From all these circumstances, Ferdinando suspected, that his brother and Bianca had formed the scheme of forwarding him to the succession of the government, with the support of Spain. This suspicion was still more confirmed when German guards were assigned to him, and many Florentines began to look upon him as the successor of the grand-duke, and actually paid him the honours due to the second person in the state. All these unpleasant innovations the cardinal attributed to Bianca, and not altogether without cause, which of course cast a damp upon his affection for her.
Bianca soon remarked the change in the cardinal's disposition; but, perfectly skilled in the art of dissimulalation, never betrayed the least symptom of suspicion; and, on the contrary, endeavoured more than ever to oblige him, eagerly seizing upon every opportunity to give him the most convincing proofs of her attachment. This moderation on her side had so powerful an effect upon the cardinal, that he never could induce himself to come to an open rupture with her, particularly when at the highest pitch of his resentment, concerning Don Antonio, she conferred new obligations on his family, which challenged his gratitude, and for some time obliterated his distrust.
In the mean time, Bianca's skilful hand conducted all the delicate manoeuvres of government with advantage and success, excepting when she interceded with her husband for the famous poet Tasso, whom he could not be persuaded, even at her instance, to forgive. But Ferdinando was unable long to suppress his distrust of Bianca, and often gave such evident marks of it, that her two favourites, Serguidi and Abbioso could not help taking notice of them. Whilst he kept upon good terms with her, they durst not show their animosity towards him,
