web hosting short URLs photo sharing

Whilst on his plunders, the great pirate Kheyr-ed-din known as Barbarossa, had heard tales of the lovely Julia Gonzaga, Duchess of Trajetto and Countess of Fondi, the most famous beauty in Italy. Two hundred and eight Italian poets had sung her praises in verse. Such was her erotic allure that men said they would face death for one night in her arms.

Now Barbarossa, who did not scorn the charms of women but perhaps preferred the delicate skin of a young boy, intended to capture her and present her naked and in chains as a gift for his lord, Suleyman the Magnificent. He journeyed by night to Fondi where the lady lived but it was difficult for the greatest pirate of the Mediterranean to keep his presence a secret for long.

As soon as she heard the news of his coming the lady leaped from her bed and clad only in her nightgown, galloped away on horseback accompanied by her male servant, Xury. Along the journey Xury, no doubt inflamed by Julia Gonzaga's state of undress, attempted an assault on her honour, whereupon the brave woman addressed him thus,

"Sirrah have a care for our respective positions in society and the trust that I have placed in you my faithful servant."

Xury was much affected by these words, pledging his undying loyalty to his mistress. No more was said and together they rode through the night to freedom. Later, once she was safe, she had Xury condemned to death. For three days his body hung in chains as a warning to others. Those who had been swift to offer their lives for love now began to think again.

Barbarossa meanwhile, was so annoyed at the escape of his proposed gift that he put the town of Fondi to the sword. For the next four hours his men visited unspeakable acts of barbarity on the town and its inhabitants then, tiring of this, he sailed south and captured the port of Tunis.

Years later, Barbarossa himself succumbed to love when as a ninety year old man he fell for and married an eighteen year old girl who bore him six children. Shortly afterwards he retired from the sea and built himself a magnificent mosque. Even after his death he was feared. It was said that no ship left the Golden Horn without a salute to the tomb of this great pirate.

And of Gonzaga? History records no more.