The duke was, however, anxious to have a more
particular occasion of conversing with my lady, and in
accomplishing this desire her brother Lord Arran was willing to
aid him.
It happened about this time an Italian, named Francisco Corbeta,
who played with great perfection on the guitar, arrived at court.
His performances excited the wonder and delight of all who heard
him, and the instrument which produced such melody speedily
became fashionable at court, to such an extent, that a universal
strumming was heard by day and by night: throughout the palace
of Whitehall. The Duke of York, being devoted to music, was
amongst those who strove to rival Signor Francisco's performance;
whilst my Lord Arran, by the delicacy of his execution, almost
equalled the great musician. The while Francisco's popularity
increased, his fame reaching its zenith when he composed a
saraband, to learn which became the ambition of all delighting in
the guitar.
Now one day the duke, not thinking himself perfect in this piece,
requested Lord Arran to play it over for him. My lord being a
courteous man, was anxious to oblige his royal highness, and in
order that the saraband might be heard to greatest advantage, was
desirous of performing it upon the best instrument at court,
which it was unhesitatingly acknowledged belonged to my Lady
Chesterfield. Accordingly, Lord Arran led the duke to his
sister's apartments. Here they found not only the guitar and my
lady, but likewise my lord, who was no less astonished than
disturbed by their visit.
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