Page 161 - the-prince

fortunate nor distinguished in his birth, as the course of
this history will show. It appeared to be desirable to recall
his memory, because I have discerned in him such indi-
cations of valour and fortune as should make him a great
exemplar to men. I think also that I ought to call your at-
tention to his actions, because you of all men I know delight
most in noble deeds.
The family of Castracani was formerly numbered among
the noble families of Lucca, but in the days of which I speak
it had somewhat fallen in estate, as so often happens in this
world. To this family was born a son Antonio, who became
a priest of the order of San Michele of Lucca, and for this
reason was honoured with the title of Messer Antonio. He
had an only sister, who had been married to Buonaccorso
Cenami, but Buonaccorso dying she became a widow, and
not wishing to marry again went to live with her brother.
Messer Antonio had a vineyard behind the house where he
resided, and as it was bounded on all sides by gardens, any
person could have access to it without difficulty. One morn-
ing, shortly after sunrise, Madonna Dianora, as the sister
of Messer Antonio was called, had occasion to go into the
vineyard as usual to gather herbs for seasoning the din-
ner, and hearing a slight rustling among the leaves of a vine
she turned her eyes in that direction, and heard something
resembling the cry of an infant. Whereupon she went to-
wards it, and saw the hands and face of a baby who was
lying enveloped in the leaves and who seemed to be crying
for its mother. Partly wondering and partly fearing, yet full
of compassion, she lifted it up and carried it to the house,

1 0 The Prince