Sources:
Histoire des intrigues galantes de la reine Christine de Suede: et de sa cour, pendant son sejour à Rome, pages 56 to 61, 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:
Quelque tems avant que la Reine partît de Hambourg pour retourner à Rome, elle donna un magnifique repas à plusieurs grands Seigneurs & Dames qui étoient dans les interests de la Suede, & le Marquis Delmonte eut l'Intendance de ce festin. On le prepara dans un jeu de paume, ou tout au tour on fit des echafauts comme à un Theatre de Comedie, pour y mettre les spectateurs. Je n'entreprendray point d'en faire la description, & ne parlerai point de la delicatesse & de l'abondance des mets, qui furent apprêtez dans la derniere propreté, une autre plume plus eloquente que la mienne ne diroit rien contre la verité, quand elle le compareroit aux banquets les plus somptueux des anciens, & quand elle y feroit entrer des Instrumens & des concerts mélez des voix les plus charmantes, avec des illuminations qui faisoient honte aux rayon du soleil. Il y eut ensuite Bal, & Ballet, les Dames & les Cavaliers y dansérent de bonne grace, enfin la joye fut entiere, le Marquis Delmonte eut plus de sujet d'en être content qu'aucun autre, car outre la part qu'il prit à la bonne chere, & aux autres divertissemens de la vue, & de l'ouïe, il profita dans la foule, des faveurs qu'il obtint de quelques Dames faciles, mais sur tout il n'oublia pas ses interests, car clairet ma assuré qu'il grapilla plus de cent pistolles, & que pour maintenir la Landini à sa devotion, il la prit par la main, & la fit danser en qualité de fille d'honneur de la Reine, encore que ce titre ne lui fût pas dû, puisque ce n'étoit au plus qu'une miserable soubrette, que sa mauvaise conduite auroit fait chasser d'une autre maison, un peu mieux reglée que celle de la Reine Christine.
La Reine revint enfin pour la 3. fois à Rome, pour n'en plus sortir. Elle y arriva sous le Pontificat de Clement IX, qu'on peut dire avoir été l'âge d'or de nôtre Siecle, comme le Pontificat d'Innocent XI, en a été l'âge de fer. En effet sous le regne des Rospigliosi, la Cour de Rome devint si magnifique, qu'elle surpassoit toutes les autres en splendeur, & en galanterie. On y voyoit tous les jours des spectacles nouveaux, tantôt une entrée d'Ambassadeur, tantôt une promotion de Cardinaux, aujourdhuy une fête, demain une Cavalcade; les divertissemens se succédoient les uns aux autres, on donnoit ordinairement le matin à la devotion, & aux affaires, aprés le repas qui étoit d'ordinaire abondant & servi d'une propreté extraordinaire (car on commençoit à se traiter à la Françoise) on alloit à la Comedie, & à l'Opera, où il y avoit des machines surprenantes, ou bien on entendoit une serenade composée d'une excellente musique, mêlée de concerts, & d'une simphonie charmante. Le Saint Pere qui étoit naturellement genereux & bien-faisant, inspiroit ces belles qualitez à ses neveux, l'Avarice ne dominoit point ces jeunes Seigneurs, comme elle a coûtume de faire sous les autres Pontificats, au contraire ils depensoient plus que leurs revenus ne permettoient; cependant ils ont si bien sçû faire par leurs alliances, qu'ils sont encore aujourdhuy les Princes les plus riches de Rome. Les Dames étoient toutes galantes, on introduisit alors les modes Françoises, & elles parurent si charmantes sous ces habits, qu'elles n'ont pû se resoudre depuis à quitter ces modes où elles ont toûjours rencheri, ensorte qu'à present le luxe est excessif à Rome. L'amour ne manqua pas d'être de la partie, & plusieurs s'embarquérent sous ses enseignes, esperans de faire un heureux voyage sous un Reigne si florissant, mais ce bon tems ne dura guêres, la mort prematurée du Pape rompit bien des intrigues adroitement commencées, parceque cet accident fit changer la fortune, & les interests de bien des gens. Clement X. ayant été créé en 1671. aprés cinq mois de Conclave, on reprit le même train de vie qu'auparavant, car le Cardinal Altieri qui gouverna l'état Ecclesiastique sous son Pontificat, aprés avoir été adopté pour neveu par Clement X, ne se mettoit pas beaucoup en peine de reforme, pourvû qu'il amassât du bien, dont on sçait qu'il a été toûjours assez avide, ainsi il y avoit grande liberté de se ruiner par des profusions excessives. Le Prince Don Gaspard Neveu du Pape par sa femme, quoy qu'il n'eût pas les manieres aisées & agreables des Rospigliosi, ne laissoit pas de paroître galant, & magnifique; les Dames se parérent mieux que jamais, on ne vit dans ces commencemens que des rejouissances dans Rome, des promotions de Cardinaux, & des entrées superbes d'Ambassadeurs. La premiere fut celle de Portugal qui fut fort solemnelle, parce qu'elle se fit en Cavalcade à cause que c'étoit une Ambassade d'obedience, c'est à dire que c'étoit la premiere fois que le Roy de Portugal envoyoit une Ambassade à Rome, depuis que sa famille étoit remontée sur le trône, & il lui étoit glorieux d'être reconnu du souverain Pontife au nombre des têtes couronnées. On vid aprés cela l'entrée de Monsieur le Duc Détrées Ambassadeur de France, qui ne fut pas moins splendide que la precédente, quoy qu'elle ne se fît qu'en carosses, où l'on en vid paroître plus de 500. tous tirez par six chevaux, avec des livrées trés riches, sur tout celles de l'Ambassadeur, la maison d'etrées se faisant un honneur de paroître magnifique & pompeuse, dans toutes les fonctions qu'elle entreprend pour le service, & pour la gloire de son grand monarque. On introduisit alors les Comedies publiq[ues]; durant le Carnaval, à Torro di Nona, par les soins du Comte d'Alibert & de ses Associez; on y pratiqua une somptueuse loge pour la Reine d'une magnificence extraordinaire, où les dorures & les autres ornemens n'étoient pas épargnez, tapissée de damas & autres riches etoffes à dentelles & franges d'or. Cette loge pouvoit contenir 15. ou 16. personnes, & il y avoit toûjours dix ou douze Cardinaux qui venoient a la Comedie pour faire honneur, & Compagnie à la Reine, aussi bien qu'en sa galerie vitrée au bout du Cours en la place St. Marc, au coin de la rue St. Romuald, où elle avoit loüé un petit palais, pour voir les mascarades dont tout le cours est rempli durant le Carnaval. La Reine quoy qu'elle eût en ce tems-là passé sa quarantiéme année, conservoit encore beaucoup de brillant: Enfin l'ouverture du Theatre se fit, & les comediens reussirent augré de tout le monde, d'autant plus que sa Majesté y fit introduire de belles chanteuses, qui charmoient les oreilles par la douceur de leurs voix, & les yeux par les agrémens de leurs personnes, & par la magnificence de leurs habits. ...
With modernised spelling:
Quelque temps avant que la reine partît de Hambourg pour retourner à Rome, elle donna un magnifique repas à plusieurs grands seigneurs et dames qui étaient dans les intérêts de la Suède, et le marquis del Monte eut l'intendance de ce festin. On le prépara dans un jeu de paume, ou tout au tour on fit des échaffauts comme à un théâtre de comédie, pour y mettre les spectateurs. Je n'entreprendrai point d'en faire la déscription et ne parlerai point de la délicatesse et de l'abondance des mets qui furent apprêtés dans la dernière propreté. Une autre plume plus éloquente que la mienne ne dirait rien contre la vérité quand elle le comparerait aux banquets les plus somptueux des anciens, et quand elle y ferait entrer des instruments et des concerts mêlés des voix les plus charmantes, avec des illuminations qui faisaient honte aux rayon du soleil. Il y eut ensuite bal et ballet; les dames et les cavaliers y dansèrent de bonne grâce.
Enfin la joie fut entière, le marquis del Monte eut plus de sujet d'en être content qu'aucun autre; car, outre la part qu'il prit à la bonne chère et aux autres divertissements de la vue et de l'ouïe, il profita dans la foule, des faveurs qu'il obtint de quelques dames faciles. Mais, surtout, il n'oublia pas ses intérêts, car Clairet m'a assuré qu'il grapilla plus de cent pistoles et que, pour maintenir la Landini à sa dévotion, il la prit par la main et la fit danser en qualité de fille d'honneur de la reine, encore que ce titre ne lui fût pas dû, puisque ce n'était au plus qu'une miserable soubrette que sa mauvaise conduite aurait fait chasser d'une autre maison un peu mieux réglée que celle de la reine Christine.
La reine revint enfin pour la 3e fois à Rome, pour n'en plus sortir. Elle y arriva sous le pontificat de Clément IX, qu'on peut dire avoir été l'âge d'or de notre siècle, comme le pontificat d'Innocent XI en a été l'âge de fer. En effet, sous le règne des Rospigliosi, la Cour de Rome devint si magnifique qu'elle surpassait toutes les autres en splendeur et en galanterie. On y voyait tous les jours des spectacles nouveaux: tantôt une entrée d'ambassadeur, tantôt une promotion de cardinaux, aujourd'hui une fête, demain une cavalcade. Les divertissements se succédaient les uns aux autres.
On donnait ordinairement le matin à la dévotion et aux affaires; après le repas, qui était d'ordinaire abondant et servi d'une propreté extraordinaire (car on commençait à se traiter à la française), on allait à la comédie et à l'opera, où il y avait des machines surprenantes, ou bien on entendait une sérénade composée d'une excellente musique, mêlée de concerts et d'une symphonie charmante.
Le Saint Père, qui était naturellement généreux et bienfaisant, inspirait ces belles qualités à ses neveux. L'avarice ne dominait point ces jeunes seigneurs, comme elle a coutume de faire sous les autres pontificats. Au contraire, ils dépensaient plus que leurs revenus ne permettaient; cependant, ils ont si bien su faire par leurs alliances qu'ils sont encore aujourd'hui les princes les plus riches de Rome. Les dames étaient toutes galantes; on introduisit alors les modes françaises, et elles parurent si charmantes sous ces habits qu'elles n'ont pu se résoudre depuis à quitter ces modes où elles ont toujours renchéri, ensorte qu'à présent le luxe est excessif à Rome. L'amour ne manqua pas d'être de la partie, et plusieurs s'embarquèrent sous ses enseignes, espérant de faire un heureux voyage sous un règne si florissant.
Mais ce bon temps ne dura guère. La mort prématurée du pape rompit bien des intrigues adroitement commencées, parce que cet accident fit changer la fortune et les intérêts de bien des gens. Clément X, ayant été créé en 1671, après cinq mois de conclave, on reprit le même train de vie qu'auparavant, car le cardinal Altieri, qui gouverna l'État Ecclesiastique sous son pontificat, après avoir été adopté pour neveu par Clément X, ne se mettait pas beaucoup en peine de reforme, pourvu qu'il amassât du bien, dont on sait qu'il a été toujours assez avide; ainsi il y avait grande liberté de se ruiner par des profusions excessives.
Le prince Don Gaspard, neveu du pape par sa femme, quoiqu'il n'eût pas les manières aisées et agréables des Rospigliosi, ne laissait pas de paraître galant et magnifique. Les dames se parèrent mieux que jamais. On ne vit dans ces commencements que des réjouissances dans Rome, des promotions de cardinaux, et des entrées superbes d'ambassadeurs. La première fut celle de Portugal qui fut fort solemnelle, parce qu'elle se fit en cavalcade, à cause que c'était une ambassade d'obédience; c'est à dire que c'était la premiere fois que le roi de Portugal envoyait une ambassade à Rome, depuis que sa famille était remontée sur le trône, et il lui était glorieux d'être reconnu du souverain pontife au nombre des têtes couronnées.
On vit après cela l'entrée de Monsieur le duc d'Estrées, ambassadeur de France, qui ne fut pas moins splendide que la précédente, quoiqu'elle ne se fît qu'en carosses, où l'on en vit paraître plus de 500, tous tirés par six chevaux, avec des livrées très riches, surtout celles de l'ambassadeur, la maison d'Estrées se faisant un honneur de paraître magnifique et pompeuse dans toutes les fonctions qu'elle entreprend pour le service et pour la gloire de son grand monarque.
On introduisit alors les comédies publiques durant le Carnaval, à Torro di Nona, par les soins du Comte d'Alibert et de ses associés. On y pratiqua une somptueuse loge pour la reine d'une magnificence extraordinaire, où les dorures et les autres ornements n'étaient pas épargnés, tapissée de damas et autres riches étoffes à dentelles et franges d'or. Cette loge pouvait contenir 15 ou 16 personnes, et il y avait toujours dix ou douze cardinaux qui venaient à la comédie pour faire honneur et compagnie à la reine, aussi bien qu'en sa galerie vitrée au bout du cours en la place Saint Marc, au coin de la rue Saint Romuald, où elle avait loué un petit palais pour voir les mascarades dont tout le cours est rempli durant le Carnaval.
La reine, quoiqu'elle eût en ce temps-là passé sa quarantième année, conservait encore beaucoup de brillant. Enfin, l'ouverture du théâtre se fit; et les comédiens réussirent augré de tout le monde, d'autant plus que Sa Majesté y fit introduire de belles chanteuses qui charmaient les oreilles par la douceur de leurs voix et les yeux, par les agréments de leurs personnes, et par la magnificence de leurs habits. ...
Swedish translation (my own):
En tid innan drottningen lämnade Hamburg för att återvända till Rom, gav hon en storartad måltid åt flera stora herrar och damer som var i Sveriges intresse, och markisen del Monte hade förvaltningen av denna fest. De förberedde den i ett hovspel, eller runtomkring gjorde de byggnadsställningar som på en komedi-teater, för att placera åskådarna där. Jag vill inte åta mig att beskriva det, och jag vill inte tala om delikatessen och överflöd av de rätter som tillagades med största renhet. En annan penna som var mer vältalig än min skulle inte säga något emot sanningen när den skulle jämföra den med de gamlas mest överdådiga banketter, och när hon tog in instrument och konserter blandade med de mest charmerande röster, med belysningar som överträffade solens strålar. Det var då bal och balett; damerna och kavaljererna dansade där med god elegans.
Äntligen var glädjen fullkomlig, och markisen del Monte hade mer anledning att vara nöjd med den än någon annan; ty förutom den del han tog i det goda jubeln och andra underhållningar som var att se och höra, utnyttjade han i skaran av de ynnest som han erhöll av några lättfotade damer. Men framför allt glömde han inte sina intressen, ty Clairet försäkrade mig att han plockade mer än hundra pistoles och att han, för att hålla Landini vid sin hängivenhet, tog henne i handen och fick henne att dansa som drottnings kammarjungfru, även om den här titeln inte berodde på henne, ty hon var intet mer än en eländig piga vars dåliga beteende skulle ha drivit henne ut ur ett annat hushåll som var lite bättre reglerat än drottning Kristinas.
Drottningen återvände äntligen till Rom för tredje gången, för att aldrig mer lämna därifrån. Hon kom dit under Clemens IX:s pontifikat, som kan sägas ha varit vårt århundrades guldålder, eftersom Innocentius XI:s pontifikat var dess järnålder. Javisst, under Rospigliosis regeringstid blev Roms hov så storartat att det överträffade alla andra i prakt och tapperhet. Det var nya skådespel varje dag: ibland ett inträde av en ambassadör, ibland ett befordran av kardinaler, idag en fest, imorgon en kavalkad. Underhållningarna följde efter varandra.
Morgnarna ägnades vanligtvis åt devotion och angelägenheter; efter måltiden, som vanligtvis var riklig och serverad med enastående renlighet (ty folk började traktera sig på franskt vis), gick de till komedin och operan, där det fanns överraskande maskiner, eller så hördes en serenad sammansatt av utmärkt musik, blandat med konserter och en charmerande symfoni.
Den Helige Fadern, som var naturligt generös och välgörande, inspirerade sina nevöer till dessa fina egenskaper. Girighet dominerade inte dessa unga herrar, som det brukar göra under andra pontifikat. Tvärtom, spenderade de mer än vad deras inkomster tillät; dock visste de hur de skulle klara sig så bra genom sina allianser att de fortfarande idag är Roms rikaste furstar. Damerna var alla galanta; franska moden introducerades då, och de verkade så charmiga i dessa kläder, att de sedan dess inte kunnat bestämma sig för att lämna dessa mode, där de alltid varit dyrast, så att lyxen för närvarande är överdriven i Rom. Kärleken misslyckades inte med att vara en del av den, och många gick in under dess fanor i hopp om att göra en lycklig resa under en sådan blomstrande regering.
Men denna goda tid varade inte länge. Påvens förtida död bröt många intriger på ett skickligt sätt, eftersom denna olycka förändrade många människors förmögenheter och intressen. Clemens X hade skapats 1671 efter en fem månaders konklav, och samma livsstil återupptogs som tidigare, eftersom kardinal Altieri, som styrde den Kyrkliga Staten under sitt pontifikat, efter att ha blivit adopterad som nevö av Clemens X, inte satte sig själv till mycket besvär för reformer, förutsatt att han samlade gott, varav vi vet att han alltid var ganska girig; sålunda fanns det stor frihet att fördärva sig själv genom alltför stora överflöd.
Prins Don Gaspare, nevö till påven genom sin hustru, fastän han inte hade Rospigliosis lätta och behagliga sätt, misslyckades inte med att framstå som galant och storartad. Damerna klädde sig bättre än någonsin. Man såg i dessa början bara glädje i Rom, befordran av kardinaler och enastående inträden av ambassadörer. Den första var Portugals, som var mycket högtidlig eftersom den ägde rum i kavalkad, ty det var en lydnads ambassad; det vill säga, det var första gången som konungen av Portugal skickade en ambassad till Rom sedan hans familj besteg tronen, och det var härligt för honom att bli erkänd av den suveräna påven bland de krönta huvudena.
Man såg efter det inträdet av monsieur hertigen d'Estrées, Frankrikes ambassadör, vilket inte var mindre praktfullt än det föregående, även om det bara gjordes i vagnar, i vilka mer än 500 uppträdde, alla dragna av sex hästar, med mycket rika färger, särskilt ambassadörens, gör huset d'Estrées till en ära att framstå som magnifikt och pompöst i alla de funktioner som den åtar sig för tjänsten och för äran för sin store monark.
Offentliga komedier introducerades sedan under Karnevalen, på Torro di Nona, av comte d'Alibert och hans medarbetare. En överdådig loge gjordes där till drottningen av utomordentligt storslagenhet, där förgyllning och andra prydnadsföremål inte skonades, fodrad med damask och andra rika tyger med spets och guldfransar. Den här loge kunde innehålla 15 eller 16 personer, och det var alltid tio eller tolv kardinaler som kom till komedin för att göra heder och sällskap åt drottningen, samt i hennes inglasade galleri i slutet av gården på piazza San Marco, vid hörnet av San Romualdovägen, där hon hade hyrt ett litet palazzo för att se maskeraderna som hela gården är fylld av under Karnevalen.
Drottningen, även om hon vid den tiden var över sitt fyrtionde år, behöll fortfarande mycket briljans. Äntligen öppnade teatern; och skådespelarna lyckades, enligt allas tycke, särskilt som Hennes Majestät hade tagit in vackra sångerskor som charmade öronen med sötma i sina röster och ögon, av sina personers behaglighet och genom sina klänningars storslagenhet. ...
English translation (by Hollingworth):
Before she went away from Hamburgh, she gave a Magnificent Treat to many great Lords and Ladies which were in the Suedish Interest, and the Marquis del Monte was the Superintendant or Manager of this Feast. 'Twas prepared in a very spacious Tennis-Court, around the side whereof were high Scaffolds erected as if for the representing a Comedy in a Theatre, on which a vast number of Spectators were placed to behold it. But I shall not endeavour to make a Description thereof, nor speak of the abundance and delicacy of the Meats, which were dress'd with excellent Skill, and adorned with the greatest Curiosity imaginable. A more Eloquent Pen than mine would write nothing but truth, if he compar'd it with the most sumptuous Banquets of the Antients; and especially when he should introduce the Instruments of Musick, with the most Charming Voices, giving an Account of the most harmonious Consorts perform'd by the skilfullest Hands; and describe the great variety of costly Illuminations, which seem'd even to out-do the Sun it self. After all there was a grand Ball, with variety of Dances, wherein the Cavaliers and Ladies acquitted themselves with great Applause; and the Joy was in all respects perfectly compleat. But the Marquis Del Monte had more reason than any other, for besides the Share he had of the Banquet, and the Entertainment of his Eyes and Ears, he obtain'd Favours of some easie Ladies. But above all [he] forgot not his chief Ends, for Clairet assured me, That above an hundred Pistoles of the Charge of this stuck to his Fingers. And to keep Landini still at his Devotion, he took her by the Hand, and Danc'd with her as Maid of Honour to the Queen, tho' that Title was not at all her due, for she was a very Contemptible Woman, whose ill Conditions and Scandalous Behaviour, would have driven her out of any Family, that had been but a little more regular than that of Queen Christina's.
At last Her Majesty came to Rome the third time, never to go away any more from thence. She arrived under the Pontificate of Clement IX. which may be called the Golden Age of our Times, as that of Innocent IX. the Age of Iron. For indeed under the Reign of Rospigliosi, the Court of Rome became so Magnificent, that it surpassed all others in Splendour and Gallantry. New Shows were to be seen every Day; while we were diverted with the Entry of some Ambassador, another with a promotion of Cardinals; to Day entertain'd with a Feast, and to Morrow with a Cavalcade. The Divertisements succeeded one another in such sort, that commonly the Morning was spent in Devotion and Business, and after Dinner, which was generally very plentiful, and serv'd up with extraordinary Curiosity (for they begun then to follow the French Mode) they went to a Comedy, or Opera, where the Machines were very surprizing, or else heard some great Master's Composition of excellent Musick, performed with variety both of Instruments and Voices. That Holy Father who was naturally Generous, and Beneficent, inspir'd these good Qualities into his Nephews. Avarice had no Dominion over these young Lords, as in the Reigns of other Popes; but on the contrary, they spent more than their Revenues would well allow, and yet they so well knew how to make their Interests in that Court, that they are now the richest Princes in Rome. The Ladies all drest very richly, and the French Modes being then i[n]troduc'd, they appear'd so charming in their Habits, that they could never afterwards resolve to leave them, but have retained them to this very Day; so that at this present Luxury [is] excessive at Rome. Nor did Love fail to make his Party, for many enrol'd themselves under his Banners, hoping to make an happy Progress under so flourishing a Reign. But this good time did not endure long; for the untimely Death of that Pope blasted many Intrigues which were but just in their Bud, because this Accident changed both the Fortune and Interest of a great many people.
Clement X. being made Pope Anno 1671. after a Conclave of six Months, they reassum'd the same Course of living as before. For Cardinal Altieri, who govern'd the Ecclesiastical State under his Pontificate, after he had been adopted Nephew by this, did not put himself to the trouble of reforming any thing, provided he could but heap up Riches for himself, of which he was always known to be covetous enough; so that there was a sufficient Liberty for People to ruine themselves by excessive Profusion. Don Gasper, who by his Nise was the Pope's Nephew, tho' he were not of so easie and so generous a Spirit, as they of the Family of Rospigliosi, appear'd yet very splendid and magnificent, and the Ladies were more glorious than ever. So that in the beginning of this Reign there was nothing to be seen but Rejoycings at Rome; Promotions of Cardinals, and the pompous Entries of Ambassadors. The first was that of Portugal which was very solemn, being performed in a most stately Cavalcade, by reason it was an Ambassade of Obedience; that is to say, it was the the first time the King of Portugal sent an Embassy to Rome, since his Family had reascended that Throne; and it was of no small Glory for him to be acknowledged by the Pope among the number of Crown'd Heads.
After this was the Entry of the French Ambassador the Duke D'Etree's, which was no less splendid than the former, though it was only made in Coaches, there being at least five hundred, drawn by six Horses each, attended with very rich Liveries; but above all that of the Ambassador was most glorious, for the Family of the D'Etree's took great pleasure to appear magnificent and pompous upon all Occasions which they had to express their Zeal for the Service and Honour of their grand Monarch. Then also the publick Comedies were represented at Torra di Nona by the Contrivance of Count Alibert and his Company, during the Carnaval time. A sumptuous Box was there fitted up for the Queen with extraordinary magnificence, whereon neither gilding nor any other Ornaments were spared, and it was hung with Damask, and other rich Stuffs adorned with fine Lace and Fringes of Gold. This Box might contain fifteen or sixteen Persons, and there were always ten or a dozen Cardinals who went to the Comedy to Honour and Accompany the Queen in her Box, as they did also in her glazed Gallery, which was near to the Passage into St. Mark's place, at the corner of the Street called St. Remuald where she had hir'd a Palace to see [the] Masqueraders pass by, with which all that place is usually fill'd during the Carnaval.
The Queen tho' she was at that time above forty Years of Age, yet continued very brisk and gay, and so soon as the Theatre was open'd and the Comedians acted, as they did very well in the Opinions of all; Her Majesty caus'd Women Singers to be brought amongst them, which Charm'd the Ears of the Auditors by the sweetness of their Voices, as they did their Eyes by the agreeableness of their Persons, and richness of their Habits. ...
With modernised spelling and punctuation for easier reading:
Before she went away from Hamburg, she gave a magnificent treat to many great lords and ladies which were in the Swedish interest, and the Marquis del Monte was the superintendent or manager of this feast. 'Twas prepared in a very spacious tennis court, around the side whereof were high scaffolds erected as if for the representing a comedy in a theatre, on which a vast number of spectators were placed to behold it. But I shall not endeavour to make a description thereof, nor speak of the abundance and delicacy of the meats which were dressed with excellent skill and adorned with the greatest curiosity imaginable. A more eloquent pen than mine would write nothing but truth if he compared it with the most sumptuous banquets of the ancients, and especially when he should introduce the instruments of music with the most charming voices, giving an account of the most harmonious consorts performed by the skillfullest hands; and describe the great variety of costly illuminations which seemed even to outdo the sun itself.
After all, there was a grand ball with variety of dances, wherein the cavaliers and ladies acquitted themselves with great applause; and the joy was in all respects perfectly complete. But the Marquis del Monte had more reason than any other, for besides the share he had of the banquet and the entertainment of his eyes and ears, he obtained favours of some easy ladies. But, above all, [he] forgot not his chief ends, for Clairet assured me that above an hundred pistoles of the charge of this stuck to his fingers. And to keep Landini still at his devotion, he took her by the hand and danced with her as maid of honour to the Queen, though that title was not at all her due, for she was a very contemptible woman whose ill conditions and scandalous behaviour would have driven her out of any family that had been but a little more regular than that of Queen Kristina's.
At last Her Majesty came to Rome the third time, never to go away anymore from thence. She arrived under the pontificate of Clement IX, which may be called the golden age of our times, as that of Innocent IX the age of iron. For, indeed, under the reign of Rospigliosi, the court of Rome became so magnificent that it surpassed all others in splendour and gallantry. New shows were to be seen every day: while we were diverted with the entry of some ambassador, another with a promotion of cardinals, today entertained with a feast, and tomorrow with a cavalcade.
The divertisements succeeded one another in such sort that commonly the morning was spent in devotion and business; and after dinner, which was generally very plentiful and served up with extraordinary curiosity (for they begun then to follow the French mode), they went to a comedy or opera, where the machines were very surprising, or else heard some great master's composition of excellent music, performed with variety both of instruments and voices.
That Holy Father, who was naturally generous and beneficent, inspired these good qualities into his nephews. Avarice had no dominion over these young lords, as in the reigns of other popes; but, on the contrary, they spent more than their revenues would well allow, and yet they so well knew how to make their interests in that court that they are now the richest princes in Rome. The ladies all dressed very richly, and, the French modes being then introduced, they appeared so charming in their habits that they could never afterwards resolve to leave them, but have retained them to this very day; so that at this present luxury [is] excessive at Rome. Nor did love fail to make his party, for many enrolled themselves under his banners, hoping to make an happy progress under so flourishing a reign.
But this good time did not endure long, for the untimely death of that Pope blasted many intrigues which were but just in their bud, because this accident changed both the fortune and interest of a great many people. Clement X being made Pope anno 1671 after a conclave of six months, they reassumed the same course of living as before. For Cardinal Altieri, who governed the Ecclesiastical State under his pontificate after he had been adopted nephew by this, did not put himself to the trouble of reforming anything, provided he could but heap up riches for himself, of which he was always known to be covetous enough; so that there was a sufficient liberty for people to ruin themselves by excessive profusion.
Don Gaspar, who by his niece was the Pope's nephew, tho' he were not of so easy and so generous a spirit as they of the family of Rospigliosi, appeared yet very splendid and magnificent, and the ladies were more glorious than ever. So that in the beginning of this reign there was nothing to be seen but rejoicings at Rome, promotions of cardinals, and the pompous entries of ambassadors. The first was that of Portugal, which was very solemn, being performed in a most stately cavalcade, by reason it was an ambassade of obedience; that is to say, it was the the first time the King of Portugal sent an embassy to Rome since his family had reascended that throne; and it was of no small glory for him to be acknowledged by the Pope among the number of crowned heads.
After this was the entry of the French ambassador the Duke d'Estrées, which was no less splendid than the former, though it was only made in coaches, there being at least five hundred, drawn by six horses each, attended with very rich liveries; but above all, that of the Ambassador was most glorious, for the family of the d'Estrées took great pleasure to appear magnificent and pompous upon all occasions which they had to express their zeal for the service and honour of their grand monarch.
Then also the public comedies were represented at Torra di Nona by the contrivance of Count Alibert and his company during the Carnaval time. A sumptuous box was there fitted up for the Queen with extraordinary magnificence, whereon neither gilding nor any other ornaments were spared, and it was hung with damask and other rich stuffs, adorned with fine lace and fringes of gold. This box might contain fifteen or sixteen persons, and there were always ten or a dozen cardinals who went to the comedy to honour and accompany the Queen in her box, as they did also in her glazed gallery, which was near to the passage into Saint Mark's Place, at the corner of the street called Saint Remuald, where she had hired a palace to see [the] masqueraders pass by, with which all that place is usually filled during the Carnaval.
The Queen, though she was at that time above forty years of age, yet continued very brisk and gay; and so soon as the theatre was opened and the comedians acted, as they did very well in the opinions of all, Her Majesty caused women singers to be brought amongst them, which charmed the ears of the auditors by the sweetness of their voices, as they did their eyes by the agreeableness of their persons and richness of their habits. ...
English translation (my own; this is more accurate):
Some time before the Queen left Hamburg to return to Rome, she gave a magnificent meal to several great lords and ladies who were in the interests of Sweden, and the Marquis del Monte had the stewardship of this feast. They prepared it in a court game, or all around they made scaffolds as in a comedy theater, to place the spectators there. I will not undertake to describe it, and I will not speak of the delicacy and abundance of the dishes which were prepared with the utmost cleanliness. Another pen more eloquent than mine would say nothing against the truth when it would compare it to the most sumptuous banquets of the ancients, and when she brought in instruments and concerts mingled with the most charming voices, with illuminations that put the rays of the sun to shame. There was then a ball and ballet; the ladies and the cavaliers danced there with good grace.
At last the joy was complete, and the Marquis del Monte had more reason to be pleased with it than any other; for, besides the part he took in the good cheer and other entertainments that were to be seen and heard, he took advantage in the crowd of the favours he obtained from a few easy ladies. But, above all, he did not forget his interests, for Clairet assured me that he gleaned more than a hundred pistoles and that, to keep Landini at his devotion, he took her by the hand and made her dance as maid of honour to the Queen, although this title was not due to her, as she was no more than a wretched maid whose bad behaviour would have driven her out of another household a little better regulated than that of Queen Kristina.
The Queen finally returned to Rome for the third time, never to leave from there again. She arrived there during the pontificate of Clement IX, which may be said to have been the golden age of our century, as the pontificate of Innocent XI was its age of iron. Indeed, under the reign of Rospigliosi, the court of Rome became so magnificent that it surpassed all the others in splendour and gallantry. There were new spectacles every day: sometimes an entry by an ambassador, sometimes a promotion of cardinals, today a party, tomorrow a cavalcade. The entertainments succeeded one another.
Mornings were usually devoted to devotion and affairs; after the meal, which was usually abundant and served with extraordinary cleanliness (because people were beginning to treat themselves in the French way), they went to the comedy and the opera, where there were surprising machines, or else a serenade was heard composed of excellent music, mingled with concerts and a charming symphony.
The Holy Father, who was naturally generous and beneficent, inspired these fine qualities in his nephews. Avarice did not dominate these young lords, as it usually does under other pontificates. On the contrary, they spent more than their incomes allowed; however, they knew how to do so well by their alliances that they are still today the richest princes of Rome. The ladies were all gallant; French fashions were then introduced, and they seemed so charming in these clothes that they have since been unable to resolve to leave these fashions in which they have always been most expensive, so that at present luxury is excessive in Rome. Love did not fail to be part of it, and many embarked under its banners, hoping to make a happy journey under such a flourishing reign.
But this good time did not last long. The premature death of the Pope broke many intrigues adroitly begun, because this accident changed the fortunes and interests of many people. Clement X having been created in 1671 after a five month conclave, the same way of life was resumed as before, because Cardinal Altieri, who governed the Ecclesiastical State under his pontificate, after having been adopted as a nephew by Clement X, did not put himself to much trouble for reform, provided he amassed good, of which we know that he was always rather greedy; thus there was great freedom to ruin oneself by excessive profusions.
Prince Don Gaspare, nephew of the Pope by his wife, although he did not have the easy and agreeable manners of the Rospigliosis, did not fail to appear gallant and magnificent. The ladies dressed up better than ever. One saw in these beginnings only rejoicings in Rome, promotions of cardinals, and superb entrances of ambassadors. The first was that of Portugal, which was very solemn because it took place in cavalcade, for it was an embassy of obedience; that is to say, it was the first time that the King of Portugal had sent an embassy to Rome since his family had ascended the throne, and it was glorious for him to be recognised by the sovereign pontiff among the crowned heads.
One saw after that the entry of Monsieur le duc d'Estrées, the ambassador of France, which was no less splendid than the preceding one, although it was only made in carriages, in which more than 500 appeared, all drawn by six horses, with very rich liveries, especially those of the Ambassador, the House d'Estrées making it an honour to appear magnificent and pompous in all the functions which it undertakes for the service and for the glory of its great monarch.
Public comedies were then introduced during Carnaval, at Torro di Nona, by the comte d'Alibert and his associates. A sumptuous box was made there for the Queen of extraordinary magnificence, where gilding and other ornaments were not spared, lined with damask and other rich fabrics with lace and gold fringes. This box could contain 15 or 16 people, and there were always ten or twelve cardinals who came to the comedy to do honour and company to the Queen, as well as in her glazed gallery at the end of the courtyard in San Marco Piazza, at the corner of San Romualdo Road, where she had hired a little palazzo to see the masquerades with which the whole court is filled during Carnaval.
The Queen, although she was at that time past her fortieth year, still retained much brilliance. At last the theater opened; and the actors succeeded, to the liking of everyone, especially as Her Majesty had brought in beautiful women singers who charmed the ears by the sweetness of their voices and the eyes, by the pleasantness of their persons, and by the magnificence of their dresses. ...
Note: Prince Don Gaspare = Gaspare Altieri, First Prince of Orio.
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