THE THIRD BOOK OF THE COURTIER The Magnifico laughed, and said: " My lord Caspar, you cannot help showing your ill will to- wards women. But in truth I thought I had said enough, and especially before such hearers; for I am quite sure there is no one here who does not perceive that in the matter of bodily exercises it does not befit women to handle weapons, to ride, to play tennis, to wrestle, and to do many other things that befit men." Then the Unico Aretino said: "Among the ancients it was the custom for women to wrestle unclothed with men ; but we have lost this good custom, along with many others," Messer Cesare Gonzaga added: " And in my time I have seen women play tennis, handle wea- pons, ride, go hunting, and perform nearly all the exercises that a cavalier can." 8 The Magnifico replied: " Since I may fashion this Lady as I wish, not only am I un- willing to have her practise such vigourous and rugged manly exercises, but I would have her practise even those that are be- coming to women, circumspectly and with that gentle daintiness which we have said befits her ; and thus in dancing I would not see her use too active and violent movements, nor in singing or playing those abrupt and oft-repeated diminutions which show more skill than sweetness; likewise the musical instruments that she uses ought, in my opinion, to be appropriate to this in- tent. Imagine how unlovely it would be to see a woman play drums, fifes or trumpets, or other like instruments; and this be- cause their harshness hides and destroys that mild gentleness which so much adorns every act a woman does. Therefore when she starts to dance or make music of any kind, she ought to bring herself to it by letting herself be urged a little, and with a touch of shyness which shall show that noble shame which is the opposite of effrontery. " Moreover, she ought to adapt her dress to this intent, and so to clothe herself that she may not seem vain or frivolous. But since women may and ought to take more care for beauty than men,— and there are divers sorts of beauty, — this Lady ought to 179
