Res literaridd: bibliographical 
and critical for Oct 1820 

Samuel Egerton Brydges 



ized by Google 



* 



/ 



I Ik 



Digitized by Google 



Digitized by Google 



digitized by Google 



Digitized by Google 




Digitized by Google 



RES LITERARIiE: 

t 

BIBUOGEAPHICAL and CRITICAL 

fl 



Foa 

Oct. iSflo 



JBy Sm EasETON BaYsoss , Bar.' 




NAPLES, 

Printed \sj C BsKAsro«]i. 
laai; 



Digitized by Google 



PREFACE 



T^SB plan of the following Work b at proaent 

so much in use , tiiat it requires no explauaiiou. 

Reriewa and Jonnials of modem Books are 
numerous. Tficre is at least as much necessity 
for Jaringing into notice what haa been thrown 
aside into oblivion hj the operation of Time , 
as what is new. There never was a period when 
it was more desirable to retrace onr atepa, and 
to come back again to the period of more sound 
and sober times.* 

Only ^epenfy^^ffe copies have been taken of 
this Work, 

Naples Dec* 6. i8ao« 



Google 



CONTENTS. 



Art. I. Ufe and TVriiings of Petrarch . pag. / 

— IL Origin of Italian Poetry toy 

— III. Eminent Italian Literati of the XVIII,*^ 

Century /3o 

— IV. Historians if Kaples f35 

— V. Five Latin Poets of Italy /^o 

— VI. Angelas Politianus . . , f4g 

— VII. Casa, an Italian TVriter cf Latin Poetry . /Ja 

— Vlllt Latin Poems of Fracastonus §53 

IX. LiUin and Italian Poems of Sannazarius . f55 

— X. Fida 

— XI. Fblpi , or Comino, Press. §56" 

— XIII. Histories of Florence hy I^eonardo Are- 

tino , and Poggio Bracciolini tg8 

— XIV. Prose J and Poetical Pf^orks of Pontanus. 2Q2 

— XV. yalerianusy on the infelicity of Authors, a/2 

— XVl. Jacobus Ponlanus 240 

— XVII. Early Literature of Florence %4i 

— XVllL Literary Historians of Italy., n83 



Google 



RES LITERARIiE. 



N."* 1. Oct* 3i i8ao. 

ART. I. LIFE AND WRITIKGS OF PETRARCH. 

1, F. Petrarchce Opera. J^^niee, §4^ foL ( Oalj 
bis Latin Workf. ) 

3. Fraiwiiisi Petrarchce Operm qun txKmt Omnia, 

Saul* iSSi p foL ( 4 toI. bound in one. ) 
J, J*. Petrarchea SpiUalm, jipud Samttekm CW«- 
pinwn, i6bf, 8.* 

4. JLe Jiime tU PMtwetca Peiraroha, ^aggiungwo 

h Canstderanoni <tAlutandyo Tassoni , h An^ 
nioiasUmi di Gt'roiamo JWumio, « le (hsenmoni 
d£ Lodovioo Antonio Mumion, In" FenoMta , 
i74t, 4.** 

6. JacfAi Pkmppi Tomasini Patavini J^MCopi JEmo* 

niensis Petrarcha Redivipua ^ integram Poeloe 
ctleherrimi vitam iconibus oere coslatis exhibena 
etc. Patavii J i65o ^ 4 ' 

6. JMemoires pour la vie u^' rrritj<;ois Pttnirque. ( Par 

TAbbd De Sade. ) 3 vol, m-^.'^-vol. f et 2. Ami-^ 
terdam f i^64 , vol, 3. Amsterdam y I'y6'y. 

7, Francisci Petrarchae Vita ^ Auctort yin^clo Fa- 

iron CO. Parmob ^ in ./Edibus Palalims , /75?0| 4." 
( By Bodooi. } 



3 LiFS AND WrITIKOS OF PetRARCS. 

8. Del Petrarca e delfe sue Opere , lihri qualiro. Fi- 
rcnze , Gttetano Cambiagi^ ^797* I ^7 

deiii. ) 

5. Diftsa delle tre Cunzoni degU Occ/Uf e di alcuni 
Sonetdf e vari paasi deiie Jiime di Francesco 
Petrarca , daUe opposiuone del Slgnor Antonio 
Muratori, composia da Gio: Btxrtolommeo Caaa^ 
regi ; Gio: Tommaso Canevaii , e Antonio Tomr 
Tnctsi, CldeHco Megoiare deUa Madre di Din , 
Paalori jireadi. In iMcca, 8.* 



IN^oTwrvMgTAifotiiG ali that lias been written ebout 
Pstraach in the last three hundred jears , a good Xafe 
of Him « and an adequate C>«/<c<Vm npon him , are yet 
itranting. This does nut arise from the paocitj , bat 
from the abundance > of the materials for them. Nor are 
they materials , such as mere industry and labour %vill 
master. They require a taste cultivated, enlarged , tender, 
refined, exalted : they require an intimate knowlcgo of 
the cotcin|iGiuiy hislnrv llie principal INalious of 
Europe : ibcy require a proiound at)d jiliilosophic in- 
sight into the movements of Cabinets : but wbal they 
most of all require ( ncKt lo taste) is an erudition fa- 
miliiir ^>■ilh ail the (ietaiLs oi the revival of learning, 
-wiiich at this time was ill the full vigour of the new 
expanse of its wings. 

That isom ages of darkness yet unbroken, or railier 
.with the first dawn of light which began to dart its 
rays upon them , two such men as Danlc and Petrarch 
should have burst forth, each of such inimitable excel- 



Digitized by Google 



Lnn Alio WaiTiNat of Pstkaacb. 5 

Iciice in bit own department of genius , that no subsequent 
author has ever approached him, must continue a subject 
of wonder to ever) deep thinker^ as lou^ as the annali 
pf literature survive ! 

In the common course of human nflairs, refinement, 
as long as it advances , advances by a gradual pro- 
gress. Each age imp oves upon auolhcr / and iIjc excel- 
lences ^ at Avhicli ihe most eminent in thenrls and si imccs 
arrive , must be estimated bjr a comparison with their 
coleroporarics. 

Though I think the genius of Petrarch cannot be 
put in compclilion with that of Dante , yet there are 
iome respects , io which, with reference to this parti* 
cular observation, its merits are more extraordinary. 

In finished grace, tenderness, and 4weetneti of 
expression , Petrarch has no rival « and no saccetsor ! We 
may conceive how one genius improving upon the Ian- 
goage of another^ in the use of a common tongue, 
may in a succession of ages bring it to a ^degree of 
amooth and elegant polish, which is removed at an in- 
calculable disunce from its early usages ! W« can al- 
most see the steps » in palpable aod laborious movement, 
by which Pope rose in the arts of composition above 
Piyden ; threw out his eiqpletives ; rejected his coUo- 
qnialities ; aod gave a contrast to his casual , yet not 
ioirequect, escapes of languor, and carelessness ! We can 
see Pope , Uught by the &ilures of his mighty rival 
and master, put forth all his force to amend the faults, 
-ivhich experience proved to be injurious to fiune, and 
\.ini» hy degrees attain a style of finished composition, 
•which has put him , without much danger of removal , 
at the head of his class 1 What composition in tender 



4 Life and WRTTTNoa op I*btiiahc«. 

elegance of language , and harmony of numbers , u evcf 
lik«]y to equal ihe FJoisa to Ahelard ? 

But PfiTRAjicH had none of these advantages. By 
one inspired leap he arrived at once at this perfectioD ! 
The words danced into order : threw oiF their rude 
' dresses : lund arrayed in grace and pathos , moved in 
perfect mosic to the call of hi^ lyre. It would have 
been inexpressibly rarprisingy even if language equally 
congenial to other walls of Poetry could have been thus 
attaioed at this age. But most other walks deal mor^ 
in mere material objects : they do not attempt to 
describe such evanescent and spiritual appearances; such 
ahadowy niceties of sentiment; such aiiy castles; such 
rainbow hues ! These are things « which ir requires the 
most peilect parts of ihe most perfect language to 
d^cribe 1 

To dwell for crer on the same subject/ to give 
^dless variety to that| which appears to common 
eyes always the same; to find language for the most 
transient aod hidden movements of the heart ; to reflect 
these images Wilh a clearness, in which not a s|icck 
disturbs the transparency; seems to be a proofs ( if any 
proof of this can be admitted that Poetry is really 
inspiration \ 

This "will nppear, to Oie taste of many^ extra- 
vagant pxiiise 1 lint it is not said without long and 
leisurely consideration. Tlic French have no sympathy 
for llieso simple effusions of Avhat is properly called 
pure roclry : and they , and their followers , will 
more espcLially deny it the merit of purity, on account 
of the occasioual conceits, with which some of tha 
least excellent of the poems arc deformed. 

I do not produce specimens of this pure Poetry^ 



Digitized by Google 



Ll£-£ AND WfiiriNGS OF Pximi.AC0. 5 

wUch ihinei without alUy in hii best Sonuflti i in Mr 
crigmal iangua^^ beoiqte «U reiden of Italian iite- 
ratnre bare Pemrcb's Sooneu at band: and to thost, 
wbo are not .cooTerMnt iriib tbii language , it wonld 
be. too basardoDS an etperiment to nnderuke to prove 
tbc trantcendent merit of tbeie compoiltions by a tian$l«- 
tiottf in wbicb all Ibe ipirit and grace might evaporate I 

There if in general iome indefinable ingredient in 
the bett poetry , which eipiret in the act of tramfanog 
it into another toogoe. This is perhaps in no Instance 
so strikingly illustrated , as in Horace's Odes. No on^ 
can be so dull , or .so pitjudiccd , as to deny that 
these possess a very high degree of the poetical character : 
but it has proved to have Leen incammunicable to any 
version , that 1 have yet met with. 

There is less of this diifiiculty attached to the pro- 
doclious of Petrarch. 

Translate his Sonnets, in plain prose: and an l^i^li 
degree of \\\e poetical character remains. This is ibe 
most powerful of all signs ^ that in hint the primary 
ingredieoc of the poetry is in the matter. It is iu the 
ientimeut , or the image ; not in the meuphorical dress. 

Whatever difference of opiition there may be as to 
degrees of Invention, and the quali^ of the things 
venied% no one can doubt , that Invention is the primary 
ingredient of a Poet! In this ingredient Petrarch cannot 
contend with Dante. But bccaosc he deals in single figuree 
ratheik than in gronps , it most not be sopposed f that 
bis lirviiraittr ia d^dent either in loblimirf « in patbot, 
ur in riohneas. 

This Gax^vrrB Faciu^tt, (which in the strange con- 
fnsion of tenns yet prevailing in psychology, is sometimee 
called imapnaiiQnf but is in troth a Power joucb 



» 



6 Lm xvD Whitings of Psthaiich. 

more complex » of which Imagination U only one of Ao 
instraments or Miniaterii ) posseisea the ability and habit 
of combicing anew not only all the materials with 
irhich it fias been fbrnished by the Senses ; bnt of 
minglicg them np with ideas and forms , of which no 
philosopher has yet been able to aecotmt for the 
eustence. 

■ 

Ko other native faculty of Man approaches so near 
to the character of Divine , as tliis ! Hu^e crcaiions have 
all the cliaracUi ol icaliiy, except ^oiidiiy 6^ pcrina- 
ncucc! Same representation of ihem may be preserved 
by the pen^ the pencil , or the chissel : but the oiigiaaU 
vaoish^ as they came, into thin air! 

It matters not, by what accidental hint , the £rst 
conception of a great poem was set atloat. Probably a 
dream I combined willi a cek-brated passngc of Virgil^ 
suggested the first idea of Dante's Comcedia. 

The creation of a visit to Hell , Purgatory , and 
Paradise, and the description of their inhabitants, under 
the iniUctions' caused by their conduct on earth \ the 
pathetic or sublime references to the stories of many of 
those who figured moat in human eiistence , especially 
such as Dante had known, or heard of in the eventful 
times ia which he lived, could have been only conceived, 
and when conceived^ only executed, by the most stupen- 
dous efforts of inventiva genius. There is but one poem 
in the world, which can be put in competition with 
it in this inventive magnificence. I need not name Mil- 
ton's ]?aradi» Lost, In unity of design i in equality of 
conduct I in skill and art of arrangement, Milton is 
superior : it can scarcely be denied , that he is to even 
in grandeur of subject. The story of the very formaUon 
of Uiis Globe , and of those who were first destined to 



Digitized by Google 



LrrE AND VViirnN&s of PjiTRAHcn. 7 

people it, and be iu lords: the trials, to which xhf^y 
were exposed; the Pendaraioniiim , aod the battles ol 
rebellions Angels; the first delights of en eartAly Pan<> 
dise, before Sin bad taioted ita ett}oymenta ; ere of a 
etill loftier flight , than any thing , which wai attemp- 
ted by Dame. Gray hw aaid of Milloa ia cooge&iai 
language y that 

« He paie'd the flaming bounds of place and time. 

» The living throne 9 the aapphire blue, 

» Where AogeU tremble^. while they gaze, 

» He aaw ! n 

Bat there are many human intereita in Dante'a poem, 
which Milton'i plan would not admit. 

With regard to equality^ aod all that can he d^ne 
by tkiU and art , we must not forget that Dante lived 
more than three centuries before Milton. 

It is admitted, that large masses of Dante's work,, 
especially of his Iw o lallcr poems , arolicnvy; and .«hew 
thai no fervid mind can cnlirely escape liie a^cmy of 
the faclitious impulses which domineer over ilie age in 
which he lives. Dull, useless , and unintelligible subtlclles 
of theology load large spaces of this exlraordinarv produ- 
ction. \t ilic tunc, these nppeared scarcely less intcicsling to 
ihcpoel, than iluit whieh (illcd his unsophisticated &ncy. 

Above all, lie i% distincjui shed lor his sincerity : for 
the unequivocal signs of his in<:piration. He speaks^ as 
if the spirit was present to him; and that he had 'bo 
occasion to be using efforts to conjare it up! His lan- 
guage therefore is « oer-informed with thought:)* he is often 
brief, abrapt ; surprisingly plain ; and most poetical , 
when most plain. The instances of this in the favourite 
story of Dante's cotemporaries , Francesca da Polenta^ 
and Paolo di Malalei la of. Riinini, ( whence Leigh Hunt 



Digitized by Google 



i8 Ltfe AJfD Writings or Petriech. 

Iitf taken hia Poem, } have been retuarked hy the criticf. 

In inreation then , ( or creation ) to t^e il in iu 
Amplest and first sense^ without reference to its graodeari 
its force, or its variety, Petrarch cannot emnlate Dante. 
We must enquire next, what is the species of invention, 
,which distinguishes him. 

It is the combination of Spirit with Matter .* the 
linking the Invisible to the Visible World ! 

Petrarch's Italian Poetry may be said to be so con- 
fined in its subjects , as scarceJy to ettend beyond the 
feelings, the visions, and the actions of Ivro Individoals r 
Hirastll , and Laura ! But then how endless are the riches 
of his intellect ; the diversities of his mental experien- 
ces : the coiouis in which he arrays his love : how re- 
fined, and exalted, tlie movetoeiiis of his heart j how 
elegant and brilliant the images with which he illus- 
trates them; how soft, and beautiful, and harmonious, 
the langua|;e and versification , in which they are con- 
vejed ! 

It has been stupidly supposed by some , that Laura 
was an imairiuary person. It may be admitted thai the 
enthusiastic fancy of Petrarch dressed her up in imagi- 
'nary charms and virtues. But let anyone read Petrarch's 
.account of Laura's death , written in his own hand in 
the Virgil preserved in the Amhrosience Library, so 
oft^ cited ^ and doubt of Laura's reality, if he can. 

XtOura, propriis virlutidua iiluairiSf et meis Ion.' 
gum ceiebrata camuni6us , primiun suh oculis meis 
appandtsub primutn adolewentuB mew iempus anno do- 
mini , ecu xxrji f tlie ri mensis ^prilia in JScclesia 
Claras jivenione hora maiiuifta, et in eadem did" 
tote, mense jipriHf eodem die ri, eadem hora prima , 



s 



Digitized by Google 



Lm AXD Wjlitinos ov Petrarch. 9 

anno wttemM eee XLTHt, ab hoc luce hue iUa tuhtracia 
e9i 0 cum tjgo /vrie turn Feronce es.sem , heu fad mei 
neaciu*/ Jiumor aiutminfehx />er kUema Ludovici mei 
me Barmm rtperit anno eodfm menae Maio die xix 
mane. Corpue iUud eaaUuimum atqtte pulcAerrimwn in 
locQ FnUmm Minamm repeeitum eet eo ipse die martie 
ad mpemm. jiidmam qmiem ui de jifiicano 

ait Smeea , in ecdum, unde erat , rediieae penuadeo 
miM. HtiC aiuem ad acerham rei memoriam, amara 
quondam didcedine, ecribere vieum est hoe ptOissimum 
heo , qui sa^ aub oculoa meoa redit, ui acUicei nihil 
esae d^erel quod ampUua mihi piaceat in hae wta , et 
effmoto mejciri laqueo, tempua esae de Bahyhne fugi' 
endo , erehra hartan inapedione, ac /ugaciaaima) attade 
eestimatione commoiftar, quod proetda Dei grada faeile 
4»U proeteriti itmporia curas supervacuas , spaa inanea, 
ei inexpectatoa exitua acriter et xdriliter cogitanU (*). 

1 have alrcadj said , that it would Le gross injus- 
tice to Pelrarch lo altempt to convey to an engliak 
reader the idea of this eiquisiie Poet's manner, or matter , 
by a translation. But so impossible is it , thai \na beauty 
should entirely escape, cveii in a plain prose version, and 
so easily does iliat plain prose run iiUo metre, that by 
the change of the position of a few words , 1 have found 
no difficulty in throwing such .Sonnets , as 1 have at- 
tempted , into the iegilimale rhythm ; and 1 flatter my- 
self that the lovers ol true poetry may endure tliein« 
even in ihii state. 



(1) Madaipe Genii's mirepreseatstion of this record in her Pe~ 
mrque tt Lamn , to adapt ii to tiie purpose of her ill-ims|{ined 
Bonaiic^ ia jtrj ttrikiiiig* 



ta LuB Aim Waitings ot Peteaxca. 



SONNET 43, Part a. 

This Nightingale, ^vilo so profoTindiy nioani 
Iler progeny, and her beloved Mate, 
p'iiis heaven and earth , while she laments her fate^ 
With her sweet, pious, and, barmoniout tones: 

AU night it seems as if she joio'd my groans ; 
And still reminds me of my bitter state; 
That mj grie& only to myself relate : 
For death no conquest o'er a Goddess owns ! 

How easy lo delude the trusting heart ! 
These lovely stars, than the hdght Sun more clear. 
Who thought could into mouldering dust hire past? 

But now I know it is my cruel part , 

. While my life wastes in the incessant tear. 
That nothing long can please; or long can last! 



SONNET 34> Part a. 



My Fancy bore me into regions where 

She dwells , I seek and cannot meet with here : 
la the third heaven's abode did she appear : 
1 saw her there, less haughty hut more &ir. 

She seised my hand : and "if Desire shall spare 
To. lead astray^ in this celestial sphere, 
She said , " thou shalt be with me even tliere I 



Digitized by Google 



Life ajjd WftiTWiGs op PixaABCH. It 
Lo ! I am she « who canted all thy care ; 

And died in youth ! Earth cdnnot uaderstaod 
My hiiu : thee 1 await : thtt beauteous form , 
That tboa hast ioYed m much , is left below I 

« Why art thou silent ? wbj withdraw thy hand ? » 
For at those words so chaste and good, though warm, 
I felt , that I too to this heaven migh go I 



SONNET 4, Paet a. 



Life passes on x it tarries not an hour : 

Death follows after with an hasty pace. 

Thirif^'s past and present ihrough my fancy race , 

Aud iuUiic In like shadows o'er me lour. 

The forms of sad iieaitiubratice overpower 

My hearl ; and while of rea I know no place/ 
Cast to and fro , I should (1< spair embrace , 
Did not self-duty my lost strength xestoce ! 

I see the. shapes to memory unfold , 
That once delight in this dark breast awake x 
I see m J bark bj twapests tost about : 

From shore the raving billows I behold ; 
The pilot lost; the masts and cordage' brok« ; 
The stars I wont to gaae on , all gone out 1 

Bat I confess that this attempt at rhyme rather fet- 
ters their ease : many of theaa are fiir more delicions 
even in the simplest prose > as I think the following 
will prove. 



— — ' ■ 

SONNET Pi.av s. 

In a lateral prose transLation^ 



» How «weet hj a coot and flowery bank 
To listen to the warbling of the birds j 
Or watch the £bliage 
Agitated by a soramer brecse$ 
Or the soft mtmnuriags of the bright waves 1 
There 9 whilst I tit mu^ng and writing on lore, 
I see; 1 hear; I listen to her^, 
"Who is in Heaven; who soars above the Earth; 
.'Who slili lives; uud iiorn the regions of bliss dcigus to 

answer mj sightfk 
« Ab , wliy , said she, » Ethaust thyself before thy time? 
"VViiy iiuw those tears from thine eyes ? 
Do not bewail me ; for my clays commenced their eteinitj^ 
In Death; and when I appeared to close my c/es, 
I opened them to an eternal light. 



6 0i^]S£X 63, Paat a. 



In XdiercU Frme^ 



On the wings of Imagination 1 so often soar to Heaven » 
That I begin to think mjielf one of those Spiny, 



Digitized by Google 



Life k»D Wkitinos of Petrarch. i3 

Who have their treasure there > haviog left 

My shattered frame on earth. Sometimes 

Vj heart heats quick « when I hear her, 

For whom I repine i say to me* « Now 1 lore thee » 

Now I honour diee} hecanse thon hast changed thy 

Manners « and ihy appearance I » Then I fiill on 

My knees ; hnmUy heseeching ber to condnct me to 

Her Lord ; and to admit me into her presence. 

She replies ; «i Thy destiny cannot he changed : 

And though it may he delayed for twenty or thirty years , 

'Which peiliaps will appear too long for thee. 

Yet they will soon pass away 1 » 



SONNET 8a t I^aev a. 



In Zatsrai Prote. 



My faithful Mirror , my "\vfr\rv Spirit, 
My altercfl connienance •, my feeble address, 
And my diminished strength, repeatedly say to me, 
« Do not deceive t}i3'$clfl thou art no longer young! 
It is better to obey Nature in every thing; 
For , in disputing with her , we are overtaken by Time* » 
Then , as water extingnishes fire, 
I awoke from my long, and heavy slumber y 
And 1 dearly perceived that our life wu passing eway. 
And that we can exist bat once. 
Sometimes from the inmost recesses of my heart I hear 

her voice ^ 

Who is now free from her lovely earthly frame. 

But whilst She dwelt among ns., she was so preeminent thai 

(If I doQot deceivemyself^ ]She eclipsed all other won<a> 



14 



LlF£ AJUD WaiTlNOS OF PsTBAJICB. 



In Literal J>nm, 



When Heareu opened my eyes , 

"When Study and Lore elevated my wings, 

\Vh«n delightful, but mortal thiogs 

Were made known to me ; each Planet 

Seemed to liave endowed one object with iu precious gifu^ 

But my sigbt was too weak to gaze on 

The other tuperior, celestial, and immortal forms; 

And mj intellect could not comprehend them. 

Thus all that I have s&id , or written of her, 

'Who now offers np pmyers for me 

Before God, es a recompense for my praises, 

Is hut a mite in the infinite abyss ; 

For style cannot go beyond talenL 

And thoagfa man may fix his eyes on the son , he will 

See less, in proportion as it is brilliant. 

SON£(£T 46, Pari a. 
In literal pro^e. 



Blessed be the day , the month , the year ; 

Blessed be the seafon $ the time , the houf , the moffleoi^ 



Digitized by Google 



Lira AK9 Wbxtiikm or PxTEAmos. i5. 

Blcned be the eountry , and the pl«c« where 
1 was captivated by fine eyesl 

And blessed be the first dear torment 

That I suffered , when love had wouoded me ! 

May ai^o lite bow« and its arrows^ thai pitrctd me, 

be bleised; 

And the ^vuuods, lhat have penetrated to mv heart 1 
And blessed be the breath, that I have spcut 
In calling on the nuiic of her I love; 
Aud the ^ig!ts , ;iT)d the tears, and iho pain | 
That she has been ihc entire of! 

And blessed be ail the paper ^ on which I have traced 

her name^ 

And mj thou^hu , that arise bat for her ! 

SONNET 68, Past i. 



In tU$nU prot^m 



Her golden treitei were flowing in the breexes ; 
That twisted them into a thonsend femsi 
The brilliancj of her fine eyes , 
That now are so dim , 

Was more dazzling than the suu ; 

And her face beanird with compassion. 

I scarcely know, wliethur she appeared to me 

A Being of this world. 

1 , who am so prone to love, 

Is it wonderiui that at sight of her mj heart took fire? 



1 



l6 Life jlhd Writinos of PuTRjiacu. 

Her air was not mortal ; 

Afid her voice that of <ome celestial spirit ; it was aa 

Angela a bright sun , that I saw ! 
1 have fcceired ft wound, never to be healed, though 

the arrow may be extracted I 



SONNET 101 y Pa&v i* 

In Zdtemi pro89* 
ft • 

If U u not Love, what is it that I feel? 

Bat if it Is Love » what is this Love ? 

If good, why is the eifect of it, so bitter i so mortal? 

If bad , why are its tonnents so sweet ? 

If I burn by my owu desire ; why do my tears flow? 

why do I repine? 
If 1 burn against my -will , lamentation is vauu. 

0 deatli in life! O delicious torment! 

How can you have such dominion over me without my 

consent?. 

'And if I consent j I liave no right to complain. 

1 am tossed on a stormy Ocean , at the mercy of various 

wiods^ 

In a frail bark, without helm ; 

Wilb too UiUe reason to balance it , and so laden with 

errors I that it is ready to sink. 

I know not what I wish. 

I shiver in the midst of Summer; I bum in the midst of 

' Winter. 



Digitized by Google 



hlSi AND WaiTIN6S OF P£TB.UICH. 1^ 



5 0iSNET io3, Paet 1. 



In Uleral prose. 



Peace I cmnot find i and jtt I cannot make war : 
1 fear; I bope; I burn; I am fircnen $ 
I fly to Heaven ; I &U to Earih ; 
I bold nothing ; I eokbrace all tbe world. 
I am at tbe mercy of One wbo neiiber bendi, nor nnbends^ 
Wbo neither retains me, nor gives me my liberty; 
"Wbo neitber smiles on me , nor dismisses me; 
"Wbo neitber wisbes me to live; nor relieves me of my 

bnrden. 

I see witbont eyes ; I speak witbont tongue ; 
I wish to perish ; I call for help ; 

I hate myself; I love oil the world ; 
I am nourished by gii^-l, 1 smile, while i weep. 
Death , or iiie et|ually appals me. 
It is Thou^ Gruel Woman , who hast reduced mc to 

this state ! 



Digitized by Google 



J 



SONNET 12, Paet i. 



In literal prose. 



I lam back at t very step ; 
My bo^y it weary j with difficult I support it ; 
' Bnt I sigh^ and in sighing exolaina^a UnfbrtuDate that 

I am. » 

Thas I inhaled the air , and gained strength to proceed* 

After rellccling on the tica.sure, thai I have qiiiite 1 ; 

On the length of my vovagej ou the &horin(^^s of Hfe-, 

I arrest tiie progress of my bewildered and treiubliDg fceti 

I cast my eyes on the ground ; 1 weep. , 

Someiim* , in the midst of my tears « 

1 ask , how ibis frame 

Can extst without its soul. 

But love replies: k Dost thou not remember 

That this is the privilege of Lovers , 

•Wbo have shakm off their earthly chains I » 



Digitized by Google 



Lira jjsD VftLniamB op Pmuiica. 



SONI^ET 8, Past i. 



In literal prcsB, 



"When the I^laoet , Uut marks the flonn , 

Ketarns to dwell with Taurus , 
A ray darts from its fiery boms, 
That fill? the world wilh new beauties, 
And decks llie fields and banks with (reih flowers. 
But it not only adorns external things ; 
It penetrates into the bosom of the Earth \ 
And fills it with the seeds of virtue. 
Thus she , who like the sun amid the lesser Planets^ 
Is far tQorc hiillianty than any of her sex; 
Shedding on me the bright beams of her eyes , 
Their rajs fill me with the thoiighti , the actions , and 

lasguage of love* 
Bnt| alas I vhaterer way she torn her eyes. 
Spring never can retnm to me. 



20 



Lir£ ANjo WniTiNGii Of l^i-xaAacH. 



SONNET 88, Pabt i. 

In literal prose. 



Adieu! dear Sennuccio! Thott shalt know > in wbat manDer 
I am treated ; and what is my lifel 
I burn! I am cousumed by tbi« flame, as I have loo^ 

been / 

The wind Utrsa me at its will 9 and yet I remaioj where 

1 was. 

Sometimes I find her hnmble; sometimes b aught j ; 
Somclimes scvercj someiimcs gentle; soroclimes imuio- 

yeable \ soiiicLimes compassioDaiei 
Sometimes she looks cold \ sometimes gay; 
Someiimcs tender; someiimcs disdainful; and unrelenling: 
Sometimes she sings sweetly! It was there slie sat; 
There she turned aside; and lune the paused: 
Here she pierced my heart Avilh her bright orbs : 
Twas here she spoke to me , and smiled un me : 
Here it was I saw her vaiying cheek. 
Unfortunate Being that I ami It i^ thus that 
All powerful Love keeps me under his dominion! 



Digitized by Google 



Liri AHA WRTTXKaS OV PmiiBOE. 91 



SONNET Paxv i. 

/is /»rM«. 



You maj carry me ^ where the sun coosumes the flowers 

and ihc grass } 
Or where frost and snow counteract its power; 
Yoa may carry me where iu chariot is temperate and 

light i 

To the East, or to the West; 

Let me be in prosperity or adversity; 

In a lercnc , or gloomy g or dark atmosphere j 

Let it be night J or a long or abort day; 

A. matarei or naripe age: 

Let me be in HeaTen> or on Earth; or in an abyss; 
On the snmmit of a mountain ; or in a deep marshy 

Talley j 

Let my heart be light , or oppressed r 
Let Fame send forth my praises; or leave me in obscurity ; 
1 -shaH be , what I have been; 1 ohalL live, as 1 have lived. 
Still faitliful to dice ! (*) • 



(^) Imitated firom Horace 

c Fone me, pigris ubi nulla campis 

Arbor mtire itcreatur aura. » ect. 



SONNET s4o> Part i. 



In Uientl prtise* 



If Heaven has power over us , as some believe , • 

It was aa evil Star , under which I was bom p 

And my cradle was hard ; and the ground 

Was evily on which I afterwards walked; 

And She was cruel, who with her ejtt, and her bow. 

To which I served only as a mark , 

Wounded me i But f O Love , thoo hait not killed me ; 

Thou canst core me with these same arms , 

Bat Thou takest pleasnre in mj sofierings .l 

— Not She^ -* because they are not serere enough. 

My wound is by an arrow: and not a sword. 

Howerer I can console myself; £ot it is better 

To sigh fov her , than to possess any other 1 

And Thou dost declare It to me by thy golden dait ; 

and I believe thee I 



Digitized by Google 



hm AMD Waitings or Peteabco* s3 
SONNET Past *. 



O lost steptl O Tagnt and letdj tlMBf^ 1 O frUbful 

O fiatee d«iii« 1 0 weik heurtl O my ey^ t 

Not ejci y but fimntftiu ! O wrealh ^ honour 

Of the inuatiioui brow i O foU toktniof dcnhk triowtt 

O painfiil life I O iweet enor ; 

That makes me seek the i^onntains and the ^ains \ 

O lorely fiice ! where Lore has plaeed both 

The spur and the corb , by whleh it .weuada 

He, and leads me at its will ) 

And it is in yaia to oppose itt 

O gende, amorous Sools, 

If thtrc are any ia this world ! 

And you , wandering Spirits , 

Aii I j aod tee « what is my miifortuoe i 



34 ttvnt AKO' Vhaiwi of Petrahch. 



SONNET 137, Paet I. 



^ Utatd proae. 



In what part of Hcaren » from what idea wat that model 

taken ^ 

/ Fiom wUdi Naturt hath formed ihat lotdy ^ hewitchiiig 

In which the proved to thii lower world , what power 

the had ahove ? 

'What Fonntain-NTmph, what Goddess of the Woods « 
Ever let float in Uie breeze 
Sach truly golden tresses? 

When did one heart contain so many virtues ? 

Though the whole may be guilty of my death ! 
He, who never saw her eyes, may look in vain for 

a divine Beauty. 
How sweet is their expression ! He , who does not 
Know how she sighs ) how she speaks |' 
How captivatiijg is her smile : 
Does not know hew 
Lo¥e can cure and wound \ 



Digitized by Google 



Lxrs Aim WniTiNOf ot PtTft^&cB. ^5 



•In Uieral prott. 



Love has placed me as a maik to its arrow j 
As snow in llie sun , as wax in the fire , 
And as rhist in the wind : and I am quite hoarse ^ 
Lady , by asking for mercy ; — but you care DOt for iu 
from your evps darted the fatal arroAV , 
Against which neither lime , nor place , could protect me. 
From jon otil;f proceed j ( and that appears to me a" 

trifle, ) 

The snn , fire / aod wind ^ that make me what I am. 

My thoughts are arrows'; and your face j a ran } 
And my desire^ fire; and it is #ith these arms. 
That Lore woiinds nie ; dazzles me , and destroys me. 
The -angeHo* sbogr V words mingled With sedncisg 

wit. 

Against which I cannot defend mjself , 
Are the Zephyr, hefore which my it& flies* 



Digitized by Google 



s6 lavs jM WBiraro* ov Vm^Mm* 



SONNET 60, Paet 1. 



I am not weary of loving you , dear lady ; 
Nor shall I ever be : 

But I hate iiiyseif ; and I am wcaiy of my teari^ 
That never cease to tiow ! 
I wish for some handsome tomb ^ 
And that your name be written on it, 
In pity to me. Thm let niy adies be. deppiited without 

my loull 

If a heart true to loTe will attia^ yot^ »^ 

Without wishing to lacerate it , . * i -. 

Be not henceforth 99 relentlesf 1 . . 

If your scorn hopes toi find any of]Mai;.iMi^ction ^ 

It is deceiyed ; and ici with .will never he «t|ained« 

For this I have to thank Love and MyielE 

• 1 

»• 



Digitized by Google 



Lux AKD Waixi^iui on PjbTAAIlCa. 9f 



SONNET 70, Part 1. 



//» lileral prose. 



O Woman^ lanenil tad ouj Lore fpBp«tliiMwitfa Tout' 

0 lavert of eveij eonmiy^ weq^ i 
For he ii dead, who devoted himself 
To serve joa, while he lived. 

For mft^, 1 pray that my teaif 
Hay be peimitted to flow ; and that 

1 may be allowed to relieve 

My oppressed heart by my sigha! 

O ye Poels , bewail your loss! 

Our beloved Cixo (*) is iiu more. 

Weep , O Pistoia ; weep , O perverse ciliKsasI 

You have lost your best frieod ! 

And may ihe Heavens rejoice ; 

For there be has chosen his abode! 



{*) Cino was a celebrated lawyer , of Piatola , of a noble frmily. 

His HiMB were published by Niccolo Ricci at Home iSSq ; htiJ ogain 
by Faustino Thsso at Venice i58<j. Crescimbeni pronoimcea him the 
inost sweet , aud graceful poet , before Fctrarcb. The italieni* con- 
dder him the first, who gave a grace to Lyric Poetry. His stylo 
it now a little antiquated ; bat hia tfaooghts are lost. Hs died at 
Boloigia in i356, with the vepnM|0B ef a IsanMd Mm. 



at ' IiXiB Am WamNOs of Pxtbaicb. 



SONNET 69, PxftT 1. 



Jn Kurai prose. 



Thai lovely Woman , whom Xhou io truly lovedst , 
Has been suddenly snatched from us; 
And J I tnut, the dwells in Heaven; 
All her actions vere so kind| and benevolent. 
It is time to lake badL the keys 
Of thy heart , that were in her ^isession during her 

life^ 

And to follow her by a direct and short pathj 
That thou uiayst no more be oppressed by auy eavihly % 

burden ! 

And as thou art relieved of thy heaviest weight , 

Thou canst easily lay down every other , 

And ascend like a Pilgrim , strippied of all his earthly 

possessions ! 

Henceforlli thou \\i]t see , that every created thing 
Is overtaken by Death ^ and how necessary it is for the 

suul 

To commence the perilous journey^ free iVom all eharge! 

1 



Digitized by Google 



Lirx xHD Wjutikos or VnjLxnca, A9 



S ON iS £ T 6, Pxax 2. 



O my discopfolate sonl , what art thoii doing ? 
YihMX dost Ihoa think ? why lookett thoa after 
Time that eau nerer letnni? for -what doit Ihou 
Add Wood to the fira» when thou bnntest? 
The hind -wotdi, the foft looks. 
That one by one thou hast repeated vend painted » 
Have left Earthy and it is, ( thoa knowest vell^ ) 
Late, and ont of season , to seek them here. 
Ah ! do not renew the thought , that torments me \ 
No longer foHow a vain and fallacious hope ; 
But oDe that is Erm and secure^ and will lead us to 

a good end i 

Let us search the Heavens fur someihiog that wUi please 

ns I 

Alas! to our grief we saw that Bcauiy during her life j 
And her death robbed us of our peaec. 



3o LavE AVD Waitings op Pat&a&ob. 

SONNET 3t» Paat 3. 

//» liberal prose» 



Wbeie it that Ibrdieftd , that with one •nail iigQ 
Turned mj hmttf •when it would? 
Where is thai Uvdy hroir , and the tian. 

That gave light to the path of my life? 

Where is that fortitude, that koowlege, that jadgment, 

That lively, pare, humble, sweet converse? 

Wbeie arc those beauiies united in her. 

Whose will long has been mine? 

Where is the gentle shade of that face, 

That gave freshnefis and repose to the w earied soul j 

And "vvhere all thoughts were wrliien ? 

Where is she , that kept my life ia her hands? 

How much is lost to this miserable world , 

And to my aja*« that will never more be dij 1 



Digitized 



SONNET 7, Part a. 



I 

/it I2i0im/ . 



O mj eje5 , our sun i s obscured ! 
No 1 it hijs ascended to Heaven , there to ahine : 
There we shall sec it again ; there it cqicctf na i 
And pohapi ia grieved at our delay. i 

0 my ears ! the angelic worda 

Are heard in a region , where Ihi^ can be better appre* 

AlaSf my feet* yonr itrcDgth cannot cany you 

To her abode , wbldier they were wont to bear yon t 

IVhy then do you reproach me? 

1 have not deprived you of the joy 

Of seeing her p of hearing her , of conversing with her 

on earth. 

Blame Death! no, rather praiae Him^ 
TVho can bind and unbind j in a nooient can open , or 

ahut^ 

Can dry our tears ) and can make ua happy 1 



SO 9 N£T 4^1 Part a.. 



In lUjeral pTw, 



Gentle breezes return , (*) and bring wiUi them 
Spring, and all her dear Train: (^) 
The sky looks bright^ the flowers and herbs revive: 
Xhe swallow's twitter is heard > and the plaintive notes 

of Philomel : - 
The meadows smile ; the firmament is serene ; 
Jove hails .with joj his daaghtcr : 
The air , the water » the earth » all are full of love \ 
Eyeiy ereatiire in the creation tfighs for its m«te. 
fittt f alas^ I am more wretched; mj sigh* are more 

oppressive ; 

She draws them from the deepest recesses of my heart » 
'Who has borne away the keys to Heaveo. 
The warbling of tlie birds^ the flowers of the field , 
The gracioQS acts of lovely Woman, 
Are all lost Co' me : I am a desert laid waste , and 

haunted by beasts of prey! 

('*') Farturit almua ager , Zephyriq^ue teptntibus anris 
Lazaut arva ainiis. Vuioil*- 

tt Yer, et Yentts, et Yenerls preoancltts ante 
Pennatat graditar Zephyrus vestigia propter. LvCBStlVa. 

Our poet Gr.iy 1i^'<l deeply studied t!ie images, the SflBtineiitS y 
the language , and tho toae of tills beautiful Sonnet. 



Digitized by Google 



ZjIVX ANB WbITIKOS op PlTEAJlCK. 35 



* ' " - *' " ■ ^ _ 

SONN£T 67, Faat a. 

^ literal prose. 



0 Deilh I thoa hatt left the world without the son, 
I>ark« and cold; Love blind, and without arms ; 
Thou hast left Grace naked , and Beaulj repining ; 
And ihuu has left me disconsolate ^ and weary of 

myself j 

Thou hast banished BenevoleQce ^ and annihiiatcd Yir~ 

tuc. 

1 am left alone to bewail xnj loss , but not I alone 

tn£fer; 

For thoa hast cut off the pure germ of virtue : 
Tbou hast destroyed the first prize. Can there be a 

second ? 

The air , the earth, the sea ; and even the bamanrace 
Ought to lament \ for « v(ithout her , it is like 
A field without flowers ; or a ring withoat gems. 
The world did not know her , while it possessed her : 
1 knew her — I, who am left to weep j 
While Heaven enjoys her presence « who is adorned at 

the expenee of my tears 1 



* 



Ll7£ AND WjltTINOa OF PfTfLUiaB. 



104, Paet 1. 



Ill literal prose. 



( Suf^toted io he adimaed to ^ CouH if Romt ai 
Aviffutn ; and commended by Tiraboseki , as a muM 
if a euBUme and mtrgetia etyk, ) 



A flam^ from Heaven pbys above thj tresses,: 
The nosioiu vapours 1 that arise from the riren and 

the earthy 

Impoverish others , but enrich , and benefit ihee I 

For thou dost rejoice in wickedness ; 

Thou dost brood over treason ; and seodest forth 

All the evil , that is now spread over the world! 

Thou delightest in riotiogs , and in wantonness ; 

And dost exhaust every species ol Inxntjl 

The old, as well as the yonngj dance away ihehottn| 

Beelsebnb is in the midst/ 

And fiins the flame \ and holds up the treacherous mirror* 
But thou canst no loogcrlie in secret on hed« of down; 
But must be exposed naked to the elements j and tread 

btreibot on thomi I 



Digitized by Google 



SONNET to5» Pabt l. 



In liUral prow, 
( Oa the taoM tubjaet } 



The ayariciotu Babjlon ha« pushed God'i ire to the 

utmost 2 

So numeroTis are her vices ^ and her crimeil 

She worships Venus , and Bacchas \ not Jove and Faliai. 

1 am weary of exprcnng Reason: 

But I sec a new i)uUan for her; 

Who will make I not where I could wish, * 

Only one seal ; and that will be in Baldacco* 

Her idols will be doitroycd ; 

And her towers , the enemies ot Heaven ; 

And her inhahitants turned out , while ahe bunii witliiiu 

Lovely Souls , the frienda of Yirlae , 

Will people the world ; 

And then we shall see her eoridh herself. 

And the will be full of ancient works 1 



36 



Life akd "WRiTnTos ov PifHAftcs. 



SONNET 106, P^mT 1. 

In literal pro$t» 
( Ofl tfao Mine subject. ) 



Founiain of Grief , abode of Discoi d , 
School of Errors, and temple of Ileiesy , 
Once Borne, now false and gnilty Babylon, 
Over which wc sigli and lameul 1 • 
Forge of Deceptions , the friial piison 
That destroys the good , and ii< li lies the wicked} 
A on earth; it will be a miracle , 
If Christ does not, on the last day, reject her I 
Founded in duisM and humble poverty , 
Thou dort impudent Woman, 

Thy bomt against thy Founders I 
In whom liast dion placed ihy hope? 
In thy adulterers? in thy ilUgotten riches? 
Gonstantine does not return} but carries off the sad world , 

ihat supports himt 



These two last Sonnets are ioclndedby Tiraboschi 
in the same praise, wiib that which preceded ibem. 



Digitized by Google 



CANZONE iS, Paa* i. 



In Uferal pr^ae* 



Dear Italy! iliongh it may be vaind , 

To «peak to iliee of the mortal wounds | 

That so ofu n pierce thy lovely body ; 

It is a consolation to pour forth my sighs f 

That sympathize with the Tiber, the Arno , 

And the Po y by whose banks i sit musing and lameatin^i 

King of Heaven , I pray that the laercy^ 

That first brought thee on earth , 

May Gondott thee to thj loved coonlijl 

See « giftcioiis Lerd ! 

What slight caoiei have kindled a cmel war 1 

O Father I Open , soften , and e.x^d those httitt > 

That the proud « the foodons filai» ^ 

Baa hardened , and shut np 1 

Let tnty ( nnvronhjr u I may he of the charge ^ \ 

Be the bearer of thy Tntlh to ihis injofed Gountiy 1 

IL 



Thou , whom Fate hai pheed u the Protector 
Of this fioe Country » 



» 

For wbicli Ihou feelest oo coinpaMioii ; 
Vihj doit ihoQ call in foreign armt ? 
"Why is Its eardi stained with barbarovs blood? 
Thou art mistaken ; 

Tboa ihinkest thoa seest dearly^ irhen tbon art in 

darkness. 

For thou lookest for love and laith in Tenal hearu(*). 
He f trho seeks for friends among the mercenary , 
0raws arouod him enemies. 

O deluge of strangers , 

To inundate our dear plains ! 

If this liad happened by our owa hands ! 

Bat now what shall we be , who may escape? 

9 

Nature provided for our *tate a real good ^ 

When ahe placed the Alps as a dcfeoca 

Between us, and German fury. 

But Avarice undermined this firm hold; 

And corrupted this untainted Body. 

Now in one den savage beasts 

Are herded with harmless flocks « 

So that the good always snffisr I 

And Ho is of the seed. 

To the soitow of the people without laws , 

Of Him f for whom , ( as we read « ) that If arluf 

Opened the side, the memory of which 

Is yet fresh in every mind , 

IWen satiated and weary. 

He no longer drtok water from the river hilt Uood» 



Digitized by Google 



Lm AM» Wbitixm or Fbtbamv. 5f 



Cmar •mflowtd ovr fiMt 

With blood dmm firom the same refaii. 

It appears , I know not why , that 

Heaven frowns upon us. 

Thanks to iliee, to whom 50 much is entrusted^ 
And thy (Jivided wishes I 

They have corrupted the finest part of the world ! 
The fault of others^ jour tribunal^ and ihe destiny ol 

Heavea 

MaVe the poor Citizen groan, and scatter his fortunes* 

Why seek for those , who would jhed hlood ^ 

And sell the soul for lucre ? 

I speak the tiuth , and am not iafloiSCfd 

Bj hatiod , or ooataiipt. 

V, 
wo htm 

Of iho treacheiy of ibo Ba^rim , (*) 

'Who nifiiig hit finger » tilfloi with yoar'lile. 

To mj feeUngr , to be ootnged i« worn than anjr ioMm 

But your blood flows fireely , 

Bocanse jon m excited by BereBge. 



C) Thk, MwdiaadMlinecDdnig intlic^«Milil««Ms»y all«9es 

to the vrna! hearts of tlw Btvurians ; ( andl the Emperor, Louis) 
wbu far i5o,o«o florins promised to thctn by the GhibeUines at the 
But of Tieiity offisxed to fn into Italy to tin destmctioii of tba 



40 Life akd Waitik&s of PmA&o& 

Keflect well in yoar most sober nomenti i 

How these Btrberians can ^value the Italians, 

When they do not know, how to valae lhcttldY€tl 

Ftee thjsei£| noble Lalin Bloody 

Fiom such venal hearts I 

Do not set up as an idol an eaiptf name! 

We haTC broo^t opon nsj by.oiir own cooks , - 

The anger of HeaYco. 

TO 

Is not this the land , on which I first set mj fool? 

Is not ihis my nest, 

In -vvhicli 1 Avas so tenderly nnrsed ? 

Is not lliis ilie counlry , in which I trust, 

K,ind and jiious mother. 

Which has received iotu its bosom both mj parcaU? 

God grant , that this recollecUon 

May sometimes move you j 

And protect with piety 

The tears of the soffiering people , 

Who repose only on God and Thee! 

And if thou givest one sign of compassion , 

Virtue will take arms against the enemy : 

The combat will he short ; 

For ancient Valour 

Is not yet eitingaished in the Italian breast. 

vn. 

Behold « my friend, how Time fltei^ 
And thus passes liife away I 
Death follow* close. 



Digitized by Google 



Lirz AND Weitincs of Petrarch. 4t- 
You arc here now : but rcfleci on your departure 1 
The Sold mast go naked and alone to ibat doobtful Boiini* 
In passing that vallej may it please thee 
To ciit down die eje^ md Ictve below diidainl 
Thej are enemiea to a aereue tile I 
And the time , that othen tbiow awaj, 
Maytt thou ipend in aome act mote wortbj 
Of the mud ^ or of the hand } 
In iome noUe work , 
Or aome profitable atnd j I 
Thia ia the way to live happy hftt* 
And to open the path to HmTcn. 

covo&irsf oir. 

Canzotoe^ I admonish thee 

To piejieiit tljyselt Avilh humility j 

Because thou art going amongst a proud people | 

.Whose wishes arc the most corrupt and ancient} 

'Ajid who arc enemies oi Tniih ! 

1 tried thy iate among a lew of the magnaoimoilf f 

,Who take plcasiire in Good I ■ — 

— "Who can secure them to me ? 

I am ever €iyiD|; « Peace! Peacel PeactI a 



I 



491 Lm AND WsiTZNOs or VEr&x^oa. 



I. 

HoUe Spirit f th»t rnlett thiMe mcmbeiiy 

VThich bear on hU pilgrimage 

A Talonrons , pmdent » and wife man , 

After thon liajt gained ihe honoured rodj 

lYitli "whicii thon doet correct Eome^ aod herciiisett«; 

And hut. recalled her to her ancient libertj ; 

I will ipeak to thee , hecanse in no other do I ae« 

A ray of virtoe : — it ia extinguished in the world I 

Nor do I find an j one , who bludiet to do ill. 

"What Italy €Tpecii , or wishes , I know not; 

For she appears iaseasiitie to iicr degradation! 

Old J idle, and sloWy 

She will always sleep: and wlia will arouse her? 
1 have uien her by the hair ; and shaken her. 

U. 

I dare not hope, that she will ever 

Be awakened oat of her slumber j 

She is so heavily oppreaied by it. 

Bat Fate leaves to thy arms 

The taak of ronttng her 1 . 

Bome if committed to thee. 

Thmit thy hand boldly hito her mecable hiir» 



Lttb and WaiTiNos ot Pxriuaaa. 

And piill hct into life. 

I, wbo dtj md niglit weep ovef her fiitei 

Place in thee my greeteat hope* 

And if the difoiples e£ Mm 

Ever open tlieir tft» to their own hononr , 

It if to the« thejr irill be iiidebted. 

m. 



Those ancient walls , that I still fear and lore, 

And at which \he world irenibles, when itlookf backj 

And thinks on whnt iliey once were ; 

And of the stonrs , under which lie the ashe* 

Of those, whose fame will never die, 

As long as this world lasts ^ 

And nil that it contains. 

Through thee i hope to see every Vice shut out I 

0 noble Scipios ! O £aitlifui Brutus ! 

How rejoiced ye must be, if the tidings may reach yoa> 
Of the good hands , in which Kome ia pl^ed i 

1 can fancy the joy of Fabricinf, 
On bearing the intelligence. 

He will exclaim : « dear Bome will once morcTegain her 

power I j> — 

n. 

And at Heayen condescenda lo look dawn upon na , 
Bflay the aoola , that dwell ahoTe , intercede for na 
.Wiih God^ and pray that then mayst put an end to dvil 

diacord » 

That destroys the peace of the Oood ^ 



44 Life A?m Writwos of Fetraech. 

And s!iut.9 them out from their holy templet. 
That once were so thronged ; 
But rroNv nre made the habiutions of mufderen } 
And whose doors arc only closed upon the pionf. 
On Uieir altars, and before their iicred muitf, 
Eveiy cruel act if committed. 
Alas , what innumerable horrora t 
Nor do they blnth to aonnd the bell, before they com- 

mence the lacrilege , 
That once rang with the prafaea of the Almightjr I 

v.. 

The women in tears , helpleis infitnta , 

And decrepid Old Age, that aUU clings to life; 

And theae elad in black » in brown , or while. 

With variooa othen , aoffering and infirai , 

Cry : « O heayenly Father , Aid us ; Aid • » 

The poor, bewildered , multitude 

Display their endleu wounds , 

That neither Haonibal^ nor any other would take pity ont 
If thou doat well protect the habitation of God , 
That now is in flames ; if thou dost only extinguish 
A few of iu fiparks , the minds the most inflamed will 

soon be appeased j 

And thou wilt draw upon thee blessings liom Heaven! 

Bears , wolves , lions , eagles , and aerpents , 
Often in jure a maiestic marble coliinin, as well as 

themidveii 

Oyer them weeps that iUoftiioas Woman , 



Digitized by Google 



LiFB AMD Wmnnros ov Fmuacs. 45 

Who hat ctlled on thee to pluck out 

The evil plants , that know not how to bloom. 

Those noble limits have failed 

More than a ili on sand years , 

That She gave Lirih to. 

Alas ! a new race has sprang up, that is not only 
Proad beyond endurauce^ but irrevereot to such a 

mother t 

The husband , father , all 
Expect succour from thy hand , 

That the Almighty Father has reserved for other works 1 

m 

Fortune rartly smiles on heroic deeds: 
But Thee she favours , 

"Which induces me to forgive all her past offences. 

In tliis instance , at Uast , she is just : \ 

And the ^vorld never saw any one, 

To whom the way to eternal glory 

Was 80 clearly marked out , as to Thee ! 

Thou canst establish > if I am not deceived^ 

In this state the most noble montrchj. 

With what pride thou wilt lay : 

« Others aided her in her prosperity; 

1 in her old age have snatdied her from min I » 

C O N C L. U S I O K. 

On the Tarpeian Mount « Canzone , thou wilt fee 
A. Knight (*) who is honoored by all Italy j 

(*} CoU di RtoM, orRicnsi ( says Kwatori ) aaian of low 
bitth^ but calsbrated for bis diploniMiG tsleiits, snd wanA en* 
pSoytd in Embassies by the States of Italy. Bnt Dc Sade says, tha 
pefsoa addsMied waa Sitpbsa Colonos. Sm Dc SshU^ Note XL p. fi& 



-46 Life jlSB Waitings op Petrarch. 

One, who thinks more of others than of himself! 
Tell hijii| that He^ who iovef him, though he only 

know* tudi hj iuMg 
Says : lliat Rome , bathed ia tears , 
Galls on him anceaainglj from her 
Seven Hills , to assiii her! (*) 

Tiraboschi ( i ) ohservfss that Petrafch proves by these 
three last Sonnets , and two Gansoae , that his excel* 
lenee was not confined to iUnatory Poetry; bat that 
be made the most snblime and noble subjects the themet 
of his Muse ; and nsed this Art as the handmaid anA 
instrament of Morals and Legislation. He proposes these 
last compositions as models of the sublime and heroic 
style. 

I can scarcely hope ilial these disjecta memhra 
Poelce will convey cv« n tlic faintest idea o£ the ori- 
ginal, as it appears united with ail the grace of the most 
vivid language , and all the linished harmony of iho 
most enchanting versification. 

Every sera of Poetry has its fashions , which they^ 
who are not endowed with a lively natural taste , 
prefer to those productions of a pure and permanent 
standard , that are the ore of ages. Vulgar minds easily 
catch what is artificial ; repeat it by rote / and g:vf 
a temporary celebrity to that which has no other daimi . 
to notice > than such as are conferred upon it by interest, 
caprice, or a vicioos sense of what is iogenions ^ capii'«' 
vatiog^ heaotifnl ^ or grand. 



« {*) These Prose Translations were made by a young lady , 
the daughter of the writer of thU Article. 
(1) Xualmsdaifllar. deUaLett, Hal. T. 545. (Ai. JIbr. i8oj,) 



Digitized by Google 



hm XJHD WBiTuroi or Petaarcb. 4^ 

There are thooHuidi , an hnndred times told , yrho, 
if left to themselvet $ would prefer the Venw de Medicit 
dreMed oot by the moft emineDt Frmdi Milliner of the 
dty , to ell the immitable graoe and lyniinetry of her 
natoral form. Bat f aeh if the Hoctaailon of theie petij 
chaimt of Tile homan art, that at each loceceiiTe year 
• new inondation el admirenj — aay, the laine adnl* 
would require a new dreii* 

'Why are the itatnei of the Aacienti , m |^d , 
or ao heantifid? Becante the « human form diyine n 
if ihewn in lu natural ahape I So it is with Poetry: 
Ifone can lasl| which it obteored by temporary cottome. 
The heart of Man , like his form , has always been the 
tame. His love, his anger, bis grief, his ambition; 
his sense of tlic magniBcence, or llie sweetness of naln- 
ral scenery; his delight in solitude and silence whea 
eithausted by the turbulence of maltitudiuous society; 
the refreshing breeze after heat; the revival of vegelatioa 
after wintry barrenne.ss ; — above all , the charmt of 
ideal beauty, contrasted w'wh actual eTperience ! 

In ages of Barbarism, the lai gucige is not sufficiently 
polished , or expressive , for the tlue communication of 
the greater part of this exiensive matter ! — In what 
state it was in Italy at the time of Petrarch'^ birth 
hat been the subject of frequent and ample invettiga'- 
tiont. But these invetiigationt haTe atill left a great 
deal to be cleared op. 

Petrarch had much to do 1 — to moch, as to induce 
Bie to recede nothing from what I have said at ihe 
commencement of this article r hot I will not dcnyy that 
VBM TaovBAnouaa had made great adyancct in Amatory 
poetry. This It a tnbject that will be taken up by a 
Friend in a iSuUtgueni jirUcU*^ and the reader m>/ 



48 Life ahh Wrixings of Peteabcb. 

rcierve his judgement , till he ihail lukre Kid, what 
will there be Mid. 

Xbere was , id truth , something in the occnpttioii 
of the Troabadoon^ in their manners , habits , rank, 
and adventoref , congenial to the tpirit of this sort of 
poetiy. Feast, and Mosie; Assemblies of beantifiil won^en^ 
the renown of personal bravery ; a belief in the mar* 
▼eUoo#; a mde but glorious grattdeor, adapted to feed 
the desires of the wildest fancy , called forth all the 
enthusiastic and creative . qualitijss of an ardent Blind 
from their deepest cells. A poet now was the poet of 
immediate Inspiration , not of cold Art. 

But Petrarch could carry these inspirations into 
his clui>et j and add Icariwng and labour to these pri- 
mary essences ) wiihoat losing a spark ol their fire. 

If we could have a full reltition of all the minute 
circumstances of Petrarch's childhood , as copious as 
ii ii the fashion of modern Biography to supply re- 
garding those who have lived in later days^ we should, 
no doubt , be made acquainted witd numerous proofs 
of his brilliant faculties in an early stage of infancy. 
The first thing remarkable woiild unquestionably be the 
cxtraoidiDaiy force, with which external images seemed 
to operate upon his senses. It is probable » that th^ 
long held an incontroulable dominion over him^ against 
which his reason could bat faintly struggle. 

At this time the Latin^ and even the Greek Classics » 
were in the course of revival. Xbey aided Petrarch ia 
arran{^ng and unfolding the daily-accumulating trea!- 
suresof his inind..He fonnd in Virgil « in Homce, and 
in Lucretius ^ ciamples, by which the brilliant imagea 
reflected by die fancy mig^t be expressed in adequate 
language ; and for the abundance of moral ientimentt 



Digitized by Google 



LtIB AVn WAITIlfOS OF PjSTBAkCtf. 49 

widi wbkh die teodeniesi of hit heart opprined him , 
he Ibond e ptototype end a gnide in the cripioDt ftretm 
«f eloqaence rapplied hj ihc aplendid end loog-metared 
witdom of Gccro. 

If in pore inrentioiij end on e nri^tj «eil«t he 
had a predecewor in hi« own tongue » whote •oblime 
end appalling geniua i^^ight well frighten him from 
•tteoBpUDj^ the tame eateer , the field wai entirely open 
to him Ibr ihote eonnet moet f daptcd to hit heat en- 
dowmentt. 

Dante often daahed oat his gigantic figures by a 
few bold strokes. He relied npon the strength of his 
outlines ; and the aublimity of the general ieaturcs of 

his subjects. 

Petrarch loved grace, beauty, tenderness, evanescent 
fihadcs ; niceties , lirst perceived by no eye but his j 
hues , that changed as quick as those of the rainbow I 
But yet it does not stem, a; if at this time he wished 
to rely upon mere luCal or national, novelty for his 
claims to notice, lie did not resuive to adopt his native 
iaeguage , because Italian poetry was deficient in the 
department which his genius was fitted to adorn. Hia 
anbitiott was yet to eiceii in the toogne ofTirgil, and 
of Horace. , 

The Temple of hii mind was now orerflowing 
with hnaget, plctnret> and sentiments \ when an c?ent 
ocoorred , that set fire to all this train , and gave it a 
durection Ibr life. He saw Lavex in the chnrch of 
^idgnan \ end she hecame the single Form > to whom 
ell the idolatry of his future life was paid. From that 
moment, his Sonnire eommenced \ and for her sake they 
jwcre written in his natlTo langoage. 

trpoa « ml^d 1I111S gifted , and that finmSshed , the 

4 



^ Life and WairiNos of Pxtbabcb. 

fervor of sncli a pasiion operated in cretting maiiy com- 
binationf , that would never otberwi«e liave eiicted* 
;Whatever be the power « hj which we combioe the 
aimple images received from without* it is notoHoua 
that strong passion and violent excitement add greatly 
to ^e activity of that power. 

Theie are numeroos individuals , nay it may almost 
be said thai there are nations 9 whom it is almost im<* 
possible to persuade of the reality of a passion so 
rooiAntic as that of Petrarch to Laura. Such scepticism 
betrays great ignorance both of the qnalities^ and of 
the history of mankind 1 It is not necessary to refer to 
the ages immediately antecedent to that of Petrarch , 
for proofs of romanUc passion : but if it were , the 
lives of the Troubadours would sufficiently afford them! 

Imagirjatiou may soou become the ruler of Him, who 
yields up the reiui ta her I Aud ki ncc she is sometimes 
a capricious, dangerous, and iri^litful Tyrant! 

It is indeed from the abuses lo which she some- 
times Ifads her votaries, lliat hard heads and cold hearts 
take advaulajjC lo condemn all poetry : — poetry , the 
lamp oi life; the or^an uf our highest sentiments ^ and 
noblest eaiotluus^ the spur of glory / the blasoner of . 
goodness I — 

The word Fiction , applied to Poetiy ^ is very 
commonly taken in its bad sense , for the purpose of 
throwing an obloquy upon this art. No Poetry, which' 
does tiot represent Truth , either in (act , or in fable , U 
genuine. The prodnctions f which represent things out 
of probable nature « are very fiialty ; and those , which 
lepresent things Iinpossible » either in the literal $ or 
oUegoiioal flCQie.| are wone thaa valneleas. l!hcj some* 



Digitized by Google 



I<iris AND Waitings of Pjetearch. 5l 

timet <trlke f r a short time j but wheo the noyeltj 
U gone , th«y Urtt laiUtQ } and then diigutt. 

Fiction , in its Mooodaiy sense , even for the 
take of metaphor and dreit , if objectionable , where 
the simple Truth is sufBiciently ioteresting. This U , 1 
suppose f what. lohoson means , when he says , that 
•t fThen Truth is sufftderU to fill the mind, Ficdom 
M fcwstf £^is u8ele$B .* » hot his application of Uie 
position to Gn»j/^s Scad is a strange and perverse piece 
of injustice. — Truth , in the sense , io which the Critie 
here applies it ; thu is , Troth divested of all the or- 
namental parts and the artifices of Pot^tfy^ would not 
have been sufficient on that occaUon* The relations of 
the calamities of King Edward's poiterity derive thenr pri- 
mary interest from their diaiecter of prspkeciei s firom 
the cireomstances of the ideal person, from whose 
lips they proceed ; and frcm ihe highly figurative 
language I ia whidi his impassioned visions doathe 
themselves. 

There is nothing more strange f than that , of an 

Art which has existed from the b«»ginning of ihe world, 
( if it be not degratling lo call it an Art, ) there should 
he such various tastes, and various systems cf criticism. 
"Will it be denied, that it has existed from llie begin- 
ning of the world? — Can we doubt that Adam aod 
•Eve breathed out their morning and evening hymns 
in that, which was essentially poetry? Collins has, ia 
a noble strain of inspiration , in lui magnificent Ode on 
the Poetical C/nzracler, described with the richest invcn*- 
Uon. this pr^miBval origin o! FoeUy. 



« Young Faocjr » tlias to me divinest naiDt ^ 
To "wiiom, prepared and bathed in Heanraa* 

€ut of amplest power is given. 
To few tlio godiile gift assigns 
To gird their Uest proplietic loins , 
And gaio her Yisions wild^ ond leel mmiii^d her flmt* 

The Btuidy as Fairj legends say » 
Was wove on that prophetic day , 
When He, who call'd with thought to birth 
Ton tented sky , this lavghiog earth , 
And dresafd with springs and forrsts tall. 
And poar'tl the laafn engirting all , 
Loijg by the loved Enthusiast wooed, * 
Himself in some diviner mood , 
Keliring , sat with her alone, 
And placed her on liis sapphire throne 5 
The whiles the vaulted shrine around 
- Seraphic wires were beard to sound ^ 
Now sublimcst triumpli .swclJiiig , 
Now on love and mercy cUvelliT^g ; 
And She , from out the veiling cloud 
Breathed her magic notes aloud ; 
And thou, thou rich-hairM youth of Moftt, 
And all thy sabject life was bom 1 m 

The Mrfaole of human kind, who lutre hearts ti>hft 
iBOved, or fiincies to be wskeoedy/kr/whet tme poett^r 
is. Bat oonsnlt their jodgement, or that whidi thiej 
lake upon bad anthoii^ ; and it will be fbnnd, that 
the critical opinions of a laige portion are reiy etro- 
neons. If ih«se opinions were cotrect , it would be indeed 



Digitized by Google 



LVB ANZX WaiTIKOS OF F£TJUL&Ca. 5S 

a ptity apl\ It would b« at beit nothing more than 
figuraiire Unguage put into metre. The force of the 
thought would be oolhing : oil would lie in ihe trick 
of the pefsonificatioDy or ike metaphor; and the kappioeaa^ 
real or aoppoaed , o£ ihe Teriification. 

But in eonformii J lo theae mUuken opiniont^ »moj 
Idte poett luve ariaen in every i^e \ and keen the 
tmnaient meteora of a abort day. Thcj take aocceaaive 
▼ariationa of ibrm \ but the principle ia alwayj the aame« 
The colonriogaare alwaya exaggemted and overwrought \ 
or 'affectedly eoarie, and ne^ctcd. TThatU aingular , 
ia mistaken Ivr origtaality^ and what ia moovtrouaf 
fi>r inventaoD. Shakeapeare> on the contrary, in die wildeat 
eaounioBa of hia imeqoalled ftney , alwaya wrote in 
nnicon with the faith of nuperatitioa ^ and the tendeDciea 
of popular belief. 

Pt'lraich , lull ©f matter , li^Louring wilh I lie pro-» 
geny of hu inspiration , knew the Art only as it wa* 
the midwife o£ their i»irth. lie lived in an congenial 
to bigh emotion ; full of rumaiitic manners., and striking 
CTents ! He lived under a beiiign climate amid the most 
genial scenes of Nature ; and was familiar with the most 
sublime features of rural solitude! In these recesses the 
Muses visited him j sat with him \ opened their treasurea 
to him ; aod continually brought the cup of Helicon 
Iresh from the spring with their own banda to allay 
hia thirst. « You drink £rom. odtr own hands I » they 
aaidi « We»aeidom risit mortala — Future poets, for 
the most part ^ mnat be content to drink at second Jtand 
from Tuvaal » 

Then he took the lyre, and aoimda of impaaaiooe^ 
and hitherto-unheard melody , deaecnded along the 
Vail^ of VAircLsaA} gently agitated the bKoeie ; and 



54 It'n Aim Wmivnroa of Pstraiol 

wbuptfred trenmUiuIj Miong ihe Itivef ; till SiUvc* 
loused horself from her profound •loinber j and Eohoy 
taking op the occuional swell of the notes , sent it cioit 
the stream^ and the ysUeyi to the opposite hiib I 

Ysnclosa hecsme a scene of enchantnieDt Wood- 
Nymphs sprang op amid the sylvan recesses ; and slept 
upon the hanhs of the marmiiring river , or danced oa 
4ie knolls i and in the ^ens. InYlsible hands struck up 
night-uinsic in the air ; and -Laura's form glanced across 
the leafy allies in the noon-day sun ; or appeared sailing 
in the clouds by the silver lamp of the moon I 

But what was he , who peopled these solitudes 
witli such iina^ihaiy Beings? was he an idle , dieanjing , 
brain-sick , lover ? — No : he was the man of the 
greatest enulilion j tlic greatest moralist ; the greatest 
philosopher j the most profound, the mo$t consulted/ 
and the most active politican of his age 1 

The love oi soliuulc has always been the passion 
of great miods , especially, of minds endo^ved ^\ uli an 
active imagiration *, but it seetns to have been prcemi* 
nenllj the passion of Petrarch, 

It is only when we cease to have a dominion over 
our thoughts 4 that it becomes dangerous/ when, for 
Instance , it gives a more uninterrupted i^^vay to the 
tormenting idea? of Sorrow and Regret. This was fell 
by the poet Seattle » who having become the victim 
of domestic misfortunes | inveighed in his latter dajta- 
gainst the dangers of a melancholy Solitude. 

But the fertility and variety of Pelraii;Vs mind soema 
to havo been inezhaustihle. 

la his poetical character, he was himself « prinoi* 
plly , the hm of bii Tale, — But then his imsginalioK 



Digitized by Google 



Ltfb and Waitings of FxiaARCH. 

Wit iachy that what more rich » or vt(i«d •object conld 
liftve been found ? Hii geoia» 

Dortt ihro' all apace; extcn^a tbvo* eartb and akj: 
'Wbile irorlda of Spirita meet bia mental ejet 

To aocb a man, wbat an inieirnplion mnst bavft 
been Ibe ceremoniee^ tbe impertinencea^ tbefelliea^ and 
ibe doUnewef of aocie^ ? Not all hi$ geaiua coold baTO 
effected more than a email pari uf ibe ireaanres of wiadom 
be baa left bebiod bim , but bj tbe aid of ibe calm 
and leisure > whicb bis addiction to soliiade gave himl 

To be one among the numerous eminent persons p 
'who have attained a place upon ihc rolls of Genias , 
is a ground of just confidence and ^elf-satisfaction , wlien 
compared with the multitudes to %vUich every genera- 
tion '^f mankind swells 1 But what niu«l have been the 
faculties and what the attainments of Petrarch, who ia 
ao many ce&turiea bas found no rival in these roUa ? 

There is an ardor of mind; a love of occupation ; 
a deaire of good; an ambi*ion of just fame , whicb , lit 
propottioB as tbey animate tbe aonl j bear it onward 
to all great achievemenia. In no cbaracter baye tbesd 
tbingi displayed tbemtelres lo conipicnously « as in 
^etnicb! — To ibeee we mnat aicribe the elevation of 
«iceDt in bia career « wbicb baa left all posterity bebind. 

Of all modes of life » a MM'UnpUytd Solitnde is 
tnfely tbe purest, and ibe bappiest. — We are (boa 
Independent of all tbose passions of otbers , wbicb are 
tbe principal bane of life. We make , in tbe cbange of 
seasons \ in the dawn » tbe noon j and die nigbt-bli » 



86 Lm AMD Wmmif Of ov Pmutinr* 

of ftiiafjc daf, a rariety ol coiiip«nioa»hip: pid- 
greif and tha deeajr of vegeiatioa afford incaitaot inbjactt 
for diraifified and nerer-laiig*iishing cariosity : Hu inta!* 
leet grows ftronger as it it iaoght to raly mora and 

more upon itself: and the habit of abstracted reflection; 
and of familiariiy with what is immaterial , becomes 

more poweiiul , more clear j and more conslanl I 

There may be many, who think (hat Petrarch, if 
be thus spent one day less chearfu ly and less happily 
than he would have done in society » maile an exchange , 
in which the gain was not worth the cost. They cannot 
think that there is ninch vaiue in Fame ; — at least 
aiur iiU\ ^ They deem it but an idle ofieiiug^ 

« To decktha cold inseosate grave with bays} a— > 

ond that if all bis writings had perished, ages back, 
the world would have incurred no real loss; — for 

are convinced tbat nothing bat prejadica andblgotij 
teiain them in esteem* 

In what dfgreesj or in how mtny ways t directly 
or indirectly » writings of so very high an intellectnU 
cast« tend every hoar in every day to enlighten tho 
nndeiatandings and elevate the hearts of maokladi h 
hayond the power of the most brilliaot and profannd 
philosopher to make a probable calcnlation 1 It is certain^ 
that aller lha lapse of foar Cenlories and an half iho 
influence of these wonderfiil compositions , of this trea- 
anred wisdom of the Poet , the Moralist , and tho 
Bistorian , mixes itself with whatever is most tender, 
most eloquent, or most sagacious, in the minds in which 
high endowment and high cultivation bave boen anited 
^ruugh ail £urope. 



Digitized by Google 



Lin AKD Wmmmw ov Pmabcb* Sf 

Tli€ pniiei of SoktudB trt fisrvid and uilmit«d not 
only in ike poetiy «f Pctraicb; but in all hit prose. He 
bit written In Latin a Traet J>e ^ita SoUtantt in two 
Bookf : a tort of pmenrior of tbe modern popular woik 
of Zimmerman j and , it must be confewed , cfoally ver* 
bose. Here be tpeakt of ibe m egreMut fiicilit ( quo ) 
sjlvaa et loca vireDlia, ct qoemli amoii in ripam gra- 
Tidinem pofiit^ litigttioncmque deponere; nee ideo od» 
nns In anrnm IngeDit rerum lemina jecere, el inter ipiom 
qnletiti reparandique animi tempoi Yentnro bdtori mate* 
riam pneparare. » — > 

— « Marcus TuUins , et Virp'Iius Maro , qoos elo* 
quentiae princi[ies Laiioae nemo eioqoens negabit> haic 
couiiliu ha rebuilt , duin alter, cum saepe alias, tamcA 
praeserlim ad trac(aiuin leguni Civil inm accessurns , fron- 
dosas quercus, et delectabiles secessus , quodque ibi 
«criptum memini , ripam^ «t uniLram , et proceristimas 
populos; et coucentum avium, et slrepitum fluvioram , 
atqae asijuas in partes scissi amnis , in medio insulam 
parvam ^ ei Imic nostra simillinnm qnserercl : aher autem 
eaiimAlexim^ qaiiquia is eat, paatorio carmine laudauirof^ 

Inter deniaa ambroia eacnmina fogos. 

AaaidnA Teniena , folna is monliboi el ajlTii. id frreifl*. 
Plaionem aecoti ambo , qui Inter odoea enpretieta , et 
apacia sjlTcalrta, de Inatitntia Remmpnb. deque optimla 
Icgibna diapntarat (*) 

In bia Seeond Book be baa a Qiapter 2)» PotiU 
SalUudinnn elig*(niibu9. He eapedallj namea Horner^ 
Tirgil , and Horace i and blames Oyid Ibr bia vicioof 
taate. Hbmee ( be aaya ) a brerem qnidem , aed mi- 
▼enalem tibi dat regulam: 



O FatiacdM Ogtn, fiaail^ iMi. !• a^a. 



M LiFi: AND Wamifos O* Pktrarch. 

« Scriptomm chonu onmu tmtt aenos, el fiigit acbci 



In ererf cnltiTated age of Society tlie places wbicli 
Bavebeen consecrated hj the resides ce ol great Get'lus 
have excited the moit lively curiosity and mtefst. How 
diSs interest is increased by the natural beauties of the 
place / ' and by fbe sublime , or piciarfsque fi^fnres » 
congenial lo tbe cbaracter of the iohabiiaot! —Of all 
the spots in tbe uorld , one of those thus most conse<* 
crated to posterity^ is Petrarch's rciideuce at 
near Avignon. 

He himself has thus described his first visit to this 
place in childhood. 

w Cum ad Fontem Sorgia: vcntum essct , recolo 
enim nou aliter quam si hodie tiiisset , insueta tactus 
specie locorum , pucriles inter illos cogitatus meos dixi, 
ut potiii . En n;\iui\c ni»'pR locus ap;issimu8 , qiicmque si 
dabitur aliquando , m.igtii-i urbibus pr.Tluttirus sim. Ilacc 
tunc ego mecuin tacilus, quce niox postea ut virileni 
setat^m attigi , quantum non ocio meo muudus iiividit, 
laie Claris indiciis nolam feci^ molioa illic enim annos, 
fled avocantibufl me sspe n ego tils , remmque difBcuh*' 
libus interroptof egi f tanta tamen in reqnici taoiaque 
dulcedine^ Dt ex i£a» , quid vita bominum easel agnovi^ 
iUud £erme solum tenpus vita mihi fuerit , reliquum 
omne suppliciumt Jam tunc indivisibilea aniinis , distracii 
flludiifl I eratnas , ta litiginm «l rostra , ego ocium flecta* 
Imiy et nemora, tn calie politico divitiafl boneflatqm»- 
flivYftiy qiN» me mimm. dicta soHiaRum, contemplorem, 
prcfogom , in nkediat aylvas usque ad invidiam iuKcntv 
•nnt. Qoid vero tibi nnne ego iUud agntie tileniium , 



Digitized by Google 



wotmU in vmiUbm mngimm » iUo» uoUtomm iit mmU 
non dUono$ mtda cmmMm , 9td mtctM^noB eifiliocia) 
8cif omsia , et li me bac in patte non penitui teqni 
au«at, qoodafliiiainenttrbaDiitninaltabna ta fiimi pOMca;^ 
qnod pctratiun «it , capidi illuc ul h procelUi in por- 
tarn fugere iolitna. Qaotient autaai reris , me Yox atn 
•olooiy procnl in campii invenerit, qaailcof p«r «tt»^ 
tank media noete eomxerim, et nectarnii Chriito la** 
dibofl persoloti« , nous ego , ne sommo preisuf famulot 
inqaietarem ^ nunc in agros pixicrlim, sub lastri lunt, 
nuuc ill mouied exiciiui ? Quotiens hoia ilia , nullo 
comite , non sine voluplate honida, immane iliud loa- 
iis «pecas iDtraverim , quo vel comilatum luce iDgredi 
horror c«l ? Unde autem in tanta fiducia si qUfCnlur ^ 
nempe umbras, laivasque non metuo , lupus nuoquaoi 
in ea valle \isus crat , homiQum pavor nullus, huLidci 
in pratis , piscatores in fiuvio pervigiles , illi quidcm 
canebant f hi aiUbantf tdtrigue cerUUim me coteiani, 
seque ad amnimodiim obsequium horit omnibus ofiere- 
bant , qnippe cnm ranm loci^e dominnm ictrani » non 
amtcmn nibi tantnm etie* sed firatrem^ eptimom tad 
pareniem , tie nbiqae beneroli , boicci nnnqnam , Urn 
cnncta ddiberaniy aio mibi la fiiToite^ aiqne idem sen* 
licnte peianaiemmy ai totna oibia balio qnatcreinr, iilom 
Immobilem ae pacificom loenm fore^ qnod nt credeiem^ 
et Komanm respeetof Eedciivy de i|do dm, et m«ll# 
m a iime vicinilai Mebnt , f opia omnia antem paapeitna 
jecnrinima xernm, el centemptiiz avirili* atqne iP« 
monim » etc. 



n Op«r», Baia, iMi £qL pig, 869. 



t 



do Lirs AKD WKixnroi ow PmiMir. 

I ihaU here add ToKAinfZ*« accoant of VAVOLViii # 
M a ipcottten of liu Pmranha Rtdivima. 

« SIIti plMet Ham % Urbt «it InimiM poetb* • 

« Hme tot fontiboa , tot ftowitisninit rallilmt ^ tov < 
Jq^is aootiiun » nht^ae Mosii » «t poetioif Numinibiw 
oooietrvtii ingentem aocesMiie fimwin legimus , quod 
liif in locis degentet PoeUe accommodattuinaiii com* 
noDtatioiiiliQ* mis •ecetMin procul ab bomiDom tarbia 
at afgotioroiu inrbiiiiboi repetere. 

« Bioo ille Orphal inier lilTeftria Pamela , et pr»» 
fopta taxa toavit adeo, et ip«is vei cordis roboribua 
exauditas canias. 

k flinc VA-i^i^ii Claus.i; fima toio terrarum orbe 
ana cum Fbancisci noslri nomine dtcauiata : 

Hinc Stlva Plana, trans Eoliam amoem Kktginum 
fioibas per ipsum nota : 

Hinc Arquad« eollis ah indigenis, atque eiLleris ^ 
Vatis ejnsdcrn gratia sedulo fi equealaiug. 
Quibu9 in iocis noster divinus Vaus majurem vi'se suob 
partem pgif. Hue curarum jactatus tluctibus se rccepitj 
heic tanquam in portu tBtissimo conqui«vit. CLAVa^ 
VALLts alamoo Ktalem floridam ; iLa<tVADjB Collbs pla- 
cidam Viri aoUtadinis amaotissimi senectutem leddidit: 
nt hi noD roiniiff ijuam ilia digni plaoo aint , quae pe- 
wnnibni liierarum monnoieiitu atannim vmnu Alpinoi 
ladices provinciaoi Nanronenspm spactintflf loena oecyptt 
▼nig o Yaiooi Gi*4Viih 4iotiu t iUio 



Digitized by Google 



Ikam AMP Waxhm e» Fmiaea; €a 



SdiicTjB , qui niro 100 nttnm d«oora , i tptoa qa«d 

mon remoiiocis ptvcipliii taota midburam copia rednndat » 
«t ttatim pleatti , at jam mi potcna aomla aata aptliMiiiii 

^adnrn ferax ioctptat , ac tandem in Rhodanam poat 
multas ambages nipiam clabatar. De c[uo fic Vaiea ipte 
Lib. 111. EpiiiioWiMn. 

JIfons horridus auras 
£xcipit ac nimhoB , ct in tvthem com/'/^us exit, 
Jma ienent f*ntes , Mympharum nobiie regnum, 
Horgia surgit ibi , c/uerulis placuhssimus undis ^ 
jEi gefida prc^ hilcts aqua spectalnle monstrum 

^lumus , ut %d rides vdireos Hgii amne smaragdos* 

Ad hojus originem Petrarcha state adiiac jayaniH 
aataaa atatuit , qaam aibi ab, omnium partoriNltionnm 
caatria cxaactofato, unquam militi TatamiOy tnuii|Billi 
ocii •adam lacarat , «bi mpltta tnma parvo pmdio , qaod 
sibi emerat » c^Btentns , vitam noa frngalem tantam ^ 
aed el dmnam cgit. Quia hia porro aura divina ftaiat 
aom ab anodo et contemplando otiiim illi liMret^ icti« 
fHinx t indicavit ipaa ad posicriutcm. 

. a lada adaia ( Mowm ) revamu mb maAam, aa4 
In i^aftia illkif tadiotiiaiaHB Uclua ftaiidiiiai, atqva odiidA 
oacaialiler aouno aao inaitnm ftrre nan poanBa« dip- 
Taffticialmn aliquod , qoaai porttim fowna, npaii Vak- 
m parezifiiam ^ aed aditaiiain , siqiaa vmsoMm , tpm 
GfcavaA dieiciir , qiundecim pftsimiai ■fllilmi ik jipMem 
diataatam , vbi Fontiw les aftnini Soboa oritur* 
Cgptoa Ipci duindUta ^ UMiot WM «i me iptua iUuo - 



Lire AKD WaimiM PmAMB. 

tranrtuli. Longa erit hUtoria « m pergam exeqai ^ quid 
Ibi multpt ac multoa agarim per annotv Brno a amma ; 
qnod qnicquid fere opiucoloruin mibi excidit, ibi yel 
aospUiM^ vei conoeptutt cft^ qme Um niiilia foenmty 
Vl' Mqaa ad hanc .datem ma exercaantj ac fiitigaot. 'i» 

Sad aa da Valla andiandoa nobis qncHpte Boceattiu9 
ifaMnumtiii. da pneaaptore mo difoapidiM in hec vailias 
• . ^ « Fakoaiicut P^frarcha , €«lait!a koaao , at nortro 
aevo PoeU ciarissimot , Donne »prm Pont. Maximi be* 
nerolentia , quam omnes fere chrisliani summopere cu- 
piunt , at prociiraok , et Pilealorum Orbis Catdinura , 
aliorumijLic Princjpuiu , iu \ a.i.li:?.i Ci.alsam abiii , iu- 
signem Gaiii* solitudiiiem ^ locum ^ ubi Sona v b'ouiium 
rex oritur; et ibidem omnem fere floridam juventulem 
suam , Villici unius cotitentas obsequio^ meditando atque 
COinpaiK rido coiisumpsit. Fecit equiilem J sU>nt vestigia , 
stabuntque diu parva domus el horliilua ^ et, duiii Deo 
placet J testes vivmu plurimi. » 

I Memiiiit et ejusdem Valus in Histvriah Specidty 
TwpCMiitius ^ et hisce verbis Ciausulam appellavit. 

« Posibaec AviBi<Niem rediit, et ia J^alle perexigoA 
ajT^sena quae Clausula dicitor , Bucolicuaa caroaan tcripait^ 
J^itcB SolitarcB Ud. #/. n 

R^oauaoit et iibros beic loci a Petraicba coDscriptoa* 
P^adianus libro singalaii jDa PoeUoa- Cap» XV at hoa 
it- fximU-i AStipmniM ^g99ta , qnod opas Jffrioam nomi-' 
luivif!^ iBumlfi mi n iC aiimu , «t Bpi^otaa dbmplures^ 
wnko. unfei-^pna'poidiarfiinnm ad Philippnm CavaUU 
oaofftti EpMlDopttai JBjfi FUa- SoUianety in quo adeo q«i 
flMdi «MH •oBtenpait , adco Tamtn raolitmqne taetar , 
nt dnbiiaik. afernoi ^boMinam agnoioasy an b^amina majo- 
r«m»;^ania ooBstnitia- art f tanina ardor f copia tania^ 
utdiiiQWB pnnacliniai nrgnmemoinia at rttionvm fidam. 



Digitized by Google 



I^cqae wnimu hie locus ia Appendice Theatri 
4hruham Ort^U ^ d Atlantb G* MtwwUorU ^ edilt 
Anuterodami i63t ^ ubi habeiar Tabala JEnca , io qua 
delincatnr AvanionciiHi Coiiiiiatna$ et in «o Vaixw 
C^vaA.; Tcrbiaqoe Gallicif ndtator^ a 4bi Maiwn tk 
JPitmrgMi et/oniain9 de P^aueluse mertmitietm A voir* » 
In datcriptione vero hste Icguntur. 

a Vali*!! Clauia^ vulgo ^atiduse, qno eon&rrt ae 
aalitns scitbit Fnneifcac Petrarcha^ philotophicit medi<* 
tationibns operam datnrnf : Vallif est anufcnisuma rnpibos^ 
uode fontes limpidissimi manant, cincta. » 

Pclius lirrlius quoque, Gcographus Rfgius, raitioris 
liU'iatura? Paiisiis Professor Publicus , ine ejus in TabuHs 
auttis Anisttroclarai per Jotiocuiu liondiuta^ ubi Cnmi- 
taiutn AveuioDeustui desciibens de Soaga flumiue hxQ 
habet : 

fl Est in hoc Comitatu fluvias Somm, «on tameil 
nature' opere, quam deoantatiai^imi Fraucifici PetrarUui 
ver<ibu» nobilis, » * 

Et base subjiui|{it de Vajulk Ci.av«a: 

« £it etideua ffA%,chvsM sha annmissimo inter rnpai^ 
qam Talleiii ' vmdiqoe elawlonty t% qna re euam loc9 
nomeii. In boe'sacaisa Halmacas ille saaai Lannm dignia 
iOMilortalitate versibns' datantavit. » — ^ 

Sed placet ipsan qaoqae YaUis Topograpbiam ip«« 
ctandam leganinuaooaiis ezbibarey sicmi edam aoeapimvt 
d^ineaittt ab bmiiaiiiidno Joiepko Maria Soareaio 
. leopo, opet a Hieratiynii Bavidis Galli c«l*lam. » ( Mtm 
tt eunom Prinf^^aactma U givm hy T^mawd, ) » 
in bac elcganter Mobs imminens, Acz^ at Boms ipsa 
Patmccbs adbne visitor : Fans Svrgim sa TiilaB flnm 



pcraBUBnoi reddit campos , 4uni prau floribnt « Mpif 
eoniiUi arborilNit, IcctUaniDiii pndbent «ecetMUi, 

Perhnnuniter Idem milii inofoniiit alteram hujat 
Valli* delineaiionein ex lUlatioDC Joaa. Ftancitci Bordiul 
Bpifcopo CaTallicantli Aono iSSy dapiompaum » qu« 
•dhac in Biblioihaca Batbarioa ajaervata poiUaaoa Valiia 
. Iidem repimantaC. 

Eiim pari diHgenlia delioaaiam demiptil Yellattl* 
loi ; el aotiqaiiatis cximiua wveiiiigator Gabriel Simeo* 
mas ia £pitaphwruin Iff t t U mi iow , ad qsoi leeiortai 
rcmittfmna. 

Hie tamen pneterenndom mioiffii dnctouia Eirmaam 

tUctCB J'^aUis Descriptionem, 

« Dcliberai di rivedere ud' &ltra volta il lito dt 
.Valchiusa luogo dove il Petraroha compose una parie 
dell'opcre sue, massiriie qutUc d'aniuie ptr Madonna 
Laura. Quesia Valle nel vero i ia piu dileUevoie , e 
beila , e quivi 5ono le piu piacevoli, e chiare fontaney 
ch*io vcdessi inai , di manicia che se io uon fosse stato 
accompagnato, e non havessi proniesso a certi aiuici ior- 
nire il viaggio d' Iialia , io credu certamente, ch* io serei 
resiato 1^ per lutlo il leriipo di mia vita. Contiosia che 
la piacevolczza del colle sn la puma del quale siedc 
ancora mez.a rovinata ia casetu del Poeta^ la solilu- > 
dine, c qaiele del aito ^ i chiusi boscbetli d'ogni tempo 
Terdt , raspresaa direna delle alte roeoie^ e il doko 
momorio delle purissime acque mi rappresentayano natiH 
ralmente inoansi agU occhi 1* imiDagioeto maole di 
Plernaio » e la fontana ricetto delle a^ve Miiie t iti« 
mando felicissime colui , che havaMi potuto » o potati^ . 
del contioao habiiara io d ameno^ t libero InogOt « 
lotto ooii baaigDO e padfioo Gielo. a 

DoauiBi Poeta umaMBto ^uldtni Xcaododum 



Digitized by Google 



conitita«nt; ytmm mwi injuria ; tt patroni loeorou ia- 
cnria hodie omoioo videlur deicrta. 

Qttod vero de crypUi in hum domum protenst 
nairat Martinas IMtm Itinentrii GaMd cap* S fiJbalv 
affitie etty et easto Talis pectore iodignum. 

Malti SorgioB flnmeo » P^allUque 0ausce peramenoa 
ieoesfat venatUuimia eelabrarant veriiculis. Yidimoi 
Bterooini Brivii, tsimtt ingenii ^ ad SnaraiittiB «Si Xoii* 
dibus SorfiioB Carmen. 

Ne vero lectioni* ubcrlate animos , libcllumque im- 
plearous , illos solummodo rcferaraus , quos suavissi- 
inus Suareaius uohist UaQjsmiMt, uilori ipsi foDtir SoAOli^ 
nihil cedentes. 

Haa aedes y quarum lapsantia rudera cprni';, 
Incoluil Thuscus Vales , qui captus amoi e 
Avenicoe Daphnes palris pene immemor Ami 
Haec sibi delegil Tcnij^te , el bis qainque per annoi 
Haesil io hac Valle , et yicini io mai^ine fontis , 
Ver«ibas hie sjlvas , hie versibqs A£ra Xropbasa 
Cancinoity doctaa charus hie scripsit amicit. 
In qneif para nitet Latue fiictindia iiognw « 
Etrusquaqae lyia teneros^ qoibba anerat, igaci 
Lusity el erepts sibi flcvit gnadia Nymplua. 
Biruerit tcctmn licet invidiosa vctastat ^ 
£t reliqnaa qnoqne fimacratim disperdere pergat 
Parieiinas, non tola cadet » acd niza Fetrarchis 
Canmnibfu , qua perpetaom yictuia per wnm 
lata domna nullaa nnquam e6t aeiuiua minaa- 

In llie paaaage in which Petrarch haahimaelf given 
the accaunt of bia retreat lo Yaucluaa ^ be baa apokia 
af Jiia diigoai at the mannefi of Eoaae. 



66 LiFX AND Waitings of Pitraacb. 

He has recorded , how ill qualified he was to lao- 
ceed at Home in another place, in hia Dialogue 
Contempiu Mundi he wj»t 

« Artes deerant , quibus hodie pmaertim ad altot 
' gradus accenditur \ ambiendi acilicet magnorum limina ^ 
hiandieadi^ promittendi , mcotiendi , simalatidi| etc. 

He apeaks of himaelf in another place, aa 

« Bivitiarum eoatemptor *ezliiiia«| non quod illaa 
HOD optarem ; aed labores coiaaque oderam, apuin comio 
tea inavpeiabiles, 

« Petrarch telli na ^ j» lays De Sade, « ijae dang 
lea violena acc^ de sa passion » il ailoit quelqn^is k 
Vaadtase temp^rer I'ardeur qni le divoroit par la finl« 
cheur des eaax de cette fo|itaine meiYeiUeosei et pac 
I'ombiagc des bois dont die ^toit alors entoor^e. 

« Ayant r^solu d'y fixer entUrement aon sljoiir » il 
acheta & Vaacluse nne peiite maison avec on petit champ, 
et il alia s'y ^tablir avec aes livres. etc. a 

Do Sadc then goes on to describe this valley ; ami 
doses il wiili ibe following Eilract ffoiu a Poem oi the 
AutJior of the f ajage dt Provence^ 

» Lk parmi de* rocs lentasses 
Couverts d'une mousse verd&tre, 
S'eiaijcofit des flols coarrouces , 
D'uue ccume blanche et bieultce. 
La chute et le mugissement 
De cea ondes pr^cipiides 
Des mers par Porage irrit^ei 
imitent le frioiissement ; 



ft) i3»9mt Etai BatO. 34S* 



Digitized by Google 



LfFX ANA Writings op Pst&AACJK* 
Mais Licnt6l moins tiimultucafe^ 
Et s^adouci-Sijani h nos ycux, 
Cetle fontaine merveilleusc 
^ K'oat plus un lorrcnt furieax : 
Le long de« otmpagiies ficorict^ 
Sur le lablfl el lor le caillottz , 
£lle careste lea prairie* 
Avec on murmare plas doaz, 
Aloif elle louffire earn peine ^ 
Que roille diffi^reof canauic 
Dtvisent «n loin claaa la plelnt 
Le triior fifeood de sea eaux. 
Son onde toojoara ^puree^ 
Arroaant la tcrre alt^ce^ 
Va fertiliaer lea aillona. 
De la ploa riante conude cic. (i) 

I should have scarcely thouglil it Dccessary to have 
considered the questioa of the identity of La-uha as a 
matter still remaining ia doubt, after the publications of 
D£ S'.DE and Baldellt, if the Note of M.' Hobhouae 
to the FofirfJi Canto cf C/Ulde^Hardd bad not baan 
recalled to my Notice. 

M.' Hobhouse has surely allowed himself to be vei^ 
hasty on this occasion. He says that the Hypolbeaia o£ 
De Sade had no other foundation than the parchmeni 
Sonnet said to have been found in the tomb 4^ Laora 
Pe Sade ; and the Note in tbe Ambroaienne Yii^l : 
and be addt« that the lormer waa a fotgtsty\ therefore 
the latter moat haye been a ioifg&tjX an odd eonelusion f 



(0 De Sade, t, 9A9, 



68 IdUZ AND WalXXNGS OF PSTRARCB. 

Tbe ainaments against the Sonnet are plausible: — 
jet eyen these are far from being decisive. — Bat what 
IwTe these to with the Note in the Virgil? AH the 
internal evidence Is powecfiillj ia favour of that ^ote : 
and the objectioni to U are unworthy of attention (i). 

If the Note stand* nnimpeached^ what say the doub- 
tm to .the Xeitament of Laura d» Sade ? Can ihey 
deny ihat the pioof identity is conciosive? 

Mr Hobhouae next attacks , in harsh tcnnsi De Sade'e 
inierpmation of the word « ptu6» » into PAnTUBua in* 
ftcad 6£ tmtwMkmmavB g ai the printed copies have 
it. Bat Baldelli has since foond an ancient Ms in the 
Lanrentian Libraiy, which decides this question in De 
Sad^^s fiLVonr: for the Ms writes the word « paiubBi w 
whicli most he taken to be « parUAuB » and not e/ier- 
Utr6eUi€mBu8, » (*) 

The passage is in die Mrd Dialogue between St 
JLugnsiioe and Petrarch De Coniemptu MuaM , wriuea 
in i343: — and the curious reader will he gratified in 
having ample extracts firom this most interesting Dialogue, 
instead of the single one, which the Wtileis on thie 
dispute have hitherto given. « 



(l) De Sade indeed hss in some degrr© rxposed hrinself to this 
criticism by arguing the doubtful Sonnet to b* Petrauh's coaipo- 
sition. Baldelli says : Let Bastie diet ch* i caitipo U Sonnetto , mm 
metfuno lo pretende opera dd Peimna pag. 

(*) BtUUUf M JPttiwrea , pag, #90. 



Digitized by Google 



LfFB AHv Wsimiof OF Fmimffii* €9 



Alndged JBximeiM from Dialogue III. of P$t9W^ JDm 

Coniemptu Mundi, 



J^. Qo« sunt quas memoras catenae 7 

Amor, ct gloria ! 
js*. lias tune catenas vocas ? — Nihil unquam rectiuf 
arbitraius sum , quam esse hot aobiiis»iiBo« quu» 
mihi objicis affectum. 
Nonne Amorcm onuuum cxlremam «?ucis insanirjm ? 
Pro diycrsitale sabjecti , amorem vei ^eierrimaca 
animi passionem, vel nobilicsinuun acliouem dici 
posie centeo. St iii&nMiB tarpemqiie malUreA 
•rdeo« iDaanusimof ardor est} si rerum aliqaod 
Specimen virtotis allid ^ in^e illud aMndum , 
Tenerandnmqne molitus svm, nnUiuBiia tamdiTC^ 
lis itt f«biis statnb discrimcD^ adao nepador •miiia 
tfrannit* — 

— Ego Bthtl naqnini tntpc 9 kn» T€Vo mil polchcr* 
rimnm, amisia me recola. 
^,£tiaiii polckrft tnrpiter amari posse eertnm est. — 
De Bittliere moiali tenno nobis iosiiuiitttr , in qua 
adouratida eolendaqiie le magoam «uiie pasteoi 
oonsnmpsisse doleo ^ et ia tali iugesio unlam, et 
Uun loiigsevam insaiilam Tdiementer admirer* 
Paree conTitiis , precor ; nalier oiortatis erat et 
Thais , et livta. Caetemm seis ne de ea naliertf 
mentioi^em tibi exorta , cuju» mens terrenarum 
nescia curarum cceieilibus desidcriis ardet : ia 
cnjas aspectu , si quid nsquam yeri c^t, divini 
•pecieia decoxi« ^ffulget^ gu}us mores consomaw 



honeftttif eiemplar funt : cojiu nee Tox , nee 
oddomm yigor noitale aUqnid i neo incessut ho- 
mincm repnesenut* 

^•Vbk demmf itane flammat animi^ in Mitnm dcd- 
mnm annnm £d«i« blanditiis aloi«ti? — Gam effi« 
giem morie Tariatam et pallenlU membra coii-> 
ipexciisy pndcbit animnm imoMrtalem cadoeo ap- 
^ pUddiie coipofoolo, et qao none tarn pertinaeilar 
attruii, cam nibore recordaberis. 

JF*. Averut Deus omen. Ego ista non videb<». 
Equidem necessario evenlura sunt. 

JP. iScio ; 5t:d Doa tain inimica mihi sunt sidera , ut 
naturae ordinem in hac morle perturbaut \ prioa 
in tray i ; prius ingicdiar. 

ji, Memioisti credo lemporis illius quo contrarium ti- 
nuisli f ct quasi jam martuas aaiice iuaereum 
carmen dictanle, Irislitia cecioisti. 

jP. Memini cerlc, sed dolui; et adhnc rccoleos, con- 
trcraisco ; indignabarque mc nobiJiori , velut animae 
meae parte truncatum , illi esse ^uperstitem quae 
dulci mihi yium, sola «iii pnBientia£iciebat. Uoc 
enim carmen iliud defiet j ^od tunc molto lachryw 
marum imbre respcrfum exddit niihi^ aqatentiaM 
memiui^ ai verba teneren, 

A* Non bo€ qnaeritor , quantum tibi lachiymtram mcnri 
iUiiii foimidata f qnaninmye doioria invexerit \ «ed 
hoc agitnr » nt ^ intelligaa ^ qua icmel conooMtt j 
po«ie Ibtmidiiiciii leveni, coque fiiciliiu quod el 
omnia diet ad mortem propios accedit, et oarpug 
iBud i^frefjium, mor6i»ac er^na vvima (*) ox^otf- 
tteiM I muOwm p/Mm vifori$ amiui* 

(*) Printed a Ptrturbationibut » — Imt flatiUiabad Vf 9^ 
and BakklU, asalraadj aaid« Co bt a contraction £MrcjMittifoa.» 



Digitized by Google 



Ltn AKo Wazmrof ow PmABCn. 71 

Bgo qmiqQtf et carif gnvior , ct Mate pioreetior 
heUm warn. Itaqne ilia ad mortem appropta^uante 

O hxor f ex natccDdi ordine ordtncm mortis ar* 
gaeral 

^« Hon iu(iue adeo imiMliilem » sC contntium fieri poise 
dm naietiu/ ted attidoe ne idem adveniat, precor. 

^•Dnbiliri noil poiett, quin patchenrima Mepe Impiter 
amentor* 

P, Urn ad luecii^ni leeponsimi ett; n eoim amorSt in 

me regoantif frcies eerni posset ejusToltus, ( quein 
licet multum tamen debiio parlius laudavi, ) non 

absimiiis vidcrctur hxc inihi coram quo loqtiitnur 
testis est , quod m antore mco nil unquani turpe , 
nil obscaenum tuerit ^ nil deni^ue praeler magaiiu- 
dinem culpabile. 

Visnc si tempus suppetit pauca de muliis cxpt nam, 
quae te in adruirationem , sti^oremqae compeilaat? 
A» Mene patei ignorare 

Quod qui amanl ijjsi sibi somnia fingunt? 

Omnibus scolis notissimum carmen est. Cvteram ex 
ore cjua piget has inaaulaa aadiie p qoem deeet aldw 
et Mpere , et loqui. 
, X Unitm hoc » ( sen gratitadini sen ineptie ascriben* 
dom^ ) non sileo^ me qaanlalnmeanqae conspicie, 
per illam ewe, neo nnqiiam ad Iiooj li qnid ett 
nominis ant fjLwm foitse fetnmm, nisi virtntam 
tanniidmam sementem, qnam pectore in hoe natn* 
fm locaToraty nobilissimis hit a£feeiihos colnittet 
111a juveailem animnm ab omni tnrpitndine revo- 
cvrit y nncoqae ^ nt ainnt » retraxit , atqne alia 
conpnlit ipeclire. Qoid ni , oertum entm est amorem 



Digitized by Google 



in amatM moret traiMforinare , aU|iti nemo an* ^ 
quam Um monkx oonvitimtor inventni est , qui 
liujas fkmam canino dente contingerei , qui di-* 
cere aadecet » ( ne dieain In aetibiu ^oa » ted 
in geitn Tcrboram ^ ) TepreheonlMle altqnid <e 
yidiite. Ita qni nihil intaetam liquerant , banc mi- 
lantei^ yenerantesque relfqaeniiit : mioime igitnr 
tninim <it , si boo tarn Celebris fama , mibi qooqne 
deiiderium Umm clarioris aitnlit , laboresque dn- 
liidmof , qaibas optata conseqnerer moUivit. Qaid 
enim adolesoena alind optabam , quam nt illi vel 
soli placerim ; qua mibi Tel sola placneiat Quod 
nt mibi contlngeret spreds miUe volnptatttm ilie- 
•ebris quod me ante tempos coris , laboribusque 
subjecerim nosli| el jabes illam obiivisci vel parcius 
aoiaie , c^uae me a vulgi consorlio segregavit , quae 
dux viarum omnium , torpenti ingenio calcar admo* 
nuit, ac semisopitum animum excitavit. 
lofselix, quanto satius fucrat tacere quam loqui , quam- 
vi« eniiii vel in i>ilcntio talem le introrsas aspice- 
rem , asscveratio taruen ipsa Um perliuax ^ biiem 
slomacbamqae percussU. 
J^, Cur , quflBSo. 

A, Quia falsom opinarl igooianlis esty lalsum impndenter 
asserere , Ignovmntis pariier et superbi. 

Quid me tarn ialiiim vel sensisse ooefinDss. 

Nempe nniversa qms memons « primnm omnium ubi 
9Uf te qnod es per illam esse, si sic IntelligiSa 
m bsBc esse Ilia dederit , mentires hand dnbie^ si 
veto sicot non amplios esse peimiserit , veram 
dicis. O qnantnm joigliuii evidere poterast nisi 
ilia te fonnai blandtliis relraiissel. Qnod es igitor^ 
natnrv bonitas d«dit« quod esse poterasUla pneri^ 

♦ 



Digitized by Google 



Ian Am WamxM of PmAm«« jS 

pnit , imo to tibi abitaliili. IIU enhn innomos Ml; 
Ibnnt qoidtni libi tim cm tarn blanda« tani dnlcit , 
at in te onmem nttiTit ▼irlutom teininiba* pro* 

"venturam Mgetem , ardeotiMimi detiderii mtibns « 
et assiduo lachrymarura imbre vastaverit. Quod 
Hutem te ab omui lurpitudine ilia retraxerU^ falso 
gloriatus es : retraxerit fursaii a multis, sed in 
majores impulit aerumnaij. Enfmvero neque vruiis 
•ordibus obscxnam viam declinare monuis « si in 
pnecipitium perduxit , nec q\ix minutiora sanans 
ulcera , lelhalc interim jtignlo vulnns inflixit. Li- 
berate potius quam occidisse diccndum est , iui 
^poque quam luam praedicaa ducem , a multis te 
obfccenis abstraheD« in splendid am impulit bara« 
thram. Quod yero aha spectarc docnily qaod ae* 
grcgaTit a^pnpolo, quid aliad fuit , qnam pnsil- 
dcntam «ibi } et nnioa eaptnm doicedine «ontein- 
ptorem rtroDi omnianiy ttndioteqne negligentem 
nddidiiie. Quo nihil in eonvtcin hondnnm leiai 
MM molestiof. Um qnod innmneria iliam te labo- 
liboi impUoniafe, cemmemoraa p boo nnnm vera 
]«»d'teaa* Quid aotcni luo lam Mignl mnneris in« 
▼eniat eogiu , cob mMSomM enim dnt laborei, 
4pM dedinara non licet, qnanta dementia en novoa 
aponte aeetari! At qnod iuaam claiioria avidnm, 
per illam te 6etnm gloriariaiia « compatier enori 
too , siquidam ez aidnii toi jaieinU , nallam tibi 
funestiorem etse monatraboj sed nondum^ eo per^ 
venit oratlo- 

J^. Promptiiiimns dimicat«r comminatur, et vulnerat ^ 
ego autem et vulnere et commioatione promoveor^ 
et titubare jam graviter incipio. 

^. Quanto gnvins litubabis^ cum gravisnmiuii vnlniif 



74 Lira AMo Wamvoi ot FmimeB. 

infliztro? Iita nempe quam pntdieaf, cat onmia 
le dcbcre aii erU , im tc peremit. 
Dent bone , qaibiu mibi persaadcbitar modu* 

^•Ab amore coeleitiaiii clongtyitatiiiDnin« etkereatore 
•d creatnnm deaiderium iacliaavit, qim una qoi- 
dem ad moitem pioaior fait via. 

JP. Noli quoeso prapcipitare sentenriam^ Deiun profeclo 
ut amarem, iJJius amor praealitit. 
At pervertit ordinem. 

JF*. Quenaiu modo ? 

Quia cum creatum oinne , creatoris amore diligen* 
dum sil, tu contra crr.Tiiirae captus illecebris, crea- 
torcm nou quomodo decuit amasti , sed miratus 
arlificem fuisli , quasi riliil tx oninilms fnrmosiu$ 
creasset , cum taiueu ultima puichritudinum sit 
forma corporea. 

J^. Hano pnBsentem ia tefUmoniuin rrooo ^ conacientianah 
que tneam &cio coDttfsteni mei ( quod aoperim 
diioram illius non tarn corpus tmute, ^^aam 
animam, quod bine percipiet licebit , qaontamqao 
ilia magia in etate progressa est, ( quid eo eor- 
porea pnlcbritiidinis iipelnctabile Mmen eit eo 
finnioT in opinione permann « et n enim Tiiibi- 
liter , in Tere floi ttaetu teinpoiit langneseeret^ 
aniaai deena amplims angebator* qoin neat amaodi 
principiafli^ aie incepti peraererantiam nrinlstravil: 
alfioquin ft poit eorpus abtiaaem , jam pridem 
matmidi propoaitt lempna trat. 
Meoe Indts? A.11 ai idem anlmoa In aqoattdo et no- 

doso Gorpore habitaret , similiter placuisset ? 
I^on audeu quideiu id dtcerc ; neque enim animat 
cerni potest j nee imago corporis talem spopon- 
diaact ac ai oculis apparereti amarem proiecto 



Digitized by Google 



Lm AMD WamiTM or Ftortumoi^. f$ 

polduitaditiaii aoimi ^ difonne licet habenlU ' 
Unttcalam. 

ji. Holier iiU edebrii , qatm tibi cettiiiiiiitm dacem 
fiugis , ad Miperos cur non li«<itantem trepidom* 

que direzerit , et quod coecis fieri solet , mana 
apprehcnsuiu uoq teuuit^ c^uo el gradieadum foret 

admoDuil? 

jP. Fecit hoc ilia qn^ntum potuit. Quid enim almd 
egit y cum nuUis aiola jn ecibus, nuUis victa blao- 
ditiis , muiiebreoi tenuit decorcin, et advcrsus suam 
iimul et raeam actatem , adversus multa el vaiia 
quae fleclere adamantium licet spiritiim dcbuisseut , 
iQexpugQabilu et firme permansit. Profecto animuj 
itte fiemiDeus, quid viram decuit admonebat, pr»- 
etabatque ne insectando padicilue iladio, ( ut verbie 
nUr Seoecv, ) yel czfmpluni decitety vel conyi- 
tiam ; postremo emu lorifregna , te procipitem 
▼iderely deierefe nudoitj qaftin eequi. » -» ete. 

wtf . Gifjltt ttwno es quo mentcm tnim peltie iUa coiri- 
poit , qaam repenle totue in gemicmii Terta« et 
tniierianim et pervenUli , nt laoe$ta cam Tolttptate^ 
laohiTmie et raspiriia paiceiit, cani tibi noctet 
imomnef , et penioz in ore dilecte noiiMa , com 
remm emniimi eontemptas , vitcqaeoditim, etde- 
«ideriam mortis tristis ^ el amor solicitudinis atque 
bominum fuga, uL de tc non minus proprie,quam 

de Belierophoate Uiud Homehcum did potest ; 



miser in ean^ ermitU jihk , 
Mp9B suum car miena, hmmnum vead^ viiatu^ 

Haie pallor, (*) ct m^sm, et langaeiesDi ante lempii» 
flos tttatiti tnin gnves » etemmnqae madentei oculi, turn 
oonfoft m«ni^ et tarbata ^les in mihiim, ct dormieniif 
flebiies qacrelae , ae vox fragilii , luctu raaca , fract usque 
•t iotempttts veibonim «onus. Et quicquid lumuhuoMus 
ant miferios fingi potest. iJa cue tibi vidcr.iur sii3;na saui- 
tatff? Quid, quod ilia festos , lu^ubrc&fjnc dies 

Inchoavit , et clausil ? ilia adveuieute »ol illuxit ; ilia 
qBc abeunte nox rediit j illius mutata frons tibi anmiurn 
mutavit , et maestus pro illius varieiate factus es. Deniquc 
totus ab illius arbitrio pependisti. Scis me vera et vulgo 
ettam nota mcmorare. Quid autem insaiiius , quam non 
coolemum pransecti illius vultus eflfigie. Unde hxo tibi 
cuncta provenerant, aliam ficlam, illustrii artificis ingenio. 
quGesivisse , quam tecum ubique drcmnfereDa babeics , 
matcriam semper immortalinni lachrytnr^niai , veritus ne 
fDrtaate arescefent iiritamenta earum? Omnia vigilantly 
aame cogitasti, ncgUgenter iocuriosiiu in reliqaia»At ot 
omnimn delirationum tuaniiii tapreiDam eulnien atlifto 
gam , qnod et paulo ante comiiduitaa aamj peigmniif. 
Quid digne aatif ezereetnr, ant atapeat banc alienat* 
mestia inaanitm , cam non minus nominia , quam ipsia» 
corpoits splendore captof^ qoicqoid iUi conaonnm fait 9 
incredibili Tanitate colnitti ? Quam ob cansam tantopere^ 
dye Cctaieiflk , atye poeticaot kuirtam , quod ilia boo 



S«e Cowper'f desatiptioa of t iavul , in hit BstinmmL 



1. 



Digitized by Google 



liIPE AND WaiTINOJ OF P£TRA.ECH« 

iMBilne vocarctur adamastl » ex eoqae tempore sine JMuri 
mentione vix uUum tibi carmen eilkixit. Non aiiter qiiam 
#i Tel Peoei gurgitu accola^ vel Gjrrhei yerticis eacerdof 
existerei. Denique qaia Ccsaream aperare £u non erat, 
iauman poefieam tpam ftadiornm taorain tibi meritam 
proniltiebat , nibilo modcstiot > ^am dominam Leasmm 
ipaam adamaTerai et enpiati. A.d foam adipieeendam f 
^anqaam aliU ingeniit anlnrectiu > qaaoto tamcn com 
Move perreiicil«« tecam ipte reeogitBiis , perhorreteet* 
Hee me latet , qidn reipoiuioiii paratam » el adlmc 
bitcere medttamem , vjdeo qoid tibi mme in animo 
Yenelnr. Gogitu ncnape te bia atttdiit aliqoADto prioa 
ctiaai ^am arderaa, de^tiim fiuMe^ yoeticnmqaeilliid tibi 
decus, ab atnifs pnerllibai anleiiiai exeitaase, quod ego 
quidein nee inficior , ticc ignoro^ vcrum enimvero et 
mullis retro seculis obsolcfacius mos , atque hxc aetas 
stuJiis talibus adversa , et longarum discrimina viaruin , 
quibus usque ad limeii non carceris modo, sed moriis 
accessisse , aliaqne iion minus violetua iortunae obstacula 
propositura retardassent , seu iorsiian irritassent , rtisi 
praedulcis nominis memoria , jugiter animiim interpellans, 
caeteris curarum sarcinis excuxAis, per terras et maria ^ 
inter tot difEc^iltatum scopulos , Aomam te , Neapolimque 
tiaxisaent , obi tandem , quod tante ardore cupiebaa y 
adeptns ea. » (*) 

They, nbo are deairoaa to make an accurate in^ 
Tenigation of the character of Petrarch j and more eape* 
ciaUy to judge of the nature of his attachment te Laura^ 
and of the qualities ef her mind and person , as well 



1 



LiFB AND WaiTIVeS OF PjBXa^ACH. 

at of tht certainty af her existence , will do well to 
itndy iheM eittacti tviih •Itict attentioo. 

Since I wrote thii opinion « 1 have found on refer- 
ring back to De Sade , that he comideiv these Dia^ 
kgtM iu the same light > u I hare here expressed : and 
that he has accordingly giYcn large abridgeaentt of 
them in a French translation. 

It seems to me most strange that this aeoomit given hj 
the Poet of his passion for Laura shooid leave -any reader 
in doubt of its existence ; or of its parity , as well aa 
of its force. The birlh of two natural children, of whom 
llic uainc of the moiher has not been preserved — and 
one of ihem ( — a daughter, — ) apparently a le\v 
months prior to the d^te af these Dialogues , is oppoaed 
by some Critics to the sincerity of this attachment. But 
Petrarch insists on the unblemished and impregnable 
virtue of Laura : he admits that lie has not been himself 
blatucles«. u Cum lo/y/rc/^^'u/n vt fjnecipilem » ( mc Luara ) 
« vident , deserere tiuUuit , quam sequi. « — k lncaiUu9 
in laqueum offemU : amor, cstasgue coegerunt, /Vjrw 
moitf jam tcuidem animum labentem. » *etc. 

Others represent this love to have been Platonic , bo^ 
cause in their opinion such a passion is aridiculons chime* 
ra* Without admitting this presumption , a reader of fancy 
and sensibility will find both in these extracts « and In 
iiumerons passages of the poetry of Petrarch, sif^s of 
a tempemmeot sufficiently earthly. A mind gifted by 
Nature , like Petrarch's , and trained as his &colttet 
were ^ conld easily give itself up to that visionary 
enthusiasm ^ which appears so Improbable to vulgar opi- 
nion. If I were- not afraid that this article is growing 
tediously long , 1 would discosi this point at greater 
length. 



Digitized by Google 



LiVB AMD WAXTXNas OF PsfSAmCB* f9 

Petiirch^ff lut dty* -vrm <pent in the rctircmetil 
•f kaqjTM. {*) among the Suganean Idllf ^ fonr leagnev 
S< W* from Padua. Hither he letired in 1570 \ at the 
i^e of 66. Sieufort RO80 { in the JMers/rcm ihe North tf 
Italy i8ig ) says « The Home , which wa« Petrarch'*, 
it very prettily lituated amongst the Euganean Hilli % 
and hit single and solitary tomb , a laroopliagus, snr- 
aoanted with a hionte huat , and raised upon four low 
pillars in a mountain churchyard , is striking. The hont« 
eonuins some bad fresco paintings symbolical of the pas* 
sions and pursuits of the poet \ and a chair and inkstand^ 
supposed to have been kis property, n The author adds 
that ToMAsiNi's account of the House and funnturc in 
his Petrarcha Redivivus , « exactly tallies with their 
preheat appearance, n (*) 

ToMAann describes the situation thus: 

« Adjacet Ar^oadsc colli Abquaaa Vicna Montemulif* 
um^ Martii olimaream et aulam Imperii^ soblimis apricum 
spectans. Gosterum ab uUro4}ue latere et a tergo eollibus cir^ 
cumjacentihos rtliqois septus , inter Ortum et Occidentem 
diriiias sues aperit, allicitque arnica capita, quibos omnia 
anuniitas adblanditnr. Ab ea nempe cceli parte influxna 
ct mnam hanriens morieoti Soli funns astra ducentia ne* 
quit a^icere » et indulgentia nature blanda minas-seiheiit 
spemens ctemnm heat« dum'illic fere semper ao sere* 
num est cctlum j vemnm fere et sempci* nitens solum. 
Manat ejusdem c summo verlioe illimis aqua, defloeus 



{*) Part of the late Yenetiaii SUtes. 
n Lfitm, I, 76, 77- 



So Ltfx akd Waxtin&s of Pxtrarch. 

•emim ad talos itno« fantem efficit , qaem infira dabimuf 
. intaeodom. TJberei ibi terne glebie pafrinii etipfaquo- 
aaxa tponle «aa ferada commodit ineolarum. Halant 
praia floribnt; aoperbiani jiiga fnictibcu» et ▼inetii ; 
larariant agri s«getiba« at canescant* Dkere» $kam. ilUe 
Amalifaes comu euaela i appateie f «mal iUic hihabitare 
Bacchum , Gererem » et PoinoDam g dcc abcaie Mmei^ 
yam, cam olei copia latitiime afflnat, vinique duleedine 
eolliboi omniDo reUqids antecellat. » (*) 

However tiresome may be the Icagih , to whidk tkeifr 

long Extracts have swelled the present Article « it will 

be expected that 1 should not close it wilhout at IcaJt 
a leu obser\ atiotis on the jreueral character oi I'clrarch, 
intelleciual and uioial. The ihiee grand points of view, 
in which he is to be considered , ( as has indeed been 
weii done in the Eloge of this Poet by BeUinelii, ) (**) 
are 

1 . As the principal rettorer of the Latin classics p 
and of Literature. 

As an original poet , dislinguisbed bj fancy ^ sen> 
Itmcnt, grace, and harmony. 

3. As an enthusiastic lover of a beautiful and pure 
morality; aa a political, as well as moral philosopher^ 
« patriot , and a philanthropist. 



(*) Petr. Red. li6. 

{**■) I ought 10 have inserted this among the titles ot Books at 
the head of this article. It contained in a. Risor^imcnto d' Italia 
negU Studj , neUe uirtif e ne* Costumi dopo il Mille delPjibait 
Sawrh Bettinettu A cui H aggiunge ora per la prima mlia 
Jl'moooiq m. PrntMAmcji 9criUo aUimamitnU dal mMhnimo An^ 
ion, Mauano, 4ydSg a vtiL ai»-8.* 



Digitized by Google 



LiFB AVD Writings of Petaabgh. Si 
On the firtt of these heads one thing will strike 
ereiy fcbolar : -r that die style of the Poei*« latin com* 
positions does net correspond to this praise. « NelPopere 
ioeUUne^ ( ujs Beltinelii| ) h nuunvigliti ehe lb«e men 
cnlto inaiy e poco elegente i menlre fa printipale ino 
ttndio f come ci ditie Leonardo AretiDo , lo atile di 
Cicerone. » 

He addf in a Note: « Che <e dimaadlii come fosse 
il Petraica il elegante in volgare p e si poco in latino, 
«ltro dir non aaprei le son die nel prime fn creator 
del tuo stile da Cino soltaDlo delioeato ma nel lecondo 
fb educate dal too secolo, e daU'esempio de'rotri moi 
coetnini , che non distioguevaoo ne'latini I'oro dagli altri 
metalli. » (*). 

Petrarch J ( says this elegant writer, ) had the distinct 
glory , uot only of writing well, but of giving the 
exernplc to others of all good studies and snge letters. 
liis study of Cicero ought to he regarded as the seed 
of thai fruiUal harvest, which sprung up ia his. and 
the f>llowing age. By him were brouiiht into credit 
the other Latin , and some Greek au'hoi >. He searched 
out , and corrected : he uuiicd to these , inscrip- 

tious, medals, and every thing el-^e subsidiary lo good 
criticism , and ilic best pbilosophy j sparing neither 
jouinies in persoi: , nor letters , Avhleh give testimony 
of his excellent taste, and desire uf true literature; 
that is, the polished, and peaceful, so opposite to the 
cootenlioas and pedantic literature of the Schools. 

But the praise bestowed bj Betiiaelli on Petrarch 



(*} P. i6a. 

6 



Digitized by Google 



ga LiF£ AND Whitings of Pbtr^hch. 

as a Poet U so beaotifui and so }Q»t, that I rnoit givo 
it in bis own irords. 

n 

« Nel Tcro c[oal fa prodigio ia tanu mama cd 
aspcritk di kttere e di costntni ua pocta douio di gusto 
squisito , di nobile e saggia ImaginadoBe , di cosl llio 
seoso , ed bigano si diJicato ? Una poe^a con p^nsieri 
ed imagiai e Toli ed alEetti snbiimi eppur non mai ialsi 
nk inetti , con sintassi poeiica , con pnro stile tenis- 
simo , con nnore foime e maniere ed espresiioni e pe- 
rcnne armonia soavissima accompagnati ? E Uitto d6 
senza esempio dell' arti bdle antico o moderno cssendo 
quelle pur anco defonni o sepolte. Quale anima adon- 
quc fu qiiella , che tulle rarli e le letlere a luce 
traendo la poesia lor luiclic e rcina in ironoripose, ed 
anzi neb lulta nuova , tulla beliissima , e a pcifeziune 
ad ua tralto nel nascer suo condolta? Quale anima, io 
ripcto ) che spogliandosi d* cgni Siciliana , o Proveniale 
reliquia y e lasciandosi ininiLiiso spazio addielro non che 
Sonetti y e lerie Rime , ma in trc femose canzoni di 
Dante^ di Cino, e del Cavakanii (*) , purgo la lingua 
C ia poeiia d'ogoi lineamento straniero , die al verso 
Tolgsre il proprlo suono e andameoto, cribo le rime, 
fi«s^ i metri la locuaion la siniassi poetica , e sentir ie 
soprattntto qnel nnmero armonioso , che prima non cono- 
sccvasi , e mal porrebbesi in qualche snono imitativo e 
pittorico degU oggetti , che ulor Dante nsar seppe accor- 



(•) Donna mi prega , del Cavalcanti j 
C0si nd rnio parlar ^ di Dante } 
La ddcf vista, cij CIno , 

Tutte tre famose a ^uei tempo. 



Digitized by Google 



LiFB AND Writings of PETiiAncn. 83 

tamcnte. Primo i solo U Petrarca ira i vincoU della 
lima ton9 apontaneo , tra gl'jmpncci d' nn idioma an*' 
cor informe colon le idee spirituali , acolpi le €arme 
]]ieorporee« ak6 fU aifetd a i penaieri al aublima^ • 
gitmsa a conciliar inaieme ralla riccliezEa e varietli lacila 
da'componioieiiti il &tieoio lavor delU lima, e iiel lolo 
argomenio d' amore alle dolcnxe del ciiore accoppi6 
Pimpeto della lanlasia^ le gratia dcllo atileairalU- 
tadine de' concetti , la rerecondia della virib al nataral 
Yisio della pasatona, e con' greci e laliai in valor poe* 
tiGo gareggiaodo con noova e noUle poesia aupttolli. » (*) 



A. minor genina endeavours to mnke amends forhia 
feebleneai hj erety sort of artifice. A minor Critic cd<-' 
deavoura the same hj his praise of artifice, "which ia 
more within the acope of his perception. These two claasea 
are incessantly active in the attempt to impose on the 
pnblio the fashion of admiring the technicalities which 
are oaly subsidiary , as paramount over the merits which, 
are essenUal, 

More than fonr fifths of all the works of Criticism 
wonld pcrsnade us by Iheir rales and judgements , that 
Poetry is something , which is in effect little better 
than an Art of Juglcry. Bnt in troth , how utterly ia 
it the reverse of this ? Is it aoy other than the mental 
fruil of tlie highest order of intellect , animated by a 
icivid tciupeiuuieut^ aud in&pired hy a sublime ambition? 



(*) Certain coincidences of opinion make it necessary for the 
miter to declare , tliat he had nc?er read this Eloge , when h« 
wrote the first part of tUs Avtida. 



Does not Petrarch exemplify this chtnoter? In how 
many walks of haman knowlege was hv eminent? And 

did he apply to himself the use of Poetry , but as the best 
vehicle of his thoughts , his contemplations^ his visions, 
and his feelings? Was ornament oi language j was har- 
mony of metre, soughi iaiiher lhan as ii conveyed more 
aclc([u^Leiy the force of the idea tiiat blazed in his 
miiul ? It is impoi>sible that ^ood poetry should be in- 
consislcnt with true wisdom ! A. true pocl*s fancy most 
be not only brilliaul, but sounrl ! In&ane combinations; 
images, sentiments, and trains of events, which, how- 
ever novel and striking, have no probability either in 
the material , or in the ideal world , may partake of 
the science of the Jugler (*) ; but certainly are not the 
proofs of primary and genuine gen ins. 

The common mass of mankind are apt to estimate 
things by the di£GM»iltj of the execution. The more trick, 
the more labour, the more mystery , the more singu- 
larity ; — with them the more excellence ! 

The varions modes , bj which these sortt of excel- 
lence become systematised , in long tracts of time in 
different nations; the. strong hold they get open the 
mental habits and prejudices of the minor classes of 
literati ; the weapons of malignity which they furnish 
to envy and detraction against simple and unsophisti- 
cated genius s — all these operating in union, some- 
times weaken the confidence of the firmest and justesi 
taste I 



(*) The reader v?\\\ recollect that that larg« portion of the Troil> 
badours f who made a prufessioii of Poetry , find wandered about 
to uakft nooej of their skiU on the Harp ^ wore called JongUw*m 



Digitized by Google 



Life and Waitings of PxiniJiai* 85 

It ihen becomec Decenary to npply to tbe test of 
Experience ; — the toaehstooe of Time! When wc find 
tliai , ( fobject to those litile flaetuatioD* which attend 
all^ even the motl permanent. Fame ) > an Anthor^a r^- 
patation hat aurnved the lapse of A^ea/ and when we 
find that the same merits are iniitted opon, aa the basia 
of this repoUtioB , io different coimtiiei , under different 
maonera , at different perioda ; without eommonicationy 
and in niter ignorance, in many cases, of each other'a 
opinions ; we may lemme a cerlaiuty of tmat in the 
rectitude of onr judgmental 

Petrarch then atanda elevated far above the petty 
gsles of Fashion , to lift or to depreft ! He stands borne 
up by the most energelic conceptions of the intellect ; 
on the wings of the most beautiful and sparkling fancyj 
tnibdliiied in the lendcrcst cmolions ol the heart! 

He deals in all that is most interesting to the most 
virtuous and most enlightened human minds, at all sea- 
sons, in every epoch, in every country! He catches at 
those phantoms ol the brain ^ that come and go; that 
dart, like lightning, in momentary fl:islics through a night 
ol darkness : !ic siczcs tlicir appearaiK es ; gives ihera a 
permanent shape ; and brings ihem before ibe eye of 
duller and less apprehensive perceptiona ! 

He throws rays of illnmioation upon thousands of 
difficult questiona in morali ; he discnttes and clears up 
numerous doubts i which are continually conflicting in 
the conscientioat aonl ; and he abounds io a large range 
of what <( comes moat home to the business and bmmja 
of t!ie intellectttal part of mankind ! * 

But it may be asked, how this can retain its fresh* 
nets after the franafaslon of four hundred years ? — I 
answer , — from the vigour of the thoughts ; from the 



86 Life and Writings op Petrabch. 

bapptnett of the illustratioos ; from the breathing senti* 
mcnt ; the transparent language ; the captivating order 
.and harmony of the words. — The subsuoce may be 
traniferred to the minds and Yrrttings of others 1 the life^ 
the form« the air^ the manner » cannot I 

It is indeed a matter of ineitingnishahle wonder^ 
how one man could hy any gift of talents i ardor^ disd- 
pline t » fortunate circumstances ^ outrun all 
posterity so fiir as Petrarch has done t If the gradation 
of talents is in general hy almost imperceptible degreesj 
how could one man go beyond others » tam longo i>s« 
iervaUol For how great must have been that distance^ 
-which the advanuges possessed hy those coming after » 
could not couulervail? 

Souielhing may be allowed to the very extraordi- 
nary fervor ul his ambition j to the visionaiy purity of 
his mind ; to the solitude , to which , in spite of all 
allurements , he dedicated a large porlioii of his life; 
to the scenciv of lhat solilurle ; to his tcmperancej to 
his passion ior study ; to hii, inlcnsf -wish of celebrity; 
to the novelty of expectation ; and untried deliglus of 
the latc-rccovercd treasures of Roman Jileraturej above 
•U^ to the unexplored iieid of Fiction and Invention , 
which was open before him; where Hope might indulge 
her fondest visions , and the fogs and damps of Criticism 
had not yet clouded and blighted the sky. (*) 



In addition to the woiks of his imagination, Pe- 



(^) So unlike this age of angrj'- aud insuhitig criticism} more 
ahve to faalts than c<)pabie ui keling exccUcQces I 



Digitized by Google 



Lm AND Waitings of Pexaa&co. 87 

tnrch'f fame at a monl pbiioiophtr , a pbilantbropiitj 
a poliddan and a patrioti stands upon the broadest and 
deepest basis. Antiqaitj , ( says Bettinelli ), was restored 
by bim from ruin ; Histoiy , Philosophy ; Erndition , 
Eloquence , owed tbeir reyival to bim. The most beaa« 
tifol morality oTcrflows in all his wrilings; gentleness « 
modesty « disinterestedness^ faithfiil fifiendship^ piety, 
direct his ardent seal for the good of others; for the 
good of his country ; for the honour of Italy, lie cast 
uuder his feet Anarchy; Schism; Civil Discord ; Super- 
stition; and the fatal errors of ignorauJ Credulily ! A 
great writer, a sublime genius , the ardor of his heart 
for virtue produced a revolution in the pride oi human 
wit; and made Italy the euvy and model oi £(atioas 1— 
And this man was a Post! (*) 



A ftw hading dates may he mrfuL in the chse of thie 

Amde* 

ao July i3o4. Francis Petrai«fa was bom at Arezzo, 
i3i3. Removed with bis Cither to Avignon. 
i3i5. Went to reside at Garpentms. 
tSig. Sent to study at MontpcUier. 
i3a3. Aemored to tb« University of Bologoa. 
i326. Eelurncd to Avignon. 



(*) And so it alwsys -will be with the greatest Poets. Neltlnr* 
Dante I nor Spenser; nor Milton, were merely Foets ! But I re- 
serve imifli , ^vhitl^ 1 hare to say on this subject , for a future 
occasion , in the hope that I mny have ieisure to fiuii.h an Essc^y 
on Foetry, which 1 have bad many years in coatemplation. 



Digitized by Google 



8S LifB ATSB WacriHOi ow PjTRAxeBr. 

6 April 1397, First mw Laun. 

i33o. Went to xeside -with Cardinal Golonnt 
at Avignon. 

n i33i. Xrayelled to Paris, Flanders, Brabantj 

and part of Germany. 
» i335. His first jooroey to Rome. 
» 1337. His son lohn bom. Retired to Vaaclnia. 

» 1339. Beg^an his Latin Epic Poem Afrifsa* 
}» 1341. His first journey to Naples. Was crowned 

in ihe Capitol at Ronic. 
iSame year, — W ciit to reside at Parma. 

» 1342. Sent un ua Liiibassy from tlie Roman 
' people to Pope Clement VI at Avignon. 

— Commenced the «luciy of the Greek 

language. 

j> 1543. His daughter Francesca bom. 

— Wrote his Dialogues Ve ConUmptit 

Mundi, 

Sam» year* — Sent to Naples by Clement Vi, and Car- 
dinal Colonna. Went to Rome for the 
third and fourth time : — and retur- 
ned from Naples to Parma. 

a 1344. Remained at Parma. 

9 1345. Quitted Parma; passed to Bologna; and 
thence to Terona: and thence retnr* 

« 

ned to Avignon, 
a i3^. Remained at Avignon ; and was eleeted 

Canon .of Parma. 
» 1S47. Retttrued to Italy for the fifth time. Took 

possession of his Canoury at Parma. 
i» 1348. Went lo Verona , and returned to Parma, 

Avhere he icceivLcl ihe intelligeuce of 

the deaili oi Laura. 



Dig Google 



— The Mne yew be paid m yifit to Jamei 

Gamn at Padua : and after a abort 

ttay rciomed to Parma* 
» 1349. Paniia tor Mantua and Ferrara } 

and thence relumed to Padua. 
» lo5o. Obtained a Canonry of Padua. The Mme 

year he wa& elected Ardideacon of 

Parma. 

— "Wrote his Letter to the Emperor Qiar- 

les IV. 

Nov. i55o. "Went to Romei and on his return visited 

Flo) (ucc. 

a Wrote his letter to Daodolo on a paci- 

fication between the VeoetiaB« and 
Genoese. 

— Keceired a letter from the Florentines 

through the bands of Boccace , anno* 
uncing his restoration to his property « 
and rigbu of citizenship i and requestbg 
bis -letum to the country of bis ance- 

ftOIS. f 

G>iisalted by four Gaidinals on ibe leforia 
of the Government of Rome. 

a l359. Commenced bis Book dSs Fiia SoUtaiia. 

a i353. Wrote bis Tract De Odo JUUgioaorum. 

Established binuelf at Blilan under 
the YiseoBtis. 

— Was sent to Venice to treat of a peace 

with the Genoese. 

» 1354. Visited the Emperor at Mantua. 

ji i365. Seui on an embassy to the Emperor. Pu- 
blished his iavective aj^iinst a Phy- 
sician. 



30 Ltfe and Wrixutos of Petrarch. 

» i36o. His cmbasfjr to lohn , Sing of France. 
» i36i. Left MiUn, Went to Padua. Death of 

hie ion lohn. 
"n i36a* RoUinwd to Milan; and thence ctta- 

bltahed hiniaelf at Yenice. Gaye hU 

Lihmj to Iho Republic. 
m i364« Wrote hii Tract JDe qffkio t$ FirtutiBua * 

MmpenUoriit, 
» i366. Wrote to Pope Urban Y to recall him 

to lul J. Piniihed hit Tract De Rem^ 

dUs utritisque Fkartunm. 
» l368. Abandoned Yenice. Betook hinudf to 

Pavia to treat of Peace between the 

Yiscontif, and the English Cardinal, 

the Pope's Legate. 
» iJ/o. Visited the Pope at rcrrara. Retired to 

Arquada , among the Euganeao Hills. 

Finished his Tract JJe sui ipsius ei • 

aliorum ignorantia. 
» iS/i. Wrote bis Invectiva contra Galium, 

— Also , his Epistle fo Posfefv'fy. 
» 13/3. "Wrote for Francis de Carrara his Tract 

De Hepuhlica optime ddministranda. 
» 1373. Visited Venice at the inritation of Fran- 
cis de Carrara. ' 
» 1374. Translated the Grlselda of Boceace, 

Died at Aiqnada^ itt July, this jear: 

wanting two dajt to complete the age . 

of 70. 



As Petrarch ha$ written an Recount of hia w»n 
Life in a celebrated Efistui to PoaxsaiTY ^ which is 



Digitized by Google 



Lrvz AND Wjftivism ov Pitkabtb. i)i 

iliortf I av tempted to copy it here , becense it it ii«t 
to be iamd in nodera Books ; oicept De Sad$ > whose 
work if bocome searc$. 



De arigine, idta^ convertaiione , e/ tiuriiorum suorum 
sueeessu , ipaiuamei aueioris JSjnsiolcu 

JPrandaous Petmrcha Po$tentaH A {*) 

Fnerit tibi forsan de me aliqttid aaditnm , ^anquem 
et hoc dabium iit| an' ambigium et obfcomm long^ 
nomea ^ sen ^ocoram , lea tennpomm > perventurom tit* 
£t illud fbnan optabit notse , quid homiiiia faerinii ant 
qoif opemm entiit raeomn , eoram maxime , qooram 
%d te lama perreDerit , vel qooram tenae somen au* 
dierls ? 

Et de primo quidem vtnim enint hominnm voces, 
ita eoim ferme quisque loquitur , ut impellit noa reri- 
tas, sed voluptas, neo infiimi« modos est. 

Yestro de ^ege unus : fui autem mortalis homancio , 

nfec niagnjE admodum ^ iiec vilis originis , tatnilia, ( ut 
de SI ait Augustus Cicsar , ) aiuii|ua. INalura qaidem , 
non iniqao neque inverecundo auimo, nisi ea consut tudo 
coniagiosa nocuisset. Adolescenlia me ieiellit^ Juventa 



(*} This Letter ii prefixed to the Basil Bditioa, iS8l i and many 
nthrr editions of Petrarch's Works : bat it is not in the Venice 
Edition 1496. The Poet here pivps an eccount of his life to the 
year i35o. De Sade has repnntcd it ( N.* 1 of his Pieces In^^ti- 
ficatives Ht the end of vol. 5. ) with the cortectioa of many faults, 
■ad acMM variatioxis, as be says j bat these I baTe not discovered. 



9^ JulVE AKD WaITIMOS Of PsTRAECA 

£orripait} Senecta latem coR«iit> experimentoqne pen* 
docuit ; venira illud , din anie perlegeram : quo* 

niam adolesceatia ei yolaptaa vanasunt: immo aetatum^ 
temporumque oraniam conditor , qui miierot morialef de 
niJiilo tttmidof , aberrare sinit iuterdam , at peccatonun 
raorum , vel sero memores aese cognoscaiit. 

Goiptif javeoi , non magaaruiu yiriam, ted multss - 
dexteiitatis obdgerat : forma non glorior cicelUnti , sed 
qu«) placero , viridioribut annis possel : colct'e yivido p 
inter candidnm et aobnigroin : vivacibus ocalis p et yisa , 
par longam tempua , acerrimo t qui praeter ipem supra 
aexagetimain aetatic annum me destituit, ut indignantia 
mihi ad ocularinm cenfagieudam'eMet amilium. Tola 
state saniasimnm corpus Mnectoi inyasit , tt aolita mor- 
boram acie circumvenit. 

Honestis parentibus , Florentinis orlginc , fortuna 
mediocii , el ( ui veruru faieai ) ad inopiam vergente , 
sed patria pulsisj ^retii in cil\Vio natus sum , aimo 
hujos xiaiis ultimae y qnse a Christo incipit, l3a4 die 
Lunae , ad auroram ^ Kalcnd. Augusti. 

Diviliarum contcrnptor exiraius , non quod divitias 
non optarcm , sed labores carasqae oderam , opum co- 
mites iQseparabilea , non ut ista cura essel , laiitarum 
£ioaltaa epularum: ego autem teaui victu , et cibis vol- 
garibns vitam agi laBtiits» qnam cum exqnisitis dapibas 
omnea Apitii auccessores. Convivia qux dicuntur, ( cum 
aint commessadones modettiae et bonis moribus iuimicc, ) 
temper mihi diaplicuerunt : laboriosum et inutile ratus 
sum p ad hunc finem rcMsare alios , nec minus ab aliis 
Yocari. Gcmyirae autem cum amicis «deo jucundum, ut 
coram auperventu nil gratius babuerim , ncc uuquam 
Toleus sine socio cibnm sumpserim. 

X^ibil mihii magis quam pompa displiceti non solum 



Digitized by Google 



Lxfx ▲N9 WaiTUios or Pstsaacu. 

^« malft y et hnmiliiuii contntria f ied quia difiicilif , 
«t qaieti advcna ttt. 

Amort acemmo ^ ae^ anico et hoatito > in adole- 
icentia laboiayi , «t diatius laborancm , nisi jam tepa^ 
acentem ignem mors actrba , lect utili'f , eitiniinet. Li- 
bidiDvin me pronai eiperlem diccre poise optarem qui- 
dem , led, ot dieam^ mentiar : hoc secare dizcrim, mCy 
qaao^aam fenrore siatis et complexionif^ ad id raptam, 
Yilicatem illam tamen sesaperanSmo ezecratum. Mox vero 
ad qnadtagesimum annum appropinqaaus , dum adhuc et 
caioris ^alis cssct , et viriurn , iiou solum factum illud 
obscaenum^ scd ejus meinoiiara omncm sic abjcci , quasi 
nunquam feminam aspcxissem. Qnod inter |)rimas feli- 
citates raeas memoro > Deo gratias agcns , qui mc adhuc 
inicgrum et Yigentem^ tarn vili et milii semper odioso 
«ervitio liberavit. (*) Scd ad alia prnccdo. 

Sensi superbiam in aiiis , nou in me ; et cum parvus 
fuerim semper ; minor judicio meo fui. Ira mihi per~ 
Mepe« Docait aliis nunquam. Amicitiarum appetentissi- 
mua honestanim et fideliasimnt cuitor fui ; intrepide glo«* 
rior^ quia ado me venim loqoi , indignantiMimi antmii 
aed offensanim obiiTioaiaaimi, beneGcioram permemorif. 

Prineipiim ac Regom familiaiitaiibus , et Nobilinm 
aminitiieytiifqae ad inTidiam Ibrtmatiif fni. Sed hoo est 
«|i|i^tipiaiii aenesceotinm^ ut taonim aiqpiaaime mtntea 
toiit^'iMaiimi' Bagam et me« 0tatif > amarant at co- 
llitnHrt . tm Muipai , iMedo * ipn viderint , et ita 
)(||>iiji<|irf!iindeii fiii, nt ipsi quedamdiodo mecom aiifiit} 

(*) As PelrarcV* illegitimate daughter is stated to have been born 
et his age of 59 , ( i343, ) Mr llubhou?^ imagines he has cU»«oTered 
theae pratesuiuiu to »tncC morality to be rerj dubious. 



94 I'US ^vn WaxTiKOs of Pbtrarcb. 

et cminentiae coram nuliam taedmin, oommoda mnlta 
perceperim. Multos Umeo coram , quos vilde amabaro , 
effugi ; tan tot fiilt miBi ittsitiu amor libertatis , ot cujus 
vel Bomen ipsam ^ libeitati , vel illi esse contrarium 
videretur , omoi stadio declinarem. 

Ingeiiio fui aequo pdtiu') , (jii:)in iicuio ; ad omnc 
bonum , et salabl e studium apto ; scd ad inoralem prae- 
cipuc philosopliiam, et ad poeticam prono. Quani ipsam, 
pro€essu temporis, neglexi , sacria litleris dfleclatus, in 
quibus sensi dulcedinern abditam , ijuam aiiquando con- 
tempscram, poeticis iiteris^ non nisi ad ornaUm^ re- 
aervatis. 

Iijciihiii uniee , inter multa, ad notitiam Vetastatis, 
quoniam mibi semper aetas ista displiciiit: ut^ nisi me 
amor cbaroram in diversam traheret, qnalibet xttto 
natua ease semper optaycxim « et banc oblivisci nisus » 
anfmo. me aliis aemper inserere. Historicit itaqoe dele- 
ctatna sum , non miDua tamen offensus eorum diacordia: 
secDtoa in diibio , ipio me vci vorimilitndo rerun ^ yel 
acribentinm Craidt enctotitea. 

Eloquio y ut qnidam dixerant , claio f ac potenti : 
ut mihi yisnm ealj fragili, et obtonro: neqne yero in 
commmi aerraone cum amlcis ant &miliaribaa^ elo* 
qnenlisB imqaam cora me attigit : mirorquc earn coram 
Aiigaitiim Geswem cepiase. TJbi amem rea ipsa, yel 
locue 9 vol auditor aliter poscere yisos est y paalo en- 
niaas sum , idque qaam effieaciter , nescio , eorum sit 
judicium coram quibus diii. Ego, mod a beue vixissem, 
qualilcr dixissem , parvi faccrem : venlosa gloria est, 
dc solo verborum splendore, lamijn quaerere. Tempus 
mecum sic , vel fortuna , vcl voluntas mea , nunc 
usque partita est. 

Frimum ilium vitae annom , neque integrom AreUi 



Digitized by Google 



Lm AK9 Wumro* of PanAKCB. 3$ 

tf^, nbi in lacem natan me pfotident : «ex mifaentfii, 
^ncucB, patemo in rure^ rapra JPhrefUiam quataof^ 
decim paManm mfllibas , rerocata ab ezilio GeDitri()e: 
octavam > Pi»* : nonnm ae ddnceps , in OaUia Tran^ 
sa^nm , td Isvam Bhodam ripam, ( Ovinia orbi no- 
men ), ubi RomaDus Pontifex, turpi in exilio, Christ! 
tenet Ecclesiam, et tcnuit diu : licet ante Tc , paucos 
inQOS Urbanu5 V earn, rcduiisse viderei ir m suam sc- 
dem : scd rt$ , ui paici^ iu nihilum rccliii , ipso, 
quod gravius fero , tunc etiam superslite^ et quasi boni 
operis poenitente. Qui si muilicum plus vixisset, baud 
dubie sensisset , quid mihi de ejus abiiu viderelur. Jam 
calamus erat ifi manibus j sed ipse confestim gloiiosuni 
principium ipsuni^ cum vita destituit inlaelix. Quain feli- 
citer ante Petri aram mori^ et in domo propria potuis- 
sel. Sive enim successores ejus, in sua sede mansisseni, 
et ipse boni opcris anctor erat; sive abiissety et tanto 
ipsiua clarior Tirtui , quauto illoram enlpa conapecdor. 
Sed h»c longioFf et incidens est querela. 

Ibi igitor, rentocissimi amnis ad ripami pneritiam 
sub parendbot : ac dcinde sab vanitatibn« meis , ado- 
lescentiam tocum eg! : non tamen sine magnis diigre»- 
aiouibna. 

Namqne boe tempore Carpenioras eiyitaa parvA , el 
iUi ad Orientem proxima, quadriennio integro mo Iia« 
bait , inqoe Hie doabas aliqnantnlam Grammatics , Bia- 
lectic»y ae Rhetorics, qoanmm atae potoit , didici; 
quantum leilicet in scholia disci solet: ^od» qaantn* 
lorn sit y clarissime lector > intelligis. 

lode ad Ifontem Petauhnum , legnm ad slndinm 
profectos , qitadrienniom ihi alteram. 

Inde Bonanimm ; et ihi trienninm ezpendi , et to* 
tum Jtu:i« Civllis Corpus audivi , luturus magui pro* 



96 Llf£ AND "WaiTINGS O* PfiXR^RCff. 

vecbu adolescens , at multi opinabantnr j si coepto in- 
«isterem. Ego vero stadium illud oaine destitui^ mox 
ut me Parenlam qura dettitait non qaU Legam niihi 
lion placereot auctoritas , qoM ab^qae dubio magna ettp 
at RoDiADSe anliquitatis plena ^ qoa delector: aed quia 
earum uaus nequitia homioum deprayatar: itaquepignit 
perdiacere , quo in honcste nti noUam , et honesle vis 
posfem, el, si vellcmi poritas ioacitiaQ iribaenda eitet. ^ 

Iiaqae sacundam et ylgesimora aBHum agans, do- 
mum radii: domum voco^ ^uinionense illud e»liom» 
«bi ab infimtiae max fioe fuaram. Habet eaim eoniae- 
tado prozimam vim natnm. Ibi etgd , jam nosci ego^ 
et iamiliarilas maa a magnia ylris axpeii caeperac* Cor 
aatcm , nesdre none me fateor , et miiari : tone eqai- 
dem oon mirabar, ut qui mihi mora setatia, omui ho- 
nore diguissimua viderer. 

Ante alios expelitus fui a Cox.vMNiNsfi7Mt clanii et 
generosa familia : quae tunc Romanam Curiam freqaen« 
labat, (licatn melius, iiluiUabm . a r^uUnii accitu5, et 
mihi ^ nescio, an et nanc, at tunc ccrtc indebito iu 
honors habitus, ab illustri ac incomparabili viro Ja- 
cob! HE Coi.UMVA , Loaiberien.'si tunc Episcopi , cui 
iiescio an parcm vitlerim , sea viMuus siia, in f asco- 
niam ductus, sub collibus Pyreneis , aeslatcm prope 
celeslcpti , multa et domini , et .coniitum Jucundltale , 
traust'gij ut semper, tempus illud incm(>rando, su<pirem. 
. ; lude rediens, sub IValrc ejus Jouanne de Columna 
Cardinale , multos per anaos , qod quasi sub domino « 
sed sub patre, immo nc id qoidemj aed cum fratre amaof 
tiasimo, immo mecom let propria mea in domo fui. 

Quo tempore juveoilia me impuUt appetitu^^ ut et 
Ga^Uasj, et Germanlam peqgrarem: et licet aliae causaa 
fiogerenlur, ut profcctioneai meam , meia majoribua ap- 



Digitized by Google 



Life and WRrxrN'cs of rExnARoii. 

probarcm, vera tameo cau«a eimt, malu videodi ardor , 
ac atadiom. 

In percgrinationo Paritioa primiiiii vlJi , et 
ddectatus sum ingolrere^ ^d yeroiBj qaidva iabolo- 
iBm de ilia iiri>e narraretnr. 

Inde rc vers us , JRomam adii « eD|ac vidends dcM* 
derio ab iofiintia lirdebam} et liojtia ftmilm magQaoi-* 
mxaa gemtoreniy ScnoAimc bb Coiatuka, Timm coi* 
libet autifpioniiii par em , ita colui , atqae iu iibi acocp- 
tw fai, nt inter me^ et qaemlibet filionun, nil dicerea 
incereise. Qui virt exeelleDUt amor^ et afleotna uiqae 
•d viue ejus extrtnmm, udo erga me temper tenore, 
permannt , et in me nunc etiam vivit , neqae unqnam 
dciinet, nisi ego ante deslero. 

Inde etiam reversal « cum omniam, aed imprimia 
illitts tcdtoai«aimc nrbia ftatidiam atqoe odium, natara- 
Ifter aotmo meo iositamj ferre non possim : diverticu- 
lum aliquod , quasi portum quserens , reperi valloni 
pcrcTiguam, sed solitariam , atque amaenain, quae Cinusa 
diciiur^ quimlecim passutini millibus ab ^vinione dislan- 
tem, ubi foriLiiaii rex omniuru iS'^r^a oritur. Captus loci 
dulccdine^ libelios in cos, et mcipsum iliuc trausluli. Longa 
eril hisloria , si pcrgara cxequi , quid ibi , multos ac 
TOultos cgcrim per aiinos. Haec c^i iutiima, quod quic- 
quid fere opnscnlorum mihi excidit, ibi vcl actum, vcl 
concceptum est : qux tarn mulla fuciunt^ ut Ufque ad 
^banc xtatem me exerceant, ac fatigent. 

Fuit enim mihi at oorpos^ aic iogeniam magis poU 
lena dexteritate » qaam viribus. Itaque multa mihi facilia 
eogitattty qitie exeentione difficilia praetenqiai. Hie mihi 
ipsa locomm lacies soggesiit , at Bocomcux Cabmkk , 
sjlvestre opns> aggrederer; et Yrcs SoLiiAmiJt iibrot 
duos I ad Pbilippom semper magnam vimm, sed par* 

7 



9^ Life and WnrxiNcs of Petrarch. 

vum tunc Episcopum Cavaliiccnsem , nunc mEgoum 
Sabincnsem Episcopum Cardiaalcnii qui niihi jam noliu 
omnium veterum superstes : non me Episcopaliter , ut 
A.mbro8ius Augustinua^ Bed fraterne dilezit , ac diligit. 

Hits in montibu9 vaganti , lexta cjnadam feria ma- 
joris hcbdomadae, cogitatio incidit, et valida^ nl de 
Scipione Africaoo iU*> prinio, cajiu nomea , mirom node, 
a ^rima mihi aetate €haraiii fmt, poeticam aliquid He- 
roico carmine icriberem. Qaod tunc magno coeptom im- 
petOi rariis moz distractas curi»| iotemisi} sed rabjecli 
de nomine, Africa nomen libro dedi : operi neicio , 
qaa vel voM.^ rtl vea fortona, dilecto mnltia^ anteqaam 
cognito. 

Illis in locis moiam trahenti , ( dicta niind>ile ) 
imo die » et ab urbe Roma Senatof » et de Paridis Can-" 
celiarll atudii ad me Utter« pcrveaeriut , cerlatim me 
ille Romam , ille Pariaios , ad peroipiendam lauream 
poeticam evocantes: qoibas ego juveniliter gloriabundu^, 
et me dignum judicans, quo me dignum tanti viri )udi- 
carent : nec meritnm meum , s«d aliorum librans testi- 
niouia : paruaipcr umcu hsBsitavi , cai potius aurem 
darem. 

Super qua , consilium Joan'nis de Columna , Car- 
dinalis supranominali , per lilteras expetii. Erat cinui 
adco vicinus, nt cum sibi sero scripsiasem , die aiiero, 
anic hurani lerliam , responsuiii ejus accipcrcin : cujus 
consilium sccutus, Romance urdcs auclorilalem , omni- 
bus prseierendatu staiui : et de approbatione con^iiii 
ejaa^ mea duplex ad iilum estat Epiatola* 

Ivi eifOj et quamvis ego, more juvenum, remm 
meamm benignisslmiu judex essem , erubui tames, de 
me ipio teflimonium seqni , yel eorum a quibus evo« 
cabar , quod procul did>io noa feeiMeat ^ nisi jne dig* 
num oblato Imnore judicaaaent 



Digitized by Google 



Lurs AtD Weitikm ot Pstbabcb. gg 

Unde yeqpoUm primoqi p«tere institni^ tt vent 
•d iUttm mmimini <t Rcgem, et pbiIofophuiii» Roabk- 
nnn, non regno qoam literia clariorem : qnem nnieam 
refpiiiim «t icieatias amicnm , et ylrtaiis , no»tia «Uf 
liabuit , ut ipse d« me, quod nbi visttm esset, ceose- 
ret, a quo , qualiter visQf , et coi quam acceptus fuerim, 
et ipse nunc miror ^ et tu , si noveris ^ lector ^ palo 
miraberc, A.udiia aulcm advenlui mei causa, luuum in 
moduin cxliilaratiis est, €t juvcniiem cogitans fiduciam* 
et forsitan cogiians honorem, quern petcrem ^ sua gloria 
non vacare, quod ego cum soiurn judicein idoneum, c 
cuuciis iiiariatibus , elcgissem. Oiiid inulta ? Post innu- 
ineras verboium collationes, variis de rebus, oslcnsam- 
que sibi yifricam ilUun meant , qua usque adeo delec- 
tatus est, ut earn sibi iascribi, magno pro muncre poa- 
ceret. Quod negaro nec potni, certe nec void. 

Super eo tandem ^ pro quo veneram^ certum mihi 
deputovit diem , et a meridie ad veaperam me tenuU t 
et qaoniam cresceute materia, breve temnia apparoit, 
duoboa proximia dtd>na idem iecit, aic tridoo etcosia 
ignorantia mea^ die tcrtlo^ me dignom laorea jodtcavit. 

Earn mihi NeapcU offierebat , et nt aaaentirer ^ 
precibna etiam multia ni^ebat. Vicit amor Bjomm , Tcne* 
mndam tanti Regia inatantiam. Itaqoe inflexibile propo* 
attorn menm eemena ^ litteraa mlbi » et noncioa ad 
Senatwn Homanum dedit , ^aibna de me jadidom 
anma , magno iavore profearaa est ; quod qaidem tuno 
jodicinm rcginm , et mnltorum , et meo in primia jadicio> 
conaonum fiiit. Hodie et ipsius , et roeom et omnium 
idem aententium y judidum non probo. Plua in eum 
valait amor , et aelaiia favor , qnam veri atndiam. 

Veni tamen , tt quamlibet indignus , tanto tamen 
fretna , fisusque judicio , ^umuao cum gaudio Romaoor 



loo Lm aVd WatriKGs of Pmumeii. 

rum^ qui illi solemnitati interesse potuerant , LAVasAlt 
Po£TicAM , adhuc scholasticus rudis adeptus sum : de 
qnibus ctiam, et carmine, et soiuta oialiuae , Lyisiolx 
mex sunt. 

Haec mihi liArnEA , scienlix nihil, plurimuiii vero 
quaesivit invidix. Sed ha!c quoquc kistoria longior est, 
^uam poscal Jiic locus. 

Inde ergo digressus , Parmain veni , ct cum illis 
de ConniGiA viris in nie libcralisiiinis aiijiu- <)|itiriiis , 
sed inter sc male concordibus , ffui tunc uihciu ill im 
TCgimtne gubeinabant, quale nec ante in memoiia homi- 
nam habuerat civitas ilia, nec aetale hac , ut auguror> 
babitara ett; aliquantulum tempus peregi , et suscepti 
HMmor honoris j tollicitiuque ne indigoo collatu* vide- 
ntnr: cum die quodam in montana consccadens^ forte 
tians Entiam amoem , Rheginis in finibus , silTam , 
qaae Plana diciiur, abiisscm, subito, loci tpecie, per* 
enlsos f ad intermissam ^fricam atilaoi yerti » et fer- 
vore animi ^ qat sopiint videbatnr « eicitato > icripn 
alii{Qantalnni die iUo> po«t continuis diebai, quolidie 
•liquid : donee Barmam rediena , et repoatam ^ ae 
tianquillam nactos domum « qu0 postea empia » none 
•liam mea eat , tanto ardore opua iliud non magno in 
tempore ad cxilttm dednxi , nt ipae quoqve nano atnpeam. 

Inde reveraua ad ForUem SorgieB^ ct ad aolitodi- 
nem Tranta^inam redii , cum jam qnartom et quadra* 
gesimum aeiatia annum poat terga relinquerem: diuque 
et PamuB et Feronm TerBatus, et ubique, Dcogratiasj 
chama babitnai moUo amplius qnam valorem. 

Longom poat teupus, virioptimi, et cujus, nescio, 
an e numero dominomm quisquam aimilis , sua xtate 
vir fuerity immo acio quod nullus , Jacobi jdk CAimnAiiiA 
junioris famx prsecooio^ beucvolcuUiiiu udciuj^iu^^ iiim- 



Digitized by Google 



eiii qnoque et littcris , usque traof Jemv , quando ibi 
•ram , et per ZiaUam , ubicooijoe fai molto« per ftnno*, 
tantis precibus fatigatos sam , et in mam aoUieiUtnt 

amicitiam ; ut quamquis dc fclicibus nil sperarem , 
decreveram tandem ipsutn adiie , el vidcre quid sibi 
haec inagni el iguoti vin , tanta veilel instanlia. 

Itaque sero quidem Patavuim veni , iibi ab illo 
clariasimae memoriae viro ^ non humane tantum ^ sed , 
sicut in crelum t'elices aniuise recipiuntur , rcceplus sum. 
Inter niuha sciens me Clericalem viiam a pneritia te- 
nuisse , ul me non solum sibi, sed < iiarn patriae arctius 
asiringcrct , me Canonicum Paducv fieri fVcit^ et ad 
summam , si vita ipsi longior faisiet , mibi erroris et 
itioerum, omniain finis erat. 

Sed , heu, nihil inter mortales dinturaum , et si 
quid dulce se obtulerit amaro mux fine coocludilar^ 
bietiniu post eum Deus abstulit £t licet fiiius ipsi sue* 
cesserity Vir prudentissimus^ et qui per patema vestigia 
me cbarum semper habuit : ego tamen« illoamisso, 
cam- qno magis mihi pnesertim de etate« conveneiat » 
yedii rursus in GdUUm , stare nesdns : non tamen desi* 
derlo yk^ millies revisendi, quam stndio , more sgro- 
tam, loei motatione , tsdixs eonsnlendi. 



The few additions made by Paulus Vergerius (*) 
to Petrarch's account of himself are almost too trifling 

to notice. 

Mler copying, Vetrarch's very words down to the 



(*) Vergerius wrote the earliest Life of fetrardi} & knew him 
personallj. He was bom iS^g, 



lo9 Lin AKD Waitings or Pxxbakvu. 

close, irh«re he mentions bis departure from Padoa , tnd : 
retaro to Fiance | on the death of James de Ganm , 
he goes on : 

e Qoamobrem objecu est ei s«pe a maledtcis in- 
constantia, muitum^ne din, ct dami et palam, hoo 
telo impetitus est. Qnod cum cognosceret , maledicta 
eomm ita refeUebat , ut videretur sibi et costeris , qoi 
fittione jttdicassent , constaotissifflns f cum ejus semper 
propositi fiiissety nec absterreri ab eo uUa ratione 
posset , quin quieton sectaretor^ seque nuuqusm quie- 
toram f donee ^vielis locum inveniret. 

Inde in Italiam redtens,. cum Ddminis Yicsooio- 
TiBus , quos et amicissimos et liberalissimos in se sensit, 
aii4uandiu fuit j posiquam T^enetias cum maguis bono* 
ribus accilus , cum c|uorumdani temcrariai iuiuiialioues, 
pucrilesquc dc litteris contenliones ferre uou posset, ad 
jiKxiifiim tcmpus inde discessil. .Sicque diversis in locia 
comnioialus , et semper magno ul eral prctio cxisliiuatus, 
latidcm /^a/at'/i sedem (ixit , ubi a niagniflceniissimo viro 
Fbancisco scniorcj ejus Jacobi liiio, per paierna vesti- 
gia, el hoDoratus , ct dikcius. 

Arquadas rure monlano apopieclicus , quo morbo 
saepeoomero laboraverat , deiuiicius , seque ibi humiiitcr 
sepeliri cam mandasset , opera lameu Franci&coii generl 
soi 9 ingenti marmore ossa clausa sunt , cum hujus epi-* 
taphii inscriptione , quod sibimet vivans ediderat* 

Frigida Francisci lapis hie tegit ossa Petrarch»«, 
Suscipe, Virgo parens, animam; sate Virginc, parce^ 
Fessa^e jam tecris cesli reqniescat in arce. 

Viiit antem LXX aanis,.ona minos die, yir omnibus 
SKcnlis magnus , sed non nostro mirabilis* Qoi potuii 



Digitized by Google 



f 



LlIS AND WkXYIMOS OF P^TRAEOH. ic3 

inter tot suidet vitlorum , tantamque igiioniQli« caligi-* 
nem » in clanim virtutis et scientiae locem evadcrc. » 

Vergeriuf addt of f etnrch's person , Uiat be wa» 
« auiore mediocris « ant paato fuperior : plena iacief $ ro> 
tnndion membniy et in aenecUite ad cra«Uadinem Teigeuf : 
vita per longum lempiu acemmo » ita m ad LX annum 
minntiaviniaf qoaaqne litteras iineadoalniealo legeret » — 

He records » ( at Petrarch aomewbereiiiniself con- 
feues , } that m tiuiiditiimae erat tonilruorani , et ful- 
gorom, aimilininque tempetiatani. Qnamobrem eacrwin 
id genus precationea edidit. » 

The Biographer aajt: « Semper donniebat-vcatitnf« 
omnibusque fiiniiliarihaSy et aervis ad cubieulum patebat 
aeeeuus ; quod nullini rcl aibi oonadni, tua omnia palam 
omnibus esse rellet » » 

« Semper in media nocte surgebat , ut Deo laudem, 
et ofiiciutn redderet. Inde , quod reliquum eral nocli^y 
litteris liabatur, i» — 



At length I most ttaj mj hand } and close this 
article: 1 do it unwillingly^ because so manj materials » 
vbich obtrude themselyes upon me, tempt me to go on* 

The present publication is , of course , intended for 
English readers. But, though an Italian author, it will 
be asked, what more does an English reader want to 
know of PsTKAncn ? I cannot refrain from thinking, that, 
in the present daj » he knows but very little of this 
great poet : and that little , upon very snperficial and 
tasteless authorities! 

It is the object of this article^ not only to recall 
literary men lo the study of an author, who isfiom the 
combiutid eiLieuL and buiiiuncc of bis |jcuiu:i and acquire* 



Digitized by Google 



104 LiPK AND yfmtvtOB OF Pmkahch. 

ments dio most important sioce the revival of Letrninif ; 
but to bring them back to the original ftoorccs , by which 
thejr may judge of his character. 

These liepriocipally in the iLnthor's Latin Works« 
of which the last complete 'Edition was published at 
Basil in i53i. It is much to be lamented^ ihai no sub- 
sequent Edition of the whole has been given to the 
world. The Florentines contemplated an Edition about 
twenty years a^^o i and Fabroni wrote liie Laiia Life , 
noticed among the titles at the head of iliis article , to 
be prefixed to it : but the l iiiuiii and hazard of such an 
imdertaking at last deterred the projectors. Tiic whole 
text of the print 1 oiks is lull of corruptions and errors; 
and rc([uires a loiisomc collation Avith MSS — and nu"* 
merous unedited Letters exiu in ihe public libraiies at 
Florence , Rome , Paris , Vienna, etc. which it wunid 
rcqoire time^ patience, labour, learning, expeuoo^ 
and opportunity > to examine and transcribe. 

Djt Saub made c;reat use not only of the printed 
Snrorks; but of many of the MSS; and has digested them 
into his Mfemoires with a copionsoess $ which makes 
his volumes a rich treasure of the literature of that agc« 
But even De Sade's Work is become very scarce: — at 
least in Italy. — Not a copy could be founds in the 
present yeflr« in the Booksellers* diops at Florence ^ or 
Ilaples: and> after long search^ one copy only could 
be found at Eome. (*) 

It demands therefore some research , and perhaps 



(*i The splrndid r.jtlna E Ution of Pt»trarch , with Morghen's 
exquisite Engraving oi Xaura ( published ia Summer 1820^ ) haa 
not yd reached me. 

/ 



Digitized by Google 



IrfFE AND WrITIMOS OP PbTRARCIT. 105 

some luck , to collect the means of examining duly Pe- 
trarch's merits. Lord Wodehouseiee has indeed written 
a slight Memoir, of -which I can only speak from a 
faint memoiy p as the volume is not within my reach 
ivhile living at such a distance from England : bat if I 
recollect its character , it does him little honour as a 
sound critic. At least his attempt to confute De Sade's 
hypothesis concerning Laura appears to me very ftt- 
tile. (*) 

The life of the Poet bj BaldelH , ( a Florentine 
NoMcy still living, ) is the best modem work con- 
cemiog him* But this book is ^ I believe, little known 

In England. 

The readers of Tira^oaohi, Gingtieni, and Sismondi, 
may perhaps find ia the volomes of those authors enough 
to satisfy their curiosity regarding Petrarch , in an enligh> 
tened style of criticism : but Tiraboschi is dfy ; Gin-> 

guena, though a lover of Italian literature; still retains 
not a little of French tasie, Avhich is peculiarly al va- 
riance with the i,;i'riius of Italy and .Si imon di , lliuugh 
a naiive oi" Geneva , ot Italian oiigia ^ cei lainly judges 
like a Frenchman (**) of Petrarch's Sonne is. 

Bat in these works ^ all must be taken upon the 
faith of the Critic. They do not furniih ihe materials, to 
enable the reader to form liis own judgement. 

1 have presumed to express my own seniimeDts 



(*) Mrs Dobson's bungling , ;;ossipmg, uneducated Abridgement 
oi 13e-Sa<ie, ( the ouly book, irom which the superficial Engliab 
derive thf\r kHowKge of Petrarch , ) does not deserve notice. 

{**) His diaracter of Dautc is in a nobler tone of taste, and his 
fOwwB of criticbm are moce vi^oroiu, oondansed, and wiginal , 
tbui those of Gin^nfliii. 



io6 Lin AiTD WsitiNOf OF PnmAxcH. 
upon tlii« oecraoD. What U borrowed, is acknowledged. 
A little skill will in troth enable a compiler to borrow 
opinions , as well as fiicts^ and to give the appearance of 
original criticism. Bat a search into the writings of those, 
who have gone before ^ detects the fallacy , aud shews 
how little there is new under the son. What proceeds 
Immediately from the foLmtain oi ihc mind , has a fresh- 
ness , a novelty of combi nation, a freedom of tliou^lu, 
and ioice ot words , which gives it more interest , as 
well as more use. 

It is only by recalling: tbe public taste to models 
established upon llie principles of universal Nature , that 
we can hope to correct tfie corruptions of local aod 
temporary fashion. This love of chsnge and novelty; 
these objects of temporary admiration ; seem to be of 
the very essence of the hamau character, it has been 
so in eveiy age oC literature ^ and« I believe, in eveiy 
oonntry. 

If this be true, it is astonishing, that living popn* 
larity sheuld be taken as a conclusive > or even aa a 
strong f proof of merit. 

In mj own time , in the forty years that I have 
been old enoogh to make observations , 1 have seen the 
poetical Usie aod fashion change , in England, at least 
times I The two living poets , who held the sway, 
when I first became capable of judging , were Mason, 
and Beatiie. Soon afterwards the reigo of Hayley com- 
menced. Then^ came Cowper , and Burns. Even the 
Delia Grosca school glittered for its little day. Then 
came Darwin , whose dominion was as short as it 
was brilliant. The rest I leave the i evader to fill up , 
lest 1 should offend those whom I name; or those whom 
i omit. Of all things I hale literary warliurc the inost. 



Digitized by Google 



Ouom ov Itaumk Pobtat. 107 
I ruon to litafttnre, a« a balm to the mind; u a 
peaccfol refiige from tbe trouUes of the world. To in*- 
trodoce ungry and contantiom pasiaont hm , would be to« 
poor poison into the enp o£ ^eAtleneis , haimonx , and 
delight. (*) 



ART. II. ORIGIN OF POETRY. 



i, Les vies des plus c4l^bre$ et anci*im Poetes Pro- 
vmQousg^ iegft€s par Jean Nostradamast Prvcureur 
au Parlement de Provence. Lrtn i5y5 , ir^S.* 

A* Xe vite de* piU ceiedri « an/ic/u Poeti ProvengaU , 
che Jiorirono rud tempo delU Re di NapoU 0 
Conit di Proventa ee,, in Ungua Franotee da Gh^ 
di Nostntdama posie e hara da Qio, Giudiei in 
Jtaliana tradoUe. In heme idySy ih-^.* 

S> JLe %die pik celeBri Poeti Provenmodi , ecritte in 
U^gua Pranceee de Qiovamu dS Noeirudama^ 0 
ireuportate ndkt TMcana^ e Uhtetraie 0 aeereeduie 
da Gio, Mario Qreeoimieni, In Roma tyatJk, in-^^ 
See, Ed. 

V- Hisioire UtiSraire dee IVcuiadours , conienant leure 
idee, lee extrake de Uure piioee 0tD (^*) Paiie (77^. 
J. ifU. in-tM, 



(^1 A Tnuulation of Fottf Souimii of Petvaich bj tho Bov. Fr«mit 

Wrangham, iveU known in tho LiMruy Worid, has been printed 
at the present Editor'^ PriYate pNW at Lm Friory, in Kflllt^ in 

4.* ( only a 00 copies. ) 

Published ftom the MSS of M. da la Cucne St-Palaye^ bj 

tlis Abbe MUiot. 



io8 ORToiNr OF Italian Pqixat* 

5. P/ioi0 di Fietro Bembo ^ eon b giunte '4i LodovUo 

Castelvetro. NapoH iyt4 , vpL in f , in^J^ 
€. n i9ioria delld Fclgar Poena tU Gio, Mario ded 

Cnadmbeni eo. Roma tCgS^ in*4,^ 
^ 7. V l$tona B I Cbmmeniarj dtUa F'olgar Poeda di 

Gio. Mono d$' Creteimbau. ^enegia ty3t , 6'ifol, 

in'4'* 

8, Sloria e Bagione cT ogni Poena $ di Fran, Saverio 

Quadrio , dis/fo Compagnia di QeeU, Bohgna 0 
Milano iy3g-5!i , 7 voi, in'4,^ 

9, 2>eflb Ra^one PoeHea , itBH dae^di Ftneenxo Gm- 

i)ina. NopoU iy/4 , in-4J* 

10, Delia Perfetia Poesia Italiana , spiegata c dimostrata 

con varie cmscruazioni da J^odovico ^Inlonio AJw^ 

ratori ec. con le A/mn'azioiii criuche del L' yi bate 

Anton Maria Salvini. f^enezia JJ. vol. in-^S* 

//. Dizionurio Pn cettivo , cridco e istorico ddla Poesia 

f 'ol^are, del P. Irenea Affo. Parma lyyy , in-8.'* 
Idea delta Sloria deW Ikilia jLei/t nila ec. di D. Gia^ 

cinto Gimma. Napoli lyiS , a vol in- 4.** 
iS. Stnria delia Lctieratura llalianadH Cav. Abate Giro^ 

l(tmo TirabosclU, Modena iy8y-^ , i6 ^ vol. in^S*^ 

Sec, Ed. 

§4, JUsorgimento d* Italia negU studj ec, dopo it mille , 
deW Abaie Suverio BetUneltL Banano ijHC ^ a vol. 

in-HJ» 

05. Discorso sopra le vicende delta JjtUeratura deir AbcUe 
Carlo Denina. NapoU /79a . 2 vol. irh^,^ 

tSl Pieende deUa CoUura noUe due Sictlie ec. di Pietro 
Napt^ ' Signordli. yapoU fSto, 8 uoi» m-^*** 
See» Edis* Napditana, 



Digitized by Google 



OtLi&rvt OF iTixuw Vomer. 109 

Hie Italin antlioi* -who bm writien on the origin 
ti dieir national Poetry f are at variance on two pointt; 
and it appean to me tbat tome have Alien into miatakea, 
and occasioned conlurioni from the want of proper dii- 
tsnction between tbe two* Tbeae polnti are ; 

Tbe cldms of the Poeta ofProTence, or Tron- 
badoort , to tbe first use (*) of rbythm in the vulgar 
idiom , and tbe influence exercised by tbcm on Uie 
Italians. 

s.'' Tbe priority of tbe Sicilians in composing in 

tlie Italian language. 

The celebrated Pietro Bemba having aiuibuied the 
priority in tlic use of rhyme in their native language to the 
Troubadours, and , in fact, considered them as the masters 
f)f the Italians in the art of versification , Castelvctro , 
in his « Giiinte alle Prose <l*il Bembo , » undertook to 
reiute this opinion, and gave a decided priority over 
all oinri nations , to the Sicilians. The question has 
'divided the literati oi Italy from thai period j and the 
followers of Castelvetro have relied chiefly on two pas- 
sages taken from the works of Petrarch / the first from 
bis Triompb of Luve ; 

« Eor.o i due Giddiy cbe gik furo in preno* 

Onestn Bolognese , e i Sicilim , 

Cbe fur giit primi , t qnivi eran da scbo* » 

Trionfa d* Amore cap. IT. 



(*) It uiay be »s wf !l , for the take nf clMmcsa, thos e«rly to 
declare , that i du uui tuitx ou the ^ueation ot the iniftntwn of 
tbyme. 



no Origin of Italian Pobthy. 

It hA$ not yet been decided , whether Petiarch iu 
thU paiaage meant to indicate priotitj otiimt w^me/ii; 
but rappoiiog the farmer , as it ii ciearlj vrith reference 
to the Italians only , it does not apply here. 

The other ii from the Preface to hit Familiar Epia- 
Uet : apealuog of hia own works , he says that some 
are in prose, others in Latin verse; andconiinnea thus; 
« pars mulcendis vulgi auribos intenta » snis et ipsa 
legibns ntebatar , qaod genus apud Siculos , ( ut fiuna 
est ) non mnitis ante ssBcnlis renatnm , hrevi per omnen 
Italiam , ac longius manavit ; apud Graecoram olim ac 
Latinorum vetustissimos cclebratum , si quidcm et Ro- 
tnanos vul^'aies ihyiiimico Lauluui cuiimuc uli j^olitos 
accepiiims. » 

Muralori (i) is inclined on the strengili ot ihis lo 
decide in favour of the Sicilians , and in another place (2) 
insists much on the authority of Petrarch , who . he 
says , having resided iu Provence , was belier enabled 
than oilici i to know the origin of Poetry in that counuy. 
lie has been followed by many others , and with great 
earnestness by tlie Signor Napoli^Signorelii (3) Their ar- 
{^uments arc combatled by Tiraboschi, who whilst he pro- 
fesses his deferenceforthe authority of Petrarch, and admits, 
from his residence in Provence , his necessary knowledge 
of the 'Origin of Poetry there, observes that Petrarch 
speaks merely as cf a common traditioa ; « tUfama eat; » 



(1) Delia Ferfetta Foesia Ital. lib. 1. cap. 5* 

(2) Antich. Ital, 11. 4S0. Diss 40 Tt is singular th^t Mnratori 
ahoald have cit«d Latin rbimeU veises iu iurdier support of 
liis armiment. 

(5) VicAode d«Ua Coltvira II. 3i3. 3i4* 



» 

Digitized by Google 



OaioiK OF IrAtiAV Poetry. hi 

and that as no Sicilian compositions e:£.ist oi equal an- 
tiquity with the Provencal , (*) a known fact ought to 
supersede au testimony ionndcd only ou tradition. To 
thi« f which can barbly be denied , ou any gronnd 
of fair reasoning , I will venture to add joiuelhing 
more ; first , Petrardi in menliooing thia tradition inci- 
dmtaUy, doei not so much aa give an opinion as to its 
truth; secondly, with the higliest admintion for Petnurch^ 
aod a dae sense of his extensive knowledge and great 
acfjnireiiients I caimot help doubting whether he "was 
so well aoqnaintad with the origin of the Provencal 
Poctiy 9 as is assumed ; and I am confiimed in thia 
dooht h J observing |hat in his Trivmph of Lovot vhere he 
introduces so many of the. Tronbadonrs ; he makes no 
mention c»f some of the eatlier ones > who woold seem 
hast suited to his purpose. Several reasons might be 
assigned for this ; the distance of the period , more than 
two centuries before Petrarch ; his eonstant engagement 
JO other pnrtoils and studies ec. in fiict the re9earehe9 
of Petrarch, were entirely directed to the Roman clas- 
sics ; of this , we find sufficient proof in his works. 

However new asid extraordinary this Uieory may 
appear, it v\ ill be easy to cstaldiik^ if, as those who 
have made use of the lialian passage above cited^ seem 
to infer , the word primo necessarily implies priority of 
dale. In the same page we iiad these words \ 



{*) Storia ddla Lett. ItiiL vol. TIT. lib. 4* cap* IV. He might 

have said that none whatever existed » as the earliest fittpmpts rt 
Poetry, by Sicilians, th<ft we poRstss, which 1 shall noUce wbeu 
I come to my second ^uc^tiou , are in a sort of Italian* 



lis Oaioin of ItaliaiT' Post&Y. 



m Frft tntti il prima Araaldo Danidlo. ^ 
Gran maeftto d' amor. » 

4 

Those yrho reject equally the pretennoDS of thtf 
Troubadonn and Sicilians > iirould gtve the lulian 
Poetry an ori^n entirelj domestic , and independent of 
all foreign inflaence. Among these is Giacinto Gimma « 
in his Idea deUa Stona deff Italia ZeOerata » (i) 

The strongest argument here also » in fiiTonr of the 
Tronbadours , certainly is, the existenGe of Poems in 
dieir language of fiur earlier date than any in Italian. 

Gimma thioks this no reason for conceding the 
priority to the Poets of Provence , bnt rather for bla- 
ming llic negligence ol ihe Italians iu iioi pi csci ving the 
memory of lUcir earlier Poets (2) but is a mere spe- 
cuiadou to be put in competition with an undisputed 
fact? The earliest inonumenls eiristing of Italian Poetry 
are two inscriptions bearing tlie dates of ii35 and ii84i 
"which we shall find by no means well established ; 
whereas we possess Provencal Poems of William TX 
Duke of Aqaiiamc and Cointe de Poilou , who died 
1122 (3), in whose verses, says Millot, u on remarque 
4me iaciliie^ une elegance^ et one harmonie, doot les 
premiers ^ssais de i'art ne paioissent point snscepti- 



(1) I i85. 

(a) 178. He is here followed by the P. Ireneo AfiR>, in his * 
« Dizionario deUa Poesia Volgare , » who nevertheless gives the 
priorify to the Sicilians, and places the cummenremcut of their 
Puetry before iioo. We have t^lteady seen that the argument of 
non-existence applies here in all its force. 

(9) flee Hift. Utt* des IWrnbidoiirs, othns say 1127. 



Digitized by Google 



O&XCIK OF iTALtAH PoSCElT* ll5 

hlff (t) » from which , we mty fairlj iofer that other 
Poets htd preceded him. In ihe foUoviDg piece , the 
fuhftance of which is given hj Hillot, (a) Williim^ 
bids ediea to his coantrj ^ previously to his' departure 
for the Holy Lend, 1 give it at puhliihed by Haute- 
lerre. (3) 

* Pas de chantaii pr& talens 
Faray uo vcrS| deu suis dolena 
' No seray mais obediens 
De Pcytauj ni de Lemozy. 

« 

Pius lo partirs , mes aiuu greus 
Del senhoralge de Peyiieus 
!Ls gardci iai Falco d'Angieus 
Tota ma terra mon Cozy. 

Si FaIco d'Augieus nolh srcnr , 
El Reys de lui jeu.s tens enhoaor 
Mai li faran tug li pluzor 
Quel vegran jovenet me$chi. . 

51 molt non es sains et proi 
Gays e vezis k artillos 
Tost lauran abaissat en ios 
Fello Guaaeo, et Aogeni. 



(1) lb. I i6. 

(2) lb. I l i. 

(5) Rerum Afjuitanicarum lib. lo c^p. 14. Most of his Foeias 
are on subjects of gallantry ; Haute^erre gives onlv onn more, 
in wluch he describes a ludicroas adventare with two ladies : it it 
tnadated hf mUot iIb. 

8 



114 OjUEOiN or Italian Fojn&T. 

Ik prooa , de valo iay 
Mu urn noi parMn ab day 
E lea Taoo mea lai k fdiiy 
On merc^ ckmon Pdcgty* 

4 

Alfsy lays tot quam amar fiielh 
Cavalairia, h orgneUh 
£t yaofi aaeD lai M«-tot dcatriMth (i) 
Oo li peceador penian fi. 

Merce quier, k man companlia 
Sane li fis tort , que lorn perdo 
£ ieu precae Jheiua del tro 
£ en Komans {a), h en Lati. ' 

Mos enemies prec k la mort 
Que an meige mun conforC 
Quans sc amey toe e deport 
Lueus di me ^ e en mon arci« 

Ais$y gurpisc coy e deport 
£ var e ghs e sebelj. 

If the negligence oi the Italians ia preserving the 
earlier specimens of theit Poetry, should have preven- 
ted their reaching us, yet, I presume, they were known, 
ftt the time/ they did not peijah in the birth ^ whj 



(i) c Faraan hie, «t in wqnmtibiu venibm ali^uid cometioiib 
digaara exiatitf ^uod pcopttK iBopm aulo grapU antactun cdi- 
qul. V Hautesem, 

(a) la the valgac toigiw. 



Digitized by Google 



Omi9 or IfAUAM POBTBY. 11$ 

fbdi f ahovld not the Italimi Poeuy lunre oude the 
nine gradual progrcM towtrdi perfcclioii ai ail othen? 
initaftd of which , we find ■ il in a itate of io&ne^ , 
at a. period when that of Proycnce had already readwd 
iu meridian. — 

Of fome weight alao if the aignment of Bembo « 
foonded on the lue of the laogua^'e of Pioveoce by the 
Ilaliaiit theuudvet. Tree it if « that maDj of the Ita^ 
lian Troubadoiiri floariAed after the ackoowledged 
commeneemeBt of the Vulgar Poenj ; and thtf might 
have fumiihed a belter argument to the advermrie* of 
Bembo than any they make use of; hot «ome there 
are , ^yho may fairly contend for priority with any of 
tljose A\ ho composed in Italian ; and among these , I 
may ciie parlicularl v the Marchesc AlLcrlo M.ilcipiua 
•who llouiialied about 1190 (1). 1 omit Folclietlo ol' 
Marseilles > who , thongh by biriii a Genovefie , passed 
the greater part oi his iiie in France. — 

Gimma (2), ihioks^ that admiuing the Italians to 
have preferred the Provencal , as ihe raost polUhcd 
language, tliey might still have composed in Italian 
also. It would seem extraordinary, were iliis the case, 
that their Italian compositions should all have perished, 
whilst the others remained i for although the former 
might be less esteemed , surely some few might have 
aarvWcd. But though we should admit this argument 
not to prove diieclly the priotity of the Troubadours, 
( and they do not ftand in need of it^ ) it certainly 



fi) Millot I 334 shews liiiri to have been cotemporary with Tara- 
baud de Vdqueiras , of whom I shall liave occssioo to agt-^k farther, 
(a) I. ^76. 177. 

» 



Il6 O«I0IM Of iTALtAH POBZ&T^ 

f 

doei prove die influence exerciicd by then oU the 
ItaliADti through the ' decided euperiority of their Un- 
goage ; how or wheo their influence wea firit fSell , i» 
another question. 

The Emperor Frederic I.** Barberosaa , being tl Tu* 
rin in the year 1163, the count of Barcelona & Pro- 
vence , Raymond Berenger IV , (1) and hie nephew t 
Baymond Berenger the ycnnger^ Gomte de Provence , 
«who had eipoused the Emperor'a niece, set off on their 
journey thither « to do homage for the County of Pro- 
vence > and probably to concert meaanree in favour of 
the Antipope Victor. (2) The former died on the road^ 
near Geaoa ; the latter afterwards proceeded to Turin. 
It is to ihe Minstrels , Troubadours etc. in the train of 
Count Raymond , that some have aiiribuicd the first 
iniluencc of the Troubadours in Italy ; an iiiilueace 
slrcngiheiuJ Ly the example of the Sov crciijn himself^ 
\sho ij said to have compuicd on this occasion a 
madrigal in the rrovencal tongue , of Avhich , though 
called in question by Bouche> (3) I see no reason to 
doubt the auihciiiicUy. The circumstance having beeu 
related by iNoatrathuiius (4) and his translator Crescim- 
beni , who introduce the madrigal , the Signer Napoli- * 
&igaojrelii devotee a long arlicle (^) to rei'uie what he 



(1) H« Ind been -declared ' Cooita de PfoTence , conjointly wilh 
hit nephew , 1146, 

(a) Sea Don, Vaisfetfi'e JMgi dc rHutoira do Lingnadoc* TtU 

xio in. 

(5) Hist. Chron.de Piuvciicc II. 145, 
(4) Vies de Pontes Proveuyaux ec, 

(b) Vicende della Coltura etc. V. II. Chap. VII. art. I. He attacla 
Bettiuelli for baring attribioad inlliieiiM to this riait oi Count 



Digitized by Google 



OiUOtN OF lT/kI.TAN POETBT. II7 

calls « il taceonto del NiMtradamiu , » on the absurd 
supposititfti of bis having meant Frederio ll"', who 
was born more than 3o years afterwards. Had Signorelli 
known the authors he pretends to criticise, he would 
have seen the name of Barbarossa at the head of their 
articles , and the proper date given to the cirenmstance; 
hat could he suppose that this hiittorical lact rested only 
on the testimony of Nostradamus? 

Some Italian authors , among others Quadrio (i^ 
and the Abate Carlo Denina (2) have attributed great 
influence to the Troubadours in tlie suite of (loiint Ray- 
luoud al TLiiia , bul we )uive other proof of tJic Ire- 
^uenlatiou of ihc luljaii Couils by the Troubuduuii , 
daring ilie 12>'* Century. The Abbe Ginga^ne (3) deduces 
the certainty of this from the- use of their language by 
the Italians , \vhich certainly affords a strong prpsuuip- 
tion ; but we find a positive proof in the person of 
Hambaud de Vaqueiras, who, attached to the service of • 
Boniface II.*"* Marquis of Montterrat , followed him in 
all his expeditions , and was the accepted Che-:ificr 
of his sister. (4) Boniface died 1207. I cannot ludp 
here noticing a strange mistake of Xiraboschi (5). Me 



Rflymond to Turiu ; but Hett-nelii never mentions the circumstaticej 
he mucly says generally that the taste for Foetry fipcead iroia 
Frorenee into Italy towa-ds tike auddle of the lath Centary. Seo 
Misorgimmto d^Italia €tc, I m6 , • dale sgreeing , indeed , with 
BarbsMHS , bat by no msens with Frsdsrio , wbon S^welU 
sapposes to be alluded to. 

(i) Stor. e Rag. d'ogul Po^jia 11 i5i. 

(a) Discorso sopra le th:< mie della Lelteratura I. 117* liS* 

(3) Hist. Uu. tl'Ilalic, thi[y. VI. 

(4) Miiiot. Ui&t, Litt. dsn I'roubaduurs I 269. 

(5) Stem daUa Lett. Hah veL lY. lib. 9* cap. a. Tbe miitdte ii 



ii8 OitTGTK OF Italian Poetry. 

supposes Boniface 111.'"^, grandson of the above , to have 
been the pairon of Vaqueiraj , and at the same lime 
quotes MUlot i who clearly proves his own atateroent , 
bj a poem of Kamhaud addressed to his master (i), 
in which he reminds him of their having dethroned th^ 
£mperor of fiomania^ and |pven the Empire to ano- 
ther (i). 

Xii:aboflcihi himself nieniiona this piece i and aup- 
poies it to allade to the eipedltion of the Marquis 
William in 1394 ^ in Vrhich he was accompanied by 
his son Bonifiice; bat this expedition of WilUam was 
onlj to reestablidi his biother, Demetrios ^ in the hiog- 
dora of Thessalonica. 

I have one more observatioii to offer in farour of 
die Troubadonrs: Let usNsonsider the number and res« 
pecubility of the Italian antbors who have admitted 
iheir claims \ we find amongst them, besides Bembo , 
^ the nam« dT Cresdmbeni , Quadrio (3) , Gravina^ Tin- 
boschi y Bettinelli , and many others , who have not 
hesitated , however moriifying to their national vanitj, 
to concede the palm of priority to the Troohadonrs^ 
aud to acknowledge their Masters. — 



tlie more smgular, as he returns to the subject, aad again ^uot«8 
Miilot , m his account o£ Alberto Maiespina. 

(i) rrom the tsne |Mece we gsther, that he had entefod into 
the aarrioe of Boniface » before bis sueoetiion to the lUrqiUaala 119a. 

(a) BddwiB , Connt of Flaiulsrs , eledfld Smperor after tiie taking 

of Constantinople, 1204. 

(5) The P. Afi'6 having cupposod the opinion of QuaHrio to be 
ia hi? favour, I givfe Quadrio''s words; « il moiivo , rh' ebbero 
gl'luliani di raettcre il loro studio rimeggiando nella propria Ua- 
gua y si fu a mio credere i' esempio de' FroTenxali. » 

Sior. «t Rag. d* ogni Poeiia II 149. 



Digitized by Google 



Oeioin of Italian Poimr. ii^ 

On the qatsUon between the SieHitn* and Ittliant^ 
it ii not ao ctrf lo oome to a ^eciaion. I have already 
aaid that the earliest apecimenf eiistiDg of Italian Poe- 
try are two infcriptiotts beariog the datei fkSS and iiS4> 
either of which , M admitted as geonlne^ moat al once 
decide i|ie point , and aiience Ibr ever the pretenaiona 
off the Siciliana* 

The former of these inicriptionty was placed over 
the great altar of the Cathedral of Femra ; it i& to ihi& 
dfeet} 

lo mille cento irentacinqne nato 
Fo quesfo icmpio a Zorai consecrato > 
Fo iSicolao iScolptore 
E Giielmo £o Tautore 

Qaadrio I 45* 

This inscription was brought forward hy the celebra- 
ted Girolamo Baruffaldi (i) who drew from it the 
flatterring jnleieace , that the Vulgar Poetry had its 
birth in Ferrara. It is also warmly supported by the 
P. Arte , (2) who goes into great detail on the subjieetf 
but his argumenis rest chiefly on the form of the charac-* 
ters , and are therelbre materially weakened hy obsei^ 
ving that^ as tbe original does not exist, we most depend 
wholly on tlie fidelity and accoracy of copyist*. 

The second specimen of Italian Poetry was prvH 
dnced and sopported hy Vinceniio Boighloi (3), and 



(1) K Rime de' Poeti Fmareti* » Pi^ 
(a) p. ag. 

(5) Diicoiii par. a, ( Piae. datl'Aine dBllo Psai^ Pior* ) 



lao OmaiN or Italian Poetry. 

afterwards by Quadrio (i) and others (a). It u an inscrip- 
tion on marble btloDgiog to the coble FlorenUne famiij 
of UbaldinL 

De fiivoro isto 
Giatias refero Ghrifto' 
Factns in Fe*to Seren« 
Saocte Maris Magdaiena. 
Ipsa peculkriter adori* 
'iLd Deum pro me peocatori. 
Gon lo meo cantare 
Dallo vero Tero nanaie 
19iillo ne diparlo. 
Anno milesimo 
Christ! .Saliiie centeaimo 
Ocluagcsiruo quaito. 
Cacciaio da Ycliri 
A furore per quintli cltri 
Mugellani cespi un Cervo, 
Per li comi olio fermalo. 
Ubaldino Genio anticato 
AHo Svvro Imprrio servo 
TJco piede ad avacciarmi 
E COD le uiani aggrapparmi 
AlU comi saoi d'ua tracto. 



(t) I. 158. 

(2) T«tSignoreni IT, 3ia, has not hentatedto affirm that no ana 

had ever acknowledged these iiiscriptious except Bettinelli, whom 
he accuses of Mind confidence. ^B"ttinelll , on the contrary, doubts 
the dale of the first , and rcmaiks with some truth ol thr second, 
that it is half' Latin , see Misorg d'ltaUa de Jl 6V This iiccusation 
besidn its falsehood m inronsiatcnt <mtb tiw ^Nrmir one, inwhich 
JBettindli it attacked for hb too gteat pndilection for dio Tion- * 
badonri^ 



Digitized by Google 



O&iGiM OF Italian Poetry, lai 



Lo rasgno 5ir Fedrico 
Clie acorgeo lo 'ntralcico 
Acorso lo sveno di facto. 
Per6 mi feo don della 
Coraati fronu btUa> 
£t per le ramore d^aa : 
£t viiole die la Jia 
De la Proiapla mim 
Gradiuu insegna. 
Lo neo Padre k Ugicio^ 
£ Goarento Avo mio 
Gil d'TJ§icio> gil d'Axo, 
Dello gik UlKildino j 
Bello gik GoticbiDo, 
Dello gik Lnconaso. 

Quadno II i5o. 

The iullowing account is given by Borghini and 
Giaiiibatlista Ubaidini (i) , as to the origin oil liiese 
Terscs. 

Tlic Emperor Frederic T.*' passing through Florence 
ia the year 1184 ^ visited the Castle of Ubaldiuo Ubal- 

dini, on the Jaly» ^ fc^st of Mary Magda- 
len. Uhaldino prepared a great hunting match for the 
diversioo of his Imperial gaest. Frederic , eagerly 
engaged ia pursuing a ttagi which fled iwifdy from 
him , was on the point of Rioting his prey , when 
IJbaldino contriYed to catch tihe animal by the homS| 
•0 as to prevent its eseape ; the Emperor coming np , 



(1) Irfor«s defla cata de^ UbaiiiiUVm aatliovwai agoUm^ 
and lived in the iSd centniy j he wrote this Hislorj ^ that be 
nughk be aupposcd to <belong to the fiwily. 



toa Omnt ob Itauak Pomr. 

lulled it , and presented the head to Ubaldino , dcsi- 
rb^at the «ame time^'that the family shoald thence 
forth hear a flag** head as their coat of arms. ULaldmo, 
charmcfd with this compliment, ^viote the lines abave 
cited to ocmmemorate the event. I cannot help thinking* 
that the ioscriplion itself , and the story attached to 
it, hear interoal marks of imposture j but still, the 
Ugomenis used against them , do not seem sufl&cient to 
jililttfy us in rejecting them. The first to call in question . 
the authenticity of the inscription was Mons. Giusto 
FonUnini; I have not, at this moment, his work (i) 
before me ^ but his chiefld doubts seem to rest on the 
form of the characters , whicli he thinks of a posterior 
date to ihc i:>.'^ century j this proves him only to have 
seen the copies of Borghini and Ubaldini , which are 
given in ihe Gothic characten oaed by printers toward* 
the end of the i5.* century , and are very different 
from those of the original j besides , Borghini alledge» 
a Contract of 1414 1 in which the marble is meniionedf 
as a thing held in great valne hj the fiunily, i&otn 
which it dearly appears to have existed hefore th« 
centnry (a). Tiraboschi (S) , who follows Font»- 

(i) OeU'Eloqueoza Itallana. 

(a) I state this after the P. AiFo > whose tesdmony ntj 
safely be taken in this case , a"? he decidedly rejrcts the inscrip- 
tion. He thinks it an imposture of the Cardinal Octavian Ubal- 
dioi , raised to the purple in 1244; that is , 60 years after ihedate 
of die mirbte. If ao , aoralj the Cardinal would have assured 
hiaaaelf of the reality of Fraderic't visit to FlorevM, before ha- 
ventured on aocli an im|MWtiica, and instead of bringing tke Eoi* 
parorUiere, to prom the authenticity of thaaurble, wa in|ght 
produce the latter as a proof of hit visit » and thug determine » 

disputed point of History. 
(3) Vol. 3. lib. IVt cap. iV. 



Digitized by Google 



Oinm OF ITAZ.XAH VoweKt, lai 
toioi, bad not ieen the origiini^ nnce h» nippos«» 
Bofgbim'f cop7 to be enot; in fitct, be doei not acua 
to have Loown that the original cxiited. He finds greater 
diffiatltjT , in yfhat FontaniDi only conridered doubt- 
ful , aod tbinhf it • quite oertain that Frederie was not 
in TofcaBj , in the month of July it84> Let nt examine 
on what thU certainly if founded. Frederic | having 
celebrated Mfhitmntide at Blayence , passed into Italy^ 
and met' the Pope^ Luctus III.*^ at Verona, on ibci 

Jnly. How then » asks Tiraboschi , could the Em- 
peror be in Tuscany on the 22 J uly , when he was 
not evtii in Italy ? We may aik again, why llie Em- 
peror might not arrive in Italy, and even in the Tum an 
Capital, between "W liitsunlide and the 22.'*^ July ? The 
• matter depends entirely on the quickness of the Impe- 
rial movements j modem iruvclkrs , and especially 
Sovereigns , vould litid no great dil^culty in such a 
journey. Most lustoiian.s, however, agree in deterring 
the Emperor's visit to Florence till the following year j 
but the fact is not so established as to warrant us in 
coming to a decision (t). 

1 shall not discuss the pretensions of a certain 
Lucio Drusi , mentioned by Giambullari (2)9 and sup* 
posed by him to have flourished about 1170 » as nothing 
remains of him j and his very eaistenoe depends on an 
nncertaia genealogy. 

The next in date is h Sicilian , named Yincenso 
or Ciuiio d'Alcamo^ and on him it is« that the partisans 



(i) That ho went to Florence io ii83 is probable, but this does 
not render his passage thither the preceding year, impossible, 
(7) Origiae 4l«Ui lingua Vlenntiaa* 



134 Ojuanr op Italtim Fobtet. 

of the Siciiitnj ; place their main rdianee. The otoly 
compofitioii ranaining of Giollo, i$ a Qmtiiena, published 
by Leo Aliacci ia hia Poeti Antichi ; it coiuist« of 3a 
atanaaa of jGve , or more properly of eight lioea each, 
hj drndiog the three fint lioei into dx, thus; 

m Rosa fretca aalemiMiiiia 
Capari in yer 1' estate 
Le Donne te desiano 
Polcelle raaritate 

rraliciiic desle focora 

Se le^ie a bolontate 

Per te uon aio abento nocte c dia 

Peazaudo ^ur di voi Madonna mia. » (i) 

AUacci supposes it to have been -written about 1197, 
and to be the most ancient monument of Italian Poetry^ 



(i) Thb fint fitansa ia likewUe giv«a by Aliacci , as follows , 
< Tvego betU a jntmi dia io noa periict a torto. 
Bom fretca •uleotissinu. 
Che rieni in T«r l*«etate 
Z<e doone te dedano 
Polzele e Maritate 
Trohemc deste focora 
Se t'este a bulonUte 
F... non haio nocte e dia 
Pensaado pur di voi Uidonna mia* a 

Poeti Antidu peg. 987. 

Supposing the P... to mpsn Pace, the sense will ba renj^rrpil 
clearei , without, as ia the otliAr reading 9 so gcoaslj violatiui^ 
gcanuoatiul concectneM* 



Digitizedby Google 



OnroTN OF Italian roxiRV. 195 
but Crescimbeni remarV? ihat AUacci himself places 
M. Folcaccbiero de'ir'olcacchicri of Sienna about laooj 
and meDtioDS olhers, ( to -whom more mi^^ht be added ) 
-who having flonriihed early in tlic i3.'^' century, might 
easily have compoMd in the la.*^ But the grand argu- 
ment in favour of Qallo , is Ibnnded on these lines of 
bis poem; 

« Se tanto aveio donassimi 
<^ianto a lo Madino 
E per aionta qnanto lo Soldano 

. Toccarema non poteria la mano. » 

From this it is inferred diat Saladin liaying died 
1 193^ these lines mosihave been written before that year. 
The answer of Crescimbeni is certainly weak ; be ihinka 
Ciollo mi{^t*baTe spoken of Saladin ^ as we speak of 
CresQS , or other persons famous for great riches^ witbodt 
implyiug ihem to be living. Bnt CioUo does not say; 
« if you gave me the riches of Saladin , but. « the xiohea 
that Saladin hat; « quanto a lo Saladino ». Crescimbeni's 
answer being thos easily disposed of, the triumph 
of his adversaries has hitherto appeared complete. But 
one observation still lemains to he made on this subject. 
There were two Saladins, the second of whom mourued 
die throne of Damascus in 1127 ; why should not /le 
be ibe jici>>oa alluded lo.-^ parhcuiariy ai CiuUo is placed 
by I' ouUuiui (1) under Frederic 11."*' In ilic lines above 
cited a distinction is made between Saladin and the 
Sultan ^ and the latter is mentioned as a different per- 



(1) I cite turn aftar Qntdiio II* i55, 



4 



1^6 OaiOIN OS IXAMAN POXTRT. 

ion I tboagb ecpitlly rich, whereas, the fint and great 
SaladiD, had aniied in hif own perioD « aiace ii83^ 
the nionaicfaiei of Danuueiu^ Aleppo and Egypt. 1 am 
aware there was a Saltan of looniam ( thongh not, as 
Tirahoacbi supposes , named 5oliman eotempoiaiy 
with Saladin , hut at the period mentioned he was not 
in a state to he cited as an example of riches « nor was 
he ever in circnmitances to make htm an object of mnch 
attention in Europe (i). But the Sultans of Egypt ftnd 
looniom, eootemporaries of the second Saladin, both 
Princes of distinguiahed <|nalities , were known there, 
the former , from being constantly opposed to the Cru- 
saders (s) , and the latter , from a letter of the Pope , 
Gregory IX , inviling him to embrace Christianity (3). 

One line of Ciullo's poem is cited by Danle (4) 
to shew tlie rougliucsi ol ilie Sicilian dialect; a proof 
thai he considered liis own couutrymca oi the j>ame 
period , as more advanced. 

If we suppose Ciullo to have spoken of llie second 
Saladin^ and judging from the verses only , it is as 
likely as ilie other ^ it will , of course take from him 
all prciension to priority, and essentially weaken, if 
ziet entirely ruin the cause of the Sicilians, it remains 
then to decide to >vhat individual the priority shall be 
given : We find a host of Poets floorifibing about laoo » 
hot without precise dates , which renders it impossible 
to decide between them. The Abb^ Giogo^n^ accorda 



(1) See. L' Art. de TSiifier let Dates V. 187. Bdit. lOi^ 

(2) lb V. 207. 

(3) lb V. 188. 

(4) Do viilgaxi £io^ueutia I* i, cap. 12. He does not name tiie 
author. 




Digitized by Google 



Origin o« Italian Poetry. ta^ 

lluflioiiov to liieEmptrorFnderic U.** but aMi(ntiio 
rcuon for prcfening bim to bu nnmeront compotilon ; 
a Caosono of tb^i Prince wm inicrtod in the GimUa Cbf- 
bourn (i) whicb Gingn^n^ iappoies, br nittaLey to 
be the only one of bit poem renuining. Crcfcimbeni 
fixet it about isSo ; bot Tinboicbi tbinkt It probably 
written before laia. Olbere eii<t in MS » and aome lirag- 
menu are given by Triisino in biiPoeiica. — 

The Ab. Denina affirms (9), with great appeannee 
of reaeon^ that the Italian! have no poemt more ancient 
than the CkoUki of S.^ Francis of Aaiiai « who is agreed 
cm all sides to hare liredfirom ix8d to laaS. We hare 
here ai least a positive date» a better ground surely, 
on which to form a judgment, than mere idle speca- 
tioQ (3). It is also worthy of observation that S.' Fraocb 
passed much of the early pari of his life in France. 

"We Had likcT,\ise a conteiiipoidy and couvcrt ol 
S.* Fiancis, called l^'ra Pacifico^ who is slated to lla^ c 
received the honour oi the iaurei iiom liie Emperor 
Jf rederic II,"** in 1212. liraboschi (4) rejects this account 
on the ground that Frederic was not Emperor untill 
1220 , and therefore could not confer the laurel in that 
character. i'Vederic became undisputed Master of the 
Empire , by the death of his competitor Otho in 1318, 
not 1220^ hut he had already been elected ibcee times^ 
twice during his iolaocjr^ and again in laii ^ after the 



(1) Florence iSay. — 8.* 

(a) Yioeode della Letteratura I aaS. 

(3) The P. Affo published iu 1777 , a Di«i*«rt»tmn on the Cantict 
of S. Francis , to prove that they were oiigioaWy writieii in prose. 
I have uot Men the book , aud tiwrefore caaaot iorm aa opiuion. 

(4) Vol. 4. lib. 3 cap. S. 



'ia8 OtuGiN OF Italian PocTinf. 

exeoromtimcation of Oiho| <o that, however limited hij 
prerogatives as Emperor, be might at lean, have 
crowned a Poet. The foilowiog accoant ie givini of Frt 
Pacifico , in an MS life of S,* Fraocis at Ataiti , written 
hj a brother of the order in 1344 , jmd -which aeemi 
partly to have removed the dembte of Tinboichi. 

« Erat in Blardda Aaconitaiia icecoltrie qoidam ani 
ohlitut et Dei neseiiif ^ qui te totiim prottitoerat ▼aoiuti. 
Vocabatnr nomen ejus Bex vennum , co qood Priocepi 
iort% lasciva caBtantiamy et invenior iOfetdantfm oan^ 
iionum. Vi paacis dicam ; nsqae adeo gloria mandi ' 
ezlulerat hominem , qood ah imperatore' fuerat pompo* 
iiMime coronatoi. Com iiaqae tie in tenebria ambulans 
ioiqaitatcm tnheret in famonlia yaniutif > mifeiala divinn 
pietas miseram oogitat reTOcare^ ne pereat qni abjectnt 
erat. » (*) It then proceeds to relate the conTerslon of 
llie Poet by S.* Francis. 

Bj the leu preceding observations 1 have been led 
to the folio^virjg conclusion. 

That as the language of Provence bad a sumcd a 
• form , and even attained a degree of pcrfeclion , at a 

period when those of tbe other European nations were 
still in a state of barbarism, so tbe practice of versifying 
iu the vulgar idiom had lis comnieiu ement in that conn- 
try / and, judging by tbe poems of William of Aqui- 
.taine, we may fairly place it as early as tbe middleil 
of the 11. century : tliat this practice passed into Italy , 
hy means of the Troubadours , daring the latter half 
of the sucoeedinK centniy , some among the Italians at- 
tempting to yeraifj in their own mde langnagOi others 



(*) i5«« Tkaboidu, as ibOTW. 



Digitized by Google 



OftfoiK or Itauam Poetry. la^ 

adoptiBg entirely that of their masters ^ aod it the codh 
mcncement of the i3 ecatory iato Sicily , whence 
riotts Poels eDConrtgcd and protected by a liberal end 
enlighteoed Monarch , himself e Poei , derived some 
repnUtion. (i) Bat, as the language made gradual 
advances towards perfection , they were saperseded by 
the Poels of Italy , the Buonagiuntas , the Quisiuelils , 
and the Garalcaniis , as these were eclipsed , ia their 
tura, by the mighty genins of Dante, This I conceive 
to be the best iaterpreution of the words of Petrarch . 

« E i Siciliani , 
Cbe furo gik prime , e quivi eran da sezzo. » (a) 

N. D. G. 



(i) Tho court of the Emperor Frederic a*' King of Sicily , at 
Pslerm , was the mart of ali die Foeti of tbe tiim.* lutiAn , 
as mil as nsttTei tho Ibnaer , ssys Horstori , ( PerfeUa Foetia 
lib. 1. cap. 5. ' ) leuming then the oae of' tlia Tttlgsr Foctvy , 
sfterwards carried it into their country. He gi res no reason , beyond 
the words of Petrarch , why they should not have introduced it 
into Sicily. I would ask Avhy Muratori reckons Piero dellc Vigne 
among the Sicilians, knowing him, as he mast have kuovrnhim, 
to have beeu buni at Gapua ? 

(a) If will be seen that I interpret the priority given by Petrarch 
to the Sieilisns in tbia passage, to mere priority of merit; eta 
eettsin period. I found ny opimoa on this; lliat the word primi 
is pat hi contradistinction to c <ic» 9«ggo. » Why elae introduce 
the word, gik and quivi, formtrJv and after,vanh-^ if once tl«e 
first in date, how could this att'rwards become tJie last? I have 
before baid that the oumparisoa is n.,id>: between ti e Sicil eus and 
Italians, witboat reference (o the Tioubadoiur?. 

9 



}3o Itauam Litulatx. 

MKT. JXL EMINENT ITALIAN LITEKATi OF THE 

Xym^ CEKTTURY. 

Jo, JLand Memorabilia Italorum Fruditione prasstantium, 
fU^UB verient Sccculum gloriatur. Tamua I. Floreri' 
Urn ex lypagrttphio Societaifs ad insigne Centaun p 
^ySMm — Tomi IT. Pars I. Florentiae ex Typoi^" 
phio ad Plateam SancU» Cmda, — Tomi IL Pm 
II. HwL 0^48, 

The first volume coDtaiiu 

/, BenedietUB XIII. Pont. Max. of the fiimily of Ur* 
•ini^son of Fcrdmand, Duke of GnviiiA 1 bom 
•t Borne , * 1730 « iged 81 • 

a*. ^hSUffpm JSonannum , a FioreDilne » boni 1661 , 
died 1733 , aged 73 ; of the fiunilj of Michael 
Aiigelo Bonaroti* A great Antiqpmj^ 

j.k JPetntB AiUonim MwchacUua , a Florentine « bora 
1679 , ob« 1757 J aged 57. A great Boianist 

4, Sedatiiamu JBlanetts, a Florentine, bora 1662, 

oh. 1738 > aged 76. A great Antiquarj. 

5. Clemens XI , Pont, Mux. ( Joannes J^ranciscus 

Alhanua , ) a native of Urbino^ born 1649 » 

1721 , aged 72. 
€. jirUonius Maria Salvinius , a Fioreutitie , bora 

i653 , ob 1729. An eminent classical scholar; an 

orator , a philosopher ; a poet ^ and a man of 

general literature. 
Benediclus Brescianius , a Florentine, bom 1668 

ob. i7/*o, aged 82. A great Mathematician. 
8m Clemens XII. Pont. Max. a Florentine , of the 

noble and very ancient £uBiiy of Conini » bora 



Digitized by Google 



Itai^tan Literati. i?i 

i65a 9 oh 1740 y aged 88. A generoot Patron o£ 

literature. 

p* J^ri I !e ricus Jannettius fhom 1645 > ob 1708, aged 
63. Received his edacation at Florence. A Jesuit. 
A great linguist; a ceiebraiad preacher; a theolo- 
gian f and philo«opher. 

#0, Joannes BaptUla CasoUiuB , a Toacani bom 1669, 
ob. 1737 , aged 6tt. Eminent in Sacred and Pro* 
6ne Histojj. He via an Ecdenattic. 

H, BemtUciuB ^vera/dttB'f a Florenima, bom 1645 ^ 
ob. S707 , St 63. Profeasor of Greek and Latin » 
at the Univenitj of Plia : an eminent daiaical 
Scholar* 

#d • FerdinanAti MetUces BtrwicB Pnneeps^ son of Dnke 
Coamo III. J born i663, ob. 1713, aged 5o. 
A munificent Patron of Literatore and the Arts. 

tS, Candua Caniiu$, a Totean; Bom obj 1725. 

An Ecclesiattie : a writer of Itatin Poetry. 

i4, Marcus ^nionius Mozzius , a Florentine ; bom 
1678 , ob. 1736 , aged 53. An Ecclesiastic. An 
Elegant writer of Laiin Poetry ; etc. 

§5» Gerardus Capassius. A. 1 loienliue, born iGS'J , 
ob. 1737 , aged 65t An i^rcdesiastic , aad TheQ-> 
logical writer. 

/6'. VioLinte& Beatrix Etrurice Pnnceps ; Daughter of 
Ferdinand , Duke cf Bavaria, and of Adelaide 
of Savoy. Wiie of Ferdinand , Grand Duke of 
Tuscany. Born 1673,0b 1731, aged 56. A woman 
of genius, and great litvraiy acquirements^ and 
generous patron of literature. 
JSieror^mus Zji^iu^. Senensis. Bom 1668,0b 1721^ 
aged 6t* A writer of l<aUn poerj, dauicai 4cho«» 
lar» and hiatorian. 



i32 Italian Litbrati. 

f8, Coamas 111. 3fagnus MtmricB Dux. Son of the 

grand Duke« Ferdinand U. Bora 1643, oi>.i7a3> 

aged 81. 

Hicolaus C^riilus , a native of the Kingdom of 
Naples. Born 1671 , ob 1734. A. Physician, and 
medical Writer.* well versed in physic » philoso- 
phy , histoijj and philology : a claiiical wiholarj 
and modern lioguifi. ' 

QQ, Ludovicus ^ntoniua Murafonus, A, Modenese, 
bora 167a. The rttj eminetit Italian Aadqnaiy^ 
Hitlofian , and Critic > ( tk&n Uidng* ) 

9#, Bene(&ctu9 Bacchinui*, Bora at Parma > i65i , ob. 

» Hl^ 70* ^ Benediclinc Monk/ An Anli- 
quaiy > and Historian. 
' 92, Bainaidua MHensis J}ux Mutinm, Son of Fran- 
cis I. Duke of Modena. Bom i655, ob 1737, aged 
92. The patron of Unratori ; and a great En- 
courager of literatvre. 

mS* Franai9cu» Maria Gatpttrrma. A Boman. Bora 
1679 9 ob. 1735 , set 56. He was Auditor to the 
Cardinal , who held the office af Treasurer to 
the Pope. 

^4. Scipio Maffeius J born at Verona 1675, Eminenf, 
as an Antii^uariau^ Dipiomdii:>t^ Histonan ^ Ciilic^ 

aiid i'cK-t. 

25, lo. Gas to Medices Magnus JUrurice Dux. Bom 1671 
ob. 1737, act 66j ibe last of tin e Mctlicis Learned 
and Philo.so))bical \ and a generous Pairon of 
Literature , and of ibe Arls. 
JBeriedictus L.anuus ( father of lo. Lami ) bom 1672^ 
ob. 1678. Medical Writer. 

j^. /bonnes Baptisia dt Miro, Bora i656 1 ob. 17S1 ^ 
sec 75. Phiioioger* • . ' 



Digitized by Google 



Italian Literati. t3S 

j»8, jFranciscus P^aleaius , a Roman « bom i57o^ ob, 

1742 , aged 73. Antiqaarian. 
99. P^£neeni£u9 de Miro , ( brother of lolm Baptiat ) 

Bora i65si , ob. 1732 f wX 70. Civilian. 
30* Shanara Gomtaga Mrunm Prine^Bs daaghcer 

of YtneeRtio Duke of ^uastalla , and of Maria 

Tictoria Gonuga , bom i685 , ob 1742 ; wife of 

Fiancis Maria Medici. FatFoneei of Ulcfatnfe. 
JFhmciseua Maria NicoUtuB GaUurriuss a Floren* 

tine , bora 1676 1 ob. 1741 , aged 6S. Writer on 

the Arts; and Poet. 
Ss* J}ominicui Gm^elminitUp a Bologacse, bora i655, 
' ob. 17 10 1 philosopher natnxalist, and medieal 

-writer. 

SS, Martimu PoUua* Bora at Lncca died at 

Paris, circ. 1713. Chymical Writer. 

S^4* FrancUcus Lotharingus , Magnua I^lruricB Dux^ . 

succeed or) the last of the Medicis. Husband of 

Maria Theresa. 
3^. Joannes Blancus seu Janus Blaneus. Bora 1693. 

( then Ih^Dg) a scholar , phiiosoph^er^ aaatomicol 

miiei ., botaoist^ antiquarian. 

The second volume Pan 1.. contains 

S5. Horatius Pacificus , a Neapolitan , bom ob. 
1742. A polite sciiolar, and Jurist. 

Fincentius Vivinniit^ ^ a Florentine. Bpru 1622.9 
ob, 1703^ aged bi, A Geometrician. 

JPetrus Joiinnonius. ( Griannone ) Born io Apulia^ 
near Mount Gargano 1G76 ( then living. ) The 
celebrated Historian of C«aples. » beldam me ntm 
Findabonm cQgnfivia^e y ei hau4 semei cum ea 



* 

>34 . Italxam Litbbatt. 

wngnwum esse, cndco iOius eiaudaciingtnio 
4ieleciaium. 

Sg* Jeannes Domirdeus Cassinius , bora ]€a5^ ot>. 17131 
aged S7. Geometrician , aod AstroDomer. 

40' Josephus j4ure(ius de Januario , INcapolilan , born 
1701 , ( (heu iiviug. } Juri&t^ and writer of La- 
tin Poems. 

4§. P^incentius Ludovicus CardinaUs GoUius , a Bolo- 
gnesc^ boiTi i665j ob. 1742, aged 78. Theologian. 

4^. Carolus Maiellm , s Neapolitan ^ born i(^65 , ob. 
^ 1750 , aei 69 ; an Ecclesiastic^ Xheoiogicai writer j 

' and polite scholar. 

43 • Franciscus Lemenius. Bora i634^ ob. I704^a|;ed 
70. Elegant Poet. 

44» Marcm BattcLgUnm » t native of Maarienne ^ Bis- 
hop of Noyers etc. Born 1646, ob. 1717 , aged 
72. Author of the History of the Councils of the 
Church, etc. 

'.^5. Andreas BatUtgUnus , nephew to the last. Bom 

17049 oh 1735 , aged 3o. Classical Scholar. 
4^. Carolus Fdim Landus , a Florentine , nnde of 

John Lami , horn 1667 > oh. 1720. Theologian. 
^7. Joi BcgfOitta JF'agioKus , a Florentine. Born 1660, 

ob 1743 1 aged 8a ; a poet offiMsetisDj and comic 

writer. 

48. Grtgorius Bedtus f an Aretine. Bora 1675 oh... 

Scholar 9 Translator, end Poet, 
^9. Anion, Mar, Zatpim , a Florentine. Bora i6g5 , 

ob. 1737 a Jesoity Antiquary, and Scholar. 
Jo. Guido Grandius , born at Cremona 1(71, ob. 174a 

aged 72. A Monk. A celcbialed Geometrician. 
JacoLits I^iLiifrvdiinns, CardinaUs ^ a FiorCQtiaC ^ 

Born i6Su , ob. 1741. Divine 



Digitized by Google 



i35 



5s« Ccaeeanus Argmlm ^ N«apolittii ; Bom 167x1 ob. 
1730. A leitoed Jariit. 

I 

The •mud FftH tecond Tolame cMtaim 

63. Ignatius Maria Comus. In a Latin Poem ^ ^\riltetl 
by himself. A native of Naples. A. miiceUaueous 
writer. ( This is in the Preface. ) 

54, Franciscus yfnsius , a native of Cremona. Bora 
1657; cb. i7'i3, aged 86. \ volnminous miscel- 
laneous Writer. ( Tim ibmu alto part of the 
Preface. 

&5. Jiic/iardus Romulus Richardi , a Florentine; the 
famous Founder of the Biccardi Library. Bom 16489 
ob. 1613. ( This tikes np the whole remainder 
of the Second Part ^ which £»niit* a third Vo« 

lume. ) 

Of John Lami , the author of this Collection^ (*) there 
ii e copious Article by Sismondi in BiografMe Utii^ 
venelle XXIIL p* J890. He died 5 Feb. 1770. 

ART. IV. HISTORIANS OF NAPLES. 



PrimoNmpoUtanarumRegB ConmmbinominZd~ , 
Bri decern* Jo JUiekadls SruJ& cpem mme pri" 



(*) Tbnrc is an useful little posthumous Manual of Lami coatai- 
n'mg Chrondo^ia FUnruia EnuUtiunc i^rcestantium, Fl»Kntm$ 



9 



l36 HiSTORIAKS OF Naples. 

tnimi in XMcem et^ii , ae summo studio veituiiB9* 
eoUalis exem^larihut erMndaii. LMgdurU ^ i^iief 
hasredes Sebast. Gryphii , iSiSo » *J». 4T 
• Ji, JPandol/o Col/enuccio da Pesaro , Con^Mtdio delta 
Storia del Regno di NapoU can annciagiom di 
Tomnuuo Cosio, Parte prima. Fenetia pei Giund 

3, Hisioria dd Megtw di NapoU JU deU IH Signor 

jingeh di CmUmmo Gentii ffuomo e CaiMtUier^ 
Napdiiano, Con tagioni/one cfe doded altri li" 
bri , dal medesimo autkore compoati^ ei hora dad 
in bice, J^ella quale d riconUmo U succeed di 
guerra , et di pace non eoh nel Regno di Na* 
poU , ma emco nel Regno di SidUa , Dueato de 
Mikmo I JHorensa » e nel Hato di Sania Weea. 
NtXtAquila, appreno Gioseppe Cacchio i58i. Pol, 

4, NeapoUtanoe Historlce a lulio Coesare Capacio , 

ejus urbis a SecretiSfCt Cive oonscriptae. Tomus 
primus , in quo antiquitas oedificio , civiOus , llC" 
^ pubUca , Ducibus , religioue, beUis , Icipidibus , 
locis adjacentibus , qui totam fete amphctuntur 
Campagiuaniy contineiur. Napoli , apud icucohujn 
Carlinum , i6oy 4P 
^. // JForastiero Dialogi di Giulio Capuccio .Accick- 
mico Otiose. Ne i quali , oltre a r/r/el che si ra- 
giona deir origine di Napoli j governo antico della 
sua /iepuMica , Duchi che sotto gU Jmperadori 
Greci vi hthbero dominio , ReUgione y Guerre , 
die con varie nationi successero , si tratta anche 
de i Re cJie V han signoreggiata , che la signo- 
^ reggianOf F'iceri che amminit^rano , Tribunali 
Regii , Governo publico , Siio e corpo della Cifa 
CQfi tttUo 'I eontorno da Cuma al promeniono di 

* 



Digitized by Google 



Minerva , vanetit t eatiumi di hMicUon » Pa- 
nti^U nobiU e jxpo&m, con mM Elc^ <f 
mini ilhtatri, aggiuniavi la cogmiiane di moUe 
cote appartmmti alt hisioria tt JitaHat con par" 
ticohri rekuiom per la materia poUUea can hre- 
Bpiegate, NapoUper Gio, Demmico Ron* 
cagUdo».i€S4y 4.9 
S, Del Siio, et lodi della Cittoi di NapoU , con una 
breve //is/ona de gli Re suoi , et delle cose piii 
degne alti-ove ne^ medesimi tempi avvenute di 
Giovdnni Turchagtwta di Gaeta. In NapoU , 
appres.so Gio. Maria Scotta , i56C sm 8.*^ 
p. DescritUone delta CiUh di NapoU e del suo ame- 
nisvmo cUstrelto , et de/t anticJiita delta Citta di 
Pozzuolo. Con la narratiofie di tiiffi i lito^^hi 
7ioial)iH , e de^ni di mcmona di Cunia^ di Baja, 
di A/ise/io , el de ^^-fi alfri iuogfii contdcini. etc. 
Di D. Cioseppe Mormile , Nap. etc. Seconda im- 
prtssi.one. In Napoli , nelia Uampa di JEgidio 
lons^'o. /6ai sm. S.^ 
S, Teairo de gU huomini illusfri , eke furono Profo^ 
noiarii nel Regno di Napoli, Compoato dal dott6r 
Pietro Vinccna della dUa rl OUuni, Comin- 
cUmdo da gli lU Normandi sino a gU Austtioici. 
Con un breve discorso di alcune fami^ie » nfMe 
neUa seguenie carta , et indice deUe Froiomiarii, 
et de V akrQ coae rwtabili. In NapoU nefi^ ^ampa 
di Gio, Battista SoUile , per Sdphne Ronino, 
f6b^. sm. 4.^ s 
p. HUioria della dttd e JHegno di NapoU di Gio. 
Antonio Summonte Napolitano, tersa edixione, 6" 
tcm, 4,^ Htc^iHiU t^48* 

Tom. it;4g, ' 



Digitized by Google 



i38 HmoaiAK« of N^niii. 

Tom, P'L i^Sos 

4o. DeWIUona dtdie del Regno tU J^tqtoU Uhn XL. 
Scrim da Pieiro Giannone , Gittreecmuko , ed 
^vvocata JNapoktano, Ih NapoU per h eiampa- 
ion Niookui JNato, 1^93, 4fi 

it* JUfleswme MeraU, e TeologicAe eopnt F letoria d" 
vUe del Regno di Ni^o& eajpoete al ptMco in 
fih UUere fanuBari di dite camd. Da EuaMt 
FUopatro. E diviso in due UmU. Li Colonia t y28 
2 torn. 4.* 

N. B. The author's real name was Giiueppe San* 
felice , a lesuit. 

/J. Mard Anlo?iii SurgenUs , Patricii , et JEquitis 
Neap. De Neapoli Illustrala Liber Unicus. Cum 
Adnotationibus Mutil Fratris , oln)} Quoestoris 
Parriddii , et Ilegii Patrimonii Curatoris. etc. 
Editio Secunda Neap apud Nicolaum Nasum 
Typographum. lyxy 4J* 

iS, Deacridone Geogrofioa e poUtica delle Sidlie, deW 
y^vvocatu Ciuseppe M.*^ GaJmifr , Napoli iySy 
S.* Tom. II iy88, Tem. Ill iyH§. Tom. IF ly^. 

44, Memoires Hiatoriques , Politique 7 , rt Letteraires 
ew le Rjoyauma de Naples , etc. Par M. le Comte 
Grigdre Orloff. Pane §819 , -9 Tom, 8,"* 

f5, Dieeorei deUe JFimugUe Nehili del Regno di Na- 
poU del Signor Carlo de JLeUie, Parte prima, in 
NapoU, neOa etampa dt Honiofno Sado iS&4. Pol, 
— Parte eeconda. In NapoU ndia etantpa di 
Gio. Piianceeco Pad 1663, • 

Parte terta. In NqpoU pergU hereiidiRon' 

cagliono i6yi, 
Discorsi postumi del Signor Carlo LdUe di ahuno 
fQc/ie nobile FiunigUe etc. Dd DoUor Signor 



Digitized by Google 



HinoETAVi or Vmximb. 

Domenico Conforto, In NapoU , neffa Mamparia 

(U yinionio Gi amif^nani , fjOf* 
§€. JJifesa delta Nobilta Napoletana scriUa in kui^ 
no dal p. Carlo Borrelli , C. R. M. contro il 
ULi-o di Francesco EUo Marched y rolgari&ata 
dal P. Abbaie D. Ferdinando VghelU In Roma, 
appresso V herede di Manclfo nfaneJfi t655sni. 8P 
iy, HUtoHa Genealogica delta Famig/ia Cara/a , di- 
visa in tre Ubti etc. Opera del Signor Den Biag- 
gio AkUmari, C>nsi^Uere per la Maesta Catto- 
Uca nel Su^pnmo Consiglio del Ceutello di Ca- 
puana di I^JtpoU* Jh NapoH con cwa^ Antonio 
Sulisan neUa Stan^fferia di Giacomo Railiard, 
i6gi, S Tom, FoL Nioetj-fteven Portraili. A. 
jfplendid work. 
It U not intended on the present occasion to enter 
into any critical account of these Worki ; nor to mako 
any lemarki upon the Historians of Napier, hoih which 
would reciuire a long discussion , and a Urge space. 
Among other purposes of the present Work is Bihlia- 
graphical information ; and that Is effected on the pre* 
sent occasion by the mere titles at the head of ihlf 
Article. I reserve that class of Books , which relates to 
Keapoliiau luciaiare , for an article, which will register 
wofks t dating to the literary History of all Italy. 

1 have oniilled in insert among the titles of this 
article a modern woiL ol iojiie iame , because 1 consi- 
dered it principally to belong to tlie liteiaiy History : 
but on rc-con6i(3( 1 alion it perhaps will be better to add 
il in this place. It will lorm the eightecntli work. 

yicende del la collura Nelle due Sicilie dalla veiiuta 
delte colonie straniere sino a^ncstri giorni di Pie.^ 
trO'NapoU'SignoreUif Nupokiano, Prqf hssore erne- 



l4o Historians Hamju* 

r 'Uo di criUca JOipiamatiea neltn JL Ukiveniid 
di Bckgna, Seeondu EcUtione ^apoieiana. In 
HapoU pmMt rineenMo Oruni tSio, 8 torn. 

T3iM work 9 if I had no other reason » would take 
from me the neceidty of gifin^ the character of the other 
▼olomea here regUtered. For SignorcUi has loog chapters 
in tha and snbseqaent volomes of the Ficendg, 

which fiimish oriiical aeeoonu of these; and also of many 
other authors on the same snbject , not here mentioHed. 



Abt. V. I iVE LATIN POEXS OF ITALY. 



Carmina quinque JSusinum PoUarum, (Riorum 
Nomina in sequenti Patina eeniinentur, Secundu EcUiio 
hnge eqpiosior prima. Fierentim apud JLawentium Tor" 
renUnum t54g. 8,^ 

4 

The names at the back of the page are , 

Petri Bcmbi Liber I. 
Andrex Naugerii Liber I. 
Balchassario Gastilioni Liber I; 
loannis Cott» Libeir I. 



(*) Signorelli died at Naples i April , i8i5 , at. 84 -without 
leaving ( say the biographers ) any otlier inheritance to his rxcellent 
wife and oaly son, than the meaibry of his immortal Idbours , and 
the striking example of a long life entirely ddliettcd to the most 
nsefol undertakingt. In 1777 M pnUatM lus celctacatcd 1^**^ 

Ginieppe Haria Gdsml is also dsad. 



Digitized by Google 



Latik Poets of Italy. 141 

M. Aatonii Flaninli lAbn Iin. ad FraDCucam Tat«* 
i^ftimtii. 

Ejusdem Paraplirwii in Triginia Paalmof ad Alenii- 
dram Faraerinm Cafd. 



Xbe Poet, who pleuei'me mott among thefe , it 
Flamioiaf , of wbom I traiucribe Knne dcganl Lyrical . 
specimeiii* 

AB AGELLUM SUUM. 



Formosa Silva , vosque lacidi iontes, 
Et caiididarum templa sancUi Nymphanim, 
Quam me bealurn , quamque Dis putem acccptum , 
Si vivcrc , et mon in sinu queam yestro* 
PsiiMc mc neccssilas acerba longiaquaj 
Adire terras cogit , et peregrinis * 
Corpusculum laboribut faiigare. 
At tu IHaaa montis islius custofj 
' Si tsBft dnlci fistula tuas laudes 
Cautavi , et aram floxibui coroDavi, 
Da cito> Bea, ad tuos redire sccttsuB, 
Sed aen redibo » Mil ne^verint Fares ^ 
Dam meininero mei, tni memor yivami 
Formosa Silva, vosgae Ineidi fontes, 
Et caudidamm templa aancta ISymphamm, 



AD SEIPSUM DE ADVEIVXU HTEMIS. 

m 

lam Bmma Teniento pneteririt 
Astas moUior s et cadont ab altii 



i4a liATiH PoBTs or iTAtr. 

Frondes arburibas , tcpoi Favoni 

Immanes Boreac furentis iras 

Formidans abit , ilium agri volupUf 

Canorae volucres scquuntur^ eigo 

£t DOS dulcia nira deseramus. 

Bum Ver purpurea coma deccHmia. 

Keducat Zepbjri tepentU anrain*. 

Horii delilise meae valcie , 
Foiites luciduli valele , salve 

Mibi viilula carior superbis 

Eegum liiuinibu^, recedo , «ensum 

Sed meam hie animainqac derdliiiq[ao. 



AB AGEIXUH SOUIf. 

Umbrv fiigidulff , arboram tmum , 

Anln roiida , dUcolore pieta 

TcUuc gnmine , fontiiua loquacet 

Ljmphae , garniLe avc^ ^ arnica Bfnris » 

Ocia O mihi li Yolare vesiratn 

In finimi Supefi annnant benigai, , 

Si dttlci Itceat fimi recesra , 

£l nunc ladere yertibns jocosis , 

Vnnc somnum virides sequi per ambraf « 

I^unc mulg€ie mea macu capellami, 

Lacteoque iiquore membra sicca 

Irrigare per ocstum , ct a?siuosi-i 

Curis diet re plurimam salutem , 

O (]ux tunc mihi vita, quam beaUy 

Quam vitse similis foret Dcorum. 

At vos , O Heliconus pneUse , 

QaaU fontu, et anuno ran comUj 



Latin Potts Of ItjL1,T. 

Si cara mihi luce car lores 
£«tis« jam miserescite obsecractis ^ 
Mcque urbis strepitu tumultuosac 
£rcptiim io placido locate a^elio. 



AD AGELLUH SUUM. 

Venustc Ageile, tuque poldix^i VUlola ^ 

Mei parentis optimi 
Oiim voluptu , et quiei ^tiutma 

Fuutis , at timul aenez 
Tenas rdiqait » et beataa cditnm 

Petivit om y incoU 
Yoa alter oceapaTitf aique fenrcut 

Amabili veatro ainu 
He laerimaotem cjeciti et caiii proenl 

Abire jutsit finiboay 
At nnno amiea nut vea 
Farneni beii%iiiia«« 
lam YOf reviiam , jam jnyabit arliorei 

Blana paterna coiuiiaa 
Tidere , jam libebit in cnbienlo 

Mollei Inire lomnnlot, 
tJbi aenex aolebat artas lanqoidos 

MoUi foYere lectulo. 
Gandete fontes , rivulique limpidi , 

Heri vetuaii lilius 
lam jam propinquat , voique dulci fistula 

Mulcebity ilia fistula, 
Quam vestro lolae donac Alcon Afaximof, 

Ut inclyii Farnesii 
Laudes canentem Naidum pulcher cborut 
Miretar« et Paa eaphpea. 



144 Latw Pons or ItAxr. 

D£ SE PAOFICIEOTE NEAPOLIM. 



«( Ss lAb. nr. aim ) 

PAtJSlLlPI .colles^ ct candiaa Mei^ilioa 
Et inyrttta sacris consita littoribus , 

Si mibi post tantos tcrrscqiic marisque laborer 

Contigerit vcstroe limina adire Dca? , 
Limina , qua: vaie.s specula iuudavit. ia alia 

Aciius Eois clarus , et Hcspcriis , 
His ego pilcol',:ra figam et calcaria, et ensem,' 

Et quxcuuque vagus arma viator luibef. 
Nec mihi jam quisquam vel prudcniissiuius ullas 

Aul pelagi , aut teria^ iinscrit ire viasj 
Non mihi Pcrsarum si detur rcgia gaza , 

Noa mibi si rubri serviat unda maris. 
Qais furor est , nuUis unquam requiescere terns p 

Atque alia ex aliis semper adire loca? 
Hec vitare graves aestos , nee frigora sseva^ 

I^ec timaUse vag^ oiiUe pericla vie ? 
Felix , qui parvo contentus vivit agella^ 

Kec Uoqait palrias dalcia tecta domus^ 
Qoem versare juvat foecunda ligonibns arva , 

Et nitidam vitis fingere ialce comam » 
Ant gclidam suinmo lympham dedacere clivo> 

JEstibns nt mediis arida prau bibant 
Aut tondcre gregem locenti vellere amictmn p 

Et tonsiim iiqmdis mergere flamlnibas. 
Bic lanbut certis , eertlsqne sodalibns nlflnt 

Magnomm vita caelicolaia potitor. 
IVte violentiis aim eradeli vuloere latro p 

Kec aera ocnilto perdidil onda man. 



Digitized by Google 



hxtm PosTA or Iyax<Y« 14S 

llle fDii morient loprema dat oicoU iiitifi 

Deficienc caito eoojugii in grcmio. 
Ula viri fogientem animam dulci excipit ore, 

Etdaadii tenera Ittmina eara mana* 
Ddiloc tttmoliim yiriclt componit maxigine fontet. 

Qua yetat arborcis decidit umbra comis. 
Hoc madeiacla piif lacrimii fert iiba quot annii 

Can pueria yenieiM maesta pnella toil. 
£t magna manes compellat voce marUiy 

Spargcns fictiiibiu lac nireum caUlhii, 
Hec poiis est dulci tnmulo «e avellere , donee 

Hesperiu ioviiam cogit adire domnm. 
O forlanati cineres^ umbrecque beate, 

Mortc obila 51 (mk m ulia fua maneut. 
Al me, duni tcrrasj et \asla per iuquoia cario, 

Si yacet in Slygiam pallidas Orcus acjuam, 
Quis turn uiu Ml faciei ? tuniulo quis trislia* iibaof 

Dona , peregrinas flcbit ad infeiia? 
lam valeant Alpes, et nimbitVr Apcnnino* , 

Tuc|iie maris iiostri liftus utrunqtie vale. 
Me juvat umbrojis vitam nunc degere in horlii, 

£t Phxbo , ct Musis otia digna sequi ; 
Tom rerum causas , eyentaijae dicere , qua aint 

Lege coleoda homini nomioa saocta Deum^ 
Qai deceant mores, facial quae vita beatum^ 
« Quid verum lal«s diftet imaginibue. 
In primis celebrare patrem fidibne juyat , a 

£z nihilo yatet omnia £icu canant , 
CtdioolB qoem tergeminnm yeneraniur^ et nnnrn. 

Qui mare , qui terraa , qui eopera alta regit* 
O uiinam ille <ao me dscat namine lancto 

Ad fbrtonaii liito'ra Pansilypi 
liiton diviao qaondam celebrata Uaroiii ^ 

10 



146 Latin Poets of. Italy. 

£l p«trio Minci fluiniae cara magif » 
Littora , quae toties videniDt Cailiopeain 

Bictantem vati carnina doeu too. 
Sircnet illis atupucront yertibas , 

Ganninibai omnis Nareis obstapuit. 
Ipie paiar Tc$c«at amaena vireu Lyoasi 

Liqaena inaolilit caotiboa intererat » 
Qaam comitabantui Silraram naniliia Fanai^ 

£t Noaacriiue maxima tnrba Dca. 
Ille covonaint viridand tampora mjrto , 

Dicebat landct, Candida Dapfani, tnaa , 
Et que Blsiialiiu dnlcii canttrat avana , 

Dttm patcit niveas Alpbatibsoa oTei. 
Tom miicrot Galli eooaolabatttr amoret p 

Duritiam iDciuanai pulchra Lycori^ tuam^ 
Hinc l«tas segetea , et Bacchi dooa canebat » 

£t pacna , et liquidis dulcia mella layis. 
Mox sese attoUeiu namero graviore aonabat> 

Troiani refereDS borrida bella ]>ncis » 
Errorcsqae vagos , et dinita Pergaroa flammis , 

Visaque TarUrei pallida regiia Dei j 
Turn putii celcbrala prius cerlamina , pene 

FoRmina cum Piirjgias perdidit una rales. 
In priDiis latum miserae deflebat Elisx , 

Quam tulit lieu diro vulnere ssevus amor. 
Sistc ratem, ^nea , properas quid fuQus amanti? 

Per Veneris qu3e?o numina sistc ralem; 
Quod si forte tuae mars est tibi c^ra puelJaj, 

Ah , saltern in grcmio concidat ilia tUO I 
Yos o ceruleae formosa Doride natae , 

Vos domiDuai ad littus , quaeso , rcferte meom. 
Sic vestro nulli veniaot in amore dolorea^ 
^ Sic Yobia aemper matnua adait amor* 



Digitized by Google 



Latin Fobts of Italy. 147 

JlJe canit ^ celco propennt de ve^tioe hauA , 

£t praia omnigeno fiore colont hnmiif. 
Tune «acnim feiix aluiili terra Blaroncm? 

Tune pio celai oaia beata anii ? 
Anne etiam , nt iama e«t , yatu plaoidiinma tapt 

Inter odoiatnm cemitnr nmliia ntmuf ? 
Felicet ocoU , fbrtanaiiaiima lilva , 

£t quicquid lancto nascitar in nemore. ' 
Cni non fit dnlci patria Ina dalcior ora? 

Qui non te lucis praefewt Elysiis ? 
Jam milii Beuaci Irelissiraa littoia sordcnt , 

Jam formosus aquis Mesulus inif:^uis. 
Me libi terra boata dico, lu meta laborum, 

Jamque scncsccnlis grata quies animi. 
Tuf dum fata sinunt^ luccmquc auremque ministra^ 

Tu precor exiincti corporis ossa lege 

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 

1. PiSTRO BjiMBo , a noble Venetian, was born at Ve- 
nice 1470 ; studied the puiiiy of the Italian lau. 
guage at Florence; and afterwards studied the 
Greek language in Sicily under Agostlno Lascari ; 
was appointed a Cardinal v538: died at Rome, 1548, 
aged 76. He was author of numerous Works in 
Italian, and in Latin ; in Prose , and in Verse. 
His defect of Latin style was the pedantry of O'- 
ceronianhm , He wrote in Latin the History of 
Venice in XII books , Vtmce i56i, Fol, All his 
works were reprinted in 4 Vols Fol. at Venice 
1739* /oAit dA Casa wrote his Life in Latin. His 
itime. were printed at Venice , 1644 , etc. Tliei 



t*^) Tfaeta appear te be leoie falie faaatiliet in this feeai»J 



148 Latiic Pons ov Itai.t. 

Bnt edition of hb proie was printed «t Veuce, 

i535 , Fol. The next at Venice by Giolito i559i 

3. AitDREx Navaoero , ( Nougertus, ) a noble Veoe* ^ 

tian , was born at Venice, i^o3. ]Ic was iwice 
Ambassador from ilic IiepuLlic to Chailei V. tlie 
Emperor ; and to Francis i. K. of France. 
A new Edition ot Ins Woiki was the ear- 
liest of the Cnminn preas at Padua , Curan^ 
iibus Jo. yiatdiuo J. U. D. et Caetano Vulfiii 
Jiergomc.nsibus Fratribus lyiS , 4." A reprint of 
ihi^ Edition was given hj JiemomUni at Veiii<« 
ce > 1764. 

3* Baloassabbe CASTfCLTONE , a Mantaan , was born 
1478 ; and died at Toledo^ 5 Feb. i52g. Hi& Book 
del doHigiano ( the Ckmriier ) ftcf{uired him great 
fame. His Latin poetiy was printed in the /7e- 
Hei€9 Poeiamm Jiahrum , under the name of 
Jlanush Ghen* His Italian poems were pnbli* 
shed at Venice by Aldus i553 , 8** with those 
of Cesare Gontaga^ and Antonio Jacopo Corso, 
His Italian and Latin Works were republished " 
by Volpi at Padua 1733. -He was Ambassador to 
Hen. VHL K. of England \ and received from 
him the Order of the Garter- 

4. GiOYANNi Gotta, a Veronese , was bom 1482 ; and 

died i5io , aged 38. His Poems were republished 
with the works of Fracastoro ^ bj Comino , at 
Padoa 1718, 8.«> 1735 , 4.* 

5. Marc* Antonio Flamtnio , was bom at Imola 1493 j 

and died at Rome i55o , aged 57. He was no- 
minated b\ Cardinal Farnese , Secretary to the 
Council oi Trent; and was patronized by Cardi- 
aal Pole, His early life was not correct ; but he 



Digitized by Google 



Pol.XTli.NUS. 149 

acknowMged hii errors io his latter yens ; and 
made amends by his penitence. The Camino Prest 
l^ya an edition M, Antonii Flaminii Forolo^ 
mtmn»8 Poetce cekhtrrwU Ckxnniman Idb, FJIL 
§^g, & Again ip4S , 6, 

Aax. VJ. ANGELUS FOLIXIANUS. 



« 

4, Angeli Poliiiani Opera , quce qiUdem extitere hao- 
teniis y omnia , longe emendatius quam mquam 
antehac expresaa: ^pdbua accusit historia de 
Conjuratione FacUana in ftamUam Medioam , 
etegantissime conscript : quorum omruum or^ 
dinem post PoUtiam eiogia imveniea: addito unk 
inOce memoraHUum* BasUem apud Nicolaum 
^dacopium Jwdorem , t553* P6L 

xjau mABiMimia xt mvBoiBanfva, 

3* PHderid OUonia Menciemi T. U* 2>. /Vtfentf m. 
PqL Begi ei jBieci Saaum, a ConatUiM Auim^ 
et SocieMiB Sden, SamuiccB CoUegm , £Bs§ona 
FUcB €i in Uieraa MmtQFum An^eU PfdiHtaU^ 
€9fu Amirogim , Hahntm Sec, XF', nohtUsnmif 
PhUosophkB , Junapntdeniim » Grammaiices, ei 



(*) See Carmina Illustrium Poetarum Italorum a Jo, MaUhae* 
Tosccmo conquisita, Paris i5j^ , a vol. 12. 

This was the foundation of the Carmina Illustrium Poetarum 
liatomm printed at JlarM«» is ZI Toli 8.* 1718—2734 ,now te- 



Digitized by Google 



|50« POLITIANUS. 

r)nuu$ Doctrinal eles^antioris , Instauratori s ft" 
licis-sirni , atijuc ornni laucle majoris. Lipsias VHr^ 
cUtur in Officma GledUschiana tjSd , 4* 
Menckenins in a Note commeocing alp, 58i of his 
Life of Politian ha« given a Critical List of ihe £di- 
tioni of Politian 's Work*. The firit Ediiion in his opi- 
nion is that of Florence in i48a , FoL Bat this 4o«a 
not include the best -workj of Politian , Tvhich were 
written or pubUtbed afterwnda. Another Edition ap- 
poared at Sretda in 148^", Fol, The ihifil wai that of 
Venice by uildua Manutius (*) , FoL « Cest 

la meilienre Edition 9 ct U moioi commane. » The 
4.*^ WMi that of Fhrmce typis Lumatdi dt AHgu ^ 
G0sofvxeop i4g9 9 FoL forma majori ezcnsa. Another 
Aldine Edition in iSoa ^ haf been mentioned; bat Men- 
ekeoiaf donbts it. The neit Edition therefore i« that of 
Pano tSiM y 9 large yolamet, a ladoco Badio jitoenno, 
nobili et erndito Tjpographo : of which another Edi** 
tion enlarged appeared from the fame press in i^ig* 
Sbbastiahvs Gxtvmva^f a celebrated Printer of Zeyr- 
efen f gave an Edition in iSaS } again 1507 j again idSy/ 
again 1645 ; again i55o : some of theia were probably 
the same , with altered dates. 

An Ediliou is staled lo gave appeared at Basil in 
1543. ile then comes lo ihc Edition , which siands at 
the top of this Article j and gives Uie ioiiowiog acco- 
nnt of it. 

« Wxc Editfo , ( qua* prodiit Basil eae A. i553, apud 
T^ich. EpUcopium , juniorein, fol. ) elsi tempore ceteris 
posterior , itiTsa iu.bissimas tamen nomeranda videtur % 



{*) Menckenina dmilita » whsthor the tnie daia u not M^S. 



POLTTIANUS. l5l 

paoci rant J qui vei visam sibi vel saltern cogtiltam 
testentur. Et ipse diu hanc frustra vesligavi , apemque 
ejus obtinenda^ deposiieram fere , cum nupt r demura vix 
opinanti taJr (juid forte fortuna in manu incideret. Habet 
ea prre ca^tcris omnihiTS prm'puom hoc ac singuiare dccui^ 
qaod accessit ei Conjuralionis Pactianm hiatoriaf nec^ 
quod meminimus scorsim antca , (*) nec cum aliti Poli- 
tiani scriptis conjanctim > edita. Beiiqaoroni veio^ que 
rant in Axoima Collectione « icriptonun hie prorana nihil 
detideres. Nec fnutn liic qiueiis Lkcoat TvaANx Inter" 
pretaiionem GroBcorum, quce tunt in acriptis Nostri 
•Mo, etsi non sub ipdas XvaAm » aed «ub cufiudam 
tantam iStoi AW , nomine oompimt. Patet enim es ool- 
latione hnjiii cnm UU TvaAHiy nihil hat inter te di« 
fcrepafe » aed iLntorem agQMCcfe noom enndemqae. Piae- 
terea ad calccm Operia acceaim /ncft'cM lYes $ nnna. 
Aultommf in PoUiiani kicu&niiioni6u$ eOaiorwnp tUut 
iooonun, w Jtuttnbut a PoUHmna expHeatontmj 
vti a mmdi9 pur:gtuarum; tenioa rtrum %>er6<intmgu$ ^ 
in hieu^miioniktB JPoStiam cmnibim ohifemeniittm. Co- 
pKMittt imprimia eat poitramtia hie « qui cum in acriptft 
PoLmAwi oomia ao lingpila oon£aclna ait^ qnalii noa 
cxUt aaqnam alihi , el ipse hoic Cotkctiom lingularcin 
qnandam pm cMcrb gmtiflun otmciUat* 

« Dedicavit opoa annm Enaoonua dariaiimo Iaii<- 
conaoltOf D. GaJtoi4> Hulsto, Prineipis GuiHelmi, Ducia 
Clivensis, etc. ConsiHario. Compeilat hanc in fronle 
operii Epislola non inckgrinti , unde diseimuf, librutn 
huoc eoium omoium ^ quo^i preio ,suo exire jus&it Ei*!' 



(*) This is A mistake : it was printed Mpantdy at Vtonoaa, 
1478, 4«* Me » and RtnouanU 



l59 fOLmjMVS* 

ftconus juuior^ fuiiie primum. Facete earn in rem ipse 
fecit. 

<! Orsas sum auteoihanc negotiationem liierariam Op- 
timo jure ab eo , qui , s^i non primus , eerie cum primis p 
rem Uterariara, per millc annf^s pfssundaiam abarbaris, 
tanta sua cum laude caepit redlituere inlegritali prislinse 
hoc nostro felicc Seculo , ut , cum patrum aetaie una cnm 
Hermolao Picuque majore triuraviratus bonurem adeptus 
sit omnium enidilonim caleulis , ila , ut pro impudent© 
alienoquc a Musis simnl et Graiiis explodcrettir , quis- 
quis contra mtitirc nudcret, earn txislifnalinnem eliam ialo 
iuncios reiintal apud (josleros , et quaiuv^is in hodiernam 
mque tecuta sint multa praecUra luuiina, tanien cuu«Uater 
mum gradum teneat^ ct inter priory's cciisealur. » 

« Anaeclit huic EpistoUe bouoiiEca aUt^uot docUMi-* 
moram virorami lovii^ Criniti , Erasmi , STBtixn ^ 
filii , et Incerti cnjmdam , de doctrina PoUTiAm testi- 
monia. EpUioUa Politianx addit« funt ad maigineni 
moxm breviorei, rerum •ummaBi eoniineotes , et ad atam 
lectorom satit aecommodaiae. Geterom , tjporam Don earn 
hie cflae, qaam in jikUtUt et Giyphiana GoUeciione« 
'elcgantiam^ iRcile feient ii , qui externa haec pamm cq- 
lant. » 

«saB:s=ssBssBsss:s=ssavB^BsssasaMssBsvii^nw 

Art. VU. CA.SA , AN ITALIAIS WRITER 
OF LAliN POETRY. 



Joannis Cases Laluia 3ionimenta. Quorum par^ 
iim vcrsibus , partim soluta oratio/ie scripta sunt. Cum 
privih^jio. Florf.ntiae in officina Juntarum Bernard^ JPi'* 
Uorum Edita^ Jill Id. Jun. /564' 



Digitized by Google 



Cui. FiLACASTO&IUJ. 



nr BOG TOLVMTNS. CONTINZNTUB. 

1. Carminum liber. 

a. De officiis inter potentiores et teouiores auucoi* 

3. Petri Bembt vita. 

4. Id historias Petri Bembi pne&tio. 

5. EpinoU ad Rtnnliam FarDtiiiim Gar. 

6. EpiatoU ad Peiram Victoriam. 
f . Gatparis Gontartni Ttca. 

8. Plans Oratiooef Thoctdidii. 

9. EpittoU Petri Yiciorii ad Jo. Caaam. 



CiovanntCasa was a Tuscan, and became Archbishop 
of Benevenio. He died at Rome 1557- He wrote Italian , 
( as well as Latin, ) pofirr, rortsi^iing ol Sonnets , and 
Canzoni , of which the first Fdition v/^s published at 
f^enica i654. He wrote other Tracts , priacipally po- 
litical. 



Lbx. VUI. lATlN POEMS OF FRAGASTORIUS. 

HieronynU PraccutorU F'ermensis , Adnmi Fur 
mam Canonici VtrontntU , et Nicolai jirchii Cond^ 
tia , Carminum Editio II. Mirum in modum heupte^ 
tktr , omcttior , et in II Tomog distnbuta. 

TOMUB I. 

In hoo liaUcm Fracatiorii Bpi9i6ia€ atfjectae nune 
primum swnmo studio guaeaitae, et congeaiae; inter 
qua9 eminent longiores ilia amoeioece , seu potius TA" 
heUi f Jo» JBapUaiuG HAamnusii f el Fracastuni de JNUi 



Digitized by Google 



1 



i54 Cau. Fnnektroxm, 

iria noHra in hU mmubuB tffemrU^ segutna Prafa^ 
Iw iiuUcabU, Paiami , Excude&eU Jas^hm Cominm* 
Ik Ann. 4» 

The first Edition ot Fracastorius iswaL Uic Gomino 
Press (*) appeared in 1718, 8.' and mt also accompa- 
nied by ReUqmoA Carmimun Joanma Cotlae , at Ja^ 

There wai an Edition Hiermfmi et jiwhtm Nau* 
£€ni {**) Optra , 4fi VtmU, apud /urUas tSSS, 9»Editio 
opiioia , et adco nr» , at de ca atram vere iDvenereiiir 
qntdam litterali bomiRct in Cennania dabilATerint. » 
Vida Fulpiuirum Bi6Uoiheca , 7^. 



(**) From the Comiao Press also issued Fiaminiorum , lo. An- 
foTiiif M. Antonii , et Gabrielis , FoTolomcliensium Carmina 1^43, 
8." and a prior Edition of the Carmina M* Antonii Flamuiii ^ 
illustrata a Francisco Maria Mancurto , lyay , 8." The Edition 
01 lo. Antonii FLammii Carmina , Bonon, i5i3 , 4.° is an extra 
rare Bode. 

{**) There abo tinwd firom the Comma FraM an BditioB tA 
Andrie^Vas^€m€pnaimKnM4j^A^^*SkM was tha firatwwltof 
tbo Comino Preas ; and is In^y aitaaflMd.« "k divenuto cos\ raro 
il nostro NaTigiero , che h stato rendnto a prezzi ecccdenti ». Vul- 
piorum Bibliotheca , 4.36. Among others vho praise the genius , 
and Ifarning of Naugerius , is Gio. PlBTIU> Vai^bjAMO j initio 
Lib. II. De in felicitate lAteratOrum, 

The first i::ditioa ot Naageritu's works was primed itTouM ^* 
loan TaetuMmm , jiJ«. 



Digitized by Google 



iS5 



Amt. DL latin and ITALIAN POEMS 
OF SANNAZAaiUS. 



#. JaeoBi, tive jictU Sfnctri^ Stmnaaani, Nu^toli^ 
iani , Fin Patneii , Boemata, ex antiqui$ JBeH' 
HeMua aeeunUiBume ducnpia, jiccmk ^us^ 
dem VUa p Jo Antonio Fidpio ^ueion, JEum 
GeMOiB AWU 0i Honors fkudfeUi Carmina 
Jffonnutta. Patavii , £xcudeBai Juep/iiu Cand^ 

nus , 4-* 

This edition is become rare. 

2. Altera Edilio ^ priore locupletior. 4,^ i^3i. 

This also is rare. 

3. £kUtio tertia. yl coessere Potniata Hcipioms Capicii , 

el Bcnedicti L/mipredii. 

4. M. Jacopo Sumazzaro , Cavaliere. Napoletano le 

Opera Vclgari , cioi f Arcadia , alia sua vera 
lesione resUttuta , coUe Annotutioni del Por- 
cacchi f del Sansovino , e del Massarengo. Le 
Hi me arricchite di rnoUi Componi niaiti , tratd 
da Codici 3fSS. ed impressi : e Ic lettere novel 
lamenie ai'i^iunte. II lutto con somma fatica , « 
diUgenza dal DoUor Cio. Antoruo Volpi , e da 
Gaelano di lui fraiello , riveduio , corretio • ed 
iUustrato , etc. f^aS, 4° 
The BAREST Edition of the Latin Works of Samna- 
SAizvi if that printed at J^apiee in FoUq contai- 
ning 

#. Da Partu Firginie JJM ilh 
A, Mckgm V. 
Salieee, 

4- Lamentado de MoHe CkriHi. 



i56 Vi,>A. 

^HaBC omnia fideliter ex arrhetypis Aelii Sjnccif 
iptim rnanu scriplis. ( rid. f^ulp. fo^» ) 

The Carmina were alio piiated «t heydm f apud 



Ajit. X. VIDA. 



Marci Hieroymi Pidofj Cremonensia, AUbm Epis^ 
copi , Poemata omnia, quce ipse vivens agmverat; duioAu% 
voluminibm comprehensa. Editio omnium emsnrlatissi-^ 
ma. Curantibm lo. Antonio, et Cajetano VuJpiis ^ 
Frairibas. Quae praelerea acces^eriulf IC jistola ad Lecta^ 
rem satis ofitendu. 2. vol. ( Comino press, ) iy3t. 40. 

-- Folumen II. Cui , ManUsace loco f acccsserunt 
JSiusdejii . /uctoris Dialogi de RoipubUcce dignitate , el 
alia , dc r^uibus cUctum est in JSpisiola ad Leciorem I 
volmnini prcepoaita , 

This is a beaoliful , and much-eUeemed Edition. 
The Preface and Arguments ot the Christifid >vere written 
by Giovanni Agosliao Botta. The Life of die Author ia 
th» lecoud volume is taken from the Oxford Edition. 



Aat. XI. VOLPI, OR COMINO » PEESS. 



#• La Libreria de Volpi , e la Stamperia Cominiancb 
illustrate con 'utile e curiose annotazioni. Avver- 
ienze necessarie e pri^filtevoli (t Bildiolecari e 
agii Amxaori de buoni librt. Opera li Don 6'ae- 
tano Ftdpi , Prtte Padovano, In Padova apj>reB9» 



YOLTZ ^ OR COKIMO , FfiZSS. 167 

Onlj aoo copici weie prioUd of tbis handsome^ 
Vldmott luefiii and curioiif, BiUiogimpbical work; and 
it i« BOW become yerf icaioe. 

a. ^nnaU tk&t Tipo^fr^afia J^ofpi'Cominiana coUb 
JSoiigk imomo la vita e ^ tiudi cfe' FraiM 
Padova nel Seminano iSo^. 8,^ 
S, jij3pendie0 agt ArmaU deUa Tipografia ^F^iUpi' 
(k/mimana ddt AUU» Ibmsmaio Fetkriei Pro- 
SibUotecario deila t, J?. Umversiid di Padova* 
Padova ncl Seminario y iSij ^ 8.* 
GiANTOjiio VoLpr waji born at Padua lo Nov. 1G86, 
of GiandomeDico Volpi, who died 18 Apr. 1745 act 86, 
aod of CrUdna Zeno. 

His ancestors were ot an ancient Bergamese family, 
whicli had settled at Tadua , and har! laken up the 
business of Druggists : Aslieic they ^vcre held in great 
estimation. This Father gave hi.s sons a liberal education, 
by w hich he hoped to restore his lamily lo tbeir ancient 
lustre. Giannanlonio was first committed to the instraction 
of D. Yincenzo Zaccheloni at Padua ^ and afterwards of 
the College of Jesuits. A taste for poetical criticim 
Sooo manifested itself in him ; but he was more in<* 
debted to the Latin than the Italian Mosea. Thinking 
that the Latin could not be peiftctly mattered without 
» knowlege of the Greek langnige , be applied bimielC 
lo ibaf aim. 

He afterwardi iiadi«d pbilosopby « aad jurispradcnce. 
He b€|{aD to tnoalate TaMo'a Jenuakm into Latin 
Verse ; but delisted \ and edited CatuUu» , TihUiua , 
and Properiiu9» Padua t^iOf 8,* 

He next published ^ Onudone panegiriea in bde di 
S. Francesco do Sades F0se, e Pnncipe di Ginevra , 
Proteuore delTAccademia ^Rscowad data neUa Chiesa 



l58 VOLPI , OR Co Ml NO , PrS^. 

c/e' pp. JSremitani di Padova deU. Dr. Cianemitmo 
FiApi aeeademico, il germedo #7/6. Fwkna per 

CanMOtti 17/^ , B/* 

In 1717 J the 3i.* year of hii tge, fce waa impelled 
by hit Mperior kaowlcge ef Uie Cluneal Aaihon | tod 
liit seal in liieiaiiire^ to coDcetre the noble deaign ef 
gmng to Italy mcb select ptodnetioDt, ai either from 
their rarity^ or Iron the impct&ct and emmeoae manner 
in which they had been edited , were deiidetau to the 
Hepublic of lettere. He conunenced thie in concert with 
his illostriodf brother, the Abate GAnvAxo YoLn ; and 
ettabliihed a Preai for thie purpoie at hit own expence in 
his own House » in the tame manner » ti had been 
(ioue by other Noble and learned Persons. 

The care of the mechanical part was committed 
to Giuseppe Comino , a native of Cittadeila , a Castle 
situated sixteen miles from Padua on the road to Bas- 
sauo. He employed all Lis liie in the Press of the 
Vol pis; and died 1762. Fiis san ^ngelo Ccmirio y li- 
ving in 1809, was employed lor ihiriy years in the ser- 
vice of the Royal library of Padua; and took the press 
and the business trora tlie heirs of the Volpis , and con- 
tinued for some lime to reprint varions Volpi £ditioni| 
and other little works under the name of his father^ 
and with the Volpi stamp. 

The Editions of this new Press were for the most 
part handsome; and adorned with the Ulnitraiioni of 
Gianantonio 1 as well as learned Pre&ces : such ai dit 
lives of IVaagerins and 5annazarius. 

In 1737 the Senate of Venice promoted him to the 
Chair of Philosophy at Padua^ from which he prono» 
nnced several celebrated thationB. 

la 1735 1m pnUished his Ihalogo di Zaeeana Soo-* 



Digitized by Google 



Voui , cMi GoMiHo J Pbxm. i59 

ioMteo dtd Greeo ongmah dUa Toueana famOa wtcaio 
9d Hhi^imto da Gdannanionio Fitlpi ee. 4.* (*). 

Bat p^eliy aii<l Bdlet-Uttrtt wer$ hit patdoo} 
■nd not ^liloai^bj s and he "waa appomted to die chair 
of Hnnanlty » 1736^ on which occidoii he pronooneed 
an eloqaent Oration, 

In 1757 he publuhcd an enridied Edition of Co- 
ti^bta in 4.^9 which hean « high ehataetcr. On thia 00- 
caaion the Citj of Verona airoch a gold medal in ho* 
nour of him 9 with hia head , and tl^ circnmieription ; 
Jo: AxTOnxua Vvt»nvs Elo<i. Pnov. ly GracvAa. Pay. 
doioccxxxvif. On the rcvciae , the anna of the Gty , and 
m wreath of oakleavei; end thia oiicnmaeription : Gat&* 
det F'erona Caiulh de Cive suo B.Bf. 

Willi similar sludiousness and zeal he engaged ia 
ibe iiditions ot DANif. , ( 3 vols , 8.'^ 1727 ) r£Tii^RCH, 
( le Jiime f i'j2U , again lySa , 8." ) Politian; ( Stanze 
jyaS , 8." 1761 , 8.<* ) Alamanni ( la Coltivazione , 
1718, 4.") RtTcc£i.A.i ( ^pi 1718, 8.** et Bosmunda p 
Tragedia, 1728 > 8.") Lucrptius ( 1721 , et 1761 > 8.*) 

I^AUG£MUS| ( 1718 , 4.^ ) SaNNAZAAIUS ( I719 , l/Sl 9 

et 1751 1 4,<*) and other poeta and prose-writes. 

Fabroai remarks that it ia incredible -vehat fatigaea 
ha anstained in travenios thia vast field of litem* 
tore ; but he had a great patience of study , with n 
vivacity of spirit, and readiness of genius , qualities ra* 
rdy nnited* l^e had e method of noting down from the 
most eminent Writers , the thoughts , andphmses, with 
thdr pbcca , imiuted or takeki from otheia , and the 



{*) Open *iwi9 palgari a lalniadil Bigner C»ji* fTo^iTSS, 
A,* ia tha «m Wwk. 



a6o Vouf , cm Gokiho i Pbbm. 

TSfioiu modes of expressing tlie raine things widi degtnce^ 

vhich assisted his brother Gaetano ia the AaDotatioiii 

to his varioui Ldilions. 

Among t])e Poeti, he gave llie prcfrrencc to Pe- 
trarch, for ihe marvellous polish and elegance of his slilc, 
and bis puriiy of sentiment on ihe subject of Love. Iq 
the Lettera cV un Padot^o al Si^nor Ah. Denina iyr)6' , 
8.^ wriUeii by Cesarolii , Giaananlonio is called « poeta 
idlicissimo oudrito tra i fiori dcUa piii purgRta eleganzaji 

In \']i\o, he gave Icarnef! Lectures on the Poetica 
of Aristotle ; in 1749 he gave an edition of TibuUus ^ 
4.0 — and in ij55 , of ProperUu% 4.^ — hoth ex- 
cellent* 

Amidst these studies he did not neglect Antiqaitief ; 
lor in 1757 he pubiislied his JHwiaUo inDiptychum 
^umeum Paticanum 8.* 

He was a lover oi solitude ; hat in aelecl company 
was chcarful and entertaining in coDveriatioa. He mar- 
ried Signora Margarita Moschini of Verona j but had na 
children. 

In 1760 he resigned the Professor's Chair; and in 
his last year became Uind^ vhidi he bore with christian 
philosophy. He died 35 Oet. 1766 , at the age of 8a At 
be ivns dear to all while he lired , so his death waa 
lamented by all , as an irreparable loss of one « who ad* 
ded to the richest gifts of nature all the social virtncs. 
See J'kArom, FUm iicihrum, tie*voLxiii> p. 2g5, ete. 



0&£TA^O VOLPL 

Gaitamo Youx , younger brother of Giannantonid, 
Wtt bom «t Padua a5 Jane 16H9. Animaied by the 



Digitized by Google 



YoLn , OB Goxraro , Pmi* t6i 

fttttiple of hit brother , he addicted himself with fervor 
to stttdj \ and succeeded accordio^y. Talting the Eccle- 
liutical habit « be iben qualified bimielf by application 
to the learning of bit tacred ofEce. 

In 1717 , at the age of iS , be united with bit 
broiber in the project of ibe Volpi prest \ and bent hit 
cndeavoart to give the works istuing fiom it that hv^ 
reputation for the correctneti of the text, ^yhicb they 
ttiU enjoy. A.t the tame time tbit Prest became admired 
for the beauty of the characters; the paper; and the 
elegant disposition of the typography. His unwearied 
ailcniiuii lo these minutiaj was joined to the liiglicr 
qualities of Itaining, and kouwlege^ such as entitled iilui 
to those praisea whuh had been acquired by the Aldl.ses, 
the GroNTi^ the G101.1TI, the Px^^xiNt^ the Eotilli ^ 
and the Stepiiense*. ^ 

The Iruit of his piety and seal . which prompted him 
to propagate the maxims of trae wisdom , and Christian 
Virtae, were ihose Moral and u4 settle TVorks , which 
itsned from this press « iUuttrated by bit f reiaces > and 
Notes, 

No work came from this House ^ which had not uii« 
dergone hit painful scrutiny. 

He wata good writer both in the Latin and Iialiaa 
languages ; and authors were accustomed to confide their 
M5S to him; relying on hit judgement , not only in 
correcting 1 but in retrenching. 

In 1756 he and hit brother ^annantonio, abattdoned 
their atsisiance to the Gomino prett \ and on that occation 
Gaeuno publithed hat Jjhreria Fbfpi, of which tho 
title ttandif at the head of tbit article. 

In hit latter dayt he wat oppretsed by a melancholy^ 
^hich wat increased by the occuirence of a fire near 

It 



l63 VuLI'T y OA CoMltfO , PbBSS. 

hU residence; and degeneradng into insanity, he threw 
tiimself out of a window* The lall broagbt him to hi« 
lentci } bnt he expired plaeidi j e few day* efierwerdt , 
18 Feb. 1760 «l. 72. His Iom wai Itmentcd bj all^ 
the learned world ; the chorch; the poori a« a nan of 
pure rel^iott ; of virtnoui manners j a Mge, beneficent to 
iociety ; and a chrutian philoiopher. 

In the chnreh of S. Lacia at Padoa, on the Tomb^ 
in which hia ashet repose. Is the Followiiig Inscription, 
Hnitten and placed ihcre by Himself. 

r;i:cTORiBus 

CETEKISQE • HUJ LS • rAKOCIll^ • SACERDOTIBUS 
COMMU^E • SLPULCniajM 
k • CA.ETAISO • VULPIO • PRKSBYTEIIO 
ORNATlOhE • HAC • i OUMA • KESlii y i UM 
AN • D • MDCC • XXV • 
VT • LT • IPSE • POST • OBITUM 
HUC • IISFEBRETUR • 

Another Monument erected by GiANnoMANioo Voitrt, 
the Father « has the following inscription : 

CHRISTINJE • ZENJE 
VXOKl • CA^RISSIMJE • B • M • 
5UMMA. • FIDE • PlEXilTE • MODESTll 
PROB£ * MULIERIS • EXEMPLO 
CUM QUA.- VIXIT • ANN • XXXV - MENS • I DIES XXII- 
SINE • VLLA • QUEREL4 
10 • DOMIMCUS • VULIMUS 
SIBI • AGNATIS • POSIERISQUE • S • 
P • AN • DO.M • MDXXl • 

Kos * tenet * slta • qnies ' placidoque * simiUima * somno 
Quae * sumus * ignaris * corpora * vi^a * mori 
Iltc ' erimiis * donee * rcserato * Christus * olympo 
JEiemo ' jubeat * nos * vigilare * die 



Digitized by Google 



I 

VoLVI f OB COMIMO f PbB«1. 



163 



GlUSiiPPE ROCCO YOLPI. 



Giuseppe Rocco Volpt , brolhcr of the last , the 
fifth oi eight brothers , was born at Padua, 16 Aug. 
1G92. He was educaied at ihc sch joI of ihe Jesuiu ; and 
having lakco the hobii of ihuL or dei , resorted lo Rome, 
where he pursued his studies with so imich fervor , that 
he proved his genius lo be emulous of the best ; and 
inferior to none. Destined to the education of youih m 
the Colleges of Frascaii , Sienna , and Leghorn , he 
vigorously su^ained his difficult iiinction. lie ihen re- 
turned lo Rome , where lie give himself np to Theulogj*. 
He wa« ordained Triesl in his year. 

lie next was appointed to preside over the studies 
of the Greek Church of S* A.lhanasius at Rome. His Know- 
lege of the Oriental tongues, and bit love of the study 
of /Vntiquitici » prompted him to compose a work , ia 
which he studied to prove that the sacred Rites of the 
Latin church were preferable to those of the Grreek* His 
T'^ctus iMtinum Profanum — #^#6 ^ — 9^4$ — consists 
of XI vols; of which the first seven were printed at the 

He Wfts Reviser of Books , Consolier of Indexes, etc. 
to the Vaticin. 

He was one of lliose rare men 1 who /In the midst 
ot grave studies « coold sometimes penetrate the recesses 
of Pamassos, and converse pleasanilj wiib the Moses. 
In those little toors which he sometimes took into the 
interior of Rome to view its ancient monnmenis , he 
took occasion to give descript.ons to his friends in Latin 
Epistles writlcn with parity , and Ovidian eaie. 



i64 Vojotf OA GoMiHo, Psaui. 

Bat he did not ealtirate only Laiin and Italian poe- 

try: he prodigiously delighted in mathematics. Hc also 
wrote the Lives of Saints ; and bad the character of a 
judicious Critic. 

Though J fi orn tlic time that he settled at Home ^ 
lie returned only three times to visit his family ot Pa- 
dua , vet neither the di'^trmcc , nor his attachtnciit to 
literature, alienated the affections with which Mature had 
inspired liim. 

}Je lost his life in performing the duties of a de- 
voted Friendship. His friend , the Marquis Grf^gorio AIes« 
aandro Capponi, a Florentine , was attacked by a uialig* 
nant fever. Volpi in his indefatigable attendance on 
him , became a victim to the contagion ; and died 36 Sept. 
1746, Mi* 54. Ail Rome deplored the death of one so 
cmiaent for hu iDttlti£urioiif learniagi and religions virtue. 



GIAMBATIST^ YOLPI. 



GiavBATisVA. VoLvx , toother Brother , was bom 
at Padut I 34 Mardi , 1688. 

Baying completed his juvenile studies in the Colle- 
ge of the Jesuits , he passed to the school of the Uni- 
versity of Padua , where be fell under the tuition of 
the celebrated Anatomist » Morgagni , who perceiving 
bis pupil's predilection for that study , took pariicalar 
care of him. 

On 3 Sept. 1732 , he obtained ihe semmd place in 
the chair of Anatomy. 

In 1 7 as he published at the Volpi press ^mt* Com* 

CeUi de Medicina lib, riii, 8:* 



Digitized by Google 



VoLVii OR CoMiMOj Pnxss. i65 
To vbich h« added 9. Smni Samomd tk Mede^ 
€iaa prtBoqUa tabt&ernma ex edUimtB I4igdunm» on, 
i5€6i Bob, ConUanUm , cum AujuB miU vamtqw kc^ 

H« also published the adversaria Ammmica Jo, 
Hdyo/. Morgagnm at the Volpi Press #7/9, 4** 

He died s6 Dec 1757 , aged 70, having been twice 
married 1. to poralice Giacopini of Verona , wlio left 
him with three sous ; and three daughters. He married 

Giovanna Corao of Padua , by whom he had one 
$on. Three sons survived liim , 1. Giannantonio. 2. i'Ab. 
Giusepp«. 3. GaetaQO. The first of these was the per- 
sou who g^u e up the Volpi Press to Angelo Comino: 
but he soniclimei made use of it to rt jii iiil small pifces , 
in which the Vcilpi stamp was used. Oi this family m 
1809^ there were only remaining three Females ; daugh- 
ters of the last Giannantonio ; all married in Padua 
Cristina y to Antonio Schiavon ; Angelica « to Angelo 
FasMni \ and Tere«a, to Giambaiiita Scopoio. 



Amonff the rare- Mooke ef the eebet and rich Idbraiy 
made by the tikiU, and eare tf the F<^fU , were the 
fiUondng 

\» Lnigi Alamanni^ la ColiiYazione* Parigi per Rob. 
jStelanp , Kegio Sumpatore ^ i546 » 4.<' 

^DiT. axaiss. 

a. Cosmi Anjrsii Poemata, Neapoli i53a, 4.* ' 

Lib. sAHxas. 

ATiennt , el Araiea , ex prima edit. Yen. 1488. 4.<> 
Lxass, juBxss. 



f 66 VoLFi , OE Com > MO , Press. 

4. Aului Gellias illustratns a Jo. FriderieOy etlacdbo 
GronoviMy aliiique. Liigd. fiat. 1706 , 

Edit, peaj^antiss. bt bara. 

6. Bariolommeo Barbaro, il Gonugio di PadoTadd l6ii« 

ILovigo , 1640 p Fol. 

LiBEO EABO. 

6« Gaspari Barthii Adversaria. Francof. 1624. Fol. 

VOLUMBK BAftIS& 

7. ' Agostlno Beccana. 11 sacrifiaiu , Fayola Pastorale. 

Ferrara, 1687 • 8.*» 

IUea. 

8. P. Bembi Carmina. Yen. i553«8.* 

JdbeUus inventu diffidStmut, 

^. Boeihii opera Omoia. Ba^iii^ apud Hen. Petri , 
1546. Fol. 

Lib. ear. 

10. JoiBDU Maria BrastdieUeDaif Isdes llbroram Ex* 

purgandomm. Ronue , 1608 . 8.* 

LiBXE nrvBHvv terqvam stfficu.i» , €t Hon 
mioimi pretii. 

11, Georgli Bucbanani Poemaia. Lugd. Bau apud Elzevir. 

1628, 3a.' 

Rariss. I.IB. 

ja. Caesar cuin Fragmemia. AntrerpM tpud Ghnitopli* 
Plant. i586, 8.* 

LlJl£U JLARIfij. £T IMTIGEim. 



4 



Digitized by Google 



ToLrr , OK CoMnro , Pmv. 1674 

iS« C Baldassare Casiiglione « II Cortigiaoo. Veil, presso 
iido, 1528. Fol. 

EdIS. ftARTSillU. 

14. — Ejnsdcm ad Hen. 'Vlll A.ngl. Reg. Epistola. Fo- 

to^eiopiooii i5i3^ 4.° 

£xiMIJi AAXITATIC UBBLLUS. 

15. Antonii Cerrii Yaius LeetionM. knnim, i6ia.4«^ 

Lijm EAEisaiMua 
t6. Ghalcidiiu. Piiiiiu ap. Atcenaum iSaa Fol. 

Eaitio R.VRISS. 

17. — Ex rec «t cam noiia Jo. Mennii. Lngd. Bat* 

i6»7, 4.* 

Itcic bara. 

18. Gictfonif EpiitoUe ad Familiaret. Yen. ap. Aldom 

LiBBB RA&raa. 

19. Gceronis Epiitolc ad Allicain. Flor. ap. Juntat , 

15; I, 8.* 

ao. — Familiares a P. Victorio castigatae. Flor. ap. 
Laur. Xorreuliaum | i556 , S."" 

InM BAB. 

Ai. Geeronit Opera Omnia ^ 10 vols* Lagd. Bat* ap* 
Eluririam, 1640. 12.* 

33. CSoncilium AquUejeiiie Primmii Aoni i&^p Otiai. 
1598 1 4** 

Lis. iLARiM. 



t 



>68 VOLPI , OR CoMINO ^ Phim. 

a3. Coryciana, «eu Carmina Illusir. Poelarain Italoram 
in laudem Jani Corycii, ♦edeme BloiM FdUdio 

PeRQUXM KARns LIB. 

a4- f etnia CrcffeenUm, de Agriooltnra. Builfls i538> 4.* 

25. — tradoito da un aniico ToiCMi« ^ Fircose , pd 

Giunti , i6o5 , 4.«> ' 

Uno de* piii habi otbi di Cnuea. 

26. S. Cjrpriani Opera. Ronue ap. P. Manatiam i5€3, Fol. 

Edit. bab»s. 

97. AntoniiDemoeliaris in YllUibrosTopicorum Arislo- 

teliaHypQinnema. Paris, ap. Sim. Colinaeum. i535. 

Lib. aab. 

98. Diodoniff Sicnliu illiutntiu a L. JUiodomano. Hao« 

novia ap. Wcchelos 1604. Fol. 

Lib, &Aai5s. 

29. Poclissimonim sua s(ate llalorum Epigiammata a 
Joanne Gagnjejo coUecia. Parii, ap. Joannem ]U« 
Yium , ad inaigne Aldi , tine tamp, notat. 
LibcUoa £legan«, et BABiat. 

60, Slephani Doleti Commenlaria Linguae Lat. 2 vol. 
Lugd. ap. Seb. Gryph. 1^36 , Fol. 

LiBBB. BABI88. 

3l. Cafparis Dornavii, Socraticae Joco-«criae Sapicntiaj An- 
philheatmm. Plannoviae, ap. Wccl^dLoi, 1619. Fol. 

Gnriofoa , ct las. bab. 



Digitized by Google 



YoLn I OK GoiiiKo^ Puss. 169 
3a. Eaclidit Opera Omnia, a David« Gregorio iUn- 

iirata. Oxonii c Xheairo Ocaniano. ijoS, FoL 

33. Eailpidet a loiiui Bamci. Caniabrigiae 1694- FoL 

34. Euripidu Hecuba el Iphigenia , Ertsmo Rot. Inler- 

prete, et Erasini ^uxdam Carnuna- Venet. ap. 
Aldom ido/. 

35. Georgii Fabricii Roma^ dc. Ba«ilic9 ap. lo. Opo- 

xiniini i56o. 8.* 

Opuscula FAnuM OSVIA. 
36* Victoris Fauiti Meupbiaiii degaat Meohanicornm 
AriatoMlif. Paria , 1617 $ 4* 

Liu. RARI5S* 

3;. Jo. Ant. Flamuii , Carmiiia , Bonon. i5i5 , 4* 

Lib. BABXas, 

38. M. Antonii FUminii Carminiim Edit, t Fanii 

i5i5y 8.* Jk kite sunt qumdam makoUnHa, 

Libellni tnventu ferdii ficilis. 

39. H. Fracottorii , et A. Naogerii Opeia. Yen. ap. Jon- 

tat i555 . 4.* 

BABiaa* 

40. — Ejnadam. Sjrphilli. Ycfoo» , i53o , 4** 

RA.RI89. 

41. Oeoponica , G. et L. ex rec. et cam not. Petri Sieed- 

liam. Caotabrigis^ 1704. 4.<> 



I70 VoLPI, OK COMINO* PlMl. 

43* Lorenzo GhinrdeUi, Petle Beigamo. i63o , dt» 
Miitu. Beifamo , i6Si , 4.* 

Barvs. 

43* Gnmrnitici Anticjai Latini Omncf ez eollecHoot , 
ct recent. Helie Putidiii. Uannorias ap« VTechc^ 
loi i6ti5, 4.* 

LiB£ii RARisA, Ct magni pretii. 

44* Simonis Grynsi Collectio ex viriis Scriptoribos de 
BOTo Orbe , cm tiluloiii liscit Novum OrdU, fia^ 
lU. 1532. FoL 

Lra. SAH* 

45. GuDthcri Poctae clariss. Liguriniis, sive de rebas ge- 

siis Imp. Cm. Friderici I. Augu&ii Libri X. Cario. 
conscript. .4ccessit de inclustria . . . Richaidi Bar- 
tholini Perusini Austriado.s Libji XI 1. omnia cum 
Scboiiii Jacobi Spiegellii. Argeatoraii. i53i. FoL 

46. Hesiodut^com Scboliia^ Gnece. Yen. i537 ^ 4** 

47. S. Hicronimi Opera Omnia a Mariano Viclorio cnoen- 

dau et illustrala. 6 vol. Korn^ ia i&dibus Pup. 
Romani , 1676. Fol. 

Imignis , tt MtmMn owriM MMHo- 

48. Homeriis, Grxce. 9 vol. Yen. apod Jnnlam iSSf. S** 

Editio optima , nccnon rarjssim a tt correet(t$iffUL 
4g. — . Ejusdrm llias, Gia^ce. Paris apud Adr. TuRie 
bum. Tjrpogr, Keg. XypislUgits 1664. b.** 

« 



Digitized by Google 



Voi<Vi^ OR Coumo, Pnsss. lyt 

5a Horatiiu. — Venetiit apad Aldam Eomtnum mcnae 
Maio , M. D. I* 

6l» Horatiui ex rec. et cum noiis Dan. Heinsii , cujus 
accedunt Libri ii. de Sniyra Horatiana. Lugd. Bat* 
ap. Elzevir » 1629 « la. 

1lARTt«. 

62. Index Libro rum Prohibiiorum primum editu* a Paulo 
Manutio. Komx ^ 1664. 4*'' 

Editio ttJEIMMdm 

53. S. Joannli CUmaci Opera, G. et L^Parinii ap.SeL. 

Cramoity. i635. Fol. 

Lib. mar. 

54. Pauli JotU Opera omnia. 7 vol. Basileae ^ 1^671 

et seq. 

Non omnino obvia. 

55. S. Isidnro Feliuiotae Epistolae G. et L. eic vers. Ja- 

cobi Billii ; et cum ejusdem duobus Observatio- 
unm liibrii in varioa Aoctores Sacrot. Parii. i585« 
Fol. 

Lib. BABua. 

56. Jolii Fimiici, aliommqae Veteinm AstrononuGorom. 

]Basile« ap. Jo. Henragiam i533. Fol. 

Edit. opt. et 

Sj» Laclarjtius Firmianus ap. Aldom l535 8.* cum Xer* 
tiilliani Apologetic©. 
» Un grande.ajuio presid' H eeledre Onoraio Fa^ 
MciieUo neltadomare ^pteata JESMtione a Paoh Manu- 
eIo come pur /eee in qmffa di van aUri AuioHi (o 
ehe u §eQrge daUa Zettens deSo MieuQ Maniuio pre- 



17a \oL9t t OR Couxvo , Press. 

messa a questo Libro , in cut molto si dilata nelJm giu- 
9te lodi del Fascitello. Beace le Stamperie che si ain 
SaUtmo in taii aju atori / Tale fa Sign. AnUtt^Fed^ 
rigo Seghesu neUa Ctmimana ; tale ^ il Signor AS 
JPier-Anionio SBnuti neUa CaUttina di Bergamo : taU 
fUrtmo moUi uamini dtUHBBtmi in moi» aniieke cMr$ 
.Siampme $ 9 ce n9 wno ancora ahuni preseniemMi$ 
in poHe aUrB, i qmaU m$Hiano ogni lode, mum, e 

58. D. LaureaUi Jiutiniaoi Opera 2 vol. Briuae , iqo6. 

59. Livios« a Variis illustratut. Pariaiii ap. Mich. Va- 

fcosaanm. i545. Fol. 

Edit. RAsiaf. 

60. Giaciato Manara, jNotii Malinconiche. Bologna i653, 4." 
Id&ro utile, molfy curio ho , e non del tutio eomune, 

61. Jo. Baptists Manluani , CartncUlx , Opera omnia « 

4. vol. Aoluerpix' , 1676 , 8.* 

OpL et Rjjtise. EdiUo. 

a Auim eke hafaUa un grande eirepito al mondo, 
ma okc. om i ^uaei po9to in totah oMitdone, Fu tnMa 
ad eeso in JUantova , sua pallia, una SteUua quaeiet^ 
me a 11 FirgiUo. Ma la SaeteMaa deUo stile eon eui 
dsUd le moUisaime sue poesie , ^ Umgo tnOto loniana 
dalla Firgi&ana grandezea. Alcune sue Sgtoghe perd 
non sono affatto sprezzabili ; come quelle che ammtt- 
totto un somigUante stile, » 

6a. Barlholonuei Bfarliani , Topographia Urbit R0111AI19 » 
aiiaqae perqaam curioH Opuicaku Rojiub ^ in 



Digitized by Google 



i 



VoiM f OK Comtp J Paw i;^^ 

JEdibni Yalcrii Doric! , ct Aleyw frttiit , Acade- 
mkB RonuuBK ImpreMorani , manie Septembrif » 
1544. Fol. eum fig. deganUn. 

Lib. IKY2NT9 J>»FICU.I4. 

63. Manialif. Ten. ap. Aid. i5oi. 8.* 

Bab. 

64. MartiaDm GapelUf optima caiUgatiif. Lugd^ap. Sifli. 

Tincantlnni , 1539. 8.* 

Kara. 

65. Coriolani Marlirani , Tragaediae VITT. ( intcj- giias 

Cti RISTVS eleganlia euunet. ) Ci ma dia^ jJ. et 
alia Foemata. — Janus Marius Simonetta Gremo- 
uentia lieapoli sxcudebat. i55G. 8.** 

' Raetm. 

JUfying' on rarity » a Plagiary , in iht iimB of 
F'dpi , printed ihese Tragedtea and Com§di§$ p 
*Mk oiher Jjadn Foemt tf Naugerim , Fiami^ 
niu9, and oiAers, as his own .> and actually in 

his folly f presented a Ccpy to Professor VoJpf 
Mmself, 

66j Manyrologium Romannm cum Notis Card. Baronii : 
item Vetus Rom. et Adonis ex rec. Heriberti Ros- 
weidi. Aninerpias ex offic PlantiDiana i6i3. FoL 

CoDBX noBiUsB, Rjnxna* 

67. Miralli Carmina , et M. Antonii Flamiaii Juvenilia 

Faai, i5i5| 8.* 

■ 

Lis. BA&ISf. 

68. Medici Antiqai Latini. Veo. ap. Aldom l547* FoL ' 



Digitized by Google 



174 Toi*«i OR GoMiNO, Pbxss. 

69. Donunici MelliDi in Veicres quosdam Scriptoret, 

iDftlevolM CSiristiaoi hottinis obtt«cUtores ^ Li- 
bri iV. Flor. 1677. Fol. 

70. Bfinntlat Felix ab Araobii Librit primam a Fran* 

ciico 'Baldaino sejunctus , cum ejusd. luculeuia 
Piaefat. lieidclbergae, i56o. 8." 

* 71. Mmici Antiqui G. et L. exrcc. et rum not. M. Mai- 
boDii. a vol. Amsielod. ap. EUevir. Ma, 4.* 

7a. Neapolitanorum Regum Vilae, cl Effigies pci B. G. 
Augustae Viudtlicor. i6o5. sumtibiM Dominici , 
cceio Aapbaelis Cusiodis. Fol. 

Bah. 

73. Marii Nizolii , Obiervatiooei in Ciceronemy 9 vol. — 
Ad Pratam Albuini ( in Brixiaoi Dioecesi , vulgo 
Prealbwn ) in JEdibna illttstrissimi Viri Jo. Fran* 
eisci Orambane Comiti Poniificii, ab prtn Cbristi « 
j535» tnenae Januario. FcL 

^ditio jjrima, rajuss. cum in&iguibus Gentis Avogadne, 

et Gambatae. 

» Si ha o per istoiia , o per trcuUslone , 0^ ar/i- 
vato Carlo P^. in Brescia , e corteggiata fra gU aUri 
favaiieri da Lorenxo Gamibam . auo favorito , 'Vf^eneh 
Oeaare confaiular con gueaio in lapagnaolo , ^ inF'raf^ 
cew, e non essemh in tat Ungue isiruiio, teniaue 
il Gambara t& parlor^ ItaUano , poco aUrchi inie$o 
da Cttfio, ptmd adunque Vlm^radm ePusar Pidi(ana 
Zaiino, dt em ZdomMo non mgranfiiUointmdcniei 



Digitized by Google 



Voupfj oa CoMnffo, Paw. 175 

Set the tit^iiiH aljuanio it gran Principe* JBoM tm 
iak tXuport a/ g€mfO»Mimo CaveUitre per ricercare nt^ 
hiio dopo la paHmta di Carln , per iuUa P UaUa un 
cfe' fdU vaUnH LaiamU eke fioneaero aUora; e gU cm* 
ne faUo di rUrooare U eelekraiieeimo Mario NixoUo i 
eke aeetdse in sua Caea con vanta^gUnistwne condisio^ 
ni f meriiaie per aUro da iA grart^Uomo: il quah ol* 
ire ad uifbirmare U CavaUere con ^ran %ligen»a <ft* iui^ 
ie le ftne&te deUa Ldngua Zatina, Me agio di corr^ 
porre i suoi ceie6n Ccmmemaij di essa, e di vederH 
magmficanmUe stampati alle commune spese delle dim 
NolfiUssime Case Gambara e Avograda : ma piu di 
tntto gsxit ill vedere U &uo iusigtie Discepolo tanto avan- 
zato in tale studio , come si puo vedere dalle sue cfe- 
ganti&sime J^uine Pcesic f stampate parte in Anversa 
da Cristcfoto Plunlino in S."" nel t5b^, e parte i/i /io~ 
ma nel i58f. pure in 8° e tutte insieme it i in fji del 
1586^ essendone anche sparse in varie JiaccoUe.n 

74* Notttia Dignitatum ulrius^ue Imperii. Basilieae^ ap. 
Frob. i55a , h oi, " 

BAEira. 

7$* VoTofii Testamentum Grsecum Pari<ii apud Kob 
Sleph. Typ. iieg. 1649^ 

76. Ovidii MeUuiorpkosii y Venet ap. t|d. i5oa,8.* 

77. Pandectae Florenlius a Francisco TTotomano iUttr 

itraic d. vol. P«i.ii<iis» ^.^ 

£d* MUTIMX VBYIA. 



1^6 VoLPi , OR Coming , PaEsa. 

jH, G. Paulini Noiani Opera. Parif* ap. Ajefltuiom 

£d. EAAxaa. 

79, Ffanciiei PetrarcluB Opera Iiatim opt. rccogeiu. 
Yen. impeoaa Domioi Aodre« Tontmm, Aldi Bfft* 
natii Soeeri. i5oi. Fol. 

Jji6er rajuvm el correcius, 

8o« Petronius Atbiier. Parii ap. Mamertmn PatlManinm. 
1577. i6.* 

81 • Pbilonfa Jadsi Opera , Graece. Paris ap. Andr, Tor- 
nebnm, Tjrpogr. Regium^ "^TP^* Regiif. i55a. 

Jd6, nitieUss. ei iubim. 

. Ba. Fto^anu , G. et L. com 5cholii« antiquis, et Not!* 
Varior. Fol. Oxonii e Theatro Sheldoniano, 1697* 

IMit. prcecLar. ut magni pretiL 

83. PlatoDis Opera Omnia G. et L. et interpret, et 
cam perpetuis ISotis Joaonis Serrani , 3 Vol. Apad 
Heor. 6tephao. 1578. Fol. 

RjAiaa. 

94* Plioiuf Yalcrianns, et alii Aiitiq. Medid LatinL 
Eaatleai ia £dibot Andrea: CraUodri. 1628. Fol. 

Lib. RjLExss. 

85. Poelamm Grvcorum Dicu ap.'Slobaeuia emendata^ 
et Lat. Carm. reddita ab iiogoiie Grolio^ G. et^ 
L. Paris , i6a3 , 4.** 

Rabvs. 

&6. Votii Antichi Tuscaui. Firenze pe' Giuoli. 1627,8.^ 

Babisi, 



Digitized by Google 



ji ntw JSdititm ivlth many additions wis given at 
F'enice by S^^ghezzi (*) : entitled Rime di Caliche 
Toscani accresciuniB a corretie, f^en, /7J/. 8* 

87. Politiani Aogeli Open Omnia. Badl, i$53. Fol. 

Rartss. ( see postea. ) 

88. Pompeins Feslus , et Verrius Flaccus ex emend, et 

cuiu ootU Aadreae Dacerii. Amctcl. 1700 ^ 4.* 

BAarflf. 

Sg. Luigi da Porto, Presage Bime. >Y€ii. pel BIarco«- 
lini. 1539 , 8.* 

Libelous ka-RIss. 

90. Gailelmus Postellus , de Eiruria Aaliqaa. Floreotiae 

ap. XarreDtinam , 4.^ 
Lib. aAKTaa. 

91, Pradentii , Sedoliij iiratori< , alionunqne ChrisUa- 

norofn Poetamm Csirmina , et Diyersor. Opuscula 
Sacra 50I. oral. 2 vol. Yeo. ap. Aid. i5oi. 4.* 



(*) Anton Federigo Seghezzi , a Venetian, died 1745 , in the vigour 
of life , to the grojst loss of the literary world. H»' gave a copious 
Eilition ( f all the /f'nrh.s of Tasso in ia vols. f^'^enicCf ^j4^, 4'." — 
and of the Utters of Caro irum ihf. Comimo pbjsss , m 3 voLs. 8.* 
iy35» Ha ftlto irroM tiw Lfe of Btmardo Iheso , with the gret* 
tctt exwtnen and coptonuioM , prefixed to Semardo'it L§tt€n , 
CoxxKo False , toI. x. a. 1735. rol, 5. i75i. Sm* He made «a 
esect Cataloj(ae ol all the Sditume of the Xiettere of Bembo^ prin* 
ted at the end of Bembo'e Works, Vtnlco, 1799 , and of theNotee 
to his Rime , Bergamo , #745. He also published Opere volgari 
e La fine; aggiunUpi ukune Mime di Niecolo suo fratello* 
nezia 1749. 

12 



ga. Prudeotioij ex rec. et cum not. KioolAi Heiotii 
AoiAld. ap. £lxevir 1667. la* 

Eaha. Eoitio. 

93. Leodcgarii a Quercu , ( seu Adriani Turnehi ) 
Floici Lpigrauiinaium , ex opt. Poeiu. 2 vol. 

CoVecUo inveniu drfficitiima* 

9^. QniDque lilostrium Poeiarom Ittlorum Camilla 
Veoetiis , Presbyter Hieronymoj Iiiiioa ^ et «ocii 
eicudebant. i558> 8.* 

( S.e Art, F", <f Res LtTEKAHfxs. ) 

« U Arte flella Stampa e cotti iiobUe e Hb^rafe , 
quando venj^a ei^eguita loUe dovute circasianze , c/ic noa 
solo fa esercita a , « st ese ciia/a , da Uomim Dottis- 
sirni , e neUe Case di Aobili'isimi Pcrsonaggi , come 
Mono i J''ui{^eri in Cer/nania , gli Aqiiivwi in Napoli ; 
de* Gambara in Brescia , o sia in Pralo Alboino , 
de* Giustiniani e Bragadini in F'enenm \ ma anche 
Tie* Moiisleri d»* piii osservanti Monaci e Rdigiosi 
Clnif^tnili ; coma de* Monaci Cauinemi di San GaUo, 
e di Mantova , de* Ccrlosini dalla Scala di Dio , dei 
JDomenicani in A/apoU , degli Sremid Camaidokti di 
Ana nel Padovano ( menlre tuccesst ai trascrivtre 
cke/acetme i Moaaci i Ubri , in vece del lavorar la 
ierra s fecondSamdo coal le hianche , pw te 9I899B sitriUf 
cane I ) e in akre Com ReUghae \ coma di GeatiUi , 
€ Ft Uppini in Boma \ ne' Seminari di Padotmi e di 
Perona jg e finahnenie in quelle di Sacerdoii particdari 
come ci aon vary eaempj , dire di guesio Hhro ». 

g5. Petri Quinqn(?rnni , Bcllojocani , Episcopi Senecensis 
PrimatiarelateQ&ium^ de Laudibiu Provincix Li- 



Digitized by Google 



ToLPT J OR GoacrNo, PiLEss. 279 
bri III. et Ceatum d« Annibaio Sxanutri. Lngd. 
1665. Fol. 

96. Quiiitiiianu^'. Yen. ap. h^iainm Soardum^ i5i5| 12. 

£dii, ifwentu difficiUimm. 

97. Bernardiuus Bealinus , e Soc. Jes. in Nuptias Pclci 

et Thetidos Catuiii , et in aliquot aiiorum 6cri- 
ptorum ioca. Bououi<e , l55i. 4.^ 

LlBBE BASIStlHVSi 

98. lo. Francisci Eipensis Cnrmina. Accessere Sebastiani 

Gryphii Tumulus a variis poetis celebratus ; olia- 
que divcrsorum Opuscula. Lugd. ap. Grypii. hat- 
rede3. i56i. 16. 

99. Antoniaa Raica » oUatos S. Garoli ^ de lofcrao , e* 

statu D«moDiim. MedUolani , i6ai« 4.* 

» Miilti viri (hctnsimi , et exuditissimi Congrega- 
tionem Oblatorum S. Caroli , JJhris editis , illustrarunt , 
inter quos eminet Josephus V^icecomes . cujus scripta 
inuenta sunt difficilUma; et inventa non vulgaris preitiM 

loa Jacobi Stdoleti « Gardinalii In Epirtolam D. PaiUi 
ad Romanof. Lii^d. ap. Seb* Gi jpli. 1535. Fol. 

101. — Edit. Secimda. lb. i536. Fol. 

Rabim. 

loa. Jacobi SauDazarIi > ( etc Carmiaa) iSeapolii i6a6. 
Fol. 

Eorr. BiBiM. ( iee antea* ) 



i8o Vom^ OB Cattmo, Pbmil 

xo3, Senectt Nttartlcf QiMefiioiie« com noUt HatlluBi 
FortaDsti. Yen. ap. Aid. i5a2 y 4.* 

JSx RARiOKjBus Aiding Xtibris, 

m 

104. SeneoB Philoaophi Opera a M. Antonio tfaieto il* 
• Inttrata. Eomae. i685. Fol. 

Edtv, xaha. 

105. Siiius Italicus. Lugd. i5i4. 8.^ 

Edit, bama* 

106. Sophodef . GnBoe. Paris , ap. Sim. ColiDCflm, t6a8. 8.* 

Kaktm, 

107. Sperone Sperone Diaioghi. ap. Aid. 1643 , 8.<* 

Edit. bak. 

108. Stradoniai Catmina. Vcd. ap. Aid. iSiS » 8.® 

PVLCHXRB. et JIABT88* 

log, Symtnachuf cum Not is , et X Libris Misccllaneo- 
ram Franci&ci Jureti. Farisiis ^ i6\>4. 4/* 

110. Bernardo Tasso , FAmadigi. Yen. ap. Gabr. Gio- 
Xito. i56o. 4** 

Perquam baba: 

llVt — delle liime Lib. V. Yen. i56o. Giolito. 12. 

JLiB, RAR. et non parv, preU 
II A. Antonio Tebaldeo da Fcrrara Opere. nm^aliit noU 

Lib. bau. 

Ii3. Terenlianus Maurus a Micolao Brissaeo castig. et 
illostr. Parii , ap. Sim. Colioxum i53i. 4." 

Lib. imybmto sir. 



Digitized by Google 



Voui , OK GoMiwo , Puai. iSi 
114. Ttrealiiu. Yen. ap. Aid. 

— £x rcc. et cum aoU Gabrielis Faemi. Flor. ap. 

Eo. RAKTSfl. 

716. Claudio Tolornei , Versi e Regole della nuova Poa- 
•ia To»caua. Homa , pel Blado, 4.^ 

Lis. wlam, 

llj, Tridenunam Conciiinm a Matthaeo Devano in Grae- 
cam iiflguam cooversoin. ibji, 8.** 

KARIsa. 

ii8« Gio. Giorgio TriasinOi EpUtola^ ate. Roma, par Lu- 
dovico dcfli Arrlghi , Vicentioo , a Lantizio Pa-> 
TUgino. i524* 4*9 

119. Jo. Pierii Yaleriani, Da Llttefaiorum Xofelidtate, et 
de Eeboa Bellonaniibaff* Yen. 1620. 8.* 

JJier oh BXiMMJM MjiRJTATBM pouus ob hinc anim, 
vf Gonnania rteustu ima. 

Ido.. Yalerios Flaccus. i ior. ap. Juutaoi. i5o3. S.^' 

SARA. 

111. — — Com Com. Jo. Bapiuts Pii. Bonon. i5i7. 
Fol. 

Eo. sAvaa^ 

199. Com Comm. £gidii Maserii. Paiis ap. AsceQ- 

Bab. 



l82 VoLPr , OR CoMINO> PRESP. 

123, Venaticae Kei A.uaozef Laiioi Antiqai. Yen. ap. 
Aid. 1534* S.o 

jBd. prima JURiaa. 

104. Veterinarlae Artis Auctores Graeci , Joanne Buellio 
iaterpreie. ^ads ap. Sim. Coliuaeum i63o. Fol. 

Sd5. Gracae , primom ia laee ediU* BosiUae^ ap. 

Jot, Valderom » iS^Bj, 4.*. 

ExriflKB BA-BTTATlf. 

ii6. Marci Hieronynii Vidac , Clirisiiado.v Libri VI. pri- 
niuiii Eiiai. Cremotifte, la itdibus D. Margariiae, 
Ludovico Briuouico impressore i655, mense octo- 
bri, 4.** 

AV/iV/. e£ venusHss. 

137. Arooldaa Vionius , in lastiUiUonef Jatiiniaoi Amstel. 
ap. Elaevir i65%, 4.* 

laS. Virgiliflt a P. Manatio , et G. Fabricio illiu imns , 
▲ntw^ ap. Girist. Plant. 157a. 

Ed. raiuss. 

130, — £x castig. Dao. fieia«ii. Lag. Bau ap. Ehe- 

JffW nUoria etjtjnrss. ed, 

]5o Vitravias , cum noli* Doet. Virorom^ ex xec. Joan- 

ney de Lael. Amstel. ap. Elzevir ^ 1649. 

MUidiss. et rkriss. 

i3i Jo. Christomoi Zanchii DiMerUtio de Origin e Oro» 
Morum » (ire Goaomanoniiii , Vao. 



Digitized by Google 



Vo^fi, OR CiiMiiroy Fkbis* i85 

tSsu M. Lodovico Aiiosto , V Otfando Fnriofo. Yen. tp. 
Aid. .545. 4.* 

£j>. RAHTSS. 

135. Joannis Passeratii Commentarii in Catullom , Ti* 

bnlluoCi^ et Propertium. Pamu« 1608. Fol. 

opt. et MtAiu 

^34. B. AngeUe de Fulgineo Yiu et opiveula a i'aiiAi 
Rhtudlo Ik ^ngeUccB AibaiieiCB Dives Ludai 
^enetianm eKcata/ cum qua Grasee , ( quod 
mirum ) oMquando hquiiur , rine nUa noUtio«- 

136. BoDi&cii VIII. Vita , et Defeo&io per Joannem Ru- 

beum. Romac , i65i ^ 4.° 

Lib. rah. 

i3€. Caesar. Logd. Bat. ap. Elzevir. i635. la. 

£o. SA.UT88. 

137. PeUiM Ganisioi^ de Verbi Dei Conapteli« adver- 

•as Ceiitanatoref MagdebiufieM. a vol. Ingold-* 
•tadii i583 , Fol. 

Opw intiigney ei RAwras, 

l58. Caraia , Uiruzioue CiiiLiatiLi de' Piiiicipi colle Viie 
de' Sami Regaanii. 1687. b." 

Lib. aAR. 

iJg. Di S. CaHo la Vtu icritta dal Giassani. Eoma ^ 
1610. 4.* 

£xiK. BAaiM. 

* 

140. CatoDii Libri V. Moralis Philosophiae cnin Scholns 
Loeretiae Laceosis , et Andrete Lancianensis. 
Logd. 154B, 8.* * 

Lib. IULILIS4. 



i84 VoLri , o& Covuio , Pum. 

141* Ci«m de OfficiU a diyenif iUiuuataf, XuacoUDii 

JBIof. ctttiota ti BARM, 

143. Jo<!ocus Clicbtovaeus , de Doetrinft Moiiciidl. Pa« 

iiiiis. i538. 16. 

Lib. RARTsa. 

143. Concilia Generalia Ecdetiae Catholicae Paulli V. 

Pom. Max. auctoriuic ediu O. ct L. Pieraqne 
Gracce rnitic primiim prodennt; omo|a aatem ex 
aoiiquis Exetnplaribaf torn Graecit^ tum Laiinu 
diligeoter ncognita. 4 vol. Roraae. cxTjpographift 
Jtev. Camerae ApostoUcae , attinptibiu Ootavu In-* 
griUani i6a8. Fol. 

J^. nobilis , et rariss, 

144. Aogusiiiii Dathi Opera Omnia. Yen. FoK 

Baxibt. 

145. GvLiXLXX DubanAi Rationale Divinoram OiEcio- 

rum I Ven. per Georgium Walcli Alemanam ^ pro* 
^acisiiiiiiim LibrarisAriii exactorem, 148a. Fol. 

146. SrivBAMva BvBAVTvSf de Ritibtts Eeeleaia, RoMi 

1591. Fol. 

« Libti eruditisiimi Edit 10 origin Ji.rs , quas et 
jam excusa fuit ibid eocUm anno in octava forma, satis 
eleganler. )> 

« ^Icuni cohfondono guesii due ^uiori ; ma U 
primo , cioe Guglielnw Durando , e assai piii andco , 
e I' opera sua e pia e dotia , ma di stile barbaro , e fii 
stampata la prima volta in foglio reale in Magonzp. 
dagli Inoentori della Siampa nel 148^. Un nobiUstimo 
Msemplctre di tale Bktizione rarissima impresso in per* 
ffinKna e po^eduto da^ Si^nor Giuseppe SnUih, ittglu^n 



Digitized by Google 



VoLti I OB G>iaMo, Paim* i85 
VaUro ptd ^ Sufano DtmaUe, che^ oiire alh pietA 
e aUa doiirina , aggiugne alt upera sua t eieganMtt , # 

147. EcoDomit Cristiima , del P. Stefano Menocliitfy- 

della comp. di Gesu. Ven. i656. 4«** 

In i/iis Book it recorded the most absurd story 

Af AUG ABET DAUGHTER OF Fl.VJiEI\'CE CoUNTOF HoLLAN 

who is staled to /uwe fiad three hundrtd a id sixty cftildren 
at a birth, hilf males , and half females , 09 a judgmtfU 
fnr having refused almt, accompanied by reproachuj to 
a Bi^ar haviag in her arms twin children. This 8iory 
U gravtfy related by L, GuiceiardaU in Ai> DucripUon 
of the Ne^eriande i 6y F^vesj 6y Mraemue; £y 
HeyUn in hit Coemographf\ and others* 

Her Spit ji PR is said to have existed at the Hague, 
m the foUowtng ufords : 

« AJargaritjE, 

« illustriss. JDoniini Florentii Comitrs IloUandi'.e 
Filice, cujus mater fuU MoM^UUs Jilia Henri ci Due is 
Brabaniice • FraWem quoque hahttit Guiisimum Ais" 
mannice Begem. 

HoBC praefata Dcmina. Margarita anno Saluiis 
miSesnno Ducentesimo sesageeimo tex/o , JEtatis sum 
anno guatbugesimo secundo , ipsa die Parasceves Hera 
nona ants meridiem pipsrii infantss vivos promiscid sexus 
numero irecentos sexaginta quinque\ qui postguamper 
venorahilem Bpiscf^pum Dominum Guithnem Suffra-* 
ganeum , prmsentihus nonnuUis proeeribus et magna^ 
tihus , in pehfi guadam Saptismi Saeramentum pereo^ 
pissent, et maeculis Joanness FemelHs vero r$omen J&i^ 
saieth imposiium fuisset , ipsomm omnium simul cum 
matre Animm ad Deum^ ^maUter picturcBp rodie^ 



•186 Vom, OR CoMiKOt Pm* 

runt ; corpora auimn su6 hoc mxo r^quieaeuiU, » 

148. Petri Fabri Semestrit Lugd. 1698. 4/ 

Parum obvius. 

149* i ran CISC i vita per D. Bonaventaram ab Henr. 
Sedulio notis iUtutraU. Antuerpiae i tx PUati« 
siaiia. 1697. 8*** ' 
JWinime o6tf£a, 

a5o. Baptiitae Falgosi > de IMeiif Facticqne memorabi- 
libus coUeclanea , a Gamillo GUioo Laiina facta. 

Mediolani, i5og. Fol. 

Editio prima, nJRJ8S» 

151 . Caeleatini Gaicciardioi M erciirius can^aniu. Neapoli > 

152. Index Libromm Probibitoriim cam Declaiaiionibiu 

pro Yenelia. Yea. iSgS. S.^ 

Rartss. 

l53« S. loannis a Cruce Opera in lat. conversa , el il- 
iuflr. a p. A.ndrea a Jesa. CoXoaiae, ii)3g. 4.0 

IUrvs. 

154. lona da Culm S. iDaaginom. Anlaerpiaa f ap, 
Cbriit. Plant i565, 16.* 

LfBBLX*. RaRTM. 

x56« Is^'chiiu ia Leviticum. Fariaiid ijSi. S.** 

Bar. 

156. Laaretana Hittoria Tartellini. Romae » i597« 

157. ThommLeooid Opera. Parisiis ap. Sim* GolioAeitm 

i53o. Fol. 

RAftiaa. 



Digitized by Google 



i$8. LettcTtt di INteiti Priodpiy 1 4'«ltri Signori, dio 
coDtcngono negosi e comptimeoti io molte gtmvi 
e importuitiaiime occorrense , nccolte dal Signor 
Pa^oemilio MArcobroni. Tcucbw , apprcaso Paolo 
DottDcllii 1595. 4** 

J 59. De librif Mailt toUendis Patbeibeaff. Paruiis , 
i549 9 9** 

Eaetm. 

l6o. Marlini Lipcnii Bibliotheca Uaiver«aii$ 6 vol. Fran- 
oofurti, iG;^. Foi. 

161 • Diogini Longmo Retore , delP Altez/.a del Dire , 
tradolto tlal Greco da D. TS^icrolo Pinelli Fio- 
rentino Doitor di Legge, e Prirno Leltore nelPAc- 
cademia de' I\ob. Yen. in Padova. o-Padova per 
Giulio Criyellari* 1639. 4." 

Tradusicm Rmriss, 

t6a« Macer y ( Pmtio ) de Herbis , etc. ex rec. et cam 

notis lani Cornarii. Frauco£ iS^o. B.* 

Bab. 

j63. La Madre Addolorata y Pocmft del GaUi> diTisoin 
XSJUII. Lamenii , con altrettante figoro in rarne^ 
Bologna , i6d6 > 4.* 

Baso. 

164. Cataldo Antonio Mannarino , Glnric di Guerrieri 
e di Amanli succediite in Tar auto , Poema £loi€0. 
J^apoii i5^6 , 4.'^ cum fy^' m ram, 

• IUbo, 



'88 VoLw , oa CoxzJiO, Pjom. 

»65. Mani^is EipuiTgatus tb Andret Fnisio e we. 

Bonae, it. jEdibiu Ejiud. SodeuUf . i558, 8.«* 
RAaras. 

Hebraeus Medicus a David de Pomis defen^qt. 
( cum Epiatola Aldi j unions ad ^uctoremm 
Opens commendaiionem, ) Yen. i5tt8. 4.* 

167. OWdii Farti a Conftaalio et Marso Ulusirati. Tu- 

iCttlani, 1527. 4.« 

£l> RikHA. 

168. Car. Gabriello Paleolli , Primo Arcivescovo di Bo- 

logna , Discorso intoroo alle linmagioi Saere e 
Profane , divMO in cioque libri, ( de* guaUduA 
soli si trovano ^tampaU , ) dove n acraoprono 
van abuii loro , e si dichiara ilverp mode cbe 
Cristiaoamente d dovria osiervare nel porle aelle 
Clnc^e^ Delle case, e in ogni aliro Inogo. Rao- 
colto e posto insieme ad utile delle anime per 
eemmissioiie di Moosigiior , Illustriss. e Reveren- 
diss. Card. Paleotti. Bologna per Alessandro Be- 
iiacd. 4.0 

The Latin Translation^ printed at Ii^oUtad, tS^4, 

M ako rare, 

169. Oonplirii Panviniiy Fasti et Triumphi Romano- 

ram. Yen. ap. Yalgris. i55y. Fol. 
Inventu perdifficilis. 
17a. Alessio Piemoniese , i Segreti. Lione pec TeoN 
balde Pagano , i558. i6.« 

£0. AiJU« 



Digitized by Google 



YotM f OB Owiiio , Pbxm. S89 

ifi* Vincentii Piiielli Vinelli ViU per Goaldam. Aoc* 
gusta TindeUconuB > ad Pinib , 1607. 

« Lmo SAAo, p che merita €P easerleUo 
da* BibUaUoari ». 

17a. Flantininnap Tjpogiaphia iibrorum Catalogue Aat- 
verpiae , i6i5 , 8.*^ 

» Zff Stamperia di Ctawrofm nAnnm fu una 
deSe jdh eebSn it JBurcpa , e tMh ptit benemenU deUa 
Saera IMurgia, t Letierana R^ubhUea* Era Mon^ 
dame di eenio terte €P ekganH caratieri di divene Ut^ 

gue , non era in ^nversa cosa che piu d» siderassero 
di vedtrc i foreslieri etudiii , essa. Un ncbile Fa- 
lazzo con iscrizione che a letter e cuhitaU die a j^dem 
pLASTiNijiNjE , la indicava loro. Ma essa pure , come 
soi;Iiono tulte le cose umane , ando col tempo degene- 
rando in varie manierc ; essendosene per altro conser^ 
vato il nome fino a* f^iorni nostri ; e henchk usmo in 
essa e carta piu Candida , crnamenti ferae plii vaghd , 
t rosso piit vivo ne^libri liturgici^ ad ogni modo si 
mnnca iwtabdmenU alle volte nella corrtgione, » — ec 

173. Dc* Poeli Provcnzali Vitc , icrilte iu Francese da 

Giovanni di ISostra Dama , e trad, in lul. da 
Gio. Giudici. Lione , 1676 . S.** * 

174. Banholomci Riccii^ de Imitadone* Pariaiiti ea 

Biblioib. iddina. 1557. i^** 

Rarias. 

175. Sallasiius « tradotto dail' Ortica. Ven. « 

£4. m4B. 



100 VOUt I ML COMINO , Pint. 

176.. GayiBiit SanbigibeciiM , in Henntilie«tm Boechin- 
nam. Bonoo. ap. Ajuoniam Manntinm Ald| filitun* 

177. Joannis GeaesU Scpulveda Opera Omoia. Colon* 

Lib. EAEias. 

178. Di Simonetto Mar lira dt Tranto, nedaodagU 

£br«i , Mmorie notabili. VanasU 1 1617 » 8 * 

BAiiia.* 

1^0. SjDodorum Constiiutiones Melropoliianx £ccle«i« 
Gnesrctisis , Proviocialium , tarn velu»torum , 
quam rccenliorum , usque ad Annum Domini 
M.D.LXXVIIT. studio et opera Stanislai Kam- 
kowski Epificopi Wladislavieosis et Pomeranix 
colicctae , et ad pnescriptum S. Concilii Tridea- 
tini ^ et S. iiedis Apostolicae , corrects , et in 
nnum rolumen redaciae. Cracoviaa • Andreaa Pe- 
uicOTiua imprcMit ^ 1579. 4.** 

RAUaa. 

180* Teztoria Officinat variit tllnstrata. Batile«| i5ga, 4.0 

Ed. PBBQUAM KARA. 

181 • Theodoretus in Esechiclem et Danielem. Romae^ 
ap. P. Manntittoi. x5(>3. Fol. 

Rak. 

182. Marei Vigeri , Cardinalif, Decacherdum Qiriatia- 

num ^ Faoi , 1607. Fol. 

i83» ViU di 5. Carlo , del GiiiMani , Roma, USio. 4-^ 

Rabibs. 



Digitized by Google 



"VoLrr J OR Coming , VuEst. igi 
164. Vita , e Opere di S, Gerirade. Yen. pel Oiolito, 

« II GioUto ug»er6 tutti neUet ieUeExa tb^ canti" 
UH gU UampaioH tk* auoi tempi ^ ma , crtdo, anear 
twi/a ^correMtcn de* suoi Ubri, Cih i nmils ad una heUd 
e her^ orruUa donna , ma taUa sfregiata , e intrita S 
ioto, o ^ahre hruUure, » 

l35. Vita di S. Grata , Proltectricc di Bergamo , scriita 
dalla ConteMa GromeUe. Vienna d'tliiuuia, 15961 8.^ 

Rasa. 

In a Note at the end of bis Catalogue Gaetano re- 
cords the following Sepulchral Inscriptiou wiiUen by 
him on bis Uocle Aotonio Zeoo. 

Hu AwVOVflTf n.1.1 ZmTA 9UL 
MaKDAYIT 3UA tJBOIBirS lOCABTy 

DCM TUBJR SOSrUS BXCITET JACEKTEM : 
IlLE AntONIUS , ILLE (^11 TOT JLNNUS 

In divi ruiT jede cantianii 

BlCTOn SJEDIfLUS , ELEGAN8 , SISSRTUfl ; 
QU£M y S£ilA DOMITTTM LICET SENECTA , 
LUXERUHT LACRlM.fl OMNIUM BOKORUM , 
HUIC ClEMlNTfA NlTMINIS SuPRrMT , 

!Et magNjE favor adnuat Parkntis 

QUAM SANCTE COLU IT , COLIQUE ursSTT , 
HaC ailG&AAJS &OJUO BOMUK AD SSATAM. 

^.VUfiCXILO OPTIMO • YULPU FBAXBES 
EX TEST • PP • 
OB • A • C • MDCCXXIX 

.i:t s • Lxxix • 

MUiSERlS XLVU • 



iga VoLpr , OR CoMiNO , Pnr?l. 

The number of Works and Ltliiions , which issued 
from ibe Gomuio Piisss, was liciwecD 140 1 and i5o. 

Ai the end of this Libulrca. are, 

Varik ftvvertenze utili , e np.tcsMuie agU amatori 
de* buoni libri , disposte per via d' affaOeto. From this I 
extract the following. 

StAMPATORT CELEBni. 

« GU Amatori de' buoni libri debbono conotccrK 
iamfuam ^wtgU9i ^Rgiioaque »uo%, 11 cbiarissimo Gto, 
Alberto Fabricio in fine del Tom I. delta raa Biblio* 
teea Latioa oe teue no longo Ctlalogo; ma «iccome 
molli di quelU in Italia aon poco noli^ coal io^ traen- 
doli per lo piii da esio, ne tegUtrer6 qui i pib da 
noi conosciotiy per i loro cognomi post! per via d'Al- 
ftbeto , prunanslaodone alciini nel nomefo ploraie^ 
perch^ yaij discendeoli dal ,primo , segairono ad illii- 
strare 1' arte Tipografica ; lasciando per altro di annoye* 
rare gli antichissimi , benemeriti esfi pure per avere 
Gopiati immediatatnente i Codici Mss. Sono adunqae 
per lo piii: Asccnsio , Asolaao , Basa ^ Bellero , Blicw, 
Bombergio , Cesio , Cholino , Chovet , Colineoj Cam- 
melino , Cramoisy , Craiandro , Cris[)ina , Doleto, ab 
Egmonti , Kkevii j , Lpiicopio , Fieiiouio, i riiio , i'ii- 
tscii , Frobenj , Froscovero , Gimnico , Gioliti , GiuQii , 
Goltzio , Giitfj , Hack) , Her\ agio , Jansonj , Isingrino, 
Juvcne ^ Maire , Majiuzj , Mcmmio , Milangio , Morelli, 
Morfili , T^ivellio , Nuzio , Oporino , Pati-;souj , Perna , 
Petri } ad insi^ne Pinus , cioc yinonymus ^ugustcs 
* F^indeUcor um , Planlino , Quenteiio , Eafelerigio , Rie- 
lio , fioviilio , Seldoniaao Teatro iii Oifort , Ste^nui , 
Tiietano, Torrentino , Tornesj , Turncbo , Vnscosano, 
do Yogel , Wecbei , e Wecheliaoi £redi , Weuienj , 



Digitized by Google 



VoLf I , OR CoMrvro, Paess. 133 

MTinter. Ge ne sono varj anohe a' giorni nostri in Italia 
che meritei cbbero d'etcere nomiaati con lode; come in 
Bergamo , Bologna , Brcfcia , Firenze > Lacca , Kapoli , 
Padova , Roma , Torino , Veneaia , V arena ec. apecial- 
mente per certe celebri Opera da csfi accoratamente pub- 
bUcatft } ma d& pih opportonamcnte foianno i noitd po- 
itcri. a 



TlPOGRilFIC.i ARTE. 

« L' invenzionc di essa accadiua circa gli anni di 
Cristo 1400 , o poco dope J in Magousa , CQm'e la piii 
comune opirjonc , fu veramente cosa affatto mirabile. 
Nondimcno ad/tuc sub judice lis est , se maggiori uti- 
litk , o danni siansi da essa agli aomini cagionati. Da- 
remo giii una acorsa ad alcune di quelle , e di qaesti. 
Primieramente conscrva , coUa facile molliplicazione de- 
gli £«empiariy TOpere de'buoni Autori in.maniera, che 
Bon ci h piii pericoio che ai perdano j come infinite $e 
ne aon perdate a cagione de' pochiastmi M5S. che di 
esse at fecero e farai poteano , e per la apesa ^ e pel lango 
tempo che in essi ai ricercava. Si provrede a' poveii 
stadenti col somminisirar loro a discreto pretso 1 neoea- 
aai^^Libri : a' beoestaoti ai fiiciliia lo atodio colle belle 
noioni che ai aon fatte , e ai fanno , delle Tarie yeraionl 
della Scrittnia , colle PoligloUe , colle Raccolte de'Con- 
cilf , de' Padri , de' Cntici aacri y delle Leggi , de^ Me- 
dici J degli Storici , dc' Poeti , e simili : si hanno gli 
Autori Greci colle lor buone traduzioni Latine a canto ; 
i Latini colle llaliane , c d'altre linguc ;ir>cora : ajuia 
la Cliieia co Libri lilurgici iucLasantcmeuie impressi colla 
(aaio utile , e comoda distiozioae dci rosso inchiostro 

2? 



€ del Hero : promuove la devosioDe de' Fedeli con ot« 
timi LibrI aicetici ; la divulgazione de'dogmi Deceaiaij ^ 
e la promulgazion del Yaogelo , co' Caiechismi : ajuta 

le iiril colic istrozioni ; acauce in somma gl' intelletti 
con tulle Ic science j e prociira di perfezionare la mc- 
moria colic slorie , cronologie ec. e la volonla co' 
bri iiisiouanli i buoni costumi. E cii> quauiu al Sacro e 
al Morale. Quanlo poi al Politico c aU'Ecouoinico : U- 
lustra Ic Citta , c le iuttie Provincie dove accuralamente 
vicnc escrcilaia : ajula gli Autori a pubblicar I'opere , 
lendendoli presto celcbri daperiulto : riempic in pochi 
aoni le Libreric pubbliche , e private di ottimi Libri : 
iparge con somma facilitk le nuove in qaaluiique ge- 
nere per tntte le parii del Moodo : arricchisce gli Stain- 
patori , c i Libraj , i padroni dcllc Carticre , e i vea^ 
ditori delle carte , facendo cosi ulilmente impiegarc una 
infioita quanlitk di straccl cbe anderebbero a male : iat* 
picga e proTvede gli Scritiori , o copiatori , i correttori 
delle 0Uiiipe, i Bibliotecarj , gl'intagltatori , e i ibodi^ 
tori g o gittatori , de' caralteri , e bronxi , i ditegnatori , 

0 piitori , gVincagliatori nel rame, e nel legno, e gl'ioH 
pressor! nel primo , i componilori , i torcolieri , ed aU 
tri opera] aelle Siamperte > librerie , e cartiere ^ impiega 
apesso i falegnami, i &bhn , 1 tomitori^ i tagliapietra, 

1 manipolatori deli* inchiostro , i batUloro , i legator! 
de' libri . 

Promiiove lo spaccio del piombo , dcllo sJagno , 
deiraaiimonio , della marchesetla , del hnjiizo ^ dcii ac- 
ciajo , del ferro , del rame ( non peio deiraigenlOj co- 
me iroppo semplici hanno «criUo , e creduto ) , dcll'oro 
battiilo , del bosso , delle pclli , dcUa laua . delle se- 
tole , delle spugne , dc* panni , dc' zendadi , delJe per-« 
gametic g del negro iuiamo , del cinabro ^ c di varj ai« 



Digitized by Google 



Voitvr , OH CoMiKO » Pmss« 19S 

tri colon t della vernice , dell' olio di lino ^ e di oliva , 
delle legua , della cenerc , e che so io? Di modo chc 
pare die, siccome Dio creo 1* uomo dopo d'aver I'altre 
cose create ^ aliluche subito come , dopo di lui , di tut- 
t* esse Siguore , lo assistessero , il servissero , e I'aju- 
tassero ; cosi abbia tardato tanto a far corapaiirc ril Mon- 
do que»la quasi di lititc I'alire Begins , ncJuLissima Ar- 
te , affinche dalla mag^ior parte di esse, gia slabilite, 
e peri'eziunate , fosse assistita^ ajutata , e servita ue' suoi 
bi«ogiii . Ora io accennerb alcuni de' danni che pajono 
apportati agli uomini dall'Arte Xipografica ; o« dird me- 
glio, da clii ingratameiite I'abusa^ ia qaella guisa ap- 
ponto che i fiinesti iocendj debbonsi piattosto atlribuire 
agi' incoDnderati cmtodi del faoco ^ che ad etso ^ do* 
natoci dal sao Facitore per ajato conaolazione > e ri^ 
storo. Per mesao di lei adnnqne viene introdotta I'em- 
piet^j e 1' eresia , cagione de* Libri qok e Hi divalgatl 
che le eontengono e inscgnaoo : iDsiouala la disonesli, 
e gli amori profiini per via di molti altri , osceni e lu- 
brid « in verso ed in prosa : fomenuta la vauitli « la 
curioiitk , odotitii co' Romanzi , colle Novelle , Sto- 
rie ideali , e galanti : introdotio il Pirronismo , o sia 
incertezza di luue ie cose ; per le troppo varic inlor- 
no ad esse: oatrita 1' infingardaggine , col porgere trop- 
pi ajuti ucgli studj , seu^a lasciar liiogo agl'ingegni di 
esercitarsi iiell' inventaje : cagionata la perdiia d' inleri 
pattiinorjj , collo stamparsi Ltbri inutiii , e di grande 
spesa , clie in^ombrano le botlegbe cd i iiiagazziiii del 
tutto inuiilineiJtc , per colpa alle voile di capricciosi 
Domioi die li suggeriscono come ottimi a poveri ed 
ignorauti Stampatori ^ cbo avrebber bisegno del bello 
e rare miracolb che pura carta e bianca li iacease rhor-* 
Bare ^ da impiegatn in Libri migliori : arrccaia conia* 



tj^ Voi.Pt p om CoiLiKo , PBKiai 

slone alle amane meiiti per 1' eoceiiivft moltiplieiii dlcf 
Libri , Don sapeodofi oniiii a quali pih appigliarn : yen* 
goao oppretsi i Qon molti buoni Libri ( in paragane ) 
dn infiniU cattivi ed inutili: e ma tftreoata I'adolasio* 

ne colic poetiche conlioue ComposizioDi , e indeficienti 
BaccolLf per ogui leggier motivo , cc. ec. Ma uiiic que- 
ilu coic , chc pajoiio vi rainenle claiiiio^e , veiigonu ioin- 
pensate , a parer mio> a dismisura dalle uiiiiui di so- 
pra accciiaatc ; tanto piii clie quelle sona pubbliche , 
e da tulli approvate : c le piii peniiciose fra quesle si 
lanno furtivamente , e pertiu piu di rado , vegliaLido 
niohi ocelli per impcdirle j e luiie , per io piii, I' ahre 
vengono da' buoni e giudiziosi biasimaie , e bers.«gliate. 
Xaalo poi e vero chc una tale iavenzioue fu buoaa ^ 
che iubito u. vide partecipar deUa qualiU del Bene » 
di cui ti dice euere diffuuwun atd , essendoai in piM 
chUsimo tempo propagata in tntta I'Eoropa, avendo po- 
sto il piede anche nella steiaa Coitantiaopoli , dove, 
qnantnnque i Torchs non rntino , <egaend« a tcrivere i 
loio Libri , pure ivi m lono stampati de' Libri Ebraici^ 
da veduii. Nell' Armenia non u itampa , ma cerd pii 
e dotii Monacl Armeni vennti in Venesia , a* qnali k 
stata assegoata per abiiasione i'lioleua di S. Lassaro t 
fanoo-colk stampare molti bnoni Libri nel loro idioma 
con gran pulitezza , e dili^enza , e squisitamente legali 
li iimndano in Armcnin . duve sono ricevuti come tesori, 
per la bellczza , novua ed utilitk di essi. Fra gll aitri 
io vidi una Sacra ScriUura in (fiiarlo , tanto ben' im- 
pressa ed oruuta con fregi , fiTi ili , imz-iaii , e figure, 
die mi face maravipliare. Uliinirimcnte passo altresi nel* 
I'AnK ii< a . cioe nel Messico , possedendo ancor noi an 
Libro ivi slampato ; per ^arilk , registrato nella II. Af>* 
p«ndic« della nosCfa Libreria* L'aitififlio di ittmpate clit 



Digitized by Google 



Voi'Pi y OB €oxxm> f Psuf. 197 
«I tiova nella Cina , tsiai piii antieo del nostro » e da 
«no differentiMimo. S'ioUgltano le lettare Cineti in 
looglie tavolctu cogl' interitis) £ra la moUa pagina m 
t$s9 hiclfa : paicia eon carlo loro particolira ifiebioatro 
s' imprimano b colle mani , o con qualche a c\b adat- 
talo slrunietiia , su' ccrlc carle , o lele cariale , sotlilis- 
sinie , clie pajou di seta , c di baiiilj;igi,i tessutc , della 
lunghezza dellc tavol«tte ; le quali piegano a suoli , 
a guisa delle pezze de* panni , o d'altii drappi ; c, 
perche non hanno mai a|);»resa 1' industria di sumjiare 
al rove^cio , piegando i logli , restano inieriori delle 
carte ( che non si tagliano , ma si iau i.m doppie ) af' 
fatto vuoli di iettere , e bianchi. Nella Classense Libre- 
ria Kavenoa io vidi eerie Vite de' Santi acriue o dal 
Kabadcneiia , o dal Villiagat tradoue in Cinese , e nella 
Cina stampata, come com rara. Bisogna che i Cinesi 
tengano in gran ripntauona i loro libri^ maatra pochis- 
iimi ne capitano in Enropa ; laddova lante alire lor 
merci vi si veggono , come e. g. chicchara per here il 
Caffib ec Di c[aclla uvolette hanno nna qnantitlt prodi- 
giosa , mentra in esse sono intagliiti moltisiimi Libri ; 
gli occonranti asamplaii de'qnali imprassi cha abhiano, 
la ripongotto in magtBuni nna torn 1' altra , a gaisa 
dalla UYole da' nostri fomaj ; per adoprarle opportu- 
namenta altra volte j finito die abbiano d*esitara laco*' 
pie da' Libri eon esse gt& stampate. E in ci6 pajoa pih. 
scaltri di noi, cha airiscbiamo spesa tanto grande in 
carta , e in lavoraiori d ndle stampe , coma nelie ri- 
cumpe de* Libri , bench^ I'iogombro a I'imbaraizo sia 
quasi lo ste^so j apprcsso di uoi , de' colli : appresso di 
di loro , delle tavolf. Sc uun lal'Arte sia iiaia intro* 
doua iiell Affrica , a me non c nolo , e molio nc du« 
bito. Da tutte le coudiiioni di persone e stata ben ac- 



4 



ig8 VoLFi , OR Co^iKO , Paem. 

colu ; del eke vedi qui a carte 169. c leg. e 3oo. 5i5. 
Chi la esercita | o atsUte con gran diligeoza > bencbd 
non divenga per lo piii mollo ricco , ( awerandosi an* 
die in ci6 il proverkio tritiuinio, che presto, e bene 
non ei eontdene , e il /estina lenie , del celebrc Aldo 
Mannzio) ad ogoi modo acquisla appresso gl*iniendenli 
nn nome immortale ^ che » al dire della scritiura , h 
migliore di molte riccbezze , meUue esi nomen homan , 
qnarn divitias multce ; e a costai si possono adattare 
alcuni altri delli di essa , bcnchc esprcssi ad aliro pro- 
posito : Diligens typo^crphus in bcncdictione erit : alt 
auditions mala ( a cui sono del coiitinuo soggeiii i ne- 
gligenli ) non (i/tifhif: tt rnt lius eat modicum iUi , su- 
per diviUas negUgentium miUlas. 

AnT.Xin. HISTORIES OF FLORENCE BY LEONARDO 
ARETIKO , AND POGGIO BRACClOLmi. . 



^« lIiaLoria del Popolo Fiortntinn cornposta da Messer 
Xdmardo ^nfUno in IxUino, Firenx^^ ^4^^* ^ol. 

CoLoraiur. 

» Fine del duo decimo et ultimo Ubro della histo- 
ria del Popolo Fiorentino , cornposta da Messer 
Lionar'lo Aretino in latino. Et iradocta in lin- 
gua. thosKXina d i Donato Acciaccioli a, di* xxfii 
daiiosto McnccLxxijj. 

Impre^w in Firenze per Bartholomeo p. Fioren- 
tino t Ndl anno del mqcccuulkxii* ji,€Utr di 
G^ugno, 




Digitized by Google 



L. Ajumroi Attn Fooaio. 199 

«0. Hiatoria FiorenUna di Afeaser Poggio tradoda di 
lingua Jjutina in lingua Thoscana da Jiacopo 

8U0 figliuolo, Fircnze 14^1. FvL 

GOLOFBOir, 

» FitiUo hctavo et uldmo Idbro deUa ki$ioria Fit" 
rentina di Messer Pog-gio tradoeta di Kn^m Lo^ 

tina in lingua Thosvana da Jacopo suo figliitolo. 
Tmpresso in Firenze per Bartholomeo p. fioren- 
lino M.CCCCLXXXII . a, di* Jii di SepUmbre, 

"Lavb dbo. 

Each of these is a third i dition. The /iral Ed. 
of Aretino's History was printed ai / cnice I4'j3, FoL — 
Tlie sevond , aI ^o a I. P'enice i^yO ^ FoL The first of 
PooGio was likewise printed at Fenice , 14^6. FoL and 
the second at the same place, and «a/7ie yeart^). 



(*) The first Edition of Istorie Fiorentine di l^jccoLd Muc- 
cBtjtrsLLO was printed at Venice iSay, 8.** 

The first Bditioo of laioria lii QiorAviSx VijjuMd was prin- 
ted at JBiarence hy ike lunku iSSj, 4.* 

The fnt Editioa of the fint nine Booke of iHoria di Mdv- 
9MO ViLLAJfj , which continues that of Ue hrothrr John^ wae eleo 
printed at Florence by the Juntas iSffa , 4.* end the Three last 
Books of the scire Author's Istoria , wtth the j4ddilions of kit ecu 
Filippo f were j rintcd at Venice by the Juntas 1663 ^ 4 ° 

The first Edition ol: Istorie Florentine di ScipioitbAmmih ato^ 
Parle Prima, wae printed at Phtenee by the Juntas i6oo^ FoL 
— -Aad Parte Seetmda was /lr»^ primed at PUrence by Matsi 4^u 
PoL 

Niccoii6 AUocaiATBLu was bom at nonnce in 1469; and 
died 1627, aged 56, poor as he had lived. Few namea malee ■ 
greater figure in the Biography of Literature than Machisvel, Among 
lata writers PignotU has ^ven a critical bat nagnificem eli^ium 



900 L. AilSTiNO^ AKIJ PuiH>TO. 

Lbohabpo Arettno was born at Arezzo aboot 1470* 
The name of his iamily was Bbuni : and he was the 
son of Petrarch's friend. He studied the Law four years 
in Florence ; and afterwards applied to the Greek lan- 
guage under Emmanoele Crisolon. His firiend Poggio 
ebiained bloi the sitiutioii of Secretory of Briefs to P. 
InnoccDt Yll. which fanciion he exectited with mnch 
repatation nnder this Poolif, «ud his three saccessors^ 
Gregory XII. Alexander Y. and John XXIII. When 
Pope John was depoied , be fled to Florence j and de- 



of him in his Storia della Toscana , vol. 10. and Mad, De Stael 
lias di^russ'-rl his political principles in lur dmudmitwn* turla 
Revolutivn Frangoise. 

GiovAMMi ViLLAMi, a 1 lorcntinc , formed the plan of his Hi- 
•iary when atteadiog a JuIhIm at Bone , in i3oo , and died of the 
Pestilence ( so pathetically deeeribed by Boooaccio in his introdn- 
ction to the Dc<»meron , ) in ]345. Mis work is esteemed for the 
purity , and elegance of the style , as well as for the matter. 

His brother Matthew also died oi another pestilence in i363. 
Fitippo son of Matthew , died 1404. was a Professor at th? TTni- 
versity of Florence : and read lectures of Exposition on Dante. His 
Vite degli lUustri Uomini Fiorenlini remained in MS , till publi- 
shed hy Conte Muzzvc chilli , at Venice 1747. Jlis desoeodantt « 
snrvived, till 1616, 

SctriONB AxMimATO was born at Leooe , in the pnndpaltty of 
OtrentOt in the Kingdom of Nsples; and was celled to Florence by the 
Grand Buke , the Protector of all the Arts. This Prince employed 
him to write the Ilistory of Florenrj ; for m hiih he recompensed.*' 
him with a Canonry in his Cathedral. He died in x6oo. 

The iiril I'Wlition of Le Storie ddLi Citta di Firejize di Jacobo 
Vjtnxii was published 1682. Lume per I'Ancelin, 4." — posthumous. 
He was born at Florence , 1476 } and died aboot i555. He was Am- 
bassedor to Venice in t5a7 } but joined the Party opposed to the 
UTedicis ; and was exiled. See a critical dharaeter of him in PigMiU , 
Sioria deila Toscana X. iSg. ( Jtf. Pka , i8i5, la.) 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



L. Abetiiio f AMD Poo&io. aoft 

voted himself to Letters , and coiii|»esitioD« But ibaad 
time to ht employed in divene emliaMiei hj the Ee* 
public. He died el Florence in 1444 » .-^t. 74* Be it lo 
he coneidered as one of the greatest geoinses of hba§e; 
and one of ihoee , who did most for ihe revival of li* 
tcratore. An Historian^ au Orator, and a miscellaiieosnt 
Writer, he sncceeded in all} but excelled almost^ his 
contemporaries in Histoiy. 

Erasmus says , that all his wj>rks are written with 
neatness , and fedlity ^ hut that he is sometimes too 
Cicerenian; and that he wants nerve ^ and that his Latin 
is not always pure. 

Ihc Abate Lorenzo Alahus printed his L£Tx.EBa at 
Florence, in i^4t ^ in 'A vols. 8^ 

He has a noble Monument in the Caiiiediai at Flo' 
rencc. 

PooGio Bracciomm was bora at Terra Nova in the 
Province of Arezzo i3ho j and was therefore ten years 
yoiioger than Leonardo Aretino. Po^gio was not his fa- 
mily name : he was son of Guccio Bracciolini. Hewae 
one of ihc finest Spirits^ and of the most learned men, 
of the XY.<^ Century. He came to Florence in iSyG ; 
and studied Uic Latin under Giovanni di Eavenua / and 
the Greek under £mmannele Crisolora. He was promo** 
ted at Rome to the place of Writer of the Apostolic 
Letters; which office he discharged Irom ihe time of Pope 
Boniface IX ^ to that of Alexander V, He was after- 
wards Secretary of the Popes John XXI II > Martin V. 
Engen. IV. Nicolas IVi and Galisto IILHe was the di« 
ecoverer of the Works of Quhitilian in an old Tower 
el the Monastery of S.* Gallo , at CosUnaa. He after- 
wards made other discoveries \ and went to J^ngland 
to coolinue iiis researches. 



L. AaiTiNO , AMD Poom. 

H« reiamed to Rome , to the difchaige of hii of- 
fice of Secretarj; and after forty yean aemce retired 
to Florence , where he wa» mairied in i455. He baili 
}um«elf a villa near that city, where he parsed the reit 
of hie days in a delightful repose; and there ended ihem 
on i3 Oct, 1459 , aged 79. 

He had a aatirical temper j and was fond oi exer- 
diiog it against his enemies. 

The impiety of his senliments ; the licentiousness 
of his manners ; ihe malignity of his censures, made him 
many enemies. 

The partiality of his History gave occasion to the 
following J ])igiain oi Sannazariua . 
Dum pairiam Jaudat , damnat dum Poggius bostemy 
Nec mains est civis ; nec bonus historicus. 

Ilis Facetice gave occasion to most of those nume- 
rous things of the same sort, which have inundated the 
public. 

See Zeno^ Diss, f^oaa. II. t4g — and Sh^herd^u 



A-ni. XIV. PROSE, AND POETICAL WORKS OP 

P0NTARU5. 



/ • loannia loviam Pontani Opera Omnia soiuta ora^ 
tione composila in sex /xtrles (Uvisa. 
Nomina Uhrorum qucc in hisce sex partiljus cof^" 
tinentur a tar^o hiijus paginae notata invenientur, 

LuAi Vbium Partu. 
De Fortitudine. Uhri It 

Iiiber de Principe, 



Digitized by Google 



Iii^r de liberaliute. 

Liber Beneficcoiia. 

Liber dc Mafnificenlia. 

Libor de Splendore. 

Liber de GmviTentit. 

Be Obedientia. Libfi V* 

Dc Htgnaiiiwitftte. Libri II. 

Lim SxanauB Pabtis. 

De PrudeDtia. Libri V. 

De Fortuna. Libri 111. 

Liber de immauitate. 

LlBSI TULTIA PAETSt. 

Caron Dialogus. 
Antonius Dialogua. 
Actius Dialogus. 
Acinoj Dialo^iu. 

Libri Qvartjb Partm. 
Dc Sdnunie. Libri VI. 

De AapixRtione. Libri II. 

Belli quod Ferdiotndiu Senior NecpoU Rex cum 
loanni Andegeyleoiiiim dace ge«iit« 
QuiNTA Pahs. 
Centum Sentcntic Ptolomxi cum ezpotikionibiif. 

SncfA Pars. 

De Eebat celestibus. Libri 'XlU* 

Liber de Lima imperfectos. 

Colophon. 

FlorenHa per hmtdta I*hiUfipi limim, Anno Domini 
Mam* 



Digitized by Google 



So4 PoMTAllrvi. 

YfUMMMN SnnFHDinc oonilnet Db PruderUia XdB* W 
]H fhriuna Lib. HL De ImmanUcue JJb, /. 

CoLonioK. 

« FUarmdoB » ( etc. ut ante ) M. D. XX. die XXUI. 

MaH. )) 

YoLUMEN Tehtium ( whi'ch containc also Vol. IV. 
of the lunta ) of the Sel oi Ponlanus's Works , from 
which this Article is composed ^ is of the Edition Ba- 
•lULB «tVio annOf aut Typograph. nomine, of which the 
followiog are the words of the Title. 

« JoannU i<mani Pmtam Xdhrorum cmnium quot 
9o!uta omiione eampoiuii , TomuM maundua* OU in$uni 
de Atpir^aiQm JJh, //• Item JHahgi favtUdwrni , di- 
venontm urgumerOamm , nempe Charon f Antanim , 
AeduB , ^^^idius , jitimu, De Sermone Uh, BtM 
quod Ferdinandtu senior, Nec^tolHanorwn Rex cum 
loonne MndegatdsnUum duce gesui UBn ioddem* Bar- 
siUce. 

V01.UMEN QuiNTLM runs thus in the Title : 

(( Centum Pudemai Sententiw ad Syritm FratrPm A 

Po7it(tno e GrcBCo in iMtinum Tralatce aique MxpO" 

Slice. 

« Liber ettain de Luna imperfectus. 
« Flarenitm ( etc lU ante ) — » MM. XX, die sexta 
decima lulii »• 

VoLUMKN Sextum contioct « Fontani de Hebus 

CaOeetibua Ubn ILllIL 

m Florenlia ^ » ( etc. ot ante ) « M*D.XX* die XX* 
Sovem6rie» » 



Digitized by Google 



Pmxfjcm to TBB riRMT rOUTMK* 



AvMiiut FftAMOiKvs YAAGEinrtrt loAHin Nubtto Bi&- 
MiJUDi Vu»io, luTiHi uvinTicsnio* $• 

phyiioem , sacramqoe theologiam ezcndeDo humano 
Fuerant nonnulU , loannes humaniMime ^ cx eo ere- 
diderim homioum numero , qui semper aliof maledictif 

iosectari cupiunt , qui nos in his praefatiancalis quas 
libris nostris lucubiiitionibus castigatis et ad communem 
studiosorum utilitatem cxcusis apponimus , vehementer 
accusarint , et hoc tantum aituntur argumento, quod nos 
alieni laboris fructus coUigamus aliorum opera amicift 
nostris inscribendo , et sic pro laude viluperitionem , 
pro utilitate jacturam^ pro benedictis inaledicla^ uostro 
hoc qaotidiano labore reportamus. At hi cum doctissimis 
doctiores videri volunt , faciuut nm ioleUigeado | ( ui 
'Comucna inqoit, ) ut nihil intellcigant , nam com not 
acGiuaDC, penniiltoa ei Htteraturx nobilitate clariitimot 
virof accusant , qnos nos auctorea habeiiiua^ quonimqae 
smnlari maluimaa negltgenUaiii poUoa quaa utomin ob- 
fcniam diligentiaiiiy qui ioia Tigiliia multoa eiGrsoot 
€t Lalinoi aactores antea adaltaratoa> aoiaqae numeria 
pertarbatos ad earn formam rednxemnt p cx qua Tenia 
leaaai elici poiaet ; et nt alios obmittamy qaantam ^idi> 
MamUio , qui bonoa quosque Graecoa Latiuosqae auctorta 
pnlcherrfiiiif typis, snmniaqQe dlligentia ctcnaot amicia 
sms iuicripsit, debeaul sludiosi , tu qui hamm rerum 
es acerrimus perscrutaior el judex oplimc judicarc poles ^ 
quantum pra^terea codem pacto luntarum familia et 
Fiorealix iiimca aiqucLatiae ci V«ii^i» quse ad ekbicem, 



ao6 PonvANOt. 

generi profoerit , nemo est qoi ignonrt ; excadit AHm 
multa adulterata \ exciuerant et alii fiiteor} at id exeni- 
plariuin peouria ftccidit Hcc ad te scribo, loannei ha** 
manissime, et cam hU quxcumc^ue a Pontaito tolala 

oraiioae scripta fuerunt, niiper a nobis in sex partse, divisa 
€0 ordinc quem ipse auclor inslituisse visas est vel doc- 
tissimi viri probasse, jimncri millo , turn ut si qwando 
( vcrsaris cnim quotidie inter viros erudilos ) in Imjus- 
inodi homines incidcn s , palrocinium nostrum suscipias, 
turn quia scio le plurimum Fontanica ( ut iia dixerim, ) 
lectioae delectari. De Pontano autem hoc dixisse sat 
tax, quod cniA bic natiis est, alter Virgiliiu allerqae 
Cicero natas est Prxtereo animi tui magaUadlncm, tnoram 
iategiitatem , latins liogoae peritiam > nam haec aliaa 
eomulatios a nobis celebrabuntur. Susdpe ergo munns- 
eulum hoc nostmm et nos e* benevoientia qua ceteros 
amicos pros«qaeris ama. — Vale. 

A. « PwOami Opera » ( Poelioa. ) P7L 

Urania , sive i» steSis UBri quinquB, 

Meeeororum U6er unua* 

De Mortis Heaperidum Uhri dt»o» 

Jjepidina , swe jpcutoraies 

PampoB 9optBm^ Item MeSwus , 
Mason, f Aeon, 

HentkceuyUahorum Hhri duo* 

Tumulorum lirer unua 

Nemm duodedttu 
Epigrammala tbtodecim^ 
QttcB vero in toto opere haheemtur , in Jndice , qui 
in ccdce est, licet vidare, 

Aldus, n 

QtLOPHON. « Vnntfih, in Al lihus Aldi f €t An» 

drem Asukmi Soeen. M.D.XUI. » aU 8fi 



Digitized by Google 



PMEFACB 'ia Fol. f^II, printed by Aldu$; which 
9otUain$ the Poetry^ 

« Au. lo. Goxii.A.irKio CssiLVs ab Evistolis S. 

« FrequeiM est apud Giaecot ptonerbiimi Golltari 
offiGi««iM. eheireheira mpiei , daduhs ie dbcto/Sonquod 
CM laiine > Manue mantim lavai , el iUgitua dtgiinmm 
QvoDiam ta ploiimam fiiyisti nobU ^ tpad Htxiiiiiluiiiuiii 
CBMrem pio Aeademla eoosUtueiida , cum loannes Fra- 
liceoiM craditoi jnvenis ittic meo nomine aecante rem 
litentkm pTooitrmt« et ( qui tuni eat amor in literatoa 
viros et doctrinas, ) assidue feves, meat esse partes duxi, 
ut quo possem modo^ graium mihi extilisse officium tuum 
coguoicercs. iSam etsi nihii est adliuc factum, tamcu quod 
et tu, el Matthaeus Longiiis viri doctiss. et iniegcrrimi 
Caesaris n Secrelts , ad me scripaistis, turn vero Cae&ar ipse 
beniguissiuiis literis sigoificavit , futiirum tua opera tuo 
studio facile spero , praescrlimque cum rex nalus ad com- 
muue boDum id maxime cuplat, ut quemadmodum est 
armorum , ita et bonarutu literarum sit decas et gloria ! 
Quare loviaDi Pontani Poemata j quae et meo et docto- 
rum omniun judicio cam antiquis certant sub tuo nomine 
publioamui , tibiqne muneri mittimus. Deieotabit te , 
( scio , ) non medorcriter Urania , com et orttis et 00^ 
fasus Sjdemm, leges Solisque ac Lunae prognostiea, et 
pleraqne alia lecin di§nissima. Delectabont meteoia , emu 
nubium I TenKorum ^ pluviamm , grandinam^ Maris pro-* 
cellarum> terrc motuum f atque id genus plnrinm caosaa 
leges. Belectabmit Horti Hesperidum, eitriomm et citco- 
rum cnlta pervario^ pneterca Maeronis et Lepidiim 
msticsSf dulces^econfid>nlationes^ et cetera omnia Pon-> 
tani nostri Docia, culUi degantia, yaria, copioia , et 
pleoii ingcmo. — Yale, a 



90£ PoKTAMUS. 

GioTiANo PoMTAM9j«pliUotopli«r MtOT aod 

historian of the XV> Centuiy wm born at Gemlo im 
the Kingdom of f^tplet in Dec* i496 , and died at Naples 
in Aogm i5o4 f «t. 77. Ho wai taken into the lerrice of 
AUbiMOy King of Sicily , and auendedhini in hit espe- 
dilioD agaioil: the Florentiiiof • He was employed hy Fctd* 
I* ai tutor to hif ion AUbnao U. who made him hie 
leoretary j which office he alio held nader Ferd. II« 
He attended Owae Prinees in all their cipeditiona ; 
aod was preaeni at all their hatUee. Hewaa reapeeted 
l>j the enemy , when he fell into their hands ; and 
listened to with great applause , wiien lie disputed 
publicly. When disappointed in some of his expecta- 
tions from the House of Aragon , he indulged himself 
ill tltc most hitter invectives in his .Satirical Dialogue, 
enlitUd , y4smusy and when Charles VIH. K. ol 
France got possession of Naples , he was so ungraleful 
to hij old beneiactors as to pronounce an Oration in 
praise of this Monarch. In his life he erected a magni- 
ficent tomb forhimaelfin a Chapel of the Church olPeiira 
SarUa. 

P. Jovi/BS says , his looks were rough and clownish, 
whatever polaah and sweetness he had in his style and 
his cooversation. His principal defect was the sharpnest 
of his ealiMi and the fireedom and ohecenity of hia ex- 
pFaNiotts \ which were correspondent to his too licentlooa 
hahiU. 

. He had the praise of being the first to restore die 
nl ^ gaace and grace of the andent poets* All hia worh« 
writlM IB pare and elepnt Latin. 
P. iZo&er«> da Samo has written his Life elegandy 

and copiously in Latin , printed at Naples , /76V. 
jipostolo Z$no in his Uisserlasioni f^ossiane ^P^en, 



i 

Digitized by Google 



ip55, 4 ) says in bif Artiiele on Pobtanoi ( oof^ u,p #6o)« 
Voo istaremo no! qol a iff^ortm gli dogi dilli al Pon- 
taiio oltre a queUi, che it YdMio ne yam , da nomiDi 

insigni; cbe flon* , per cosi dire infiditi. Basterk sola- 

menie dire , che niuno v* ebbe a tempe suoi , che gli 
andasse avaati , e pc^chissiaii , i quali gli si poUs^cro 
npprossimare. y/ldo il vecchio ^ dedicandogli la sua 
edizinue di Siazio nel i5o2, gli scrive , di aver IcUo Id 
opere di lui si in v«rso , come in prosa. « In qnibuf 
omuibus ( gli soggiunge, j cotiteudis mco (juidem judicio 
cum atiliquis scriptoribns. Quamobrem statim , mi Pon- 
tane , csepi, ut solco doctissimos <|uosque , araare tc ve- 
hementur. Ante quidem magaum te virum tsse a mul- 
lis aodiveiaiu. Sed ( uli de Ismo soribitar , ) major 
invenitts et in carmine et proM oMtione, Qaod nemiai 
adhuc non raodo nustroram ; sad ne Gtaeeorum qaidem 
video contigisse , at idem in utrcy^ iciiiiettdi geaeit 
leliciier aUboraret. ) 



SwusaaxiB at Pomtmiv«'« Poitet. 



AD CaiXBIT£UM. 

Sunt gratae In tenebrif faces , in «stu 

Afflatus levior recentis aurae ; 
Defessis sopor , iustrepenlis undae 
Languenti sonitus , siliqj pressis 
Stillaos e patera fluente Lympha. ' 
Est grata ct senibus quies, menira^e* 
liea tt%Q jayeni sopor ^ aeo i^nra, 

»4 



Nec riviM strepiua* , quits , meriim'ae 
Aufert tristiliaokt ftui l«vat dolorcfi« 
Sed risttt unmB procax puella, . , 
Peiis(}M es oenlti vnoiiMa lUmma 
AfiQat qntt veacren'que ^ gratias^qae* 
Sed dulcet recreant lepofia warn « 
Et moUes cbom , ci modi canori*.. 
Felix Endimion iuople $omao, 
, lloD cam vigUee amoria illttm. ; , 
. TorqueDt^ 'ioUicitiido aeo diama.^ : 
Nod aiia|Hri« , yuraliye queatoa , 
Qnem cido dea dam petit relicfo^ 
:< IK - i* Dam Lamon petit ^ et aooi imoreii^ 
i^; I 1 Sopitum pltcido toro titiliat , 
irTfii. Mi Sopito illecdl>raa fiieit y iocos'que , 
r^'" ' iii; Sopiti immoritur labris , geois'que , 
Parcit sed placidae tamen quieli. 
At tc balneolae tuae bearunt , 
Beavit Veneris sopora myrtus , 
Bearunt Cbarites dea ministrae , 
H qiiis , 6 Cbarilee , nomen hhuns g 
N« dum balneolis frcqutns l;«ivafis, 
Dum myrtos caiiis , et canis Dionen^ 
£t Laox revocas per ora novcm p 
111am composito toro loqivit, 
Et Ictam gelida itertere ia ombra> 
Effulait'que novo decore Lana, 
Ac nadis iubar extulit papiUie^ 
Cuius roridulo c sina bcaMs 
Spirebaal roaei lupiorie aone, 
Coioi de metii llacDi hheHlj 
. StUUliai amkmye li^cbat humm » 
Quo mjjnlBe abi, lectnlnmfyvt h Ipana 



Digitized by Google 



PoNTANtJS. 

Afflavi't , Zepbyrum'que ab ore dviti 
In te delidas SOU refadit. 
Kef udit cyprium , et syrum liquorem j 
Ac tecum yiridi jocosa in umbra , 
Tecum'qoe mnjno beata lecto, 
Ladit idalis ioco$ palmtm » c ' ' 
£t tecum placida cubat qdete. 
Felix balneolum lavante Lane j 
Felicei'qae dea iocante jnjrti f 
Felix lectole luaitante diva| 
Feiicej Cbariieo amanie Bai»« 

Bum furtirai niilii coanivcs ocello , 
Fiectis mox aciem ^ simul'que ridea^ 
Post hinc et variat color per ora^ 
£t suspiria lassa aentiiuitar | 
Stillaiim mibi corda deliquescoiit , 
Sudor tempera fHgldus pererrat« 
Et paasim tremor ossibna yagatur > 
XJt aensus aiiimum repeate iinquant^ 
ITt fiam miaer , et beatns unli. ' 
Sed jam plus aolito nitescit aer ^ 
Jam lux candidior diem acrenat. 
Cor ab cur tendbne repente ttobia p 
Cur nox exoritur ? nigrescit aura ? 
An sentis miser , an misellc seuiii, ? 
Stella est ad speculam , refulsit in te 
Solem lumiiia victa perlimcscunt j 
O claras medio die tcuebras , 
O lucem slue nube nigricaatem* 



Vaubiamvs. 



Aht. XV. VALERUNUS ON THE INFELICITY 

OF AUTHOBS. 



u /«. IHeni Fakriani Opera Omnia. FbL Xaigti cp. 
Paubim FnMomum §696 cum fig* 
» Hnlta hojoi Aoetotit Carmina , oscitantia Editorit 
yel I ypographi , ia hoc volaauDe bii impresaa fiie- 

re»(*). 

jl. Jo. Pierii Vahriani De JLtlicratarum InfeUcitaU , 
et de Heuus BeUunihus , Pen, f620. 
» Liber ob eximiam rarilatcm , paucis ablioic 
nil I in Genuania tecmiu , ia la. {**) 

Mr D* Israeli ia his Calamities of AutJiors has ia« 
tely pursued the same idea. ^ 

PiEKio Vat^ertant t ( Ciovan Piefro Bohani ) wai 
of ihe ancieDl iamily of Dolzani^ and born at Bt II anno 
in llie States of Venice in 1477. The poverty of his fa- 
mily obliged him to serve as a dumestic , for a livelihood ; 
and did not permit him to apply to his studies , till the 
age of fifteen, liis relation XJrbaoo Bohani , who wat 
preceptor to Leo X , drew him from this servile sta* 
tion ; and gave him the opportunity of cultivating lite* 
latore. His progress was so rapid that he soon Iband 
hinwelf ihe friend of the most celebrated Literati ; and 
cepccially of Cardinal Bemho. Leo and Clement VIL 



n Vulp. BibU aa4. 
I**) Ibid. 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



shewed hi'm much esteem ; and gave proofs of it in its 
effects. But Pierio preferred study | and sn honoutaUe 
mediocrity , to all that could distract hit attenlion ; and 
refused the Bishopric of Capo d*Istria ; conteiitiiig himself 
with the oflke of Apostolic Prethonotary. Yet be va 
dertook many imporunt affairs vhich he executed witli 
honour. He died at Padoa aS Dec. i558, aged ii. 

Hit principal works are^ 
1 . Gierogiifiei i or Commentaries on the I^etters of the 
JEgjptians , and other Kations to vthich Cclio 
Agoilino Gurione added two Books } and adorniog . 
it with figores, caused i% to be printed in iSpg, FcL 
a. De ir^eUcUeOB £dtiora$nrum* See the title of this Ar- 
ticle. 

5. Pro Sacerdoium Saria, Aftoh^a , i53S , 8* dedi- 
cated to Cardinal Hippolito de Medici , who was his 
pupil; and reprinted with the Tracts of Musoiiins , and 
Hospinianof^ JLeyden , i63g , /a. This Tract cuniain:, 
carious Notices upon Long Dmrds , which he justifles 
by ihe examples ot Popes Julius II , and Clement VII ; 
and many Magistrates of his time \ and many Cardinals 
and Bishops • 

^. Antichita di Belluno , Ven. 8.^ printed with 

the Tract De inf olicitat^ L,itteraforum, 
Diverse Readings on Virgil with the Commentaries 
of Servius , printed by Robmt SUsphtna, and 
many times afterwards. 
Delle Poesie Laiine, 

( £iee NoUces of VAueiXAKiys in Mcemt , Mun* 
des Hommes lUmlr. xxvi^ SSth ) 
The Tract M Jr^eUfiitatt UUerMfmrn wis firtt 
printed at Feniee, i^io ^ by the care of Luigi Lol- 
lint , Bishop of Bdlono , from a IAS. preserved io his 



ai4 Valerianus. 

Library. It was rcprinled wnh his///«r<>^//V?///c5 at uim^ 
sterdam in /647 , aad at Leipsic ia the G>Uection en** 
titled ^naUcla de Calimitait Utiemtarum , 8. UfUh 
aPnfiuse 6y Burchard Mtncienius* 

ThU Tract is Mid to have heen oceadoned by his 
snffetingi 4a the early stmfeglet of his Life. 

I have Dot been able to meet with the Book } and 
thereibre know not its Contents. Nor can I at this mo- 
ment tarry in my memory the matter of M' D' Israeli's 
Yolnmes on this snbject. Perhaps , therdore , 1 may 
be permitted to put down a few cursory thoughts of 
my own on this interesting topic . 

The Infelicities of men devoted to Liferature may, 
I think, be accounted for, without much ditliculty: 
not, I am aliaid, to the honour of human nature; 
— but with a sad adherence to the truth o£ iu gene- 
ral character, 

He , whose mind is occupied in the remote ; 
Nvhcihcr it be the past, the distant, or tlie future, is 
almost sure to fall a victim to the close and perfidious 
vigilance of the wretches incessantly employed in 
scheming and ^watching their own individual ioierests. 
Others do the good : these selfish creatures always bear 
away the reward. 

It is true , that the interest of the Public i and the 
interest of an Individual » are finally the same : bat 
it is not so , upon a short and narrow scale. That 
reward should not follow Virtue ; that generous eflEbrts 
should not he succeeded by recompences^ which ena- 
ble them /to be continued with the greater vigour, is 
among the mysteries of Providence. But so it is , that, 
for the most part > they who have succeeded in the world; 
who have ic^ired riches; or who have elevaied them* 



selves in society, have not wasted their facuhles in ge- 
neral specalaUoos ; bat have conceniered all their mental 
exertious to the pttnnit of individual advantage. 

The attractions of Wealthy and its inflaence upon 
happiness , cannot be denied to be verj powerful. Its 
means of conferring good are great ; and its operativt 
defence against many frightful temptations u of no slight 
importance : while porerty exposes to a thousand dif« 
ficuliies , from which Virtue itself » however nnwilling 
a victim > can scarcely escape untainted. But we must 
not do evil J that « good may come of it : » wc roust not 
incur immediate dishonesty to purchase a shiclil agninst 
future temptations I or to afford us a fund for doing 
future good (*). 

It is worth while to watch with, n lit!lo diiitrimi- 
nation, the mind of one , who is called « a man of the 
world ; — a fellow of excellent common sense ! >» — lie 
never generalizes : lie iicver v calm cs an opinion in the 
abstract : his jurlgmcnt is alwars ]udnnunccd upon llie 
convenience nrifl expedience of the prirlicular case before 
him; and in this he has a correct sort of inluilivc tact. 
« He i& not called ^ » he cries , u to pronounjce 
upon supposed cases ; and he cannot waste ^his time in 
such idle travels in the air. » — All this is a serpen^ 
Hie sort of wisdom ^ which, they who pride themsel- 
ves upon it , may canj away without the envy of any 
honourable mind I 



(*) Every one must recollect the magnificent passagi^ of Rurke , 
where he speaks of those , whoreiurn to Esiglaud , Ivit vled with the 
spoils of the East , leaving iheir crimes behind them on ihe i>hati $ ot 
Rinilostan , and amending at home gmeroatly wiut they have got 
abroail iaiqaitmufy. 



116 VAI.WAH08. 

If literatare be uoi iu own rewtrd » I fear thit it 
will Terj aM/m experieuM any other recompeiue! — It 
it the potMik , which io a worldly point of view ge- 
nerally pays leit than any other. Bat C^culiies of the 
highett kinil , in which it alwayt ineladed a pro&ond 
tcptihility of heart > have^ teldom tuch adommioa over 
themseWet » at to he capable of beiog wiihdrtwo by 
aoy dictates of cold^ calcalating , pradeoce^ firom occu- 
pations to congenial to their natnre. It it die food , 
which can alone support their spirits ; and soothe the 
weariness of material existence! — Is it possible then 
tliat this indulgence caa lakt; place wilhouL an accum- 
paniD^ent w hich perhaps nolJiiog is worthy — the ac- 
companiment of worldly advfTsiiy? — 

It is posiible ; \vr have some splenclid ioslances of 
it : — but it is surely against conmion probability! — Look 
at the biography of Literature ! How few men of genius 
are there , wlio have not been the victims of INHsfor- 
tunc ! wc have iDdeed in our days a briiiiaot ioslance 
of 00c , -whose career has been as lacrative and tuccees- 
fal ^ as if he had been a leader in a profession , which 
carries on the necessary business of mankind. Thit how* 
fver is not only a rare , but an unique case . 

At the revival of Learning, the States and Potenta- 
tes of Italy took under their patronnage the men of the 
most eminent erudition » because they were best ealcn* 
laied to give vigour to the expanding wings of Genios, 
The use of such men was lelt ^ and acknowledged , 
according to the enlightened principles of policy , of 
which Leo X. was so splendid a protector. Bnt at what 
other period of society , since the a^e d Augnstus , hat 
ihis policy prevailed ? 

Mechiavel lived and died poor. Tasto , and Spenscc^ 



Digitized by Google 



ViOiERIANVa. 91 f 

and Bacon ^ and Milton » aod Cowley; snd Dryden , 
«nd Gny , and Collins, nnd Boroa', ircr»p6or. Burko 
was poor / lohnaon (*) was poor i Fox , tnd Piit , and 
SheridaOj wofo poor. 

Can then iho plcoanroa of Liieratnre coupteiaot th« 
cvila of Poverty ? Can Uiey recompoose for the languor 
of obaenrity ; aod the atingi of Negieet ? 

It will be aaid , however , that empty Fame at 
least purraea the firnita of Genini ! Bat if Wealth iaacar- 
cely ever acMjolred by Gemot , even Fame U capricioaa, 
and'oncertaln. It more often ialla to the lot of the pre- 
tender , and the Charlatan , than to the real , and de* 
serving Genius ! ' * 

To be well received ; to be listened to ^ di^nto mort" 
atrarif is, no doubts a very high graiiiicalion. But with- 
out intrigue , and assumption^ and faction ^ how sel- 
dom does this happen ? 

In the latter part of his Life , lohnson became the 
object of cariosily, respect, and a certain kind of half- 
idolatry. Tables -were opi?n to him; parties were made 
for him ; he was heard as an oracle. His rudeness was 
endured; his contradictions were submitted to; his des- 
potism was received with smiles: while his acuteneaa 
electrified ^ and his force of mind bore all before him. 



{*) A sliigalw and frj^tlal atury it told of lohonni'a povarty » 
when he was first rising into fame. At the tiiaa Ids, Satins 'Loanov 
was blazing .thn>agh the Town, ffTUter Barte dined with Cave 

the publisher Hsrte spoke during flinnpr with high praiso of this 
production « You hre making ihe author very happy , » cried Cave 
in a whi'per » How so ? a answered Ilarte. » l)k\ you observe 
m« « replied Care , » fill a plate ; and send the servant with it 
behind the skmn ? ZVIeiv dines die aotber of XdaiisoM I Bis deaths 
tee too cafgod to adaiit him to any TiUe 1 1 a 



9i8 Valbhunits. 

Xhii wai ft trilmte , which his magnificcRt powtn 
of Intellect tnlght be forgiven for encting. Bot I doubt 
if theie powers alone would have obtaioed the oppor- 
tunity of thus displaying them. It was ibc accidenttl 
iutiroacj with the lanuly of Mr. Thralej it was Thrale's 
wealth J that obtained it for him. 

Gray passed his days in retirement; little com ted ; 
little ilattcrcd ; little visited. The inathematlcians of 
Cambridge liad no respect for his genius ; his iearaiog i 
or his laste ^ and could not even comprehend them. 

Coll.ns came in the fervor of youth to London, con- 
scious of his own sublime talents^ and gifts} and hop- 
ing kindness and distinction from endowments , which 
he knew entitled him to a place of lofty preeminence. 
No one noticed the geuins^ which had not the recom- 
mendations of birth or riches. He published his inimitable 
Odes: no one bought , or read them. He burnt the copies 
with his ilwn hand : he committed his unpublished 
compositions to the flames: his noble ambition was 
baffled and blighted .* hit swelling heart broke : he be- 
came insane; and died in the prime of yonih. 

What is an overmling addiction to literary pur- 
suits , and what is only such as is matter of choice , 
and used as the means of effeotuaiiog a proposed end> 
would require not only nice distinctions , but long and 
intricate discussions^ to resolve. I am confiidenl that there 
15 such an over- ruling addiction ; and lam equally con- 
fident that it niiy be accounted for. 

Tlicre c.aiiiot be Genius without Fancy, and Inven- 
tion. But Abilities may be of two ^orls : Original , and 
Secondary* The first, are those, which can think and 
reason for themseWes/ the second, those which can 
comprehend j and remember , and commanicate , the 
thoughts and Masonings of others. 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



Both aom are beUer fitted for tha tffiaiirs of llie 
world y and for lacctM in life^^tltaa Gcniuf.. 

. Itia difficult lopcrraade ralj^ar understandings > that 
Aere is any use to mankind in works of Fancy. But the 
highest of moral and political philosophers have thou- 
ght the reverie. All the great men , who reillumincd 
the iateliccis ui Europe after ages oi daikucss^ were 
poets ! 

The duties of the lower ranks of life arc plain to 
the understanding ; and adapted to that siiiall degree 
of culture w^liicli their station alloAVs. But in proportion 
to the fipjiuri unities of this culture, llie duties hecomo 
complicated •, and the shades of distinction nice and 
evanescent. It is literary genius alone ; which can de- 
velop , define , and illustrate these distinctions. Perhaps 
there is no ancient uninspired writer ^ whose works exem« 
plify this position more strongly^ than those of Cicero. 

A great Autlior therefore exc;Cntes an high social duty^ 
of which the reflection may console him under many 
misfortunes and priyationt. If Reputation do not follow 
him I or if this Rcpnlalion , he in truth « ( as it has 
heen called, ) no more than n a hohhle; n the con- 
sdoosuess of this merit may still be bis recompense. But 
if even this also should &il , is there not a strong Intrin- 
sic pleasure in the exercise of the faculties of the mind; 
a pleisure at once powerful and innocent ? 

Tospeculateon theputposes of the Almighty Crea- 
tor, in the formation of this our wonderful , and strangely- 
constituted Being , may seem but an idle aUcinpt of 
blinducii to pcDclratc ialo iuniccessible regiorKS. Bai who 
shall s;iy, that in proportion iis'Inlellect is brought by 
perpetual and vinuuus excriion to triumph over ^h^tle^ 
here , the Beiug so elevated may not be entitled to an 



aao Valxiiianus. 

liiglier class of eiislcnce hereafter ? When onr earthly- 
ashes repose in the graye, they canaot he affected hy 
the posihumoits praises, irhich ia nameron* cases so 
aloviy follow the decease of Genius. Bat we know not 
that the soal ^ which surviTea ^ will be nncooscioiis of 
this gratification t 

▲U great benefits conferred on the Poblic , which 
are of a coarser and more obvioas hind , are rewarded 
by worldly retribations: — by honours « and riches. — 
The General and the Admiral are rewaided Ibr the 
conquest of territories; Lawyers for deciding the con« 
troversias of human business \ the Statesman for guiding 
the wheels of Government. The services received by 
Suciely ure in tlieae ca^es palpable to common under- 
standings. But the effect of the produclions nf genius is 
more subtle, more invisible; raore lost in ditlusion, and 
amalginiation ; more remote ; mote df-pciidcnt tor its 
appreciation, on re^ed gifts of nature / or geueroos ac- 
complishments. 

The man of minor talents , who adapts himself to 
the purposes of the day j to the prevailing fashions; to 
the momentary passions- and immediate interests of the 
Mob« is generally much more successful; and paid in 
more substantial coin. He applies the matter and furni- 
ture of better miods to topics of casual and transient 
attention ; and when the occasion is past » it becomes 
dead and evaporated imitation'^ to which only a momen- 
tary life had been given by a factitious impulse. 

k vigorous intellect, which can think fiir itself, and 
fiad adequate language for its thoughts^ is much less com- 
mon , than is snpposed. Originality of reasoning , oon« 
elusion ^ or sentiment , is very rare. In nine tenths even 
of all the primed W urks , wUicli aspire above the raok 



< 



Digitized by Google 



cf compilation, the idtu , the words , the yeiy foim and 
coDttniciioD of the lentencet^ are ail borrowed. 

There may he aome aae and Taloe in anch writiogt ; 
and even these may lometimei atmrive to posterity. But 
as there ia lest waate of miod , and leai ahstraction in 
ihem ; ao ihey are leu expesed lo the calamitiea pflife: 
and winning their fiime at leia expence daring life ^ are 
IcM entitled to the rewarda of the fntnre* 

Mere scholarship , peihapa , in times when it ia 
&ciHtated hy every technical aid , is a yery slight proof 
•f talents. Bat when the stadiea of classical litemtare 
were first revived , it required vast acnteness and force 
of mind, as well as vast industry, to excel! in them. 

It is with som% pain that we luciL back on the mo- 
ral dispositions of some of these early Lumioaries. The 
characters of Leonardo Areliooi Poggio , Poniano , .md 
Politian, are at least doubifal, if we regard the variant 
nnthoiities on these subjects. 

Paulas Jovius in his Elngia Doctorum firorum 
( ^4' ^^^^oe , /577 « FoL ) thus speaks of the 
diaracter , and death of Politian ; 

» £rat distortis saepe morihus ^ nti fitcie neqnaifaam 
ingenoa i et liherali , ab eoormi prsssertim naao ^ anh* 
Insceqpie oculo perabsurdaj ingenio antem astnto, ac»-> 
lento y occalteqne livido ; qanm aliena semper iniderely 
nee aoa yd non iniqno judieio ezpnngi pateretnr. Femnt 
cum ingenni adolescentia insano amore percitnm , fiwiln 
in lethalem morbnm incidisse. G>rrepta enim eitham , 
qanm eo ineandio et rapida fehre torreretnr , snpremi 
teofis oarminn decantayit : ita nt mas ddirantem « yos 
ipsa 9 et digitomm nervi ; et yiialia denique spiritna , 
iovercconda orgente morte , desererent : qaum maturan- 



32 a VAhEBixmtti. 

do jiidicio tntcgrsc ^ stataeque aclalis anni , non sine gravi 
Musarutu injutia , dolorecjiie seculi , fcstinanle fato cri- 
pcrentiir. \ i.v enioi qiiailragcsimum quartum annum n;ta- 
lis aiii^erat. Scd eo prsepropcro xkx exitu proi'ecto feiix 
fuit , quod immiaeotMa convdi«e Medica* domns rainam 
.effugerit. » 

Bat PiBRio Yalsbiano whose amhority U fur bet- 
ter , because be lived id the Court of Lorenzo de Me- 
dici , gives an acconnt of Poiltiao's death » which «hews 
"diis to have been an iofamons calnmoj. He sajs in his 
Book J>e InfeUdttO^IaUnratarumf ( ai cited in the Life 
-of this author hy Sonusi ; ) 

» Angelns Polilianus nuUias ignarai eruditionis ct 
discipline , cam in adversa Mcdieomm Proeertim tem- 
pora iiicidistet , inclinantibas jam Petri , quem ipse li- 
teris instituem, rebus, in earn incidit aegritudinem, ot 
in nmltis et variis molesiiis , cogUalionibusijne consola- 
tionem iiullam aJmiucrc voluerit, atquc ila demum do- 
lorc raa&litiaque confectus expiravit. Quodque illi lon- 
gc fuit infclicius > conficta in eum (urpittidinis fabula , 
xn.tlediccntissimi obti eclationibus prosci.ssus , calumnia- 
tusfjue est; utquc ca gens promtissirna est ad insimulan 
dum , in invidiam Petri ipsius ignominiosam aiiam mor- 
tis voluntariae causam universo terrarum orbi magna cum 
^Qs infamia propalarunt* » 

He had many enemies ; amongst whom was Sanna- 
sarlus ; and, Ludovicus Vives , in his Book De J^eritate 
Fidd ChrisdanoB, ( Z»&. #i. s64*Eiit» BasU. i544. ) 
accuses him of impietj/ affirming « qnod » lotam sa- 
i^ram lectionem aspemabator e et ^od » interrogatos an 
Icgisset Horas Ganonicas; dixit.- Semel perli^ istum li- 
brum; et nnnqaam pejus celloeavi tempus: a things 
totally ialse ; and from which he has been excellentlj 
defended by Vossiss. 



Digitizec by 



Valeriantts. 2!t3 
His scholar CriDiuu placed the followiog ven«s oa 
his tomb: 

IIlc , hie , Viator , paululum giadum siste, 
Vatem potenli's spiritus vides cliiruai ; 
Qui meiite pomptus acri , et arduum spirans , 
Ac summa quxque, ct alia cou^equi suetus. 
Is ille ego Aogelus Politianus sum. 
Fovit bcnigno me siau Fiora^ et iUic 
la Fata cessi^ ParlheDOpaeos Keges 
Cum Gallica arma irruerent minabnncla. 
Ta vale , et boo sis neriti uiemor 'nostri i 

Haying given an extract; from Paulus Jovius , of the 
ciiancter of Polituh ^ 1 will also give slight citationf 
from him , fegardiog L. .Asbxino^ Pooaio; and Pomt^no. 

L. Abjbtiko. 

« Seoeseenti opet crererunt cam aliena liberaHtate, 

turn sua tristi parsimonia cumulaioe adeo ul AilottUd , 
mordaci sale pcrurbauus in Fabeliis ejus geninm re- 
lielo corporc in fuga silienlem ridenler cxprfsscrit, 
Mortuus , cjuod ei nuUo pudore fuit , furli damnaius est. 
Quod Gothicam hisloriam , suppresso Profopii nomine 
publicassel , accusante Chribtophoro Persona , ^qui aliud 
exemplar naclus , et Gothicam et Persicam simul atqoe 
Vandalicani , et Graeci Aulhoris titulam ingenue profi- 
tendo transtulerit. r^oviisime revocatns in £lruriam« PopuU 
fhrentini res gestas f^eraewipsit ; nec mulio post aenex « 
'divitiis et glorise plenus Florenti» Tita functas est. » 

Poooio. 



« Erat coQsilio gravis , ct quum Inbiret ^ 



Valerjanus. 

rum sale perurbanuf : ita at mira et ssept sobita varie- 
tale ad cieodam risum modo pnetexUti« verbis utere*' 
tur^ modo gravibui et malignU acommatibiu alieiMi 
fiuDS nomen persiriogerei a — 

— « £rat intemperanf objargator. a. 

— a Noviiiima ez mulia peregrmatione^ Eomana^e 
aula ezacte «tati« fCDCX Floreotiatn reverins , ooaiaoi* 
inato oratore^ ac optimo eive digaam patriae operam 
pnestitit , conseripta Latine HiUoria PojHiU JPIt^Miid , 

a Jacoba demam fiUo in Eiruscom flarntoncitt vena 
legitur. » 

The following tntcriptioa forbim written byLATOxo, 

and oiled from P. Jovius , is given here, because it 
Ixiin a relalioa lo the main subject of ihe present Article. 

LATom. 

K gravibas potui studiis qui clams baberi , 

G>rrapi iogeniam pliM satis ipse meiim. 
bonverti ad rizas aaimnin j aagasque faceias , 

Sed Gate quas nolit , qoasqae Sabina Icgi* 
Hac ego qa»«i?i vitam male sanus in berba ^ 
. Hen facit ad vitam sed nihil ista seges. 
yivo tamen ; sed non aliter quam Herosuatns ille % 
. Quasiu et paru est crimine vita meo. 
,Tos moneo , ingenio quicunque et ab arte viletis » 

A. soUdis vitas qnaerite rebus opem.* 

JoVIUrVS PONTANVS. 

a Yir ad omne genns eloquentiss natits. Mosat 
per omnes aumeros exercoit, tanta habiiis ingenii fis- 
cnnditate, at neque poetis, neque oratoribns, qui toia 
manme florerent , dignum secunda; famae locum relinqae- 
let. Erai austero supi^rcilio ^ at toio otis babilu suba^ 



Digitized by Google 



YAiiXKrAinrs. aa5 

grcitii} led stylo » et sermone penirbamu'> qumn ast^ 
pitsime Tel in scriis molto cmn sale jocaretvr. Habitas . 
tamen est in onftii censura quaoqaain absolute pius , 
sapra aequuxn mordax , vei eo quod non homines modo 
aibi noios , sed genitum et uiLium quoi^ue omnium mo- 
res aceiba scnberidi libertalc pcrstriogeret j sicuti ex va- 
riis Dialogis , Charonteque pia?sert!m intemperanter osicii- 
dit. Sed in pangcndo carmine , quara tesenda prosa 
cullior, atque subiimior multis; vidolur : quandoquidera 
in Historia non semper inlegra gravissimi incessus di« 
gnitate ab ejus muueri^ disciplina deflexi^ise existimari 
possitj qooin portea ab Hesperidum Hortis citrioruta 
suavissimis odores spirans , atqae inde diviao carmine 
in altum evectns , ad ilia ipsa excelso ore decaatata Sidcta 
propioa accesserit. » 

JPjMjui FjLKKtMSX iNacttirrxo in jar* Pontjitum* 

ScriptOTom venerabilis Magistcr 
Potttanns cobat hie Viator: 111am 
CoBimenins bona yerba , forte adores 

Nc fac huic mala , quin precare mulia , 
Omncm ut surripuil poelices vim : 
Nam dum Uiii beac sci iLnt , ctdquc aaiussini 
^quat omnia, perpoiilquc ad unguem^ 
Quavis arte decorequc absolulus , 
Secli terriculum fuit st ijuenlis , 
Nemo scriberc ut audeat ncpouim. 
Quin pacem hinc ^ bona (juia precare , libans 
Thus, coilura, violas, crocum sepuicljto : 
Qui dam tarn bene scribit , adque amasiini 
MiptBt omnia , peipolilqne ad nngnem , 
Qqb obsoicTeiat assi decorqiie recie 

i5 



aaB Valeuianus. 

Scribeadi ; auspiciis reoidei hajai^ 
nostra stas veteref ut mnulari 
£t possil «imal • et iimul pneireT » 

Qu YDS sidm cUra , eitreo«qoe 
PlorM Hesperidmn bortnlis virentef 
Versibos ceeinit Uborio«is , 
Portano date sidera alma lymphat : 
Vos horti date serta , quae sepulcbmm 
Ornent perpcti'o ca^ente flore , 
Spar^eDt perpetuo cadente rure. u 

It IS strange , iliat ihese four men , of such rare gift* 
of Nature, so luglilv cnllivated , should all have had a 
bitter and levengctul disposition , delighling in satire 
and malignity. It is true that there is cause enou(;h in 
the world for anger , and indignation , and hatred. Bat 
what subjects are there also of wonder, and joj, and 
admiration? 

£uv7 , the most common , and one of the most 
operative o£ human passions , ought to have been lar 
beneath men, whose merits had given them the most 
distiogoished reputation in society 1 Acutenets of thought, 
and command of forcible language , ought not to have 
aharpened their ingenuity to hold out to Inlamy , or 
fcorn , or ridicule , the faults or frailties of odiers : still 
less ought envy or resentment to have been permitted to 
invent , or exaggerate those feiliogs I 

It if the business of Getaius , to paint what is su- 
blime , or beautiful: to call forth « and exercise bigh 
movements of the mbd by the desoiipiioii of the ^ma- 



Digitized by Cuv ^v. it. 



gDifieent; the fair; and the pathetic: not to grovel in 
the tumult of our baseit passions; nor to stir up horrihie 
clouds to deface the grandeur or the smiles of Nature j 
from the cauldron of Bitterness , and Ire t 

For the lofelicity , that springs from snch causes , 
Literature has only to blame herself. The indulgence 
of bad passions merits the punishment , which it brings 
on itself. 

If wc were not liabitiialed , from long obscrvalion 
ol human niduie , Eo ils numerous inconsiilencies , we 
could scarcely iccoucile oun>clves to believe lhat a bit- 
ter and malignant spirit could be united with such exqui- 
site softness and Ici'iderncss^ ag some of tlie poems of 
FoNTANus eiLhibit. lake for iostance the folluwing ; 

MOTAIX SoVNUM XMVITAT. 

Somne^yeui; tibi LQciolu<; blandltur oeellis; 

Somne , veni ; venias ; blandule Somue^ yeni. 
Lucioius tibi dulce canit. Somne opiime , Somne, 

Somne veni; venias ; blandule Somne , veni. . 
Lucioius vocat in thalamos te, somnole, somne 

Somnule dulcicole* blandute somnicnie. 
Ad cnnas te Luciolns vocat ; hue age , Somne , 

Somne veni ad cnnas ; somne age ; Somne , veni. 
Ad cobitom te Lnciolns vocat ; hue age , Somne , 

Eia , age , Somne » veni ; Somnole blande ; veni. 
Lucioius te ad pulvinuni vocat , instat oeellis ; 

Somne, veui ; venias ; cia, age, Somne, veui. 
Lucioius te ad complexum voc.it ; innuit ipse j 

Innuit , en nenias , en modo Somne , veui. 
Yenisu , bone .Si)mne j boni pater almc sopors; 

Qui Guras bomiaum, corpora^ue K^ra icvas. 



:I3S VALSJUA2iU5* 

Ii{e vagi , ne blande puer , ne parvule vagi ! 

BUnda YOcat blandum Lucia Laciolam. 
ffe ragi , ne lachijmulis corranipe tnifellia 

ToTgidulMque ocnlos , targidulaaque genaf. 
Ecce tibi batbo ora aonai , hhuo oie iuinrrat 

Eugenia , et duicea garit in aora jocof . 
Ecce tibi inflecleo« moUes Aurelia voces , 

Fabellas bellis , carmioa bclia canir. 
Ke vagi melliie poer , tibi Iiuscnia Indit , 

Gestit et ad const blaoda Catclla toa*. 
Carliulus tibi ^usultans , en se erigit , cn se 

Jactital , en teneri cruscula lanibii heii. 
An lingis la'scive getias ali Curiulc Curd , 

Ipsa tibi iiascar Curiule Curtiole. 
Tune genas , liine ora ? meus eat puer improbc Gurti* 

Luciolus mens est , improbc Curtioie. 
Iniprobc , anne audes ? ah lisit Lucius ^ ah se 

Jccit in ainplexus Lucius ipse mcos. 
£d pectus formose tuum : milii dulcia jua^e 

Oscula , et in solilo molle quiesce sinu. 

Has ego Ifociolo mammas , hmc ubera servo : 
Dextera mamma tua est , ipsa sinistra mea est 
Singultit sed Luciolus > mutare Itcebit, 

Ipsa sinistra tua est^ dextera mamma mea est* 
Utraqne sed potius tua sit^ jam desine flere. 

Desine , dextra tna eit , mamma sinistra tna est. 
Risit Luciolus , mammasque ntrasque momordit. 

Tone meu mammai ci^ole, tone meas? . 



Digitized by Google 



Valerianus. 229 

lam ssevit qnod dico meai ; ne candide Mcvi ; 

Haec atque ilia tua est ; ntraqne mamma tna est* 
Nunc Laei none luxe ambas , ne quis malut iilat 

Auferat*^ et claoso icite reconde tinn. 

Ora quit , aut qaislabra mihi , linqaamqne momordit? 
liuciuf Improbnlut y Lueiut 91e mains. 
Qoia coUam , mammasqne meat f pectniqaa momordit? 

Lncins lUe mains , Lncins improbulos* 
|9e posdiac , ne tange pner , cni basia senro « 

Labraqoe cni lingnam Antinoo Aotinoo. 
Jam properat Lisella ; pedum vestigia seusi ; 

Ecce Tenit nudo Lisa parata sinu. 
En tibi lacteols Luci formose pa'pillae , 

En tibi tnrg^doln plena mamilla sina* 
Tota tibi taa Lisa vacat , taa Ltsula tota est : 

Snme yenaste puer ubcra , carpe sinas. 
Carpe sinus formose tuos , somnumque capesse; 

Dicetur cunis Nenia grate tuis. 

Pallidus Eumonius puer est, Tityusque aigeiltis. 
Vagit et hie nodes , vagit et ilie dies. 
Lucinlo roseas color est candore refusus ^ 

Nec vagit noctu , nec strepit ille die. 
Despuit Eumonius mammas , tnnditqaa papillas \ 

Oscula dat tumidis Lucius nbeiibus. 
I^on Tltyum Fabeila juvat^ non nenia Lipps , 

Nenia Luciolo ^ yerbaque ficta jnvant. 
Bidet et insomois; et Lisas Lucius baeret ; 

Aofeiat et nequts calUdus ipse timet. 

Ne latia ; ne pclle bonum bona luscula somnom ; 
Et tibi nam somnus Loscula gratas erit. 
Ingredere , o bone somne > nihil bona Luscnla latiat 

Luscula Luciolo ; Luscula blanda tibi est. 
luDuit ipsa oQulis tibi, Luscula, Lucius ipse 



a5o Valerianus. 

lonult ; et dicit, somoule lerif adcs. 
lioscola jamr dormit ; itertit qnoqae belU catellt ; 

£t SBA Lucaolo luminft fetia cadmit. 
Dormi Lnciole^ Loci dilecte qnietce; 

En canit ad cunai garrula Lisa tnas. 
Mulcet languidulcis » aaturat quoqne somiinf ocellos: 

Somnat alit yenas/ corpora 'aomo as alit. 
£t sedat caras , requiemque laboiilms affert ; 

edit tnstitias ; grandia semper amat. 
Somne bone o cunctis , adsis mibi candide somne ; 

Somr.c bone et pucris, JoiUQC bone el seoibus. 
1; de luihi lumidas satura bone somne mamiiia^, 

libera Luciolo , tjno luea plena fluant. 
Sentit Luclolus, dorniilqnn , et ridet , et optat y 

Et maiiimas digilis pn niiui usque suis. 
Eoge puer , aitibund* pucr , cape lassule somnos : 

Mox tibi jam vigili iacieus amnis erit. 

Jbxcitus e soiiino nieus est pucr ^ buc age Iiisa^ 
£n age , delitias accipe amate luas. 
£t aitit , et ridet, dolces et vertit ocelios 

Ip«e tibi, vultus aipice cara tnoi* 
Hia pro blanditiis tenenu da Liia papillae 

Luciolo , amplexus quos parat ipse tibi. 
An refugit mala Liia ^ nihil mala Liia veretnr. 

Carpo poer plcnoa ubera carpo siout. 
Suge ambaa^ aubmorde ambas, ne pajca^ papillas 

Ubtra Luciolo atulta negate potes. 
Sciode comas , contnnde ainot , distringe capllloi : 

Tone meat fugias improba senra manut? 
Cui pectus, moUemque sinum , tenerasque papillai ^ 

En cape delitias tinnula plectra tuas. 
Sed quiMjuaiu mostra puer bic ccrvice |)cpendit, 

Mentior au certc est Lucius improbuiuA ? 



Digitized by Google 



■ 



implicoit eollo rimaly et simal oicaU^inmpfit , 
Impiobiilai nou jam, atd probiu ipse piicr. 
Seite puer^ meUiie pneri nate aiiice dormi; 
CUudc tenelle oeuloa, daade Unelle gena«« 
IpM sopor Bon condis ait ^ non cUadia ocellot , 

En cttbai ante toos Luscula lasaa pedes / 
Laogoidoloi bene babel conditc[ae et clandit oeelloa 

Lodna et meo eat foaoa in ore aopor^ 
Aora Teoi , foveasque ineuipi placidisaima natum : 

An strepitant irondes^ jam Icvis aura venit. 
Scite y pucr melliie pucr , natc uoice , dormi ^ 
Aara fovet flatu , maler amala sinu. 

Qais puer hie age Lisa, tuas absconde papillas , 
Hic pucr, en illas subripoisse parat. 
Lisa tegc, en tege Lisa inns , in ne improbe ^ iu ne 

Ltjcioli myrnmas subripuisse paras ? 
Lucioie hue propcra , propera nuoc candide Luci j 

Hie malas properat j tu prior ante veni. 
Vicisli « atque hanc ore premaa , hanc conipe desira : 
I puer hine alias , i pne* quaere alias. 
Foacula nox^ Orcns quoqne faacniua/ aaplcentalia 
Per noctem Tolitet Fuscolna Hie nigria. 
Hie vigilea eapttt paeroai Tigtleaqnc puellaa^ 

Nate ocnloa eobibe; ne capiare vigiL 
Hie capiat aen quaa aenait vagire pnellaa p 
Seu paeroa ; Tocea comprime nate tuas. 
£cee Tolat » nigraqae caput caligine dcnaat , 

£t qoserit natum Fnaculoa iUe meam. 
Ore fremil/ denteaqae ferua , jam dente laceaait; 

Ipse vorat qaeralos , pervigilcsque vorat. 
£t oiger est , uigrisque €omiS| nigroquc galero ; 

To puerum clauso Lisa reconde sinu. 
Lucieluoi ugc Li^a : icioj^ quo& paudit hialua ; 



Digitized by Google 



a3a YALB&ii^va. 

Qoaique tperit faoees , nt quatit viqae caput. 
Me mUeram an feralaj geatat ijaoqne ^ pane, qidiieit 

Luciof , et iuDt qui rtif abiitte potent. 
Bora meai liucillm habet , nil ipse moUatnt ^ 

Ifec yigilat nocto , eonqneritarve die. 
IVec MBvi 9 hirtatasque maunt tibi comprime ptrt \ 

£t taeet , ct doraiit Lucius ipse meui. 
£t matri blanditur , jet oscula dulcia figit ^ 

Bellaqne cum bella verba sorore canit 
Lisa yeni , expectata veni j quid lenta moniii? 
£n age , quid cessas ? nil remorata veni. 
£1 »ilit , el v.igii , tibi nunc convitia dicit 

Lucius y et caros quxtitat usque sinii5. 
Ah simulant anibo , simulate et periide Luci^ 

Fallax Lisa novis insid osa modis. 
Ipsa tibi cripiaoi maniLtia!> tibi subdola natum| < 

Subdola quae fugias , pcrfidc qqi renue^. 

Pupc mtus , pupille niensj complectere matrem ^ 
Inque tuos propera pupuie care sinus. 
/ Pupr bone , en cape care tuas ini pupuie luanunas^ 

Pupuie belie mens , bellule pupe mens, 
Sugc , canam tibi neviolam , ne nenia non no 

Noia ti|»i nale est nenia nenioJta ? 
Pupe Dieus pupille mens , ne nenia non ne 

Nota libi nate est nenia neniola ? 
Belle mens , melliie mens , ne Nenia | non ne 

Nota tibi nate est nenia neoiola? 
Somoiculos tibi jam lassis obrepit ocellis , 

Dum tibi nate placet nenia nota nimis. 
Pupe mcus , dormisce meas , ne nenia nosUQ 

Pa Dootem nato nenia somnifecam* 



Digitized by Google 



Yalkbianus. 



233 



( Prcefica pueVaa aUoqtdtur in funere ; 
Puelke respondent, ) 



Pr* Infanti lacrjfDam ad tnmalofi floremque, jpaellae^ 
Spargite : num et ▼cstro est digaiu honore rogus? 

P. £u flures ! Nardum ad tumulos, balneuinque liquamiu^ 

Ips.T etiaiu lacrvmae spoiUe per or a fluunt. 
Pr, Kil iiiiatu ore infanti ; vix vagit : at ip433 

Munera vestra piis sedulae obite modis. 
P, Luciili tibi lux nomen dedit ; et dodit ipsa 
Mater Stella tlbi ; itcllaquc luxqne .simul. 
Eripuit nox. alra : nigrae eripuere lem brae: 

Vixisti vix quot litlera prima notat. 
Hosoe dies 7 Breve tamne tibi lux fubit , et aoiae 

Maternttm ia nimbU tic tenaere jubar? 
Infeliz iatam \ puer hea male felix , hen qaed 
' Nee puer e<| nec lax, tiec niai inane quid ei. 
JPr, Sit Yobis ver petpetanm , ao line nnbe pneUae 
LuciUi f et cineri spiret inostna odor. 



Who will deny the eleganee , and the affectioQate 
tenderoeis of these verses ? They may indeed be liable 
to some petty criticisms for ioaccuracies of metre, etc. 
But bow ferrid must have been the mind , and at what 
a state of rcHned scholarship it must have arrived , iliat 
could have produced ibem I • — Does it not ieeui strangCj 



S34 VAUHUMVli 

that tneh » nincl ili^ald bare been characterized hj 
bitteroeis ? 

Bat perhaps "Baylsy has well accounted for this in 
bis Life of MUion. 

a The strength » says he » and the acuten ess of seu- 
jation , which partly conslilule genius , have -a great 
tendency to produce virulence ; if the miud not per- 
petually on its guard aganiat liiai subtle , insinuating , 
and corrosive passion , haired against all whosf? opinions 
are opposite to our own. Johnson professed in one of 
his letters , to love a good hater ^ and in the Latin Coiw 
rcspr ndence of Milton , there are words , that imply a 
sitriilariij' of sentiment : they both tboogbt theiv might 
be a sanctified bitterness , to a«e ao eipresaion ofMillOn^ 
towards political and religious opponents : jet surelj 
these Iwd devout men were both wrong ; and both in 
some degree ODcfaristian in this principle. To what sin- 
gular ini^juities of judgement such a principle may lead, 
we might perhaps have had a most striking , and a 
double proof, had it been possible for these two ener* 
getic writers to exhibit alternately a portrait of each 
other. Milton , adorned with every gracrfnl endowment, 
highly and hobly accomplished as he was , appears in 
the dark colouring of Johnson , a most nnamiable Being: 
but could he revisit Earth in his mortal character , with 
a wish to retaliate , what a picture might be drawn by 
that sublime and offended Genius, of the great Moralist,, 
who has treated hini with sucli excess of severity ! The 
Passions are poweiiui coioariiLs, and nuu vellous adepts 
in the art of exaggeration : but the poruaUi executed 
by Love , ( famous as he is for overcharging ihem , ) are 
infinitely more faithful to Nature, than gloomy sketches 
£rom the heavy baud oi iUtred ^ a passion not to be 



Digitized by Cuv ^^it. 



Valerianos. 235 

trusted or indulged, even in minds of the highest purity 
and power ; since Hatred , though it may enter the field 
of Contest under the banner of Justice , yet generally 
becomet so blind and outrageous^ from the heat ofcou- 
teodoQy as to execute , in the name of Viriae> the worst 
purposes of Vice : Hence arises that species of Calumny 
the most to be regretted ; the calumny lavished by men 
of talenis and worth on their equals or superiors , whom 
ihey have rashly and blindly hated for a difference of 
opinion. » (*) ' 

But as it is time to clof e this Article Ow «bx ar^ 
nuciTT or LiTBXATVBB , I Will bring it to an end by , 
eitracting a sublime passage from Milton himself in his 
Samson ^gonistea , as cited by the same bencTolent and 
fervid Biographer. (**) 



Many are the sayings of the wise , 
In ancient and in modem books enroll'd , 
Extolling patience as the tmest fortitude ; 
And to the hearing well of all calamities} 
All diances incident to man's frail life^ 
Consolatories writ 

With studied argument , and much perfection sought 

Lenient of grief, and anxioui iliought.* 

But with th' afflicted in his panga their sound 

Little prevails ; or ralher secn)s a tune 

Harsh^ and of dissonant mood from his complaint \ 



(*) I-ifo of Milton , by Hayley. ( MiU JSasU, ifSSt ^-^ P- 
lUd p. 19Q. 



336 VAmiAirvt. 
Unlett he feel wilhln 
Some eoaiee of consolitioii firotn eboTe 9 
Secret refirethiogf , that repair hi« itreogh , 
And ftintiog spiriu ophold. 

God of oar lathers , what it man ! ' 
That thou towards him with hand fo vaiioni « 

Or might I taj cotitrarioiit > 

Tcmper'st thy Providence , through hii short course. 
Not cveulv , as tbou rul*St 

The aijgeiic 01 iurs, and ioferior ^ creature! nute^ 
Irrational and brute. 

Nor do T namp of mvn (lie cODHnon rout j 

That wandering loose about , 

Grow up, and perish as the sommer fly, 

Heads without name , no more rememhered ; 

But such , as thou hast soleninl j elected « 

With gifts and graces emiQeutly adorn'd 

To some great Work , thy gloiy > 

And people's safety^ which in part they effect* 

Tet towards these , thus dignified , thou oft 

Amidst their height of nooa^ 

Chaugest thy counternance and thy hand, with no regard 

Of highest favours past ^ 

From thee > from them to thee of service* 

19or only dost degrade them, or remit 

To life obscured , which were a iair dismission , 

But throwst them lower than thou didst eialt them hi^^ 

Uoseemly falls in human eje^ 

Too grievous I n ihe trespass or omissioD. 

Oit leavcil ll:*:m to hostile sword 

Of heathen and profane, their carcases 

To dogs aud fowls a prey , or else captived ; 

Or to ih' uojust triboaals under change of timetii 



Digitized by Google 



And condemntlion of th' ungrateful maltitude* 

If these they jcape , perhaps in poverty , 

With sickncM and disease thoa bowftt (hem down; 

Painful disease! and deform'd^ 

In crude old age^ 

Thovgh nol diiordmitCj jet caaseleaa md&riDg 
The puiiishment of diuolnle dayi. In finoi 
Jostj or imjoil alike seeaa miserable « 
For oft alike botli come to evil end. j> 



There is an Elogc , ( with a PorUait, ) of Vale- 
rian us , in the Museum Hi&loricum et Phydcum loan- 
nis Im/iena/is^ /6^o , (*) ^vhich I insert entire , as a ipe- 
cimen of a Book , which has long since become rare. C^"^) 

PlERIVS TaUBXAJIVS* 

<c Pierius Yalcrianus ex BoUaaa gentc Belluni per* 
velusta prodiit , Urbane patruo instiiutori successor , 
rara selections studii notilia pcrpoiito. liinc cmerito 
atriusque iato objecta sibi invicem ipsorom e marmore 
icon, in meridional! extemo templi Fratmm Minorum 
latere , Venetiis stat iofixa / ut qoos pares nexerunt ani* 



(*) The whale title of tbs voluma mas thus .- Museum Histori' 
cum et Physicum Joanni<t Tmperialis , Phil, et Med, Vic en tin:. 
— In prirn. lRustriuTriliteri& Kirorum imagines ad vivum exprt . •ice 

rontulcnlur. yluujTlS EhOGltS EoHVItliEX , VltOJS et morcs HO" 

tantibus. — in Secundo amrnorum imagines y sive Jngeniorum , 
iMlune , differtnticf , eaium , uc signa physice perpenduntur, 
AdM utArtt* txacttMiium ioeo posfit etsc , dignoacmdi ad qumm 
guisque erUm » ae tcun^tan sit habitis^ fmttu* opud JwUa*^ 

(**) S«« Voi^t, Catalog, ISS. 



V^LLEBIANUS. 

moram InstiDClof » corporis eiiam obtutu non longe dij- 
<ito« poiteritas vcncretar. Ejncdem auspicio patrni , cni 
VirtatU ergo Leo DecifDUS adhuc adoleseens , humaaiori* 
bus liierif inlbrmaiidiM obtigerat, FloreDtiam hie appe* 
tcoi aliqnanlisper' in iUo tunc Grecorum excellenli con* 
Ycnta^ egregiaLaurcDtii Medice« liberalitate excito mo- 
ratiM peregrins cmditionis prestantiam adjunxit. In 
Lconit pottea fidem^ et dientelam tnsceptus ^ indeque 
ab ejus obitu inter Glementis septimi di^niores eleclot 
aulicoiy eam modeitie atque integritatis laudem eme- 
ruit , ut ejus curae Hyppoliti , A.lexandri , et Caterinae 
nepotum educationem Clemens commiserit : eorom alter 
Ciiitiiualis , alicr Dux patriae primus , terlia Gallorum 
ex couiiubio Hegina pcrcnnibus virtulum cumulis , il- 
lustrem seiernamquc praeceptoris memoriam reddidere. Ab 
opiferis istorum manibus , quanta sibi rei familiaris po- 
tuissent accedcre , roferlissimus litcratonim ccctus Medi- 
ceorum Diuniiicculia 6[)cctribilis judex esto. Ipse lanien 
insito quodam mcdiocritaiis adfeciu , suis satis rebus 
conaultum fore putavit , si honesto in otio ab urbanis 
exemptus curis , sacra Musis facere pro libito posaet. Ac 
illud obfirmati ejus virtute aoimi prsestet fid cm , qnod 
primum Jnstinopolis , mox etiam Avenionia designatus 
antistes , utrunque honoris et pietatis mnnna constantis- 
sime detrectavit , nntca prothonotarii apostolici , et comi- 
tit dignitaie cpntentus. Ejus scripta cum poetica^ torn pbj- 
acia, et bistorica^ et oratoria , Tersaomr jam emditorum in 
raauibos peracris ingenii adscita lande , cum vere in siugu 
lis solidse ncrvos doctriose liceat agnoscerey vel id summo 
tesiaate Scaligero, qui Pierium poelae nomine prorsus di- 
gnam« son ▼eriificatoris affirmat. Vulgatissimum prae ccte* 
*fis Hyerogliphicorum opus , qucd arcaras ^gyptiomm 
refert Dotas^dum cutio^oj* aiili(^uiiauc> icddil abuude sa- 



Digitized by Google 



VALEBiANVf. a39 

tares » pneclan mofalii , mc politics doenmentft reeoliti 
ad tmitabilcm non tniipientit popali iioniiaiii eongetto. 
Dcmnoi hie mi compos « saique domitor « ae ttbeina 
quasi Palladot laara rediinitot , cum teifcnas cxoias 
cramnas ad caelef lia qnotidif aspiraret , fiito ibnctas cat 
Pataviiyanno ctatis octaagesimo primO| natal is Domiui 
M.DXVni. Parentis obitom Pieiides , antesignani do- 
cdores quique ftndliaris iotimi Patavinns Ponlifex , ju« 
stitio, laciymis, fuiiebri pegmale deconumnt. 

1 N c ji & T I* 

Valeriana ferens prisese cogaomina gentis 
Pootificisqae Cliena magna Clemeotii in aula 
Clementis suiupto septcni nomine Petms , 
in coram excelsos Mcdica de siirpe nepotes 
Sompsit , Alexandram nexa , Hippoljtnmque ligatos, 
Fiatemo ( hie meritos crises labentibns annis 
Purporeo teiit velamine, cardo creatas^ 
Ule prior valido Florentia msenia sceptro 
Inyasit^ ) jnssnsqae sacras gestare thiaras , 
Qaa Instinoplis fortes consargit in arees , 
A>vion atqne saam maris ingentibas ntbem 
Gingit ; at oblatos solido neglexit Honores 
Consilio , Pindam genio , siudioqne sequutos } 
Unde viro praestans accepit copia fandi , 
Allaquc condendi pruvenit carmina virtus, 
liic Anienorea tandem cori'.edit m uibc 
Pi'iCsulis ill laribus sacrati , cujus honoris 
Expertus iaigos decies iuitanlibus oclo 
kuois I exuemo suboiisit iiunina late. 



Obscura sub uocte notae , qua; Dxdala finxit 
£gjptus» tacits delitaere dia« 



s 



Denique depakit pttanre areiQ* tenebrif , 
Glaraqae Pierit sjmboU lace niteat. 

Pieridum , cmsn ecroram abslerbere nubes , 
£t Jtadiis anlmos imdiare fiiit. 

Id porro Mofis doaarit Apollo ; suopte 
Doaat ab iugeaio iuimaa Pierius. 



Ik estmmo Paritie Pnurum Matomm Fhaeiiis. 

D. O. M. 

■ 

Fierio Valeriano Bolsaoio, 

Belluncnsi^ 
Cujus §i negotia din apud summos 
Priocipes curala noris , 
KibU eam unquant iegere , nedum scribeie 
Potuisse dicas. 
Sin quae multa tam docta tcripserit . 
Inspicias , 

Nalli hominam otia quietiora contigisse judiocs. 
Jo: Cornelius Fantini Patritii Vencti filiiif f 
£t f ratres locum amico joo intima 
Unanimes QonceMcre. 



Aar. XVI. JACOBUS PONIAiNUS. 



Jacobi Pontani de socielate Jesu Poe.ticariim In- 
stituiionm libri III. Elitio tertia cum auctarioy et In~ 
dice hac terms desiderafj, Ejusdem Tyn cinium poPiicum 
cum supplemmto. IngaUtadii, Mx Typographa Adami 
Sarlorii , /600 8*^ 



Digitized by Google 



£aUX.T LiTXAATUBB OF F)LOAKNC£. A4I 

*XbiB Ja.cqbu0 Pontanus , ( ivho had no conntc* 
tton "Wfh Joannes Pontanus the Neapolitan ^ ) was a 
native of Brag in Bohemia , and died 1636 j «t. ' 84. 

IIU Txrocimum cootatoi iwo Books of Elegies } a 
Book of Fanehria ; two Books of JUisceUanmi EUoMams, 
a Tragedy^ immohth l9aae\ and Stntiodes 9ive Bellum , 
Biamas. 



Art. XVIL EARLY LlXERATUfiE OF FLORENCE. 



1* jimhroidi Travtrsari CamaMonensis aliorumquz 
ad ipaum Bpistolce -y acced. ejiisdtju viia , in qua Nis- 
toria Lit'eraria Florentina ah an. //9a ad 1440 deduc" 
ra est , a jLaurenUo JJt/ius . F'iorentioe 1 yog — 4) vol* 
fol, 

a. Leonardi Bruni .h etini Epistolm, adfidem Cod' 
MSS. supplelcc etc. tecensente Laur. Mehus , Etrurim 
AcadGmice Corlonensis socio , qui Leonardi vilam scn^ 
psil , Manetti et Poggii oraiiones prcemiait , Jndicea , 
animadver^innes <t Prcrfationem adjecit , UbrumquB Ho- 
num uc decimum in lucent protulU. FlorenJUm t^4i ^ 
Fart, 2 , voL #. in 4." 

3. Francisc^ Bocchi , £logiorum , quibua viri cla* 
ttMtnu naii JFIormticB dtcorantur , liber pHrnua: Fhr, 
f6p^ 4- liber sec. i66g, in 4.* veiy rare. 

4. Si.rie di BitratU ePuomini iUustn ToBcani con 
Elogf storici dei medednU , JFirenze 4 00/. 

5. FtU d^wmini iUmiH FiortnUniy scrim da 
F^lif^ Fiihnii coUb jinnaiaziom del Conle Giamma^ 

16 



243 LaKLY LlTERATUaE OF FlOHMXCU* 

na MauuutheUt , Academico tleUa Cm$ca , F^newia 

6. DafUis , Peirarchmj et JSoceatii FUm « awtore 
Jannoetio Jlictnetio, Fktr, 8,"*' rare. 

7. VgoUm FtrifU de ilUutnUtane ur6is Fioreniiaf, 
Ceumimt, LuHtiee, t5SS,foi* Ed. rananma. 

8. De origine rentm IMhu^ auei, GugUeSmo Pas* 
irtgico. P'entUU tb4y in 8* exira fare. 

Though unprepared to enter at length on this sabject^ 
however amply illuslrated by the above publications , 
jiai licul.iiiy tlie life oi Ambrosio Traveisari by the lear- 
ned Abale ]Vlelius , and other valuable works , I seiie 
this occasion oi iiUioducing to the notice of the £ngli^k 
Public , and more pariicalarly to the lovers of Italiaa 
Lilcraiuie , a person , who, though pnssc y>i d of ihe mOfJt 
extraordinary endowments , is from the circumstance of 

premature death , but little koowa beyond the pre- 
ciucts o£ his native City. 

MfiMoin OF Ktcc6x.o STxm$Lxo Mxuccr. 

NxccoLO SrANTfLAo MsvC4^t C^) » wat bom at Flo* 
jence, on the 3^ of December 1730 « of an obscure 
thougli reputable fitmily. HaTing from his earliest in- 
fancy given tokens of singular acuieness and 'ability , ht 
was destined by bis parents for ihe Church j and com- 
m^ced his studies under the anspicies of his Maternal 
Undo , a schoolmaster at San Gasciauo , near Florence. 
In the jear 1733 > he entered the Archiepiscopal Sc- 



(*) Thia notice is entracted from the Nort'Ila Litterarie di Fi- 
renze an. I740, to which tlie reader is reiVrred for a ialier 8C ount* 



Digitized by Google 



'Eaxvt Litsbatuu OB FixnurcB* 943 

mioary of Florence , where he pnnued hie stodies with 

the greatest ardour , say? the Florentine Journalist , 
tt All* ultimo respiro dclla sua vita troppo breve , e ci 
ha sumiua lagionc di dubitare , se Firenz(; , c 1' aJtre 
Citla pure abbiano aviito ancora , o avratino per I'av- 
Venire, ailro Giovine di sapeie co^i proiondo od esteso.» 

In a short space of lirae he made hirnseii master 
of ihe Frenrh , Latiti , Greek , aud Hebrew langua* 
gps ; betvtfne lnndariieiitaily acrynaintrd with tlic arts 
of Eloquence and Poetry, in Avhich he exercised himself 
continually , in various idioms , with exquisite taste , 
and •nrpriaing facility/ made a rapid progress in philo* 
logy , acquired exteniive knowledge of History , pene- 
trated the most recondite secrets of Natural Philosophy 
and Metftphyaict , and gained some knowledge of Ma- 
themattci. He applied hinuelf lastly to the study of 
Moral philosophy , the sacred Canons and General Histoiy 
of the Church » in which he made eminent Progress. 

Amongst his numerous works mostly unpublished 
and all unfinished, we hare in print besides poems in 
several languages^ his emdite notes and illnstnitions to 
the modem edition of the Epistles of Philelphus , (1) 
some articles in a learned and useful work projected 
hy him, entitled u Anttchitk Ulustrata , n of which one 
volume only was published , (2) etc. etc. 

The Students having formed an Academy within 
-the Seminary , with particular rules and institutions , 
which ihpy styled » Academy ol ihe Industrious , 
in which they read or recited original compositions , 
Meucci at every Meeting produced Morsels of Poetry 



(1) Francisei FhilelphI Spistoln Flor. 174^ 8.* 1." vol. 'only* 
(A) Florence 1743, S.** 



a44 Early LrrLRAxuas os Floabkci* 

tod Eloqaence ^ and read DiMertatioiM oa Yariouf sub* 
jects. From the latter > I have selected one professiag 
to give a slight Sketch of the Liteniy History of Flo-> 
iCDce , ibr the space of nearly a century : it is copied 
from the original M, S. in th Library of the Semiatry^ 
which « though almoet illegible/ (i) and certainljr not 
intended for pnblication « in iu present state , ctnnot , 
from the period it embmcei » euttrely fiiil to interett 
those who tefpttd the revival of Utetatnre , as an event 
of some importance , in the History of filankind. 

It was hardly possible that the extraordinary ta« 
lents and atuinments of Mencci, shonld pats totally 
unnoticed by his cotemporartes. 

He was accordingly invited in 4749 to saperinteod 
the Florenline College at Rome with promises of still 
farther advancement. 

Whilst preparing to accept so flattering ao invita- 
tion, having already takea his Degree of Doctor ia 
Theology in ilie University of Florence , he was siczed 
with a violent malignant fever , occasioned , it is thou- 
gh I , by too inteuse appiicatioii , and expired on the 
25'''of November oi' that year, aged 21 year^ , 11 Months, 
and 21 days; to the infinite regret of all who knew him , 
as to his gr< rii talents he added the most amiable Cha- 
racter > « h u. rcligioso , e modesto , e di costumi inno- 
centi} civile ncl trattare, candido, e of&cioso« e sioceio 
apprezzatore di tutii| » His last obsequies were perfor-* 
nicd by the students , in the domestic Chapel of the 
Seminary: and the following Epitaph inscribed to his 
Memory : 

(1) This may perhaps bu some apolf^jv for the nutncrous ^r- 
r( which will, I fear , be found iu the copy. I faavo ventured to 
Add a t^ansiatioD, and a few uotcs. 



Digitized by Cuv ^v. it. 



£abi*t Liuratvrs of Fiorbmcx. a^S 

Fel. Mtr. NieoL Sttnisl. Meucdat 

De Seminario Florentioo 
Eequieni accipiat in Deo Paire 

£t Chriato ejus Filio 
Alnnmos exempli larissimi 

Iiiterii oomibiM eraditos 
Qui vix. ano. XXI m* XI d. XXII. 

The Academy of the Indostrioas being assembled 

by desire of the Archbishop and maDj Literati to cele* 

brate his ])raiscs , a long Oration was pronounced by 
the A-batc Guidelli, in wliich he drew a liveiy portrait 
of Meucci, and was followed \:>y the other students , 
with various pieces of Poetry, Greek, Latin , and Ita* 
lian ; finally his portrait , by a celebrated Master , 
was placed in a conspicuoos situation^ with the above 
ioflcripUoa on Marble beneath iu 



I 

346 Eaii.y Lit£R4vuak Off Flokskcz. 

Emav er iV« A Jfsucci. 

• ^ <«n> ^ /wr ecMitiin eantsntimeniOp eke daUce e earn 
utpra ogni alira umana eoaa esuerei dMt la pairia , 
ieUvhi t amore di lei ogm nUiro amore cmnprende come 
mpvied Cicerone non vi maromgUaie , ehe a pr^vrenga 
d ogni altro argtmiento mi eia propoeto in queata eera 
di teeeere un hreve eh^^ eU guesta noatra eiuik fioren^ 
Uetima , capo deHa ieOa Toecana , e deitlmHa Uitta 
gran Iiisfro e decoro. 

Sofio a dir vero tanti c si /ari i prtgi di lei , che 
ogfii buon Cittad'uio a* titolo di graliludint percio che 
a lui ne risnltit , dehhe ^dere non poco in ndurseli 
ialora alia )f?en(c e sofjrir \>olentieri che da ahri se ne 
fuccia par old , onde re'^tino quulU viepiii noti c pa/esi ; 
cgli e ben vero che 'loa a iutli in generate s tender si 
debbe il presente ragionamtnto ma solo a quei parti- 
colari c/ie ella » i aquittcUa con la promozione delle 
huone lettere , con disegno di acorrere dal 1340 fine 
al 1430 , dal tempo cxW in cui specia/mente /tori Fran* 
eeseo Petrarca fino a quetlo in ouifu quh Mamatom 
projeeaore VEloquenza , Franeeaeo FOeffo. 

Jlnderd dunqm braoemenU inveatigando quaUfoa^ 
aero gU aiue^ , quedi i maeatri , e quali quei dofii di~ 
acapoli , per mezMo di cui inoominidarono a apargerai 
i aemi del &uon guato ehe oggi vi regna » qualC le Bi" 
ilioieekit , quali i Jfuaei , qua& flrudmeiUe i Fautari 
deUa leiiere e dei leUeraii , cka gettarono per eoal tUre 
i /ondamenti di queato ne/biUasimo Tempio , in cui U 
bmn guaio medeainto quaai un Dio nel auo iromo ri^* 
aiede. 

Non acaik tuUo queaio che un aaggio di ciJ che 



Digitized by Cuv ^^it. 



Raajuy Litbk^tvbe of Flobenc]^. 347 
•0 in altro tempo e con maggkri notizie tpero dt faro 
jpid eompiio , od ewatto , ma per questo aaggio mede~ 
jdmo io pronuUo it nostra hemgno eompadmenio , A A, 
pereimao da qudtamore , che in voi come in peraone 
odUe et^ipongo e per le leiiere , e per la pcUria, e per 
tutU eeihro che a misura deUe propHe foree e*ingegrui- 
no d£ tempo in tempo di esporvi le loro studiost ri» 
oerehe, 

Non vi ha didMo t A A , che nel tempo ancora deUe 

pid fiere persecusdoni che ahhiano avuta le lelttre nelV 
Italia , e specialmente solto gU ultimi Re de* Goti e 
Longobardi , non vi ha disse dubbio , che non sieno in. 
esm fioriti alquanto gU stiidj y e che in couse^ne/i za 
anco nella nosim Fircnzc non possa esservi sempre sfa- 
to , qualche amore per le letiere , e qualche esercizio 
laudeuo/e del/e medesimc. 

Sara duncjue bene sul bel priiicipio awertire che 
non si fa ora da me questione dcglL stu lj , e degli uo^ 
mini che per essi fioriscono dalle metA in area del ^e- 
colo Xiy fino cdTanno So nel susseguenle , ee nm in 
quetnio per mezzo di questi incominci6 a nascere i 
hm gusto negU etue^^ e epecicUmmte in queUi che be&e 
lettere e leltere unume a* eysqjeUano* 

Certamenie ee degfi studf\ deMefieoUit eupenori f 
degU uomini , che in fttrono in quei tempi i pid eecelm 
lenti , voleeei io few parda , dovrei primiaramente co* 
me di cosa pid ifieigne ragionare alquanto deUa nostra 
VmvereitA JPiorentina , U cui ata^lmento detemdnalo 
daBa JttpuWioa nostra fino dal iSiffu poi promosso 
circa at 1843 dal nostra Wescovo Angiolo Acciajoli , 
ed ebbe finafmente il sno compimento sotto il di lui 
succcssore J^rancesco Atii da Todi per una ioUa di 
Gemente P^J spedila qua d^Avignone w/ t348. 



348 £UII»T LtTBRATURB OV F&OBBltCS. 

S per 1/ero dire gmioaa e facU co$a earMe U 
rammentare alcuni di guei pid iUuein soggetU eke tani^ 
decora apportarono a quesia UrUverdia ,eda queUi or^ 
dini rtUgiaei , in em la ma^kr parie fa>rivanio ; ma 
poichk qudita materm nan moUo of^w^ene al/ine, 
c^io mi sono prinoipalmenie prvpeUo ^ 6aeti am tav* 
vertire eoUanio eke Pi/mvereiiA meniovata in tal tem^ 
po fu etabilita ^ e fu di grande incemivo per inirapren* 
dere gli eturlj pid serj e pid gravi , e molti nsveglio 
dalle Cilta circonvivinc a farm quivi i primi corsi suito 
bravi Teologi speciahnente e dotd Ciiirisconsuhi. 

yiviuizando (idunque it discorso i^uisUi C inte.nto mio 
principah , i primi uommi ; che nel sec Jo Xlf a'ln^ 
contrana dei^li studj delle uniaiie letters rii,loratori fu- 
rono certamente I\-nncesco Petrarca e Giovanni Boc- 
caccio amendue Fiorenlini , rjiianiiinijue il prima in 
^rezzo nasccsse , e quasi per iulto il tempo delta sua 
vUa da JPirewi^ fosse bandito ; Valiro da alcuni si eia 
creduto neUi in Ceriaido , dove degli non fu che oriundn» 

Questi dal genio lore naturaU ad altri studj fnii leg* 
giodri inclinad » c di quelto della Ugge dieguttati ugual- 
m/en^ dappoichk UbeH furono , e di steeee padroni , il 
genio ruUuraie seguendo questi abbondarono s ed agU 
alin appUearanU con tuUo V ingegno, 

dno di Sigibcddi daPisioia, Gioeanni df Andrea t 
Giox CSsUderino , e Sort, ePOsaa, non trooarono nel 
trarca per le legge queUa dispoeinone medesima eke Bar^ 
laamo Cala&rese numaco Bauliano e poi f^emwf di 
Gerad id aveoa iroeaio per le umane leUere ne* qwde 
a Pisa era gia state sua preceUore ; siccome il mede- 
simo Cino non trovo nel Mnccaccio C inclinazione me- 
desimn per gU sLiidj legali , che per gU stud) delta Fi* 
losofia (rov6 in lui Giovanni da Strada , Andalo di 



Digitized by Google 



£abx.t Liter atcbb of Fx^orencb. ^9 
Ntgro Genovete^ e spectabnenia ii JPetrarca, e Leon^ 
Mh Pillaio mUivo deUa l^sssahnica. Non dee» oarfti<» 
meai$ diMart , cht neUe l^i aneora e iMi!Ai Fihtcfta 
^ad non fimero guetU due P^akniwtmim , ma deiBeH 
oAiwsl ieneri per certo , che non farona qMieele ie seienf 
9B dke esM eo&ivarmo con impegne maggiore. 

Im cpere kro a iutlo il mondo notitsime haatBt" 
ntenie dUmoUFoao chi ¥Wogu$n%a sokt o nel verw o 
mtla prxm , e terudixione aequisiata nei Ckusid ai»-. 
tori ed un qualche principio rii ptaio deUa lingua XjO- 
Una , 9ono ie ire cote che gU resiro UUutri e pid cc- 
UM* QueUnpoi che a me semhra pih degno di lode si 
i che a qut'sti laudenoli studj aggiunsero egbnofino della 
eld lorn pill fretca la cognizioim deUe lettere greche , co- 
sa in quel tcmp\ aJffaUo nuova , barhara e pellegrina , 
e che tanti ha i-eio dopo di loro illustri nella patria no- 
stra, nella jiostra Toscana , ed in iutta V Italia. EgH e 
ban vera , cJie in questo purfi colnre studio non merito 
certamente tanlo lode il Pftrarca , quanta ognun dgbbe 
accordarne al Boccaccio, //» fatti non troviamo che il 
primo nel Ubro delP ignoranea di ee medesimo aUesia 
che dcU eopramenlovato Barlaamo appreee egii qualche 
primo rudimento deUe kUere Greche , ma che non poti 
ptanpir queeio etudio aUeea la merle del eao maestro / 
senMuehe nd ec^piamo che » U continocaese giammai, 

Al ccnirarie Gw: Boccaccio eseendo in Siaifia ed 
aoendo eecando ahuni appresi gU dementi del Grisoa 
Iduuna dal eopraUodato Barlaamo , ne continuA uanpre 
A> etudio e tqteeialmenle sotto Leonuo JPHalo di TenO' 
kmca che egU fece da Feneaia venire ec^ euoi coneigii 
a Mren^e, e le cui leeioni egU eentl per ire anni, Di 
questo ^ certamente tesOmonio Ben ehiaro, P opera delta 
Geneahgia degU Dei , la iraduzione deWlUade d'Ome^ 



ro, da hd miadcOa td Petntrca , psisa PosBetudsif/ne 
di MoHB. BeceeukBi , la pu&BHea kimra , ehe egU pro» 
curd apposta per i Ubri (tOmsro , td altre simUi coa* 

da hd raccontate tiella Genealogia , che non si irovato 
putilo lelle del nostro Pelrarca. 

Qiiindi i c/ie Giannozzo Manetti , uonio assri ce- 
lehre net st^colo XP^, del solo Boccaccio vo/'^va che si 
ricouftscesse tutto ci6 , che nllora vi era di Gr^ca eru~ 
dizione , come qucllo che w primun Prrpreptcrem et li- 
hr< s Grr^cos a jioUs per Icn^a tc raniiti mfri&que spa- 
iia distantes propriis sufnptibits in Mtruriim rcduxit, % 
MgU € ben vera , che se it Petrarca , in jiiesto genere 
d'erudiuone non merita la lode giustamen^ dovuta al 
JBoeetwdo , nulladimeno , *%iima uguale dehbesi avert 
per Ptmo , e per PaUro a nguardo defti altri stn 'j , e 
mc^giore per il prima se dUta Poeaia ai /avella, II 
nostro CohtociO Seduiaii in cdcune hitere da hd scriits 
sui principio del sw CcuHceUierato ^ una a Bentfenuio 
dd RtmAaHi da Jnuda ^ una a Francesco di Brossqno, 
un' altra ad un Come Anordmo, amendue loda ugual* 
mente pe* hro scriUi » ed amendue ttncora arUepone 
agH aniichi Classici aiUori ugutde stima mostrando per 
fjiffrica ddi^unc , che pertE,^'oghe d^takro; ma Sen 
sirieava deih medesime leitere , ehe la sdma di tkducdo 
per il Petrarca era maggiore , mentre egS dando la nuo' 
va delia morte del Boccaccio al sopramenfovato Fran, 
di Brossano* dice , che in qu^Uo ancor vivo rontoleva 
alquanto il dolore jicevuto pe*' la morle dtl gran Pe- 
irarca , dolore che egli confesna di non aver mai pro~ 
vato , ne di essere per provar rnui^giore gianimai ; pro- 
seguendo posciu cnn altre espreasioni di sommd stima 
le lodi di quel gran Poeta , le qiiali a me semhrartjo su^ 
periori a quelU con cut egli eommenda il Boccaccio, 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



Early Litmatuhk or Floii£nc£* 25% 
Infatti , in un secolo in cui la siima ma^giore de- 
^ uondni » acomleuia faciimtnie ai PoeU , •d <tgU 
miUori di fikivfia moeals , non potem gueata non «f * 
Mr^ pel Peirarca maggiort, che ton poco wdend fit 
nifOa morale fikesfia j ed alquatUa wi^Uore did J^oc^ 
eaccio, neUa Poena latina, ehe egU/i quad rieu" 
ecUare j ed ecceUenie come ognun ea neUa Toeeana j 
eentm eaeenri etaio intSrixMcUo probaMnenie da altn, 
eke da Menvenmo da hnoJa , e da Cino da Pietoia ^ 
uno fib' euoi pHmi moBstn , e di quesH- aneora assai 
poco, Grande e dunque Vobbligasione che aver de&Bono 
cd Petrarca ed al Bvccaccio , le umane letiere f ma non 
mi/iorc. cer/dTnanfc qiiella che esse delji>o?io professare a 
l^uigt Alarmii Jj/ e/nihitio di S. ^^ostino , e Dottore 
nelC Universita nostra , ed a Giovanni di Ravenna , 
die alcuni dicono malamente de Terreiti , essendo de* 
MalpagUni , e probabilmetUa lo stcsso che da Coiuccio 
jti (tpiisllH. anche talvolta Converscino ; it primo certa- 
m^nle lodato dal Petrarca tn una delle sue Seni/i come 
uomo di grandi e rari talenii , e di vasta^ e singoiare 
erudisdone, JSbn eolamenie m ile acienze superiori servl 
a molti di guida , ma eziandio ^neUe kUere umane in- 
diitMMd non poc/ii giovarU , che per quei tempi riu8ci~ 
rono hUeraU ecceUeiiii. Poggio BrocdoUni nelToraMione 
funende a Niceoh NiocoU afferma ehe la cella di lid da 
mold giooani era eondnuamenie frequeniaia, e fra gU 
aliri che moUo dotd utcirono deUa sua echola 9 d contano 
M Pocdanie , Gaovanni iMureuse , RoderUfPosd^ e lo 
efeeeo NtecoU da rammeniard eotto pih voUe , e sem* 
pre eon lode. 

Leonardo Aredno nel Dialogo a Pietro Istro , che 
manoacrilto si conseroa ne/P insigne nostra MagUahe" 
c/uatui f ifUmduve Culuccio a J'avellare sopiu ii nostra 



sSa EARLY LrantATUKi or FLomcff. 

MarsiMf ed eato in kd ammira la tknMm deUe etigrd' 
Mhni le piu pregevoU € ran » una gran tmaeOA tU me- 
moria che mosirava fmqumUtmiBntn nel r^tott mM 
pern tH yifgUio di {Xeerane , di Seneca , e degii aU 
in veooM maeairif e eanfhesa di iwer moUe coee da Ud 
t^prese , dicendoh un uomo , a cvd nuUa ei paieva per* 
tare , che nuovo gU giungesae , auendo giA ttUtO W<09 
e cfiiarnmeiitG conosciulo . Giovanni poi da Jlatfenna j 
cAe per testimonio di Flavio Biondo da Forti , sforico 
assai nnomato del secoh XV, conobhe da fane t alio , il 
Petrarca giA vecckio , anzi , come ricai/asi dalla Clro- 
nica del Foresti » e da una lettera di Culuccio a Carlo 
MataUieia , fa did Petrarca stesso discepolo , e con hd 
conversS quasi qw'ndici annl , tanto vahva nella mo- 
rale JUosofla , neUa Sioria, neUa Poesia , e //' Elo- 
quenta , che dcpo avere con moiUa lode professato in 
Venezia , chiamaio fa a Firensse , <we fra ^ altn 
aUievi cH ei fece^ si coniano con non poea sua lo- 
de , Ambrogio Trtwereari conoeciuio ccmunemehie eoUo 
U rwme S Ambrogio Ccunaidoleae, 

Poggio BractwUni, PaUa Sirozeif Ho&erto Roed, 
Zsonardo Aredno 9 Carlo Marauppini, € Jacopo d^Anr- 
gelo di Soarperta , cioi m dire i maggiori JMlxrad di 
qwd tempo in Firenee, doeome in Vtmtia lo erana 
Pietro Pooh f^ergeno il veccAio, Praneeseo Barharol 
Guarino da Verona , ed altri in divorai luogM , eke 
giA eranoelaii aotto la sua discipUna, 

Egli h ben vera , che dccome io tengo per certo eot 
Fossio, col Fahricio e col Signer Reeanad , eke akune 
opere egU lasciasse acritte , del che pare che dubitaaae JPla^ 
vio Biondo, rod nonsoprei assicurare per lo contranoni 
di Itit ne del soprallodato Marsili , che iunto P uno quanto 
faltro la lingua Greca postedeaaa , c che di. asaa qual" 



Digitized by Cuv ^v. it. 



Eablt Litbrature Of Flobencb. a53 
che pnncipio desae^ € ^puUche saggio ai tuoi scolari aopra- 
lodati, Noi Uwdamo ceriepnenitp che da Cobtccio ScUu^ 
iaH deW uno e deW aUro mai famiUare , emfeua Zeo^ 
nardo AreUno di riconoacere la cogniuom acquistata , 
Mle kttere Greche ; e che M. JLsn^ant eredt che lo 
9U890 CMuedo ie mcdesime inaegnasae al noatro Nic* 
coh JNieeoH; onde potrehhe per ei6 panrt che egU h 
attetM fadbnenU tifipnte , o dcd noatro ManUi , o det 
Ciovamu da Bamwiui, 

Ma per voro dire , io nan aaprei jmndarumente 
decidere ae Cobtedo quantunquo uomo doUiaaimo, e 
aomuno amieo e promoiore dcUe ietiere o dd XsUarad 
del euo eeeido, opeaae tiniura akuna S iuigua Greca, 
man tfedendo che M, LenfarU Mia appoggiata eopra 
alcuna autorltd la sua propasizione , e c/ie veramente 
ei ne pvtesae trovare per fiancheggiarla , e parendomi 
dciW altro canto che le pajxde di I^mn. ylrctino iion al' 
tro portino at noji che Coluccio ttioIIo conlribui al di lui 
avanxamento nella medesima lingua , lo che come ognun 
vede in molte maniere seguir poteva anco quando Co- 
luccio non ne avtsse avuta la menoma cognizione . [n 
secondo luogo qnmdo ancor si conada che Coluccio di 
questo lei pretiio adornn fusae , io non saprei assicurare 
che dal Marsili o da Giovanni da Ravenna , anzich^ 
dal Bocoaccio , o da heonzio Pilato , o forse da Ema^ 
nuele Chriaxdora esaendo gia vecchio ei^aveaae ricevuto. 
Oltre di queaio » io trow che it F'olterrano parlando di 
quegb che studiavano soUo il Chrisolora , dice » Ho~ 
^piia jam latinia legi^me Uteris imdutos , Emmanad 
Chrysolorae echda ruraua escepitfn; h che rapportandod 
a da che poco eopra egli dice *U Gio: da Ravenna » 
d potrA agetfohnenie cenchiudere che queeto. ddk laHae 
hUere eolamente fa maestro in FirenMe , e Jmekk nor* 



254 EAIII.T LiTiiAToas or Fumnrci* 

» irow guahhe convincmte Mimofiio a/€Ufore dellfar' 
siU , h sietso n potrA crtdere ancAe di iui. Quel eke 
si pud notare spedtdmenie di Gio: da Rmvenna $ si 
chs ritnhfd wtrf UM di OeceiwM non per aneo 
scopwit , se eredere si WfgHa ai Marchesi ehe ne ncavd 
la noiiua del Jlosai , scrittore della Sloria di guella 
CitUi. 

JJal fm qui detto apparisce che V Eloqutnza si fiel 
verso che nella prosa , e nelle Unf-ue Latine e T( .scarce , 
era lutla P ovnipazione di quei primi stiuienti per mezzo 
di^ quail i vcnne nicno di ginrno in giorno l*anficu harharia . 
71071 sap endosi che altre pubbliche vifossero in quei tempi 
in Firenze di umane lettere , che quella delia lingua La- 
tina f e quella della 'J'oscana , che comunemenie si qppella 
la ieiUtra di Dante , eserdiata la prima voUa dal nostra 
JBoccaccio , e qtsindi da un cerio Antonio Piovano, di cui 
«' ignora il cogname , da ^Hppo FiMani f e dal sopraU 
bdato Gio. da Ravenna , smta che si saj^a chs Leon* 
gio PikUo nella sua eaUedra di hitere Greohe avesse 
alcan suecessort, GU anm suss^ptenti Juroao in gue» 
sio assaipiit feUei , quando il doUissimo Smanuels Ckn-' 
sohro spediio eon tiioh iPAmSeuniaiore da Manuek 
PaUalogo , non come serisse M, JAt^anl da Giovanni 
suofigUo^ ai Piincipi Muropei per ehieder hro aftUo 
contro Bajageite Signore del Turehi , dopo tfavere scar" 
sa invano la fitmda , la Germania « e tinghiUerraf 
passaio net t3g^ in TtaKa per seeondar Pamore che egli 
aveva per le hc.lle lettere , lascio qiiivi il caraitere d^ Am- 
basciaiore , per prender queilo di Professore di lin- 
gua Greca, P'enezia , Firenze, Roma e Pavia , faro- 
no le Cittii che delle sue leziani , con iiioltd sua lode e 
'^Htnfaggio goderono . Pietixt Paolo l^^eri(eno il vecchio, 
Jt'rancescit Barbara , JUsonardo Giusiiniani , ,Guarino 



Digi^i ' ' / Google 



Eabiy Liikaatwbs of FiiCmBHGS. a55 

da Ktrona , fiumto a dir vero saoi grandi aUtevi in 
ymtwia; ma jwn mtm in Firenm$ h furono X«ors, 
^rtiino f jimh, Cetmaldolue , Jae^ d^Angda dST Soar^ 
ptria^ Pi^ggio Sraedetini, Carlo Mmupjdni , Andrea 
Ftoco, Niecolo NfceoH, PaUa SuokU , diUla eui pe^ 
rijua TteUe latere Greche , ieHimonj ben ehita* eono h 
MUgenti ae non eaaite versioni , cAk varf ecriUon 
Greet Jtcero i euprannominati aoggetH p a n$er»a diegU 
tdUmi ire^ de* quaU a nUa nctiMia mtUo v*ka S seriUo 
in quesio genere, I SecepoH egiandios che eeU edSero, 
/anno inueme vedere la perizia loro , e la ewUimtaztone 
deUo studio Greco, che da quei tempi ai noatri non i 
fnai iolulfntnte )nancalo . 

Potrei qui , non v' fia dubbio , tesservi un lungo 
CatalogQ di qmsti tllmi.i f^og^tti , ma poichk lunga 
cosa J e poco inieressante pttrebbe esso jiuscif^ , io mi 
les/rinifn a I nosfro G iannozzo Mamtti , contentandomi 
di solo awertire che vanno errati coloro , eke il ^o/- 
Urraneforee eeguendo, del Chrieolora lo fanno disee" 
pob, fuando veramente ei non apprtse le lettere gre^ 
che ae non di a5 anni da Am&regie di Camaldoli, ee^ 
eendo gitk tei marto nel OaneiUo di Coeatnga il loebtio 
CMeohru , come ae ia nan iaeamAio , ha nvtato neOa 
pita del ManetH medeaimo , aneo il ehtarieavno Sfgnor 
Mfuraion, Quantungue perd il Chriaolora in nuBa pHt 
eaerdtaaae gtingegrd JtaUani , e apedtdmenie i J>io^ 
rentinip che neiUo atudkf deUe lettere Greohe , tuttavia 
ai pud dire » ehe col jmeMBO di eeae egU vi aparae un 
gusto urdveraak per tutto dd'eheleMmtane lettere han di 
pi& hello f e piit pregevole. Quindi i eke non ai conientarono 
alcuni della Greca lAiteratura , ma nutrirono f>t non 
altro un amore particolare per PEl>}-a2ca. Leon. ^-J/cii^ 
twju ceriamenia aiictm di Quesio studio, come quegli 



j266 Early LixBiATinui oi Fix>&£nc£. 

ehB inuii/e ctffaao lo ripuiava , e per iaU s' ing^ghid 4i 
dimoBtrarlo a Gio. Cirigruino di JLucea; ma quaniun- 
gue di lui amicissimo, ilsuo wniimento nonsiegidpunf 
to U aoairv NiccoU , c^'ansi ingttgnoui <f in^ttignarm 
Pcggio, quamh quetd ti ritrovaga a CoUamta, edtno 
eon qucUchB opfUcamUmt tai aHm toiio un RicMinogii^ 
JiUio CritiianOf senm perS eke » sappia eon qtttdcM 
cerUua ehe ei ne wiemni^M moko profiuo* GiannOMMO 
ManHti riutel nelfo ttudio Eiraieo assai megUo del 
P»ggio , giaeehk 4e #» vuot eredert ai Naldi, scHuore 
deUa 9ua viia ehe fieri veree il i4<jo « venHdue anni egU 
impiegd neUo ttudio de&e ire Ungue^ Latina, Greca, 
ed Ebraica , tenmdo in sua caaa due Creci ed un sue 
chn ben sapem i Ehrzo , con avei-e ordmato ai due pri- 
mi di non parlargU che in Greoo j aiicrza di non usftr 
seco alira Ungiia che t Ehrea ; ofide awenne che p(U 
traduzioni egli fece dal (rrcco , ed in tre anni tutti i 
Sa/mi iradusse , ncn come scrissero il Focaanti e il 
Pos^evini y soli ci/u^uaanfa, meritandosi in ial maniera 
d'' esser deUo Trili ni^ue y da U golini , e come tnle diffu- 
samentt lodato neU'Iialia e Spagna Orientate, opera 
postuma del celebre Paolo Coiomies , etampata in Am • 
burgo een le note del ehiarieeimo f^clfio. Delte quaU 
cose chiaro apparisce tMttet preso non piccolo ahbaglio 
Jd» Huet allora qxtando assert che ne* secoli Xiy e X.y 
non eokivalo in I/alia lo studio £6rxuco , mentre 
per lo contrario ei Sei principj id ee ne idddero aneo 
prima dd PoUsiane , dH cut non w ha meUeo tdeuno 
«U dubitare ehe di queUa parte anooru €P enUUMiene 
adomo non fosse* 

Ma egU i emai tempo difaoeUare akun peeo di 
quei memti nuUeriiM , che piii eervirono a netalHire 
in Italia le belle lettere, cio6 a dire le JBibUoteohe, 0«-> 



Digitizca by Gdo^Ic 



Early LrrERAitim or Flurence. 25/ 
tgrvo adunque c/m ai tempi del Petrarca e del Boc-^ 
caccio , moUo ne era sproviUa Vltaiia nostra « quelie 
medeume che pi trano , appena mn $* ignoravano . ll 
prima die procwraue di fame acquisto fu U JSoccao^ 
eio medesimo , il quale bramoso di molio sapere , pa- 
reocfU codici si fe venire di Grecia , parecchi da se 
siesso traaorisae , ncn come eopisia altrui , ma ciane 
bramoso d^iUruire vi^piii se medesimo ; h ehe atfperie 
assai bene ncavarsi da un testimomo del Manetti il 
Signer Domenico Maria Manni, H Peintrea altred 
di mold fe prowjiwme , e questi fitrse in gran pa/ie 
passarone posdanella Libreria di Oduccio Sahitati, giA 
pi&voiie con lode meniooeUa, Ma ehiehesia dicidcerta- 
mente, che questo gran CdnceUiere diUa nostra HepudBli* 
ca, tanto pose di studio in far raccolta de librit che quasi 
800 pole inquei tempi possederne, a^sicurandoci il Pog,^io 
neW Orazione funvrale del Niccoli , che la Libreria di 
Cohiccio riguardo al jiu/ntro de* Codici , di 
inferiore a quella del medesimo MtccoK , che avea 
con gran faiica , e grande apese fatto acquisto di pin 
di 800. Ma poichk del NiccoH m* h accaduto di far pt^ 
rola , to non isUmo fmr di proposito spiegare pid am- 
pHamsnie quaU meM» egfi tenesse , quoT indusiria egU 
usasse per riirovare antichi codici , e per comporre di 
easi una copiosa Bihlioi^ea, 

In prime luego tulunque essendosi venduU i UM 
del Petrarca , e di Coluceio dope la merle loro^ come 
wacoonta il Poggio nella gid> lodata Orasione , io credo 
assai verisimile, eke il nostro Niccoli di essi huona 
parte compraese , e che quelU ancora del Boccaceio per 
qualche tempo ritenesse , firUanto che tsdificaia da hd 
la LUreria degH ErerrUtarU di S. u4gestino di questa 
Ciltd , in essa nen farono traslaii , come nella f^ita 

>7 



9$8 Eab&t Litaatvu ov FLomcti 

del Boeeaceio rtfetUcB il MatwUi. in seeondo hm» 

go io stimo aaaai prchahile che molti ne potesse aver^ 
per mezzo del Poggio j il quale es^eudo i/i Cos/anza e 
in J^ondtxi , nut special/n fite in Costanza y molie dili^ 
genze fece per rUrovarne , e molU ancora ne ritrova e 
J eve coniprare, c/e' quaU si puo vrdere iin OtiMl€kgo piU 
esatto di quelio , c7/e gia ne desse AI. J^enfant , pn'sso 
il Sig. Recanati , e Niceron , nella vita del Poggio me- 
dedmo ; e uliimamente , presso V Eminentlss. Sig. Car- 
dinale Querini , nel/a Viatriha PreUminare aWEpiHote 
di Francesco Barbara. infuUi se si ieggono le letters 
del Fof^po al J^iccoli si vedr^ chiarmMnie ^ che que-^ 
tto aecondo , aUro non faceva neUe sue , ehs ricMsder* 
ai prima deiie mdsie di Codiei mnvaimnU acoperd , 
0 pregaria insieme a nistHtrs in UUta tJnghiUerra , 
cams s^ avsva gU^ faits neBa Germania , s special' 
wmme nel cek&re Memawtsn di S, GaBo , ittiie le Id' 
irene di quei mmwi ffotmdoai dare immUarj dei Co- 
did ehe id erano y e quandb ve ne fessem dei pr^geveU 
facendo di essi far la oapia aneo a sue spese, QuesU 
desidery delNioeoli, quaniunque nan furono psenaments 
saddts/aiiif parie a cagione della peale eheimpediva al 
Foggio tinnokrarsi neU /ng/dlierra , parts a cagione 
dell* ignoranea dei Monad, che queUe JJbrerie eusio^ 
diifono f parte finalmente a cagione deUa searsemsa dei 
Codici, che egli da per tutio notava in quelVIsola , special- 
menterigiiurdu agli auianpi ojaniij urono tuilavia in parte 
adempUi , mentre anco i?i delta Isola ei ntrovh qualche 
Codice , e attri FiorenUtd cercarono di suppUrne con 
cid c/ie in quelle Librerie si rilrovava di piii. J^unga 
€^sa snrcbbe il fare un dettii^Uo di quegli acqiiisti let" 
terarj cfie fecc per mezzo del Poggio , il nosti'H Jsie-- 
QoUi onds k iJtc io mi conieaio di soggiui^gere , die 



Digitized by Cuv 



Early Lrr£&ATURE of Florence. 359 

qunntun^ue a ptratioaione del Poggio mede(,imo, ei non 
intraprendesM , cone avea gi^ disegnato , ii viaggio 
della Orecia^ nuUadimeno anco M essa ric ivb pareecki 
Otdtd f e per metto d/d mercanU FiarenHm , che in 
giteUa pa/te tmfihapano , o per meeto di aUri LeUe- 
rMi amici moi. Jffo giA notaio di sopra , ehe per te- 
9timman*a dti Poggio , i U6ri del ^cadt erano pi& 
di 800 ; ma non iitimo di doverqui ora tacere , che Vgo- 
Uno FeHni , it quale fioii versa iifinedei secob XF', 
riduce U numero ^ indeiermmato dei Poggio , a fooo « 
emendati eodici , seguendom ht comune t^inione . Co- 
nmnque cilcf $ia , eeria cq4A ^ , ehe questa copiosa rac* 
coUd di Hbfi ; fascitOa del NiceoH al puibUoo , fit tra- 
sferita ihgli Esecutori testamentary nelta Libreria di 
S. Matxo , come i codici dal Boccaccio Lo erano stuli , 
in quella dei PP. di S. Spirito , arrlchita poscia , ed 
accresciula nofabiinmnte da qnei del Marsili , come ri- 
ferisce if Poccianti. Resterebbe ora da ricercare se il 
Poi^^ifto J che famo attese a fare acquisto di btioiii Co- 
did , formu'se poi di essi , qualche copiosa BibUoleca ; 
ma aapendosi quale itpesa si fatte imprese ricAieggvno , 
e per I* alira parte quanta acarso di dtmaro * per la puk 
fosse a Poggio medeaimo / u> mi do a credere ahe po* 
trd ognun rimaner ptrauaao , che la Biblioteca di ltd 
mn anivti a tin gran pezzo quella del SiccoU ; tania 
pOk , eke non trovasi memoria diaiinfa , ae non ae in 
sua lettera alfy^rciueacovo di JUihnOj e inunad*^m- 
bragia Camaldoleae a un certo Girohmo , Monaco dulla 
medeaima reUgione ; ed ^ anti eaaa moko prohaHU , 
ehe per riparare at 6iaogn£ de&a viia eomune a* indt^ 
eeaue tgU iedvoUa pendere a qttalche Codice, come ai aa ehe 
egU ertde un Tito livio M&a&mu acritio da attn propria 
mono I ad Antonio Panormiia , aecendo qtiei ehe ri" 



26o Early Litehatuoe of Florbicch. 

cavasi da una Icttem del medesimo Antonio , a 
fonso , Re d' Aragona e di Napoli , di cui egU era *&- 
£fretario* Quello c/te delta dovizia del lihri del Poggio 
s* e da me detlo , lo stesso dirsi pud faciltnenle delle 
jaiwte JLibrerie di Leon. Arelino , di Carlo Marsiip- 
jdm , ^Ambrogio Camaldole&e , e d'aiiri UttcraU Jh'io-' 
rendni del seciflo Xf^, de' quali iutli si pu6 csrtammUe 
oasenrB , ehe pmcchi pregwoU cttdioi possedes&ero , ma 
non » puA asticurare in modo alcuno ofw qucsti pari tU 
numero fossero a guei pari di numero /ottero a quei ttd 
Niccolk, esaendo piit 7)€neimile che dai_Co£ci e di iui € 
di ediri profltCMero , anti eke sopra li6n t&ma propHeta, 
fM6uero quei buoni e iaudtPoU itudj « per cui immor- 
taU rimanesaero neUa memoria de* JPaaieri* Sarehbe ora - 
tempo di ragionarvi , A A, del genio per ogrU sorts di 
antic/iitd, che come quello del Cbdici , e deUt BibHo- 
ieche , 5* era gia in&inuato nvgli ingegni Fiorentini , 
prima ancora che dilalafo fosse da/la gran Casu dei 
Medici , siccome dei primi faulori cUzlk lettere e dei 
L^tterad ; pel merito dc' quali pole Firenze con tuiia 
verilu csser detlo da I chiarinbi mo Don Mahillon pri- 
inum liicrarura rcnasccntiuiu doraicilium . E cet;tamente 
grata sarebbe la rirneTnhranza delle raccoUe ^ cJiejinda 
quei tempi , si facevano di antic fie statue , pitture , 
immagim , medaglie , avanti ancora eke tlai Girci scac- 
ciati delle loro Provincie ai cercasse guivi un asilo per 
le belie arii , in cui avevano essi speciaUnenie sempre 
Jiori^l to goderei non poco di potervi es/^jre Vinda- 
etrie imtqueaio genere de' pi a voUe lodati Foggi- Brac^ 
doUni e Nicctdo jNicctdi , il secondo de' quali, non 
solo peaab per tutto U cono deUa aua idta , a mante- 
nere in^Firenz^ lo atudio Greco , faUotfi , diro cosi, 
rifiorirepermetMO del Chriadora, procumndo che d€fO 



Digitized Google 



EhMVt LlTSlATUBB OV FxiOUCircB. d6l 

di UU v£ prqfessassero il'C^tebre Guarino da p^erona, 
Giovanni Aurispa , celedre Siciliano e U dotto Fran'- 

tesco File^o (la ToUtntino , ma ogni aorte di Let f era - 
cura talmtnte gusto e pro?tiosse , c/ie anco i/i questo 
meno importante meritossi piu di ogni altro noine e 
fama immortaJe . Ma poiche lunga cosa sarebbe il dar 
quivi anco an sempUce saggio di questi due ultimi ar^ 
tlcoli , riser(>a/ido il far questo ad attra occasione , to 
sfimo pTX)prio , ^4^., di tngliervi ora col jnio silenzio 
la noja , che avrd senza alcun dabhio recata , co/ /w* 
qm c&aieso , rosea ed inccdto ragiofutmento. 



262 £a.RLT LlTERAXtHh OF lYuEKiSCf. 

£5S4T or NiC. gTANIS* MXVCCK OH TBK nXTE OF LTTSEATVM 
IN PLOAENCB fXOK iS^O tO l43o. 

If it be ai ktiowledgrd by conimon consent , that our 
Conntry should Le dear to us above all things^ and that 
the love of our Country , as Cicero savs , comprehends , 
every other , you will not be ^urpii^t d , O Acadtini- 
ciaos 1 that in preference to every other argument I pro- 
pose deToting this evening to a sliurt eulog;]r on tliis our 
fit orbhing City , chieC ot beautoous I'liacftoy , aod or^ 
nam en t of all Italy. 

In truth , to namerous and extraordinary are her 
meritaj that evecy good citiaen « in gratitude for the ad- 
vastagei retulting to himself » must rejoice in having 
them recalled to him » and readily permit others to ce- 
lehrate them^ as a means of rendering them still more 
conspicooni ; it is true indeed » that this discourse will 
not he extended to all , hut to those only which she 
has acquired by the promotion of literature^ and with 
this design , I shall rapidly ruu orer the interval 
from 1340 till 1430 ; that is from the period when Pe- 
trarch may be more properly said to have flourished , 
until that ill vvlucli I' laucc^co iiieiio was iuviled to 
fill the Chair of Eluqnence. 

I proceed then briefly to invt'vtie;ate what studies, 
what masters and Avhat dis( i[>le3 lir^i sowed the seeds 
of that good taste , that reigns at present amongst us j 
what libraries, what museums , nnd finally what fos- 
tering protectors of letters and of learned men, laid , 
as it were , the foundation of that noble temple , in 
which the genius of good lane prealdet as. a tuteltiy 
Deity. 



Digitized by Cuv (^.1^. 



BABI.Y Lmil4TVttl OF Fj.OBSirCB. 96S 

Thbwill be merely aiketch oftlut^ 'wbidhlhope 
tt some ftttare time with more ample notices « to rea- 
der fuller aod more aocurete ^ but lor this sketch oo« 
Ijp O Academicians! 1 promise myself your indalgence, 
persuaded of that love which yon , in common with 
all persons of cultivated anderstandiog , bear tovrards 
literatnrt , the Coantry , and all those individuals , who 
cndeavoar in proportion to their respective abilities 9 to 
lay before you tbe result of their studious researches. 

There is no doubt lliat even whilst suffering the 
severest persecutions , and especially under the last kin- 
gs of the Goths and Lombards, there is no douLiI sny, 
that literature still in some degree flourished in Italy, 
and consequently , it is impossible ihal our Florence sho- 
uld have beea without some love of letters , and some 
laudable cultivation of them ! 

It will be well therefore to give notice from the 
commenocmeot^ that I shailonly touch 00 the studies that 
flourished from about tbe middle of the 14.*^ century 
imtill the year 3o of the following^ so 6r only , as 
by their means a good taste in studies » and especially 
in that of polite litentnre , bcgpif to sptiDg vp. 

Were I to diseoss the atndies of superior order > and 
tbe men who excelled in them at that peitod, I should 
commence, by speaking of our Florentine Univeisity, 
the establiihroent of whicbj determined on by the Re* 
public since i3di , was afterwards promoted by our 
Bishop Angiolo Acciajoli , and finally received its com* 
pletion under his successor Francesco Atli da Todi (1) 
by a Bull of Clement Vl^ sent from AvigaOn in 1348. 



(1) Vid. Uj^^i. Italia Sacra. 



264 EabLT LlTKBATVlB OF Pf.C«BKCS, 

And in trulh , it woiiM be a pleasing labour fo re- 
call some of those illusuiuus subjects, who conlerr^d 
§0 much honour on tlie IJiiiveriiilj, and on the Beligious 
Orders, in v. liitli the greater pari flourished ; bul as this 
matter has not a strict i clcroncc to n)V pi incipal object, 
it will suitice here to obst i ve that ilie above menlio— . 
ned University, established at that period , was a great 
aiimulus lo serious studies , and excited inanj , from 
tbe surrounding citiet^ to enter on iheir course of study 
under learned lawyers and Theologians. 

Proceeding thcie£[>re to my principal object, the 
first ire remark as restorers of polite literature in the 
14.*^ Geotuty are certainly Francesco Petiarca and Gio- 
vanni Boccaccio (1) both Florentines : though the first , 
bom in Areaso » was the greater part of his life banished 
from Florence ; and the other is by some supposed to 
haye been bom ah Ceruldoj from whence his frmily 
derive their origin. 

These, led equally by theip natotal genius to li- 
ghter studies, and disgusted with that of the laws, were 
no sooner masters of themselves , than following the 
bent of nature , they abandoned them ^ and applied 
theimclves wilh ardour to other pursuits. 

Cioo da Pistoia, (u) Giovauni d* Andrea , (3) Gio. 



(i) Of the works concerning Petrarch ample notices have been 
given in a preceding sriirlp; for Boccaccio it will be sufOcient here 
to indicate the Storia del Drcani-rrone of Mann! , the a Scrittori 
d' Italia » of the Coute Mozzucheiij j auU ths vfuxlitixt modem liie 
of Boccaodo bj die Car. Balddli. 

(1) WoliSTA an intcreating moiem lifSe ofCinOj Ij the Abala 
SeUatkno Ci»npi.,Pisa 1808 ia4« SeelOwwise Crescinbeiii, dsUa 
Toligar P«>eaia ec* 

(9) Of fiolegna » tfaovgli Us Bicgcapbsts, Voiiciiioo di BtOm 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



Eablt LtTXBATVSB ov FLOBSKex. a65 
Gilderiiio, (i) and Bait, Dm, (a) did not difleoY«r 
IB Petrarch that dispositioii for the laws f that ih« Ca* 
labrian monk , Barlaamo (3) afterwards Biihop of Gc- 
raci , had found In him for polite literature , in which ho 
had before been his preceptor at Pisa; neither did 
Cino find in Boccaccio ihe same inclination for legal stu- 
dies, thai Gio: da Sirada^ (4) Andalo di Negro of Genoa, 
and especially Petrarch , and Leontius I'llaiua , oi Thcs- 
salonica , (5) had found in him for that of Philosophy. It 
cannot ceriainlv be dnabled that these two celebrated 
men were likewise .skilled in the laws •, but it is ne- 
vertheless certain that such were not the studies they 
pur&ued willi ihe greatest ardour. 

Their works notorious to the whole world , suffix 
cientljr demonstrate I that eloquence « whether in prose, 

- - - . - . 

diDa , of Ansio . and Filippo IHllaui , vsak him among tiie illn- 

strioas Florontines. On this question, vid« Mehus. Vtt»ABri>. Ca- 
maid, and MazzuchelU , Sccittoti d' Italia | who examnMS (hft Cf i- 
dence on both sides. 

(i) Also of Bologna , the adopted son of Andrea. See Fantttsse 
Scrittori Bologaesi ; Alidosi, DoltoiiBolog. etc. etc. 

(3) Of Bergamo , see CaWi, S(xna lettcraria degii Scrittori Ser- 
gamasdii. It is foreign to ny pttrpoM td esinine wliether Petianli 
really stniM under those- Mostexs. 

(S) Vid. VjfaslU , Italia $acra » UuandMlli as aboTe etc etc, 

(4) Father of the celclnaled Poet , Zanobi. 

(5) Petrarch , alluding to this singular personage, thus descri- 
bes him ; a Lpo rtostfr vere Cnl bfr, et lU ip<5f' rnlt , Thfs?iifus , 
quasi nobiiius sit Graecum ess^ (juam Italiim ; idem tamen , ut4pud 
DOS Graecus , sicut apud illos , cvptlo , Italus , quo scilicet utrojbi- 
que peregrina nobihtetur origin e. » Ep. Sen. lib. 5. Ep. G. We find 
ffeq^UMit mention of Icoiitias in tbe letters of Petrarch , and in 
one to Awcaocio, be giies an ssooiuit of bis tragical end* 



a66 £au.t hsTMRAxvmE or FLUrnxsncE. 

or verse ^ the erudition dnWQ firom th« GUtrie Aatlior% 
and tome dawoiDg of tatu in Uie Latin langoage, wore 
what diicfljr oontribnted to render them iUiMtrioua. UVIiat 
appcaia lo me moat worth j of admiration in Ifaam, is that 
they joined to these laudable pmsaiu « even from their 
teaderest youths the stndjr of Greek lilentore, a curenm- 
•tanee in thoee times altogether singular , and that has 
since rendered so many illustrious in our country , and in 
all ItaU'. In tliis particular however, the same praise 
caruioi lie accorded lo Pelrarch as to Boccaccio. In fact 
"We find the i<)raicr in liis Look , (ie ipsius et aiiorum 
ignorantia^ confessing that having under the above men- 
tioned Barlaam learned the thai ludiments of Greek , he 
■was prevented from cominuing il by ilie death ot his niaster, 
and we know not whether he ever resumed it. Buccac- 
cio on the conlrarv, being ia Sicily , and having, as so- 
me say, learned the elements of Greek from Barlaamo, 
cotiUnued ever after thje study of it, under Leon tius Pi- 
lams , who by his advice came to Florence , and whoso 
lectures he attended daring three years. Ample testi* 
mony of this is afforded by his Genealogy of ihe Gods , 
his Translatiou of the Iliad , sent by him , according to 
Moos* Beccadeili to Petrarch y the public lectureship 
•itablished by him expressly for the books of HomevV 
and other similar eiieumsunces meotioocd by him^ which 
are nowMere found of Petrarch. Hence it is. that Gian- 
noaso K^nelli , a man veiy celebrated in the cen- 
tary , speaks of Boccaccio as possessing all that then 
oaisied of Greek erndition; <( primus Prsceptorem et libroa 
Grracos a nobis per longa terranim maiisqne spatia di« 
stTiOtes f propriis sumptibtis in Etruriam reduxit » 

It is nevci ihclcss true, thai if Petrarch does not merit 
on this score C(^iial praise with Boccaccio^ we should 



Digitized by Cuv ^^it. 



Eaiilt LiTUATvns ov FiiOBXiroi. 267 

hold them ia equal e^Umaliou ia oilier respects , anti 
as far as Poetry is coacerued , give the preference to 
the iorraer. Coluccio (1). Salutali in some Letters written 
hy him at the roiii niencement of his Chaacellorship , one 
to Beoveaato oi imola (a) , one to Fraace«co di Bros , 



(1) Bom i33o, doetod C9iaiieelIor of Slontrat 1375 , died 1406. 
Yid. Manadiem , Seritt. d' ltd. vol. 1. pwt* 1. p. 5o5. Two ri- 
Td flditioiu of tlio BpittlM of OolocoiQ , wan poblbhod u Flo- 
rmoe in the same year 1741 1 by the Ab. lUehus, ani a Beokaeller 
named Rigacci ; each prefixing to them ths life of the author by 
Filippo Villano , which the formT illusfratod with many learned 
and useful annotations. Scipio Ammii ato records a ssyiiig of Gian- 
galeazzo Visconti , that he feared a single letter ofColarcIo, more 
t^ian ao Army of 20000 men. Ugolino Veiiai iikew-^^e bears te- 
•tiaonj to did feroo of liii eloqueoce } 

81 aon doqtiioy grtvatatt CdooeliM onact 
BxtDpactt , «n|u , aon f uUnioa , dicta Tyronnoa 
Bebtyaeni dmnit ; tantuni terroris bdwbat D»Viu»tr. Urb. Plot. 
Few of the works of Coluccio have seen the light , besides his 
Epistles and ohr Sonnet published by Crcsdmbeni from the Chigi 
Library. We must regret tlie Inss of n poetical composition in honor 
of Petrarch , perhaps tlio symc alluded to by Villani , and by 
Mauoiti in his liJie oi Petrarch , in these words } de hac praocipue 
ojoa mortia , Golucciu3 , nec igaobilis nostri t^mporia Pocta , li- 
beUttin quamdam conpoanit. » Tfao laarel of Poet waa coBfecrod 
Qu him after Us death. 

(a) Wapoaaesa bat little infofinatioii of the life of Benvenato. 
In or before the vmr iSyS he commenced his public lotdtpg lad 
exposition of Dante at Bnlogua, which he continued ten years, and 
to which we owe his ample Connnentary on that author. Such parts 
of it as serve to illustrate History , were published by Muraiori, 
Aatiq. Ital, vol 1 , and aA Italian translatioa by an anonymous 
Audior ia aflBxod to tlia ran edition of tho Bttioa Coouaadia 
1477 1*' ▼eudetino da Spira. He also wmia a Hiaiofy of the Ronaa 
Emperors, from Jnlius Caesar to WaMeilaaa « then idgoiog, naadly 
ioinad 10 the woilu of Petranby aad ty aoait afetriimtod to faiapu 



s58 Eablt LivnuLTVRB of Funnrci* 

mo (i) , and aaolher to a certain anon jmons Count ^ 
piaiiet them equally for their wriiings , and prefen botk 
to the Ancient Classica , expressing equal admiration Ibr 

the Africa of the one , and the Eclogoes of the other. 
But It is easy to perceive from these letters , that he 
entenained a greater esteeui for PcLrarcb, as , whilst re- 
lating the dcaili of Boccaccio to Francesco di Btu^^ano , 
he says tliat in him living he found some consolatioa 
for the grief occasioned by tlic death of the great Pe- 
trarch , a grief , such as he had never experienced before, 
nor cau ever feel again ; and proceeds with other expres- 
sions of esteem for that great Popt , which appear to 
me stronger than those he uses in speaking of B u caccio. 

In fact, in an age which more rcaiiil3 accorded 
its esteem to Poets and writers on moral Philosophy 
than to others , the advantage was necessarily on the 
^do of Petrarch , who was well skilled in moral Phi- 
loMphj y anperior to Boccaccio in Latin Poetry > to which 
be gave j as it wete, newlifci and excelled, as eyery one 
knows* in the Tascan} probahly without other instraetson 
than he received from Benvenato of Imola , and Gino 
of Pistoia t one of his first masters , and from them bat 
litde. . 

Great then is the obligation which polite letters 
owe to Petrarch and Boccaccio ; bat not less« certainly, 
are they indebted to Lnigi Mariili (a) Monk of the order 
of 5.' Augostin, and Professor in car Unif ersiiy « and to 



(i) Married tu i^rancescs , natural dangther of Folraich. 
(a) Chr an aeeoant of this iilnitrioiu individiiili vid. »cha« m 
Anb. Canald, , 

• 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



Eablt Literatuhe of FioaENCT,. 269 

Giovanni di Ravenna by some improperly called de'Ter- 
retti / he being of the family of Malp^glini ^ (1) and 
probably the same whom Coluccio sometimes calls Con- 
verisano ; the former of -whom is highly extolled by Pe- 
trarch in one of hii Senile Episiles^ (2) as a man of 
me talents, and vast eradiUou. He not only served as 
a guide in the more abstrase sciences , bat directed the 
studies of many young men , yrho afierwards distiogui- 
shed thetnseWcs in polite literature. Poggio Bracoiolini , 
in his funeral Oration on Nicoolo* Nieeoli » informs 
us that his cell was constantly frequented by young wen 
deiieoas'of profiting by his lessons^ and amongst others 
who acquired great learning in his school , Pocciante 
mentions (3) Giovanni Lanrense, Boberto Hossij and Nio- 
coll himself , whom I shall have •occasion to mention 
again with applause. 

Leonardo Aretino in his dia)( giie wilh Piclro Istro, whicb, 
is preserved MS. in our lamous Magliabechi , ^4) ialro- 

(1) See Giovanni , Scrittori Ravennati the question of his fa- 
mily is discu^ised at length by Ti;;,buschi , Stor. delia Lett. Ital, 
vol. V. Lib. III. Cap. IV , but it is yet unidccided , whether Ot 
not tliPfp wrre two persons , known by this appellation. 

(2) lab. IV. £p. 7. Sec aUo the .last among the Epist. sine 
titnlo. 

(5) Catalogus Scriptorum FtorentiiioraB j see siso for thsst 
writers , Negri , Storia degli Sanltori Fiorentini. 

(4) De Literfltura suonim temporum DIalogus. This Mann- 
script is or w. s , not as is here stated , in the ATagliabrchi, but in 
the Riccardi libidiy 5 at least, it is so described by ilin Conte Maz- 
SQochelli , Scritt. d' Ital. vol. II part IV p. aaii, and is also in- 
•erisd io Luni't ^nled Catelogne of that Library, t knmr not- 
whether ManncheUi had ceen it , but it sa certainly omitted in the 
modern M. S. Catalogues. -Sapnlted in my first enquiries by tfaa 
insolence of the underlings employed in the Library ; I had re- 
course to the first Librarian » D. Bigoli, who obligingly searched 
Sot the DiS , but without success. 



370 Eawt LirraiATv&B or Flouhqs. 

duces Coluccio , who speaking of lEaniliy admim the 
iinary exu nt of his knowledge , and thewoodci- 
ful tenacity of his memory , which he frequently displa- 
yed by reciting passages of Virgil , Cicero , Seneca » 
and other ancient authors; at the same liinc acknowle 
dging to have learned many things from him , and de- 
scribing liin\ as a man , to whom nothing new could 
be taught as he already knew and understood all things. 
John of Ravenna also , who ( as is leslified by I 1 tviui 
BlondoSy (i) a celebrated Historian of the i5'^ century) 
when a boy , knew Petrarch in his old age , or as we 
learn from the Chronicle of Foresti , and from a letter 
of Coluccio to Carlo Malatesta , \vai his pupil » (2) and 
in intcrcouie with him almost fifteen years, was so well 
skilled in moral Philosophy , Hiitoiy, Poetiy and £lo-^ 
qaence, that after profesticg ihem with mneh applause 
at Venice^ he waa called to Florence, whero amonga 
his schoUn are reckoned, highly to his credit, Am* 
hrosio Xraveriari , commonly known by the name of 
Amh. Camaldolete^ (3)Poggio Braeciolini (4)PallaStro^ 

(1) ItUia flttutrata. 

(3} SappoMig the idsndty of the person , which I see no reason 
to doubt t oar author might have learned this £act, from the lel^, 
m* of Petraidi 9 tbongh thqr afford no andence of so long an hi- 

tncourse. 

(3) Beside? his life by the AL. Mehus j sec Apost. Zeno's Dis- 
sertazicni Yossiaue , the Aunales Camuldaleiises , etc. etc. ^ 4^ff^ 
(.^) A correct life of Poggio was prefixed by the Sig. Reoiaatf, 
to the edition of bis History printed at Yenioa in 1715, wlio alto 
published a few y«tra afterwaid* » aooia Obsarvatiom on the Pog« 
giana of H« Len&at , in which be pointed out many errors. Set 
aLo the Dissertasioos Vosaiane of Apostolo Zeno , Paulus Cortesius, 
de Horn. Doct. etc. etc. The ^life of Poggio I y M. Shepherd his 
•Iraadj xendaccd the English leader £uiuliac wilh him. 



Digitized by Ci. 



si (1) Roberto Rosai^ (a) Leonatdo Aretinoi (3) Carlo 
Mwsuppini , (4) and Jaoopo d' Aiigelo di Searperia^ (5) 
that u to say all the moit l^imed men at ^t time 
in Floreneej as at Venice he had tau^Lt Fetms Fauloi 
Vergerios the eider, (6) Francesco BarlniTo, (7) Gna- 
da Verona, (8) and oihen irho had been his sdiolars in . 



(1) See Negri Scritt. rio. CortPsius , de Horn. Doct. etc. etc. 
The Ferrarcse Poet , Ercole Strozai , enumerating the illustrious 
men uf his family, dilates on the talenta aud patriotism of Falla. 

(2) Poccianti and Negri , as above. 

(3j Bom i369 4iaA 1444.I ft«f» ■haaajnotioiddielifrcrf&M- 
atido by the Ab* Ifshw , pnfixed to hit letters. Comet and va^ 
temtiiig noticai of lum are also ^Ten Ij Uiasndielli and ApoeC 
2SeB0 1 *> above , and Nioeron , Mem. det Homues illastrcs. Besi- 
des his "wellknowu History , the Literature of Italy ia indebted tti 
him for the best early lives of Dunte and Petrarch. 

(4) Likewise of Arezzo. The Contc Mazzuchelli has an rrtlcle 
on the iiie aud wrilinga of Marsuppiiii. Seo also Apost. Zeno as 
ebore. 

(5) yid* Xehns* ^fiU Amb. Cimald. 

(6) Petnu Paolns Teigtxiiie , ealled the BUer to diaiiiigaiBh 
ham from another of die same name hi the ficdlowiiig Century , 
was born at Fadaa in 1349. History of the Carrara family 

was given by Maratorl , Rer, Ital. Script. XTL ii3 , as inef^itedj 
bat had before b en printed in the Thesaurus Ant. et Hisl, Ital. 
▼ol. VI part. liij aud his life of Petrarch by Tomassini in his 
Fetrarcha Rediyivus. For his other works , sde Zeno. Diss. Yoss. etc. 

(7) Koble Veootiau p bom about 1398. Am an npright Kfcgtstrate, 
a skilfnl tknMni , an able Diplomatist « and a amaifioaBt Patron 
of Letters , shona oo» dM brighteat omamants of his age. Vat exact 
notiees of his life and works see Mazzuchelli , as above , the Scrit* 
tori Vcncziani of the P. degli Agostiui , aud the Preface of Car- 
dinal Querini to the letters of Barbaro , published by him. 

(8) Born iSyo d. 1460. For an account of Guarino , sec I\Lni i, 
Verona lilostrata , and Zeuu. Diss, Voas. iidrd. lacius thus speaks 
of hiv j « actesi BhsioriDsn profitetnr , %ua in re supra ^uin^ue 



9721 £xiu.T LxssBAxrax ojr Floasnck. 

vamoi pUcei. Ai I consider it certaia wilh Voidiu (i) 
•with F«i)nciii« , (2) and with die SIgnor Recanati , that 
he left aome works hcfaiod him 9 ( of which it appears 
thai Flavius Blondos donbted )sOy on the other hand ^ 
J[ cannot aiBrm> that either he, or the abovementiooed 
Marsiii f wete Blasten of Greeks or gave any instraotion 
in it to their scholars. We certainlj find that from Co- 
luccio Salutati^ familiar with Both of them , Leonardo 
Areiiuo , confesses having acquired hid knowlerlge of 
Greek , atu] M. Leuiant (3) suppuaes ihat Coluccio liad 
taught it to Nic. Kiccolii h\>n\ which Tve might conclude 
tliat he had learned it ciihci from Maisili , or lohu of 
Ravenna. But in the first place, I will not decide whether 
Coluccio , though a man of great learning , and a 
gener:\l friend and protect or of letters , and of the learned 
men of his day , had any tincture of Greek , as I do 
not find that M. Leofaut rests bis proposilioa on any au~ 
thority^ or could produce any in support of it; nor does 
it appear to me that the words of Leonardo Aretino im- 
ply more than that Coluccio contributcr^ greatly to his 
progress ^ which might have hecn efiected in various waytj 
without Coluccio himself having any knowledge of the 



rt triginia snnos se exercuJt. Ab hoc uno plarfis tlocH ct eloquentes 
riri farti sunt, quam' a cttiis omnibus hujus Ordiuis , ut non 
immcriLu i^uidam de co dixerit , quod dc Isocrate dictum ieruot, 
plorea ex ejus scholi vfaros oroditas , qaam ex eqao Trojano iai- 
lites prodiisBa. » Oe Vtiis illostiibiia p. i8* 

(1) Do Historids latbis tt Grcois. The defideaci^ of tliif 
amtkor aro amply supplied Ij tiie odabratod Apottolp Zaao , to 
whose learned Dissertations I have preferred making ceftreOOCi* 

(2) SuppUmenta et Obwrvationat ad Vosainia. 

(3) Vo^ggiazta etc 



Digitized by Google 



Ejluly LiTBAATUfts of Fj^osbkcs. 373 
Ungittge. (1) Secondly ^ if we admit tliat Goluecio po&- 
Jested tbis advsotage , I woald not affinn that he acqui- 
red it of Marsili or John of Ravenna rather than of 
Boocaocio^ Leontioa Piiatnty or Emmanticl Chrjsolora»^ 
then' old. 

We farther find that Voltcrauo (2) speaking of those 
who studied uikJcl (^hr yloloras , savs « Hospita jam La- 
tinis Ii giiiime liLcris inibutos Eranianuel Chrisoloras scho- 
la rui >iis excepil (( J from which after what he had said 
■when speaking of John of Ravenna , we may fairly 
conclude ihat ihe latter professed Latin only in Florence; 
and until wc have fiiriher tc.^iimouy in favour of Mar- 
sili ^ tlic same may be believed of him also. (3) It may 
be particulary remarked of John of Havenoa , that ho 
discovered several books of Cicero , not before brought 
to h'ghi , if we may believe Marches! , who took hia 
iuformation irom Roisi , Hittorian of that City (4). 



fi) « Quod GraBcas didiu l>teras, Colnccii est opus; quod 
Latnut wm leritw inspaxerim Colateii est opus ; quod Foetas , 
qttod Oraioras, quad Scriptorai Mtflroi legcnm , aidicBrim, cogno- 
rim, Coloceii «st opus. cie. etc. » Leon. AreU Bp. ]. ti ep. XI. 

(a) RaSiMllo Mtfiei of Voltcm born 1461 , died i5as. See hia 
life by Mons. Falconcini , Biahop of Arstto , Rome i /aa. Of his 
great work, Commprtiriorum Urbanorum , TiraboschI observe* 
that it may be considered a Compendinm af evarj tLiog tbea 
known. 

(3) This is diilicuit to reconcile with the expressions put into 
liho mouth of Colneoio , by I^mu* Aretioo , especially as the latter 
was htnadl a Gtaek scbohr. 

. (4) GwolaDo Rossi , • oelebntted Histoffian 4^ the i6.t)» Centary. 
%s excellent History of R.venna , was first publi hed in i5g%, and 
reprinted with oonsidersble iddttioas in i58i}« See Giaanni. Scritt. 
R&Tenaatj, 

18 • 



V 



374 EARLY LlYJEftATUKE OF FLOmBKCB. 

Ffom what has been laid hitherto^ it appears that 
Latin and Tuscan Eloquence in proea and vene , was 
the chief occupation of those first students by whoso 
meant barharisin gradually vanUhed ^ as it is not known 
that any public lectures were then held in Florence, 
besides the Latin , and that called « Lettura di Daute , » 
commenced by Boccaccio ^ (i) and afterwards eoutinned 
by a certain A.ntonio Rovano , whose surname is un- 
known, (2) by Filippo Villani, (3) and by the above men- 
tionei Joliii of liavcnna ; widiouL uur knt-nv^iDij [hit 
Leoatius Pilalus had any successor in the ch.)ir of 
Greek Eloquence. To this the subsequent years were 
ruoic 1 ivourable , when the learned Emanuel Clirysoloras 
sent by Manuel Palaeologus , not as M. Lenfant says by 
his son John with the title of Ambassiidor , to the Eu- 
ropean Princes, to demand their assistance against Ba« 
|aset , after yisiting to no purpose , England , France , 
sttd Germany , passed into Italy to indulge his love of 
literature, and laid aside the character of Ambassador , 
for that of professor of the Greek language. Venice , Flo* 
rence» Rome and Pa via, were the Giiies that highly to 
his honour , profited by his lessons. Petrus Paolus Ycr- 
gerins the Elder , Francesco Barboro , Leonardo Gis- 
•tiniani , (4) were it is true , his scholars at Venice ; 



(1) In 1573.' 

(1) la i58i A latin Poem publbbed by Uebtts , Tit Amfa. 
Camald. is addressed a ad Dominum Pleb«nttm do Vado , Gram'- 
inattcsBy LogicuE, optimum infltructoceow » 

(3) In 1401- 

( t) Corusiua , dcHom. Doct. aud the P. degli Agostini , Stor. 
degh Scritt. yenes. treat of thia writer. He was an indt iatigable 
Collector of books , and lew libraries of the time were equal to his. 



Digitized by Google 



Early LiTUAiraEB of Flosxkcx. 976 

bat to also at Floreoce were Leon, Aretino f Ambr. Ga- 
iiialdoUse , Jacopb d' Angelo di Scarperia ^ Poggio Bracf* 
eiolini. Carlo Manappinip Andrea Fioco. (1) 

Kiccolo Ntccoli^ Palla Strozsi, of whose acfpiain* 
lance with Gre^ letters safScient evidence is furni- 
shed by their diligent , if not accurate translaiion» 
oi various Gieek aulhors, (2) with ihe exception of the 
three last, of whom to the best of my knowledge, 
we have nothing of this nature. "Wo. have ftiriher proof 
of this , in the scholars who studied under them , and 
from their time to oars , the study of Greek has never 
entirely ceased. 

1 could doubtless ^ here give you a long Catalogue of 
those illustrious subjects, bat as this would be tedious, 
and perhaps (tf lilllc interest, I confine myself to Gian-i^ 
nozzo Manetti, contenting myself with noticing the error 
ol those f wfio 'perha{»8 following Volterrano , suppose 
liim a disciple of Chrysoloras; when, in fact > he onlj 
commenced the study of Greek at the age of a5, under 
Ambrogio Gamaldolese, Ghrysoloras having died six years 
before, at the< Council of Constsnce, as,- if I mistahe 
not^ is stated by Ihe celebrated Maratori in his Life of 
Maneta. (3) 



(l) Apostolo Zeno , in expectation of the prorai-pd , Storia dei 
Canonici Fiorentini, by the Canon Salvino S^lvmi , ha^ given but 
little information conseniing this person. Diss. Voss. i. iG6 ; but 
that work has never been publisiied. Some luentioa of Fioco , or 
liocchi , is made by the Ab. Marini » in hit Arcluitri Ponttfid* 

(a) For these , see Hebos. Tit. Avb. Camsld. aiid the olher 
snthors already dteil* 

(3) Not in hisLifo of Hbnetti^ of which he gives a mere outlif- 
ne, not aS lines , but In his Preface to Manetti'a History of Pistoia. 
Rer. Ital. Script. XUL^ 987* wfcwin« the wader to Po»sevini, 



37^ Eablt LmnAWu ow TsMmtct* 

nevertheless , although Chrjsolom chiefly ezercifed 
the lulitoi, and espedtUy the FloreDtmes, in the stody 
of Greek , it may he leid > that by ihit meaoft, he spread 
an universal ta^te far all that is most beantifbl and 
mo!»t valuable in polite iiteraiuie. Ilciicc it ^yns that many 
not content wilh ilie knowledge of Greelv only , shewed 
also a particular inclination for Hebrew literal Lire. Leon. 
Arelino "was certainly averse to ihit study , considering 
it totally useless j and endeavoured to impress his opinioH 
on Giovanni Cirigiiano of Lucca ; but Niccolo Niccoli, 
however attached to htm ^ did not adopt this sentiment; 
he p on the contrary , eierted himself , to engage Pog- 
gio, when at Constance, in the study of Hebrew , who 
aceordingly applied himself to it^ under a Rabbi , con- 
verted to Chriatiaoity ; but we have no assnrance of his 
having made any progreaa. Giannono Manetti aaccecded 
*iaach better than Poggio in thia itady , if we may 
credit hii Biographer Naldi , who flonrished about i47o# 
that he employed two and twenty yean in the atody 
of the three languages , Latin , Greek and Hebrew ; 
keeping in his house two Greeks^ and a domestic who 
understood Hebrew , with orders to the two former p 
to speak to him in Greek only, and to the third not 
to use with him any other language than the Hebrew ; 
>vhcnce it arose, that be made several translations from 



Poc^aiti , YoMiiu , Kegri , and Apost. Zeno ; nor do I find that 
Naldi , in his life of Uaaetti , also given by Hnratori, XX* 619 , 
m^Vfs any mention of CUrysoloras. It is , however equally certain, 
tin th*' !; (ter{!-rd -^l C* nstarce in i4i5 , and that Manetti stu- 
died Greek unt'.cr Aiiibrogio CamaIdo!e.;e. Vid- Mehns as above, 
Lcrfcnt. Hi&t. du Ct ncle de Ccsslance, Maldi ^ Yit. Jan. Man- 
nttii , etc. etc. 



Digitized by Cuv ^v. it. 



SABI.T LiTXRATtms ov Flohbncb* 977 

the Greek , aiid in three years traiuhted the whole hook 
of Paalmsy BOt m if ntted hy Pocdanti (1) and Pot- 
levinl (9) , So only \ tfaoe meriting the title of 7W- 
linguia , conferred <hi him by Ugolino Verini (3) /and 
as •och, to be diffusely praised in the, (( Italirx ct Hi- 
spania Orientaiisj » a posthumous work of the celi hrated 
Pauluii Coiomcsius, printed at Hamburgh (4) , v ith the 
notes of the learned Wolfius. From this it appears , that 
M. Huet was not a little mistaken in a«crling that the 
Hebrew language was not cukivaied in ItaJy , in the 
14.'^ and iS.**" Centuries , as , on the contrary liic siudy 
of it commenci J even before Politian (5), whose know- 
ledge of it , cannot be doubted. 

But it is now time to speak of those material hk nn s, 
which most served to assist the restoration of letters in 
Italy , that is to aay^ the Libraries. I must then , in 
the firat place > ohserre thai at the time of Petrarch and 



(1) Cat. Sciipt. Florent. p. 87. 

(3) De Apparattt Sacro H. 89. 

(d) « Bat qao^ae Jaenooti oalobemona fttaa tiilinqiiif# 
PlnriiBaqiia Hebrao da fonte yolaaiiiie vertit , 
In Latium , et nostris dedit haec MWrnda ManattlM. » Be 
Illust. Uib. Flor. Lib. 11. fol. 12. 

(4) ^1^0 in 4. to The dijj'use praisu consists of tliese few wordsj 
vir f>rat trium lingiiarura peritus , ut qui ex Hebrxo Psaheriuitt, 
ex Gracco Porphyrii Isagogen et AiiitiHclia Categorias verterit. a p, 
4 \ to ^(hidi Wolfina adda tbia note \ » 5ic iat«gKi Vaalterii ver< 
akmoD ex Hefaram Xatiaam ipn tribnit Imbonatiia In BiUiotfieca 
Latino -Bebraioa p. 81 , eamq,tte 11.8. ia BiUiotheca Urbitancnai, 
no. 57 in fol. extara taitatur, Coaaeotit Sddios in cuke vil« 
ejus ; etc. 

(5) Of the numerous au»!iors who hat* \Yritten on Politian, 
it is sufficipm to mention the admirable life of hijn, by Mcnckeuiu* 

Wipsic i^'^d in 4.^ 



278 Eably LiTMAXuaz of Fi.or£ncz. 

Boccaccio , our luly was but iU-furnislicd with them, 
atid the few thit existed were ilmost nnlLoown. Xb« 
firit who endcayoored to fiona one was Boccaecio liim 
»el(, who deiiroiii of obtaining all poisible hnowlodge, 
had canted Manuscripu to be brought from Greeoe> and 
himself tranicnbed manjr« not af the copyiit ol othen^ 
but with the with of ioitrucdng himielf , ai the Sig. 
Domeoico Maria MaDni afllrnai to be proved bj the 
testimony of Blanetti. Petrarch likewise acquired a grea% 
number , most of whieh probstbly passed afterwards into 
the Library of G>luccio Salutali, already mentioned by 
me with applause. But however this may be, it ccrlaiu 
tlial this great Chancellor of our Kcpublic , exorled him 
sell io much in collecting books , diat he obtained pos- 
sesisioij of nearly 800 j as Poggio, in his lunerai Oration 
on Niccolo Niccoli , assures us, that the Library of 
Coluocio was little inferior to tliat of Niccoli , nho had 
with much labour aud great expencc , collected more 
than 800. But as it occurs to me 10 speak of iSiccoli, I 
do not think it unseasonable here to explain more fully 
the means he possessed and the exeriions used by him^ 
in the discovery of ancient Ai^S. and the oompootio& 
of a eopiona Libraiy (1). \ 1 ^/.\ 

(i) As the first amongst the tn<i6ern8, to form the idea of 
a public Library , Niccoli is di-serviiig of particular notice. Of his 
unceasing exerlicms in the promotion of letters j full notice iv 
gtven by Mulius , ftaei. ad lipist. Amb. Camald. , iu the fuueral 
oration ot Poggio , and the fife of Mieeoli' lij Manetii. The two 
hat are eloqiunt hi tfieir praise, as his enemies Franc. SSteifbaud 
X<eon. Aretino ^ are nmpning Iu tbeir almse of him } hat tbo 
testioioQ J of FOcUq is rendered doobtfol by his general character', 
and that of Aretino destroyed by the difference of his expressions 
when addressing Niccoli himself , and when speaking of him to 
otheis« see Uxiuup abore^ XiicGeU ftouxishsd 60m to 



Digitized by Cuv ^v. it. 



Early LrTsnATUHE of Fi^obskcs. a/i) 

In tlie liisi place then , the books of Petrarch and 
Coluccio , being sold alter their death , as Poj^erio relates 
in the above-mentioned Oration, I think it prnhablc that 
our Niccoii purchased a great part of them , and that he 
bald possession 4 ibr some time, of those of Boccaccio 
llso, untill theywcre transferred to the Library of the 
Monks of S. Augustio ^ built by him for their reception, 
as is stated by Manetti in his life of Boccaccio. Seoondly, 
I think it not improbable , that he acquired many by 
meant of Poggto^ vfan^ when at Goottance and London » 
but particularly at Conaiance, losed great diligence in 
aeaichiog for theniy and bought many, ol which the 
SIg. Reeanati has given a Catalogue , more ciact than that 
of M. Lanfant; as also Niceron in his lile of Poggio (i) 
and (he Cardinal Qaerini , in his Preliminary Dia- 
tribe to the Epistles of Francesco Barbaro. 1q effect , 
in reading the letters of Poggio to Niccoii (2) , we 
clearly perceive that the latter , in his , was conti- 
nually requiring notices of the newly discovered MSS. 
and engaging Poggio , at the same time , to visit in 
England, as he had done in Germany^ and particularly 
the famous Monastery of S. Gaiio , all the monastic Li* 
braries^ having indexes taken of the MSS. in them ; and 
when any of valne were found , causing them to be c(h 
pied at his expence. Althongh the wishes of Niccoii were 
not entirely gratified, partly because the progress of Poggio 
was stopped by the plague wfaidli infested England, 



(1) Memoires dcs hommc's illustrea dans les ^frfs etc. 

(a) Several letlers of Pogglj are f.junU in the course of Kit 
works , aad ia those of conteai|)oraiy writers. The Ab. Mehus had 
projected a oomplete edition of them, which he was aitei\vard» 
Maosd to give iip» 



aSo Early LiT£RA.TuaE of Flubekcx. 

. and by the iguorance of the Monks, who guarded the Lv* 
bcaries; and partly by the scarcity of MSS in that lalantf » 
eapccially of ihe profane aathors , they were in wme de- 
cree fulfilled, by the di«covcry of a few^ and more were 
(applied bj the retettrcbef uf other Florentioes. U would 
hetedioDitoemerinto adetaiiofall the litortiy acqui- 
sltiona nude by IViccoU by means of Poggio; I therefore 
content mraself with adding, that although, by the per- 
fuasion oiyoggio , be did not undertake, as be bad in^ 
tended, a jonrney into Gieece ^ be nerertbeless > obtained 
from thence aereral MSS. , either by meant of Fiorenee 
merchantt trading in those parts, or ^of other literati, 
his friends. ! have already lemaiked that by the tesii- 
HOony of I'oggiu , tlie books |>ossessed by jSiccoli , amou- 
nted to more than 800 , In it I ought not to conceal that 
Ugolino Veriui , -vvlio ilouiishcd Lowards the end of 
the i5.''' century, stales ilie nuiaber ol" corrected MSS. 
according to the comraon opinion to amount to 1000. How- 
ever this may be, it is certain that ihi^ copious colle- 
ction of books left by Niccoli to the public , was tran- 
sferred by his executors to the Library of S Mark ; as 
those of Boccaccio y had be^ to that of Santo Spirito, af- 
terwards according to poccianti, further enriched by the 
books .of Ittarsili. It remains then to eiangune whether 
Poggio who exerted bimseif so much ta procure goo4 
manuscripts, succeeded in Arming a Libra|y i but > 01^ 
the one band , considering the expence of such an un- 
dertaking, on the other , the poverty of Poggio , I am 
inclined to believe that this Libraiy never in any de- 
gree ec|ualled that of Niccoli; especially as we find no 
distinct mention of it unless in one of his letters to tbft 
Archbishop of Milan , an4 in one of Ambrogio Carnal* 
dolcse to A tciuin Icrome; monk oi bis order > ^d.it 



Digitizec by v^ioogle 



15 probable that he was sometimes induced to sell liig 
books to procare the necessaries of life; as it is known 
that he sold a beautiful Livy , transcribed by himself, 
to Antonio Panormita , according to t\ letter of Antdnio 
to Alphonso , King of INaplcs and A.ragon , to wliom he 
was secretary, (l) What I have said concerning the books 
of Poggio;, may also be said of the private Libraries of 
Leonardo Arctino , of Carlo Marsuppini , of Ambro^io 
CamAldolese^ and other Florentine Literati of the i5.*^ ceQ<- 
tary $ of all which it may certainly be affirmed that they 
poise«ted many Taloable MSS. but not that they at all 
eqaalted those of Nicoli; as it is more probable that these 
writers profited by the hooks of Niccoli and others , 
and inth their aid porsued those landahle studies , which 
have rendered them Immortal, 

It would now be time v> treat of the taste for every 
otst of anti^ities which with that of boohs had sprung 
up at Florence , even before encouraged by the grea' 
House of Medfci , (2) those illoiitnoas Protectors of 
letters and of learned men , by ■vvlioae means Florence 
truly merited the title conferred on her by the learned 
Mabillon , primum lileraruna renascentium domiciiium: 
a;id delight ful indeed would it be to review the coUe- 
cLions made from that period of antiqne statues, mrd ils 
etc. even before the Greeks , driven from their country 
sought at Florence an asilum for the One Arts , in which 
they had always excelled. I should rejoice nota little in 
expusiog to you the industry displayed in this way also 



(i) He gtyo for it , 120 Gold Ciowas , a suai in those days 
enormous , to raise which , he was obll^g'ed to sell an estate. 

(i) It is needier to recall to the Bnglilh Mldir , M. B0SC0«'s 
Gslcltf At«d life Qi Wvnio de' ]K(fidi«« 



I 



a84 htSMSLMMY HXSTOAIANS OV ICAI.Y. 

( €ztr«mely petit , «nd eztra ran ) 
a. NoUtie de^fi scriUon Mogrmi € d^Opert ioro 

Hampate e manaacnUe ^ Da Fr, PeUegrino Or- 

laneH eh Bohgna, — In Bt^gfta i^H, 4^ 
#J. CaUdogo degU Sention Piemonieii » Sapoiardi, € 

^MMordi , raecoUo gut da Momignore Frane. 

^gosUrto deOa Chieaa, Camia^nola , i6S6, 4^ 
iS, DoUori Modunesim €pera di i>. JLodovieo F^edna- 

ni. — 3fodona , i665 , 4* 
f4. Gil Scritlori JLiguri descriUi daU* Abbate Michele 

Giustiniani , PatrUio Genovese. Parle prima, 

iS. Atheri'T'um J {{^iistinnyi , seu Syllabus Scriptomm 
2.igurum , ?iecnoii Sarzanensium , ac Cyrnen- 
tium , ah Agoahno Oliaino, Permiat , i68o. 4.^ 
iSi MikenafUm Jtomanum , in quo Summcmm Pomi" 
fimum , ac P^udo Pontificum , necnon S.R.JE^i 
CardimUium , et Pseudo - Card. scHpfa pubKce 
9xpammiur wtmdio ^t^putini Okkini Sodet, Jesu 
erectum, PerutuB t€ij€, 4^ ■ 
/f. BihUniheea Bomana , Be» Ramanarwn Scriplorum 
CenUtrieB, auetore Proipen MarkhdOf NiibiU 
MOmano, VbL t. Roma , /69a , 4* 
. — > J9. Boma , i6g9, 4^ 
«9k Vberd Folietm i^aroram lAgurum Migia. Bomm > 

#9* B^Uaih^ea ^^aptdeiofia* Ojpe/u dei Douor Nieoh 

T*^, Napoli , iS^S, PoL 
JO, jddtUsioni eopiose di lAonardo Nicodemo aUa Bi^- 

blioteca Napolelana del DoUur Niccoh T(^pi».\ 
Nitpoli , 168 3. Fol, 
ut , Jstoria degU ScriUori stall ncl Re^^no dl Napoli , 
scritta da Oio. Rernardlno Taf ari da ISaido, 
Tom, /, XsapQU (244*. /a. 



Digitizer vjoogle 



— J. Pane /. — /7^^. 
— a. — #753. 
' — . A — /^i^. 

aa. Mmwrie Stnieo-CtHicAe digU SUaiei Nt^M^tam 
dS FnmoegcarUonio Soria.- a torn. NapoU , ty8i^ 4* 

a J. Memont Scriaon M lUgno di NqpoU 
Mustackio H^Jlffiitto IhiiunUsam, Tmn, t, 
poll , /7«92. 4''' 

The Aathor died before the publication of another 

Tolume. The present volume , which adopts the 
alphabetical order oi jNamej» , dues uul exteud 
beyond the letter A. 

Jt4» ^iteneo del leUerati Milanesi. ^dunad daW Ahhate 
Don Filippo Picanelli ^ Milanese, Milano ityo, 4* 
J^hiiippi Argelati Bononiejisis , Jiihtiotheca Scri" 
*■ piorum Mediolanensium . Prcemittiiur Jos. Ant. 
Saadi HistoHa UUraTio--Typographica^ Mediidom 

Two siiperb Volumes. 
Iddcfia JSre$ciana dal JMmardo CoxMondo* Br€» 
sda , iCg4» S* 

Liber rariMimus. 
47. De' PoeU StdUani Idbro PHmo di 4), Gtotfomd 
f^intimigUa Messineae. Nel quale si iratta da* 
Poeti BuctiUei , e deli'ori^ne » e progrcsao delta 
poesia TielTIsola di Sidlia. NapoU §663, 
» L*ediztone di qttesto libro fii fiitta in Messiaa , 
BOD gik in NapoIi> come moitra il firontetpizie, 
la quel cosa h state Ignota a quanti haDoo faveU 
lato del Viatimiglia. » MS. Note. 



j»8» ^ibiiotheca Stcttl» , m£v9 de Scnpton6u8 SieuiU No^ 
Htim hcupleHmmm, jiucHom Seter. Theol. Dodo* 
re, AnM/Uno MtmgUare, Pr«!$6yiero Pannrmi- . 
tarn* a ianv FoL Pamormi #707. 

Sitiiioe Bibliotheca Foetus , continena Elogia J^efe^ 
rum qui Uterarum fanm chruerunt. AucLorc 
Hieronymo Renla- Ra^usa , 6iculo Motyami , 
Romce. ifjoo, 4 * 

'3o* Huomini JUnstri di Havennri y^fi'ica , <•! cillri de t^ni 
Professori di Lettere , et Armt , erudito Tratti- 
rmmento de D. ScrafinB Pasolino da Jiavenna , 
^hf>ate Teologo etc. Bologna , tyo3 , Fol. 

3i, Le F'ite de* LetUrati Salentini acritta da DomenicA 
de j4ngeUs Uno de* dotHei CoUegM d*Arcadiam< 
Pmrie Pnma — Firenxe , /7/0. 4.* 
— Secanda, Napoli, tytS. 4*" 

A^ned with Portraitf* 

Jl9» QwrgU Vwkm Mart^eni JSguiiis OrdinU & Ste- 
pkani VUoB Firorum IOu$tnum FmUmmwtm, 
PbnUvu t^aSl 4^ 

SS* Manorh SiencM delt^niha «tf inHgn» Actsadmda 
4tt mUrgia deUa CUtik di FaHL naacoUa dad 
BaU Giorgio Pwiano JUiwchui Buonaccorsi , In 

34» BihUoUca J^idanU di Gio. doeUi €kdvoli , canti'- 
nuaia dal DcUort IHonigi Andrea Saneaeaani, 
Ediaone Seconda tn migiior forma ridotta , etc^ 
In F'eneMia — 7 om. t. — 4^ 

— a. — i')35. — 

— J . — jy4(^' — 

J5, Justi Fontanins Archiepiscopi Ancyrani Historios 
IMerariiB Afmhienaie JJiri F". Accedit Viaaer^ 



Digitized by Google 



Ifimjiay HiaroaiAirff of Itat.t. aSf 
UUh 9fudem Aueiorit dSs anna JEbnoriuaU S.A" 
Janata PminarehoB AUaandrini , neenon mrO' 
ntm Ittuatrium ProtmneieB Jibn^uHi Catahgut, 

Sy. Jlfmnarie deUa f^Ua dST Mwmgnor Giotto Fbniamni 
Seritm daPA6aid Dammioa FonUmim , NoHIb 
Udmtse, In Feneaa tj55» 4* 
FoDtanini died 8 Apr. 1736 , aet. 70. 

SS, DeBa Eloquewta luUUma U&n Due, (jiutore Giw 
aio ^\Mmin£, JNiiova Edtsione-. In Lucca I'ySs. 4." 

Sg. JBiSUoieea ddt JSloquenza Italiana di Mlonugnore 
Gimto Fontanini Arcivescovo ct Ancira con le 
Annotazioni del Signer ^ fpostolo Zeno , Istorico e 
Poeta Cesareo , C iuadino f^mtsuano — f^enegia 
2 torn. 1^53 , 4° 

40. Me/none d»gli Scrittori Casenlini , RaccoUi da Sal- 
vaiore Spin ft dtf' Afarchesi di Casabona Patrixio 
ed ^'Jccuilemico Coscntino. In JSfapoU , lySo. 4^ 

4/. DtUa jLcUcrafiira Veneziana Ubri 9U0 di Marco Fo* 
scarini Cavaliere, e Procuraiore. Padova #75a. 
/. Foi, 

Death prevented the Author from conUouing thU 

Work. 

49. A'otizie Istorico- Critic Ae intorfio la F'iim , e k o/teru 
degU Scrittori Finiziani, Da Giovanni degU 
Agostini d^MinoH deUa OnervanMa , MUoieca^ 
rioinS. Franoetco deUa yigna nOIa CUt^^Fk- 
nem sua Pairia. j9 Tom. In Fentjsia , 1^54, 4.* 

4S, BibUoihBca PiUonenais a Francisco Antonio Za- 
charia Sodotaik Jesu Presbytero, dueripki, Au^ 
gU9tB Taurmman i^5s , 4«* 

44* Franoisei Antonii Zaeharioe SocietaHs Jesu Excur- 
sus latterarii per Ifaliam ab anno 1^42 ad annum 
iySa* F'olumen Primwn, Venetiis, 4254,4." 



s88 Lttbmakt HrtTOsTAKs or Italy. 

45. Iter Littentriutn f>er Ilaliam alt anno in 53 , ad ari-^ 
nUm ijor. l-^rneffis f'j6!^ , 4P [^eodem auctore ) 
» Quesli voiunra possgno con ogni diritto pcrago- 
narsi alFopere di simile «£ica del Mabiilone e 
Jdontfaacon , ed ii plauso con cai fino dal prin*^ 
cipio fanmo accolti , li ha resi ran. « 

Suppl. alia Bibtiog, Slor, deOo Staio 
Poniificio* p. a3. 
4S. ^o^Jtie deUe PTie ed Opere serine da^ JuCtUrati dd ' 
PrittU Haeeolte da Giai^Gwe/tppe Ijhfvd Signar 
di FiUot-Frtdda, etc* Tom, i. in Fenetia §^Go, 4^ 

3. — iySj^ 
— In Udine, i^o* 
At the end ie aa uicfal Alphal»etical Index of the 
Anlborf cited , and of the Xitlei of tfaeir works. 

47. JHemone Sttprico^ Crideke de^ SeriUon Ravers 

mtii del JUverendiadmo P€tdr€ J}» PieiFO Ptwlo 
Ginamti Ahaie Catimme nei JUcmuiero di S» 
Gitdiano di Bimini, Tom. 3. PaenMa ^fG^ , 4." 

48, Specimen yarioo Uteraturai f qme in Ufhe Brixia 

ejusque ditione paulo post Tipographioe Incuna^ 

hula Jiorcbal , ^ciUeet vergente ad finem &eculi 

XFI. etc, BrixicB ifSg. 4.° 
The Author ^v as Cardinal Oucrini. 
4g, Philippi lionafiucii de claris Pontijiciorum Epi'^ 

stoiarum Scriptonbus ad Chm. XJF, Pont, Max. 

Editio altera. Romas lyyo. 8.^ 
So, Memorie Istoricfie degli Uomini lUustri detta /?e- 

fpa CiU^ di jiHano. Raccolte daW Abate Fran* 

ceeoeantonio FitaU Patritdo die detta CiUd, Giu^ 

recomuUo, etc. Roma , 1^88 » 4* 
6i* Memorie per la Storia JjUteraria di JPiaeenga. 

Piaeenga 0^9, 4^ 



Digitizca by Gdo^Ic 



LtTim4ET HmoAfAKf or Italt. 989 

Per il Proposto Criitoioro Poggiali, Bibliokeoario 
<3i S. A. R. in Piacenttk 

5j». Memorie TVetdgiane MttUa Tipogrqfia del Saeoh 

XF", Ptr aervire aUastoria iMtraria ddU Ar& 

tT India. P'mteaa iSoS , 4-* 
5S» ^0crimm Suioncwn lypographim JtonumoB XF^ 

SofcuU « • qpem H studio P. FrandaH XaxMr 

Jjaire, Romas, iyyS , S,* 

S4» SUmwe def Abate G* AnOBiado AngBUicci am 

dodumenti e note a i/luairasione deUa Gilit € d^fii 

Uomini celedri tU Are^uo, Pisa , i8i6 ^ 8.*" 

/• JPilippo ArgeUui (u5) waa born at Bologna ia 1675. 
At tbe age oi ^ he passed to Fiorenrcc ; and 
thence to Lucca , and Leghorn ; and at last to 
Milan. He edited nomeroos -works , bolh cUscicai 
and antiquarian / and thas was of great service to 
Italian literature , etpeciailj the worki ofSigoniui, 
He died 1765 » aged 80. 

9. AngS'-MaHe JBantKm (34) was born at Florence 1720; 
and addicted himielf early to anti^ptarian lite- 
rature. In 1747 he went to Rome^ and took the 
Ecdetiattnal habit ; and passed much of his time 
among the treasures o£ the Vatican Library. In 
1756 the Emperor promoted him to a Canoniy 
ai Florence; and afterwards appointed him Libra- 
rian ol ilie Laurcutiaii Library. He died in l8co. 

«J. Girohmo. BarulJahU (8) was born ai Ferraia in 1675 ; 
and look fhe habit of a Priest in 1700. He died 
1763^ A|^ed 78. He was author of aumeious Woiki. 

>9 



Digitizer vjoogle 



4, Jatopo Brac§Ilo wat a native of Satsana , and Ghan* 

celloT of Genoa in Uie XV> CeDlnij. 

5. J^an-'jigoaiino deila Cktesa (la) was of a noble 

mily of Saiusao in PiedflMint*, of whom aererai 
cootribuied to the glory of their eonntij* 
Giopanni CiifUi (54) » OaivoU, was born at Flo- 
rence 1625 , and died at Loretto 1706 , aged 81. 
lie was an enioent Fbysician : and particularlj 
vers< J in literary liisloiy- 

^. LtoniirJo Cozzando [zij) , was a Monk oi the XVII. ^ 
(j iitury ; and author of several works. 
^ntonJrcttivi^iiCO Doni (1) , a Florentine, was a se- 
cular Priest ; and died at Montelice in 1674 , 
aged 61. A List ot his other worki may be louod 
in Nuovo JJizionario Storico, 
Uberio FogUetta (iB), an £ccle$iaslic of Genoa , and 
one of the most learned writers of theXVl.^^ Centu- 
ry, took part in the disturbanoe* of bis native State, 
and was exiled ; when be was received iato the 
House of Cardinal Hippoliio d' £ste » where he 
died in i583y aged 63. He wrote in Latin HistO' 
ria Genuenman , t583 Fbl, now rare : — dif- 
fuse ; bnt faithful » and daganl. He wrote many 
other learned works. 

io, Minco FoecAimn (40> <^ Patrician of Venice, a great 
Politician , and learned Man , was bom at Venice^ 
iu 1695. He was elevated to the supreme office 
of Doge, 22 May, 176a. He died 3i mar. 1763, 
aged 68* He was prevented by death from fini- 
shing more than one Volume of bis magnificeut 
aiul cjacL work on Italian literature, 
p. Abate D, Pier Paolo Ginanni (47), was bora 
at Kaveaoa > oi a Patrician iamily ^ b may^ 16^8. 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



LnBAAAT HtmaiAMs of Itai.t. 99% 
In 1713 he took .Ac liabit of the Order of S.Be- 

uedici In 17^3, he Was uken onder the patro- 
nage ol' Tope Benedict XIV, at Rome. He died 
about 1774. lie kepi up a literary correspondence 
-with Gori , Muratori , AposioJo Zcno, Cardinal 
Quf-riiii , Trombflii , Zaccariu , and the other 
most learTK'd men of his time. He was author of 
ieYeial learned wprks , besides his ZAterary 
Btory cf th* authors cf Ravmna. 

i%, GiAN-GiusBPPB Lmtrri (46) , was Lord of Villa- 
freda iu Friult , and bom about the end of the 
XVU.* Century. He pasted the greater part of 
his life on his estate in writing. He lived to 
the age of 83 « and died unmarried in 1770. His 
Histoiy of the writers of Frinli oontaint much 
erndition , and many anecdotes. 
PftosTjno Mamdosio (17) » was a Roman Noble, and 
Koighi of the Order of S. Stephen \ and flooris 
bed about the end of ihe XVn.*>> Century. He was 
consid^ed by his cotemporaries a diligent and la- 
horioos writer ; and is so esteemed to this day. 

/4* D. Aktovio Morgitors (28), a natite and Canon 
of Palermo; was a man of great erudition , and 
singular piety. He died about lyjo. liis MibUo^ 
l/ieca Sictila is njucli esteemed. 

^5. NiccoLO Tofri (itj) died in 1680. 

46. Francesco Nicodemo (20)^ a ?^eapolitan , was bom 
in »he X\il.«'> Ceniury. Wiih ihc aid ofMaglia- 
beccln;he supplied the deiiciencies , and correc- 
ted the errors of Toppi y in his jiddizioni i683» 

#7. GiiiiiTo NzGRi (5) t a Jesuit , was hom at Ferrara 
in 1648 ; and died ai Sept. 1720 , aged 72. His 
History of the Floventine Writers published po* 



LiTXRABT HiSToatAWf ov Italy, 

sihomously at Ferrara 1729, though fall of errora 
. hoth of the press, and of the author, is yet 
much esteemed. 

i8. AcOiiTrKo Oi^DOiNT (i5, 1 6) , a Jfsnii of Genoa of 
the XVIl.**» Century. He matle additions and con- 
tinuations to the History of the Popes by Cia- 
cortio , which contains maujr useful and impor- 

tatii notices. 

49. PriTToBTfo Antonio ORLANDr(ii), a Carmelite of 
the Congregatiou of iVIantua , was born in Bolo- 
gna , 26 April, 1660. He died 8 Nov. 1727, 
set 63. He was distinguiibed for his piety , and 
indefatigable in his studies, which he continued 
fmin hit earliest youth , till his death. His three 
great works were his u4heceduno Pittoiico; hi* 
ScHUori JSohgneti ; and hia Ongine e Pro* 

90* D. SwMAwmQ IfxaoLim. (3o) » was horn of a noble 
familj in Kaveniia 19 Inne, 1646. He took the 
Religiona habit In i65g. He died 94 Dec. syiS, 
aged 70. Hia Uomini Ulualri di Bavenna i$ ectee- 
med. GmvANi haa giyeo a copiona account of 
him in hii Memofie^ Stanebe* 

•I. Amoilo BCAmSA QvmaiHi (4S)a Patrioian of Venice , 
and grand Cardinal of his age , was horn 3o 
March 1680 He was educated at the College 
ol the Jesuits at Brescia , and took the Bencde- 
cline habit in iGgii. Jfe early connected ]i;iiisclf 
wilh the chief literati of his tidy, not orlr Ita- 
lian, but Foreign. He went to Englaudj and lor- 
med an iuliniacy with Benlley , Newlon, Bishop 
gurnet, Thomas fiurnet , Cave, Hudson, Poiief 
»a4 otUer«. 4t Cam^rajr he (ormcd a ixieadjhij> 



Digitized by Cuv ^v. it. 



with the illttstrious Fenelon. He fermed similar 

iatimacies through France ; residing not only at 
Faris^ but visiting the Provinces. On his return 
to Italy , lic published an Ediiion of the Sacred 
Books lor the use ol the Greek Cliurch. Innocent 
XIII appointed him iVrchbishop of Corfu. Bene- 
dict XUl conterred on him the Cap of a Cardi- 
aal.- The Caihedral Church of Brescia became hf 
his care one of the most niagniQeent of Italy. 
When he was Librarian of the Vatican , he en- 
rii-hed it wilh his own Collections, He died o£ an 
accident 6 Jan. 1756, XL 76. It would be te- 
dious to mention the honours done during life and 
after death to this great Cardinal } the books de- 
dicated to him ; the medals coined; the inscrip* 
lions ereeted . lor him. He wrote his own Life 
with this title: Commenittnit9 de H^ua ad An* 
gekm M* Qurrinum ptrtinentihua , Brixim , . iy49 
S.^ which brings the reader down to the year 
1740. He was distinguished for his erudition} but 
his oommou style is not elegant. 
Giusiirpii Antohiu Smsi (26) of Milan, was bom 2G 
Feb. 1675. He received his first education from 
the nniversity of Brcra of the Jesuits. He suc- 
ceeded Muratori in the care of ihe Ambrosian 
Library; 1711, which he retained till his death 
m April, 1768; n^od 76. lie enjoyed the esteem 
of ihe greater part of the Literati of Europe. His 
works are numerous. His Tr%ct De studiis Ma* 
fUolanermum is reprinted in the first vol. oijir~ 

93 • SAI.VATORE SrniiTi (40) a native of Cosenza , in Ca- 
labria , a Cavalier of an aqdent and illustrious fa- 
mily , occopied his time in literary history ^ and 



1194 I«nuuKY HuTomiAM* ot Itavt; 

a^reMble literature with bappj iooeai* He dic^ 
in 1776. Beaidci hU SDnUofi CoienUm, he pnblif- 
bed k Mime tS Galeaggo tU Tarua ^fypaU , §^58^ 
24. MicHBui PcfcciAiiTi (3) of Florence was a greet theo* 
log) an , end philoiopher. He' died in 1576. A 
litt of hit worlLf it to be lonnd in the* Nuovq 
Dizioftario Slorico ; ( Bassano 1796. ) 
aS. Gio; lijiRKA-RDiNO Tafuki , (21) a native oi iNardo in 
the Province of Otranio , was bom i Sept. 
and died 1760 He was a learned and indefati- 
ga!;le wriier ; and deserved well of his country 
his province and the wholf: Kingdom of Naples, 
Some account of him is in be found in the Preface 
of vol. 3. of hia «Sbrft^/or/ del Regno tU NapolL 
j6* LoDorico VsDEiANT , (i3) a Modencfe , and Priest 
of the Congregation of S. Carlo ^ was born in 16 )i . 
He died 9 Feb. 1(70. Many notices of hi» life 
maj be Ibond in the BiSHoitea Modentse, 
97* Fiittrvo BovjJucr(49) was born at Lucca « in 1705. 
He was invited Co Home by Monsige. Gio. Vin- 
ceoBO liOechesini , Secretary of Briefii/ and wat 
appointed his sabstitnte bjr Pope Benedict XIV. 
He had here an opportunity to compile his Me- 
moirs He dbm JPoni^ciarum EpistokLnan Scnp* 
toribua, Clement XIV. promoted him to the place 
of SecreUry of Latin Letters. He died i3 Nov 
1700 , aged 76. His works, with those of his bro- 
ther Casiruccio , wci c published logtlhei at Lucca 
in 4 vols 1784 , under the title of Philippi et 
Castrucici Fratrmn Boruuiuciorwn Ziucensium 
Opera omnia, 

( N. B. TRtf figvn iifUr the imkm denoU* M« l^meftcr ^ ^ 
W9fk whk^ fimnM one ^ Ms 2¥lle« «f ihi$ artkk, J 



Digitizec by v^oogle 



Digitized by GoogI 



Digitized by Google 




iDigitized by Go 



Digitized by Googl 



Dig , Google 



