Barbara Blomberg | Page 5

nature, so I thought: Let us have music--good,
genuine music. Then I sent a mounted messenger to order Gombert, the
conductor of his orchestra, and the director of my choir of boys, to
bring their musicians to Ratisbon. The whole company will arrive this
evening. Dash forward is my motto, and not only while in the saddle
during the chase. But, Luis, you must now tell me--"
"That your Majesty's sisterly affection has discovered the only right
course," cried Quijada, deeply touched, pressing his lips respectfully to
the flowing sleeve of her robe.
The major--domo's assurance undoubtedly sprang from the depths of
his heart, yet the doubts which the hasty action of the vivacious
sovereign aroused in his mind compelled him to represent to her,
though with the courteous caution which his position demanded, that
her bold measure might only too easily arouse the displeasure of the
person whom it was intended to benefit. The expense it would entail
especially troubled Quijada, and the Queen herself appeared surprised
when he estimated the sum which would be required for the
transportation of the band and the boy choir from Brussels to Ratisbon
and back again.
Forty musicians, twelve boy singers, the leaders, and the paymaster
must be moved, and in their train were numerous grooms and
attendants, as well as conveyances for the baggage and the valuable
instruments.
Besides, the question of accommodation for this large number in the
already crowded city now arose, for the Queen confessed that, in order

to make the surprise complete, no one had been commissioned to find
lodgings.
The musicians, who had displayed the most praiseworthy promptness,
would arrive three days earlier than she had expected.
The royal lady readily admitted that the utmost haste was necessary.
Yet she knew that, if any one could accomplish the impossible, it was
Quijada, where the object in view was to serve her and the Emperor.
The influence of this eulogy was doubled by a tender glance from her
bright eyes, and the Spaniard promised to do everything in his power to
secure the success of her beautiful surprise. There would undoubtedly
be difficulties with his Majesty and the treasurer on the score of the
expense, for their finances were at the very lowest ebb.
"There is always the same annoyance where money is concerned,"
cried the Queen irritably, "in spite of the vast sums which my
Netherlands pour into the treasury--four times as much as Spain
supplies, including the gold and silver of the New World. You keep it
secret, but two fifths of the revenue from all the countries over which
Charles reigns are contributed by my provinces. Torrents of ducats
inundate your treasury, and yet--yet--it's enough to drive one mad!--in
spite of this and the lamentable parsimony with which the Emperor
deprives himself of both great and small pleasures--it is simply
absurd!--the story is always: The finances are at the lowest ebb--save
and save again. To protect the plumes in his new cap from being
injured by the rain, the sovereign of half the world ordered an old hat to
be brought, and waited in the shower until the shabby felt came. And
where are the millions which this excellent economist saves from his
personal expenses? The dragon War devours them all. True, he has
vanquished foes enough, but the demon of melancholy, that makes
even Dr. Mathys anxious, is far worse than the infidels before whom
you were compelled to retreat in Algiers--far more terrible than the
Turks and heretics combined. Yet what are you and the wise treasurer
doing? The idea of lessening the salaries of the physician-in-ordinary
and his colleagues has never entered the heads of the estimable
gentlemen who call themselves his Majesty's faithful servants. Very

well! Then put the musicians' travelling expenses upon the apothecary's
bill. They have as much right to be there as the senna leaves. But, if the
penny pinchers in the council of finance refuse to advance the
necessary funds, why--charge this medicine to my account. I'll pay for
it, in spite of the numerous leeches that suck my substance."
"It certainly will not come to that, your Majesty," replied Quijada
soothingly. "Our sovereign lord knows, too, that it beseems him to be
less rigid in saving. Only yesterday he dipped into his purse deeply
enough for another remedy."
"What was that?" asked the Queen in surprise.
"He paid the debts of my colleague Malfalconnet, not less than ten
thousand ducats."
"There it is!" exclaimed the regent, striking her hands sharply together.
"The baron dispels the Emperor's melancholy by his ready wit, which
often hits the nail on the head, and his nimble tongue, but my medicine
must provide the fitting mood for Malfalconnet's dearly bought jests
and witticisms to exert the proper influence."
"And, moreover," Quijada added