Vittoria full of genius and grace, idealized her young showy cavalier,
who was gallant and chivalrous. Her brave knight Pescara, among other
victories, won the battle of Pavia, and finally died of his wounds in
Milan before she could reach his side. Vittoria Colonna buried her love
in Pescara's grave at Naples. Her widowhood was a period of sorrow, song,
friendship, and saintly life. She was tall, stately, and dignified; of
gracious manners, and united much charm with her culture and virtue. She
is considered the fairest and noblest lady of the Italian Renaissance.
Vittoria Colonna was on intimate terms with the great men and women of
her day, and in close sympathy with the Italian reformers. Michael Angelo
was warmly her friend. His strong verses full of feeling to Vittoria were
replied to in gentle, graceful strains. She died as the sun sank in the
Mediterranean on the afternoon of February 25, 1547, Michael Angelo
regretting as he saw her, lying on her death-bed, that he had not kissed
her forehead and face as he had kissed her hand.
As Lucille retired that night she felt the force of Vittoria's noble
life, and longed to emulate one so related to her friend Leo. She felt
her own heart drawing nearer to Leo's, and in the silent hours of the
night, she sometimes wondered if she should ever bear the honored name of
Colonna.
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