In ancient times there lived in Florence a young lord who was very beautiful, and ever merry—and no wonder, because he was Il Dio della Allegria—the God of Mirth—himself.
He was greatly beloved, not only by his friends, but by all the people, because he was always so joyous, kind-hearted, and very charitable.
Every evening this spirit-lord went with his friends to the theatre, or to his parties (al circolo), and the name by which he was known was Eustachio. All awaited with impatience his arrival, for with it the merriment began, and when he came there was a joyous shout of “Evviva il Dio dell’ Allegria!”
It came to pass that in a theatre Eustachio met with a girl, a singer, of such marvellous beauty and wit, that he fell, like one lost, in love with her; which love being reciprocated, he took her to himself, and kept her in a magnificent home, with many fine attendants, and all that heart could desire. In those days every signore in Florence thus had an amante, and there was great rivalry among them as to who should keep his favourite in the best style—con più di lusso. And this lady so beloved by Eustachio, was not only the most beautiful, but the most magnificently entertained of any or all in the city.
Now, one evening there was a grand festival in a palazzo, where there was dancing and gay conversation, Eustachio being as usual present, for all his love for his lady did not keep him from the world, or making mirth for all. And as they diverted themselves or sung to music, there entered a group of young lords, among whom was Virgilio, the great poet. [80]
Then Eustachio rose and began to clap his hands and cry, “Evviva! Long live the great poet!” and those who were at table ceased to eat, and those who were dancing left the dance with their partners, and all in welcome cried, “Evviva il gran poeta!”
Then Eustachio begged Virgilio to sing, and the poet did so, for there was no one who would have refused anything to Eustachio, so winning were his ways.
So Virgil made him the subject of his song, telling in pleasing verse how free he was from care, ever laughing like sunshine, ever keeping himself free from thought, which kills joy and brings sorrow.
And Eustachio, singing and laughing, said that it was because he was ever among friends who banished thought, and so kept away melancholy.
Then Virgil, still softly singing, asked him whether, if he should lose his lady-love, he would not be melancholy for a time, despite the consolations of friends and relations.