That trip cost him, or rather cost France, five millions of francs.

He always took with him all that could contribute to the amusement of the foreign ambassadors and of his numerous court.

He was followed by the French and the Italian comedians, and by the actors and actresses of the opera.
During those six weeks Fontainebleau was more brilliant than Versailles; nevertheless, the artists attached to the theatres were so numerous that the Opera, the French and Italian Comedies, remained open in Paris.
Baletti's father, who had recovered his health, was to go to Fontainebleau with Silvia and all his family.

They invited me to accompany them, and to accept a lodging in a house hired by them.
It was a splendid opportunity; they were my friends, and I accepted, for I could not have met with a better occasion to see the court and all the foreign ministers.

I presented myself to M.de Morosini, now Procurator at St.Mark's, and then ambassador from the Republic to the French court.
The first night of the opera he gave me permission to accompany him; the music was by Lulli.