Lest the reader should treat this description as exaggerated or unduly severe, it will be best to let the Florentines themselves describe their own manner of living, and give, word for word, the rules laid down in a Florentine paper[[5]] for any young gentleman who wishes to live in holiness, peace, and happiness (sic).
“On waking in the morning, take a cup of coffee in bed; and if you have a servant to pour it out, mind that she be a young and pretty one.
“Then light a cigar (but not of native tobacco; it is too bad), or, better still, take a whiff of a pipe.
“Clear your ideas by smoking, and, little by little, have yourself dressed by the person who undressed you the night before.
“After writing a meaningless letter, or reading a chapter out of a novel, go out, weather permitting.
“Should you meet a priest, a hunchback, or a white horse, return straightway, or a misfortune may befall you.
“After a short turn, get back to breakfast, and, this over, bid the driver put to and whip up for the Cascine.
“There go from one carriage to the other, and talk scandal to each lady against all the rest: this to kill time till dinner.
“Eat enough, and drink more; and should some wretch come to trouble your digestion by begging his bread, tell him a man should work.
“At night, go to the theatre, the club, or into society. At the theatre, should there be a new piece, hiss it; this will give you the reputation of a connoisseur; should there be an opera, try to learn an air that you may sing at the next party; should there be a ballet, endeavour to play Mæcenas to some dancer, according to the custom of the century.