Chapter LI
Reading edition
CHAPTER LI
Torquato Tasso, a subject of mystery and contradiction308
Count Alberti's recent impositions311
Dr. Andrea Verga's theory of his insanity312
Is sufficient justification of the Duke of Ferrara313
1556. Torquato's arrival at Pesaro313
His early devotion to the muses314
1565. His first visit to Ferrara314
His compliments to the family of Urbino in the Rinaldo315
His devotion to Princess Lucrezia d'Este, afterwards Duchess of Urbino316
1571. His sonnet to her, and canzone on her marriage318
1573. His Aminta performed at Pesaro318
1574. His dangerous intercourse with her at Urbania319
” She is separated from the Duke and returns to Ferrara320
1575. Tasso at Florence,—his portrait321
1576. Symptoms of mental disease321
1577. Outbreak of insanity321
1578. He seeks shelter at Pesaro from imaginary wrongs321
” His canzone to the Duke321
His long letter to him323
1579. He is shut up in the hospital of Sta. Anna at Ferrara for seven years326
1587-1594.His subsequent wanderings326
Are closed at Rome327
1595.April 25.His farewell letter and death at S. Onofrio327
Retrospect of his life328
His rivalry with Ariosto329
His the latest of Italy's great names330
1537-1611.Battista Guarini of Ferrara331
1602-1604.Invited to Urbino332