doubts upon such grounds as even the cardinal himself could not admit. He went so far as to imagine, that Bianca's daughter, the countess Bentivoglio, who, during the absence of her husband, had retired to the ducal palace, was to aid her mother in the execution of the scheme. At last, Bianca acquainted him herself, that she did not think it was so: and by compelling her to this declaration, Don Pietro fulfilled the intentions of the cardinal. In the following year the hopes of the grand-duke were entirely defeated; for Bianca's supposed pregnancy ended in an illness, which endangered her life.
During the dissentions, she had constantly evinced the most friendly sentiments for the cardinal; and endeavoured, by her own moderation, meekness, and complacency, to compensate for the inveteracy and obstinacy of her consort. For this reason the cardinal chose to bring on a reconciliation with his brother, and wrote to her on the subject, towards the end of 1586.
Bianca, indeed, strove with all earnestness to bring it about. She acquainted the grand duke with his brother's wish, and did it with a power of eloquence, that made the most successful impression upon his feelings. He requested her immediately to acquaint the cardinal with his sentiments; and, to convince him of his sincerity, remitted him a considerable sum of money, for which he had long since sued without effect. The only return on which he insisted, was, that he should pay him a visit at Florence.
In the beginning of 1587, Ferdinando received the intelligence of the successful issue of Bianca's negotiations. He approved, with unfeigned demonstrations of joy, all she had done, and sent a chamberlain to Florence
