cent, but a person who has few peers, so that I have favour- CHAP. XIII, able hopes," &c. * One of the circumstances which particularly tormented Tasso at this period, was the idea that people considered him as insane; † his suspicion was increased in an uncommon degree, and since (as I have remarked,) he was continually on the watch, it must have been extremely difficult to live with him, without offending him. He was soon dissatisfied with the Duke of Urbino; and imagined, as usual, that he was neglected, and that snares were laid for him. A little incident happened at this time, which, though very trivial in itself, yet, as it gave occasion to a very pretty madrigal, and shews the coaxing manner in which Tasso was wheedled to submit to remedies, may be mentioned. The physicians having advised the trial of a cautery, the bandages necessary for the dressing were prepared, and applied by the hands of Donna Lavinia della Rovere, afterwards Marchioness of Pescara. The state of mind in which our poet was at this period, is well exhibited in the following letter, written by him to the Count Domenico Albano, a son of Cardinal Albano, who had been married prior to his entrance into the church. † + A. D. 1578. Tasso becomes with the Duke dissatisfied of Urbino. * Serassi, Vita del Tasso, + Opere, vol. X. p. 257. p. 268. The madrigal addressed to this lady on the occasion, begins, Se du si nobil mano, and it is to be found Opere, vol. VI. p. 116. CHAP. XIII. A. D. 1578. "Illustrious Lord, my most worshipful Patron, "The great malignity of others, and my small degree of prudence, as well in being incapable of dissembling when injured, as in resenting with expressions too severe; in addition to which, the supreme confidence I had in my friends, and the little fidelity I have found in them, have reduced me to a most wretched condition; in which that evil, which formerly by itself seemed insupportable, appears now to be the least. Yet could I assure myself that no snares are laid for my life, or, if the Duke of Ferrara would either justify himself, or, neglecting this, if he would at least secure me from his anger in such a manner as to tranquillise me, my other cares would no longer afflict me, and I would hope to surmount them without the assistance of others. But, with regard to my security and safety, unless this be undertaken by a person of much authority, and who will effectually bestir himself in my behalf, it can by no means be sustained by the weakness of my force. I have placed my principal confidence in the authority and prudence of your most illustrious father; and in that affection which he has always shown me. And although I know that he cannot in any manner undertake my protection, without the displeasure of those who seek my ruin; though I imagine that endeavours will be used to hinder him from exerting his influence in my behalf; still, as I am secure of the affection he bears me, on account not only of community of country, but of friendship to my father, and natural regard, I cannot doubt, that he will employ himself in aiding me. I am Aet. 34. the more led to think that he will not neglect this compas- CHAP. XIIL sionate and courteous office, as, for that purpose, no other A. D. 1578. motive is necessary but Christian pity and charity. My only desire is, that my enemies should content themselves with the iniquitous and grievous injuries they have made me suffer; and, since I desire not vengeance, it seems reasonable that they should not attempt to take away my life. But if, from any cause, that most illustrious lord should not embrace this holy and pious work, with that fervour which seems necessary to meet the difficulty of the business, hope that the prayer and intercession of your lordship will excite and inflame him. I have recourse to a son that he may intercede with a father; I have recourse to a most affectionate and ancient patron, that he may supplicate for my safety one neither less ancient nor affectionate, so that in every view I must be heard. From Sig. Scipio Gonzaga you will have a more minute account of me, and I myself will give a more distinct narrative in the course of a few days. In the mean time, I wish the favour of an answer, which may be directed to me at Urbino, in the house of Sig. Frederic Bonaventura. Kiss, in my name, the hands of your most illustrious father in the humblest manner, and preserve me in his regard. 1578, from Urbino.” * As it appears from this letter, that Tasso had suspicions * This letter, which was first published by Serassi, is without date, either of day or month, but that writer conjectures it to have been written about the beginning of October. Vita del Tasso, p. 271. A. D. 1578. CHAP. XIII. of exertions being made to influence the Cardinal Albano against him, it is not wonderful that he began to mistrust the Duke of Urbino, who had still more intimate relations with the court of Ferrara. Fearing any longer therefore to remain in his states, our poet now determined to have recourse to the protection of the Duke of Savoy, and to seek with him an asylum from the supposed snares of his enemies. He accordingly wrote to that prince a letter full of courtesy and elegance ; * and, without uttering a word of his design, he withdrew in a hidden manner from Urbino, and turned his face towards Piedmont. Tasso leaves CHAPTER XIV. Hospitality which Tasso meets with in his journey to Piedmont -He is repulsed by the Guards from the gates of Turin― His admission into that city, kind reception by the Marquis Philip of Este, and temporary comfort-Writes to Cardinal Albano that he repents of his suspicions, and will endeavour to conquer them-Composes a Dialogue on Nobility-History of, and remarks on, that mode of composition-Tasso returns to Ferrara-is coldly received-and confined in the Hospital of St Anne. A. D. 1578-1579. In his journey from the state of Urbino to Piedmont, Tasso met with an incident, which, though far from being of much consequence, yet shall be mentioned, as affording an agreeable picture of courteous hospitality, and as its narration forms the introduction to one of the most pleasing CHAP. XIV. A.D. 1578. Aet, 34, |