April 26, 1554

I am practising having a good temper toward Signore Marcellini. You see, Signore Marcellini, although not nearly as vexing as Madame de Parois and Queen Catherine, presents me with some problems. I do not particularly enjoy being in his presence. Not only does he twitch and his one eye seem to slide off the side of his face, but he also has a strong breath. Very cheesy breath. I cannot bear it when he leans over me and places his hands on top of mine to guide my fingers on the keyboard of the virginal. And yet he is a wonderful music teacher and he delights in my desire to learn composition. Not only that, he has invited the four Marys to join our lessons and promises to make us into a quintet with me on the virginal, Mary Beaton and Mary Livingston on the lute, and Mary Fleming and Mary Seton on the cithara.