No harder blow had ever befallen the count: it was as good as a public proclamation that he possessed small influence.

To have bent the knee was not afflicting to this nobleman's conscience: but it was an anguish to think of having bent the knee for nothing.
Giacomo Piaveni was a noble Italian of the young blood, son of a General loved by Eugene.

In him the loss of Italy was deplorable.

He perished by treachery at the age of twenty-three years.

So splendid was this youth in appearance, of so sweet a manner with women, and altogether so-gentle and gallant, that it was a widowhood for women to have known him: and at his death the hearts of two women who had loved him in rivalry became bound by a sacred tie of friendship.