étoit assez bien faite, & fort adroite à ce qu'elle faisoit, elle en fit une de ses femmes de chambre, & peu de tems aprés elle la maria à un Italien nommé Landini qui étoit un de ses anspessades, & qui fut un de ceux qui tuérent le Marquis Monaldeschi par son or[d]re. Elle à toûjours depuis servi la Reine, jusqu'à sa mort, & la suivie dans tous ses voyages; son mari étoit resté à Rome pour quelque indisposition, mais le Marquis Delmonte la consola si bien de cette absence, & supplea si efficacement au manquement de l'Anspessade que la Landini devint grosse, ce qui la mit dans la derniere consternation. La Reine qui étoit bonne, & qui compatissoit à la foiblesse du sexe, s'aperçût à sa vuë egarée, & à sa melancolie, qu'il y avoit des remors dans sa conscience, & à force de la questionner, elle apprit la verité de tout, elle lui dit d'avoir bon courage, & de ne se pas desespérer, qu'elle auroit soin d'appaiser son mari, & que puisque l'affaire étoit faite, elle lui pardonnoit, à condition d'être plus sage à l'avenir: mais c'étoit prêcher au desert, car devant, & aprés cet accident, elle s'en donnoit au cœur joye avec le Marquis, & quand elle voyoit la Reine occupée à la Chymie, ou à ecrite des lettres, elle sortoit par la porte du jardin avec un Rinquelet sur la tête, le visage enveloppé comme l'ont les femmes de Hambourg qui ne veulent pas être connues: Le Rinquelet est un voile ou écharpe de serge noire fine qu'on met sur la tête, & qui couvre les epaules & les bras. La Landini ainsi déguisée alloit souvent chez un Perruquier François nommé la fortune, dont la femme tenoit la main à ce manege. C'est là où le Marquis la voyoit, & en obtenoit toutes les faveurs qu'il pouvoit souhaiter, & elle y alla si souvent qu'elle devint grosse, comme nous avons dit, & accoucha avant terme d'une belle fille qui fut baptisée, & appellée Marie.
La Reine la fit elever dans son Palais où elle a toûjours demeuré sous l'aile de sa Mere, jusqu'à la mort de sa Majesté. Cet enfant avoit une belle voix, on lui apprit à chanter, & à joüer des instrumens, à quoy elle reussit tres-bien. Les Vertus lui ont fait meriter l'honneur d'entrer au service de Madame la Duchesse de Hannover, un Prince de Brunswick qui étoit à Rome il y a quelque tems, l'ayant fait ramener en Allemagne. Le Landini qui ne menaçoit sa femme par ses lettres que de meurtre, & de poison, lui pardonna enfin aux instantes prieres de la Reine, qui lui fit du bien pour le dedommager de l'affront que sa femme lui avoit fait.
With modernised spelling:
Quoique la Reine eût réformé à Rome une partie de sa maison, comme les pages, les gentilhommes et autres officiers, néanmoins pour marque de grandeur, on payait toujours les appointements du duc de Poli et de plusieurs grands officiers de sa chambre. Le cardinal Azzolin, qui ne s'était pas trop opposé au voyage de la reine, croyant qu'elle modérerait par là ses dépenses pour s'acquitter, fut fort surpris d'apprendre ses profusions et ne put s'empêcher d'en écrire à Sa Majesté en lui faisant connaître qu'il ne pouvait plus faire subsister sa maison à Rome, où elle n'envoyait plus rien, qu'il avait emprunté ce qu'il avait pu; mais qu'il n'avait plus de crédit et qu'on devait déjà quelques quartiers aux domestiques, qu'il lui demandait au moins la permission de vendre ses chevaux et de mettre bas l'écurie, parce c'était la plus grosse dépense.
La reine, qui ne manquait pas de pénétration, s'imaginait néanmoins qu'on ne saurait pas sa vie à Rome. A la lecture de lettre, elle entra dans des emportements épouvantables. Elle se plaignit qu'elle avait autant d'épions que de serviteurs. Son médecin fut soupçonné, plus que les autres, d'avair écrit à Rome la vie de sa maîtresse. Ce pauvre homme paraissant en sa présence, elle lui sauta au collet et l'aurait étranglé si on ne le lui eut ôté d'entre les mains; après bien des injures, elle le chassa de son service, sans lui donner le temps de se justifier.
Le marquis del Monte, qui se doutait qu'il serait mis en jeu, eut une extrême curiosité de voir les lettres qui venaient de Rome. Il importuna tant la Landini qu'elle se hasarda de les prendre sur la toilette et même dans les poches de la reine, quand elle était au lit, pour les lui faire lire. Il trouva ce qu'il cherchait et sut qu'Azzolin était informé de tout; ce fut alors qu'il joua d'adresse et mit dans ses intérêts tous ceux qui trouvaient leur compte aux profusions de la reine, parce que chacun la pillait de son côté. Son intendant, nommé le Pezza, que le cardinal Azzolin lui avait donné comme un homme de probité et de grande économie, la pria plusieurs fois de recevoir ses comptes et de modérer ses dépenses, mais elle lui disait toujours qu'il ne lui rompît point la tête, qu'il la volât plutôt comme les autres, et qu'il la laissât en repos.
Belle économie et bel ordre dans une Cour comme celle de la reine, qui se piquait de faire la philosophe et qui moralisait sur toutes choses. Mais son intendant, contre l'ordinaire des gens de cette sorte, lui fut fidèle jusqu'à la mort, qui arriva bientôt après dans une petite ville de Brunswick, en retournant à Rome avec la reine. La violence des convulsions, au milieu desquelles il expira, fit connaître qu'il avait été empoisonné, et le marquis del Monte fut soupçonné d'en être l'auteur, quoiqu'il courut alors un bruit, et qu'on imprima même dans les gazettes que la reine l'avait fait tuer; mais c'était une pure calomnie. Elle n'avait point de haine contre lui, voyant qu'il la servait bien, mais aussi elle ne fit aucune recherche de cette mort; et même quand elle fut retournée à Rome, le frère de ce malheureux étant venu se jetter à ses pieds, la priant avec pleurs et sanglots de lui faire justice, elle n'en fit que rire et ne donna pas une parole de consolation à ce pauvre homme.
Quant à la Landini, c'était une lingère de Paris qui s'appellait Fanchon. La reine étant à Paris la prit à son service à cause de son caquet, et parce qu'elle était assez bien-faite et fort adroite à ce qu'elle faisait, elle en fit une de ses femmes de chambre; et peu de temps après, elle la maria à un Italien nommé Landini, qui était un de ses anspessades et qui fut un de ceux qui tuèrent le marquis Monaldeschi par son ordre.
Elle a toujours depuis servi la reine jusqu'à sa mort et la suivie dans tous ses voyages. Son mari était resté à Rome pour quelque indisposition, mais le marquis del Monte la consola si bien de cette absence et supplea si efficacement au manquement de l'anspessade que la Landini devint grosse, ce qui la mit dans la dernière consternation. La reine, qui était bonne et qui compatissait à la faiblesse du sexe, s'aperçut à sa vue égarée et à sa mélancolie qu'il y avait des remors dans sa conscience; et, à force de la questionner, elle apprit la vérité de tout. Elle lui dit d'avoir bon courage et de ne se pas désespérer, qu'elle aurait soin d'appaiser son mari, et que, puisque l'affaire était faite, elle lui pardonnait, à condition d'être plus sage à l'avenir.
Mais c'était prêcher au desert, car devant et après cet accident, elle s'en donnait au cœur joie avec le marquis, et quand elle voyait la reine occupée à la chimie ou à écrite des lettres, elle sortait par la porte du jardin avec un rinquelet sur la tête, le visage enveloppé comme l'ont les femmes de Hambourg, qui ne veulent pas être connues. Le rinquelet est un voile ou écharpe de serge noire fine qu'on met sur la tête et qui couvre les épaules et les bras. La Landini, ainsi déguisée, allait souvent chez un perruquier français nommé La Fortune, dont la femme tenait la main à ce manège. C'est là où le marquis la voyait et en obtenait toutes les faveurs qu'il pouvait souhaiter, et elle y alla si souvent qu'elle devint grosse, comme nous avons dit, et accoucha avant terme d'une belle fille qui fut baptisée et appellée Marie.
La reine la fit élever dans son palais, où elle a toujours demeuré sous l'aile de sa mère, jusqu'à la mort de Sa Majesté. Cet enfant avait une belle voix; on lui apprit à chanter et à jouer des instruments, à quoi elle réussit très bien. Les vertus lui ont fait mériter l'honneur d'entrer au service de Madame la duchesse de Hanovre, un prince de Brunswick qui était à Rome il y a quelque temps, l'ayant fait ramener en Allemagne.
Le Landini, qui ne menaçait sa femme par ses lettres que de meurtre et de poison, lui pardonna enfin aux instantes prières de la reine, qui lui fit du bien pour le dédommager de l'affront que sa femme lui avait fait.
Swedish translation (my own):
Även om drottningen hade reformerat en del av sitt hushåll i Rom, såsom pages, herrarna och andra officerare, betalades ändå lönerna till hertig de Poli och flera stora officerare i hennes kammare, som ett tecken på storhet. Kardinal Azzolino, som inte hade protesterat alltför mycket mot drottningens resa, ty han trodde att hon därigenom skulle moderera sina utgifter för att betala dem, blev mycket förvånad över att höra om hennes överflöd och kunde inte avstå från att skriva om dem till Hennes Majestät genom att låta honom veta att han inte längre kunde underhålla hennes hushåll i Rom, dit hon inte längre skickade något, och att han hade lånat vad han kunde; men att han inte hade mer kredit och att man redan var skyldig en del till tjänstefolket, att han åtminstone bad henne om lov att sälja sina hästar och att dra ner stallet, ty det var den största utgiften.
Drottningen, som inte saknade insikt, inbillade sig ändå att ingen skulle känna till hennes liv i Rom. När hon läste brevet flög hon in i ett fruktansvärt utbrott. Hon klagade över att hon hade lika många spioner som tjänare. Hennes läkare misstänktes, mer än de andra, för att ha skrivit till Rom om hans härskarinnas liv. När denne stackars man dök upp i hennes närvaro, hoppade hon på hans krage och skulle ha strypt honom om han inte blivit tagen ur hennes händer; efter många förolämpningar drev hon honom från sin tjänst, utan att ge honom tid att rättfärdiga sig.
Markisen del Monte, som misstänkte att han skulle vara inblandad, var oerhört nyfiken på att se breven som kom från Rom. Han störde Landini så mycket att hon vågade ta dem från toaletten och till och med från drottningens fickor, när hon låg i sängen, för att få dem upplästa för henne. Han fann vad han letade efter och visste att Azzolino var informerad om allt; det var då som han spelade på skicklighet och gynnade alla dem som tjänade på drottningens överflöd, eftersom var och en plundrade henne på sin sida. Hennes intendent, som hette Pezza, som kardinal Azzolino hade givit henne som en man med hederlighet och stor ekonomi, bad henne flera gånger att få hans räkenskaper och moderera sina utgifter, men hon sade alltid till honom att han inte skulle störa henne om det, att han ville hellre stjäla den som de andra, och att han måtte låta bli med att tala om det.
Fin ekonomi och fin ordning i ett hov som drottningens, som var stolt över att spela filosof och moralisera över allt. Men hennes intendent, i motsats till de vanliga människorna av detta slag, var henne trogen till sin död, vilket skedde strax efter i en liten stad i Braunschweig, när han återvände till Rom med drottningen. Krampernas våld, mitt i vilka han förföll, gjorde det känt att han hade blivit förgiftad, och markisen del Monte misstänktes vara författaren, fastän det då fanns ett rykte, och det trycktes till och med i tidningarna att drottningen låtit döda honom; men det var rent förtal. Hon hade inget hat mot honom, eftersom han tjänade henne väl, men hon gjorde inte heller någon utredning om detta dödsfall; och till och med när hon hade återvänt till Rom, då brodern till denne olycklige mannen kom och kastade sig för hennes fötter och bad henne med tårar och snyftningar att hon skulle göra honom rättvisa, skrattade hon bara åt honom och gav inte ett ord till tröst till stackars mannen.
När det gäller Landini var hon en sömmerska från Paris vid namn Fanchon. Drottningen, som var i Paris, tog henne i sin tjänst på grund av hennes prat, och eftersom hon var ganska välformad och mycket skicklig i vad hon gjorde, gjorde hon henne till en av sina kammarpigor; och kort därefter gifte hon henne med en italienare vid namn Landini, som var en av hennes anspessader och som var en av dem som dödade markisen Monaldeschi på hennes order.
Sedan dess tjänade hon alltid drottningen fram till sin död och följde henne på alla hennes resor. Hennes man hade stannat kvar i Rom på grund av något missnöje, men markisen del Monte tröstade henne så väl för denna frånvaro och kompenserade avsaknaden av anspessad så effektivt att Landini blev havandes, vilket satte henne i den största bestörtning. Drottningen, som var godmodig och som hade medlidande med sitt köns svaghet, uppfattade genom sin vilda blick och sin melankoli att det fanns ånger i hennes samvete; och genom att inte fråga henne fick hon veta sanningen om allt. Hon sade till henne att ha gott mod och inte misströsta, att hon skulle se till att blidka sin man, och att hon, när affären var gjord, skulle förlåta henne, på villkor att hon skulle bli klokare i framtiden.
Men det var att predika i öknen, ty före och efter denna olycka njöt hon av markisen till fullo, och när hon såg drottningen sysselsatt med kemi eller att skriva brev, gick hon ut genom trädgårdsdörren med en rinquelet på huvudet, hennes ansikte lindat som hos kvinnorna i Hamburg, som inte vill bli kända. En rinquelet är en slöja eller halsduk av fin svart serge som sätts på huvudet och täcker axlar och armar. Landini, så förklädd, gick ofta till en fransk perukmakare vid namn La Fortune, vars fru höll handen i detta trick. Det var där markisen såg henne och fick alla tjänster han kunde önska sig, och hon gick dit så ofta att hon blev havande, som vi har sagt, och hon födde i förtid en vacker dotter som blev döpt och kallad Maria.
Drottningen lät uppfostra henne i sitt palats, där hon alltid stannade, under sin mors vingar, till Hennes Majestäts död. Detta barn hade en vacker röst; hon fick lära sig att sjunga och spela instrument, vilket hon lyckades mycket bra med. Dessa dygder gav henne äran att träda i tjänst hos madam hertiginnan av Hannover, och en prins av Braunschweig, som var i Rom för en tid sedan, har fört henne tillbaka till Tyskland.
Landini, som genom sina brev endast hotade sin hustru med mord och gift, förlät henne slutligen på drottningens uppriktiga bön, som gjorde honom gott att kompensera honom för den kränkning hans hustru hade gjort honom.
English translation (by Hollingworth):
Although the Queen had Reform'd one part of her House at Rome, as that of her Pages, Gentlemen, and other Officers, yet for the sake of her Grandeur, the Salaries of the Duke of Poli and other great Officers of her Chamber, were constantly paid. Cardinal Azzolini, who had not been much against the Queen's Journey, believing she would have moderated her Expences, and by it have clear'd her self out of Debt; being very much surpriz'd to hear of the Queen's profuse way of Living, could not forbear Writing to her Majesty, and giving her to understand that he could not support her House at Rome, whither she sent nothing since her Departure from thence; That he had Borrow'd what Money he was able, and had no further Credit; And that there was a considerable Sum owing to her Domesticks for Wages; That he desir'd she would at least give him permission to put off her Stables, and sell the Horses, because this was of very great Expence to her there. The Queen who wanted not a quick Apprehension in other things, did not believe that the Life she lead Abroad, had been so well known at Rome, and upon the reading this Letter, fell into a very great and fearful transport of Passion. She complain'd, that she had as many Spies about her as she had Servants; and her Physician was suspected to have written an Account of his Mistress's Actions to Rome. The poor Man was sent for into her Presence, and she took him by the Collar and would have Strangled him, if he had not been Rescued out of her Hands; and after a Thousand injurious Reproaches, she turn'd him out of her Service, without giving him leave to Justifie himself. The Marquiss Del Monte doubting lest he should also be taken to Task, had an extraordinary Curiosity to see the Letters which came from Rome, and importun'd Landini, a she Favourite of the Queen's so much, that she ventured to take some of them out of her Toilet, and others out of her Pocket when she was in Bed. By this means he found what he sought for, and knew that Azzolini was inform'd of all. From thenceforward he therefore took all those into his Interests who made their Advantage of the Queen's Extravagance; for indeed, almost every one Pillag'd her, and was for catching at what he could for himself. But her Intendant, whose name was Pezze, whom the Cardinal had recommended as a man of Integrity and great skill in the management of Houshold Affairs, did very often beseech her to look into his Accounts, and to moderate her Expences: But she always told him she would never Quarrel with him, and that she had rather trust him than any other, and desir'd him not to trouble her with his Books. This was fine Oeconomy and excellent Order in a Queen's Court, who pretended her self a Philosopher, and Moraliz'd upon all things. But for all this, the Intendant or Steward, contrary to the usual and general Practice and Principles of those of his Profession, was Faithful to her even to his Death, which happened to him not long after in a small Village in Brun[s]wick, as he was returning with the Queen for Rome. The violence of the Convulsions, in which he Expired, did apparently demonstrate that he was Poyson'd, and the Marquiss was supposed to be the Author; though it was nois'd Abroad at that time and Printed in some Gazetts, that the Queen had caused him to be Kill'd, which I am apt to believe, was meer Calumny, for she could have no Hatred against him, seeing he serv'd her very well. Yet she never made any Enquiries into the manner of his Death; and after she was come back to Rome, when the Brother of this Unhappy Person, came to throw himself at her Feet, and to beg Justice of her with Tears and Sighs, she did nothing but Laugh, and gave not so much as one word of Comfort to the poor Man.
As for Landini, she had been a Sempstress at Paris, and her Name was Fanchon. The Queen being at Paris, took her into her Service for her Talkativeness, and because she was tolerably Handsome, and very Handy in whatever she did. Her Majesty made her one of the Women of her Chamber, and a little after Married her to an Italian called Landini, who was one of her Anspessades, and one of them who Kill'd the Marquiss Monaldeschi by her Order.
She serv'd the Queen to her dying day, and follow'd her in all her Travels. Her Husband stay'd at Rome by reason of some Indisposition; but the Marquiss did so well Comfort her in his Absence, and so efficaciously supposed the want of the Anspes[s]ade, that Landini became big with Child, which put her into a terrible Consternation.
But the Queen who was good Natur'd and pitied the weakness of those of her Sex, perceived by her Countenance and Melancholy Behaviour, that [she] had some Trouble upon her Spirits, and by the force of Questions understanding the Truth of the whole Matter, she bid her be of good Courage, and not Despair, for she would take care to Pacifie her Husband.
And since the thing was done, she Pardon'd her upon the condition she would be wiser for the time to come. But alas, she Preach'd to an hardened Impenitent, for both before and after this Accident, she gave her self intirely up to the Embraces of the Marquiss.
For whenever she saw the Queen busie in her Chymistry, or in writing Letters, she would go out at the Garden Gate to her Gallant, with a Rinquelet upon her Head, and her Face cover'd like the Women of Hamburgh when they have no mind to be known. A Rinquelet is a kind of Veil, made of fine black Serge, which being put over the Head, covers both the Arms and Shoulders. L[a]ndini went often thus Disguis'd to a French Perriwig Makers, called La Fortune, whose Wife was the Manager of their Intrigue. 'Twas there the Marquiss us'd to meet her, and obtain all the Favours he could wish for; but she went so often that at last she became Big, as I [have] been saying, and came somewhat before her time, being brought to Bed of a pretty Female Child, which was Baptized and Named Mary.
This the Queen took and [brought] up in her Palace, and there she always lived under her Mother's Wing, till her Majesties Death. The Child having a fine Voice, as she grew up, was taught to Sing and Play on divers Instruments, and became very skilful in Musick, insomuch, that one of the Princes of Brunswick, who Resided for some time at Rome, immediately after the Queen's Death, carried her back into Germany, where she had the Honour of being admitted into the Service of the Dutchess of Hanouer, by means of these Qualifications.
As for Landini, the Husband, who threatned his Wife by Letters, with nothing less than Murder and Poyson, at last did Pardon her, through the instant Prayers and intreaties of the Queen, who also gave him wherewithal to make Attonement for the Injury and Affront his Wife had done him.
With modernised spelling and punctuation for easier reading:
Although the Queen had reformed one part of her house at Rome, as that of her pages, gentlemen and other officers, yet for the sake of her grandeur, the salaries of the Duke of Poli and other great officers of her chamber were constantly paid. Cardinal Azzolini, who had not been much against the Queen's journey, believing she would have moderated her expenses and by it have cleared herself out of debt, being very much surprised to hear of the Queen's profuse way of living, could not forbear writing to Her Majesty and giving her to understand that he could not support her house at Rome, whither she sent nothing since her departure from thence; that he had borrowed what money he was able and had no further credit; and that there was a considerable sum owing to her domestics for wages. That he desired she would at least give him permission to put off her stables and sell the horses, because this was of very great expense to her there.
The Queen, who wanted not a quick apprehension in other things, did not believe that the life she lead abroad had been so well known at Rome, and, upon the reading this letter, fell into a very great and fearful transport of passion. She complained that she had as many spies about her as she had servants; and her physician was suspected to have written an account of his mistress's actions to Rome. The poor man was sent for into her presence, and she took him by the collar and would have strangled him if he had not been rescued out of her hands; and, after a thousand injurious reproaches, she turned him out of her service without giving him leave to justify himself.
The Marquis del Monte, doubting lest he should also be taken to task, had an extraordinary curiosity to see the letters which came from Rome and importuned Landini, a she-favourite of the Queen's, so much that she ventured to take some of them out of her toilette and others out of her pocket when she was in bed. By this means, he found what he sought for and knew that Azzolini was informed of all. From thenceforward, he therefore took all those into his Interests who made their advantage of the Queen's extravagance; for, indeed, almost everyone pillaged her, and was for catching at what he could for himself. But her intendant, whose name was Pezza, whom the Cardinal had recommended as a man of integrity and great skill in the management of household affairs, did very often beseech her to look into his accounts and to moderate her expences, but she always told him she would never quarrel with him, and that she had rather trust him than any other, and desired him not to trouble her with his books.
This was fine economy and excellent order in a Queen's court, who pretended herself a philosopher and moralised upon all things. But for all this, the intendant or steward, contrary to the usual and general practice and principles of those of his profession, was faithful to her even to his death, which happened to him not long after in a small village in Brunswick, as he was returning with the Queen for Rome. The violence of the convulsions in which he expired did apparently demonstrate that he was poisoned, and the Marquis was supposed to be the author; though it was noised abroad at that time and printed in some gazettes that the Queen had caused him to be killed, which I am apt to believe was mere calumny, for she could have no hatred against him, seeing he served her very well. Yet she never made any enquiries into the manner of his death; and after she was come back to Rome, when the brother of this unhappy person came to throw himself at her feet and to beg justice of her with tears and sighs, she did nothing but laugh and gave not so much as one word of comfort to the poor man.
As for Landini, she had been a seamstress at Paris, and her name was Fanchon. The Queen, being at Paris, took her into her service for her talkativeness, and because she was tolerably handsome and very handy in whatever she did, Her Majesty made her one of the women of her chamber; and a little after married her to an Italian called Landini, who was one of her anspessades and one of them who killed the Marquis Monaldeschi by her order.
She served the Queen to her dying day and followed her in all her travels. Her husband stayed at Rome by reason of some indisposition, but the Marquis did so well comfort her in his absence and so efficaciously supposed the want of the anspessade that Landini became big with child, which put her into a terrible consternation.
But the Queen, who was good-natured and pitied the weakness of those of her sex, perceived by her countenance and melancholy behaviour, that [she] had some trouble upon her spirits, and by the force of questions understanding the truth of the whole matter, she bid her be of good courage and not despair, for she would take care to pacify her husband. And since the thing was done, she pardoned her upon the condition she would be wiser for the time to come.
But alas, she preached to an hardened impenitent, for, both before and after this accident, she gave herself entirely up to the embraces of the Marquis. For, whenever she saw the Queen busy in her chemistry or in writing letters, she would go out at the garden gate to her gallant, with a rinquelet upon her head and her face covered like the women of Hamburg when they have no mind to be known. A Rinquelet is a kind of veil made of fine black serge, which, being put over the head, covers both the arms and shoulders. Landini went often thus disguised to a French perriwig maker's, called La Fortune, whose wife was the manager of their intrigue. 'Twas there the Marquis used to meet her and obtain all the favours he could wish for; but she went so often that at last she became big, as I [have] been saying, and came somewhat before her time, being brought to bed of a pretty female child, which was baptised and named Mary.
This the Queen took and [brought] up in her palace, and there she always lived, under her mother's wing, till Her Majesty's death. The child having a fine voice, as she grew up, was taught to sing and play on diverse instruments and became very skillful in music, insomuch that one of the Princes of Brunswick, who resided for some time at Rome, immediately after the Queen's death, carried her back into Germany, where she had the honour of being admitted into the service of the Duchess of Hanover, by means of these qualifications.
As for Landini the husband, who threatened his wife by letters with nothing less than murder and poison, at last did pardon her, through the instant prayers and entreaties of the Queen, who also gave him wherewithal to make atonement for the injury and affront his wife had done him.
English translation (my own):
Although the Queen had reformed a part of her household in Rome, such as the pages, the gentlemen and other officers, nevertheless, as a mark of greatness, the salaries of the Duke de Poli and of several great officers of her chamber were still paid. Cardinal Azzolino, who had not objected too much to the Queen's journey, believing that she would thereby moderate her expenses in order to discharge them, was greatly surprised to learn of her profusions and could not refrain from writing about them to Her Majesty by letting him know that he could no longer maintain her household in Rome, where she no longer sent anything, and that he had borrowed what he could; but that he had no more credit and that one already owed some quarters to the servants, that he at least asked her for permission to sell her horses and to pull down the stable, because that was the biggest expense.
The Queen, who did not lack insight, nevertheless imagined that no one would know of her life in Rome. Upon reading the letter, she flew into a frightful outburst. She complained that she had as many spies as servants. Her physician was suspected, more than the others, of having written to Rome about the life of his mistress. When this poor man appeared in her presence, she leapt at his collar and would have strangled him if he had not been taken from her hands; after many insults, she drove him from her service, without giving him time to justify himself.
The Marquis del Monte, who suspected that he would be involved, was extremely curious to see the letters which came from Rome. He bothered Landini so much that she ventured to take them from the toilette and even from the Queen's pockets, when she was in bed, to have them read to her. He found what he was looking for and knew that Azzolino was informed of everything; it was then that he played on skill and favoured all those who profited from the Queen's profusions, because each plundered her on his side. Her intendant, named Pezza, whom Cardinal Azzolino had given to her as a man of probity and great economy, begged her several times to receive his accounts and to moderate her expenses, but she always told him that not to bother her about it, that he would rather steal it like the others, and that he leave it alone.
Fine economy and fine order in a court like that of the Queen, who prided herself on playing the philosopher and moralising on all things. But her intendant, contrary to the usual people of this sort, was faithful to her until his death, which happened soon after in a little town of Brunswick, on returning to Rome with the Queen. The violence of the convulsions, in the midst of which he expired, made it known that he had been poisoned, and the Marquis del Monte was suspected of being the author, although there was then a rumour, and it was even printed in the gazettes, that the Queen had caused him to be killed; but it was pure calumny. She had no hatred against him, seeing that he served her well, but also she made no investigation into this death; and even when she had returned to Rome, the brother of this unfortunate man having come and thrown himself at her feet, begging her with tears and sobs to do him justice, she only laughed at him and did not give one word of consolation to the poor man.
As for Landini, she was a seamstress from Paris named Fanchon. The Queen, being in Paris, took her into her service because of her chatter, and because she was rather well-formed and very skillful in what she did, she made her one of her chambermaids; and shortly afterwards, she married her to an Italian named Landini, who was one of her anspessades and who was one of those who killed the Marquis Monaldeschi by her order.
Since then, she always served the Queen until her death and followed her on all her travels. Her husband had remained in Rome due to some indisposition, but the Marquis del Monte consoled her so well for this absence and made up for the lack of the anspessade so effectively that Landini became pregnant, which put her in the greatest consternation. The Queen, who was good and who had compassion for the weakness of her sex, perceived by her wild look and her melancholy that there was remorse in her conscience; and, by dint of questioning her, she learned the truth of everything. She told her to have good courage and not to despair, that she would take care to appease her husband, and that, as the deal was done, she would forgive her, on condition that she be wiser in future.
But it was preaching in the desert, because before and after this accident, she enjoyed the Marquis to her heart's content, and when she saw the Queen occupied with chemistry or writing letters, she went out by the garden door with a rinquelet on the head, her face wrapped like those of the women of Hamburg, who do not want to be known. The rinquelet is a veil or scarf of fine black serge that is put on the head and covers the shoulders and arms. Landini, thus disguised, often went to a French wigmaker named La Fortune, whose wife held the hand in this trick. It was there where the Marquis saw her and obtained all the favours he could wish for, and she went there so often that she became pregnant, as we have said, and she gave birth prematurely to a beautiful daughter, who was baptised and called Maria.
The Queen had her brought up in her palazzo, where she always remained, under her mother's wing, until Her Majesty's death. This child had a beautiful voice; she was taught to sing and play instruments, at which she succeeded very well. These virtues earned her the honour of entering the service of Madame the Duchess of Hanover, and a Prince of Brunswick, who was in Rome some time ago, has brought her back to Germany.
Landini, who only threatened his wife by his letters with murder and poison, finally forgave her at the earnest entreaties of the Queen, who did him good to compensate him for the affront his wife had done him.
Notes: Dr. Cesare Macchiati served as Kristina's physician from 1655 until his death on June 3, 1675. It is known from Bildt's research that Kristina fired the barber surgeon five times.
Giovanni Francesco Pezza did indeed die during the return journey to Rome in 1668.
Francesca Landini, née Portui, was one of Kristina's ladies-in-waiting and was married in Hamburg to Francesco Landini, who was the captain of Kristina's guards. She was one of the few women Kristina ever showed any kind of personal interest in.
Maria Landini was indeed raised in Kristina's household and grew up being trained in music and singing. She was indeed Francesca's daughter by the Marquis del Monte and was born in Hamburg in 1668, although the exact date of her birth has been lost to history. She was nicknamed Mariuccia, and there are records that by the late 1680s she was regularly performing in private concerts at Kristina's court, where she often sang together with Kristina's other favourite singer, Angelica Giorgina Voglia.
After Kristina's death in 1689, Mariuccia went to Germany and entered the service of Sophia Charlotte of Hanover. In 1695 she married an actor called Chateauneuf and sometimes was known as Landini di Chateauneuf or Castelnovo. They had three children: Ferdinando, Francesca and Caterina. Mariuccia was active in the Italian opera houses from 1698, when she was in the service of the Duke of Mantua. She also appeared in Venice, Genoa, Casale Monferrato, Livorno, Modena and Bologna before moving to Vienna in 1710, where she became the prima donna of Emperor Karl VI's court theater, and she became a soprano opera singer at the imperial court there from 1711 until her death in 1722. She created numerous soprano roles in operas and oratorios by Fux, Caldara and Francesco Bartolomeo Conti, the latter of whom was her second husband, married in 1714. Mariuccia was reputedly the highest paid musician in Vienna at that time.
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