Ainsworth's Magazine; A Miscellany of Romance, General Literature, & Art Volume 5-8 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ... 354 ITALIANS OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. A LECTDKB. By W. M. Taktt, Esq. The subjects to which I am about to claim your attention, are connected with the social and political aspects of Italy during the latter half of the Fifteenth Century; and they will be chiefly illustrated by incidents from the life of one of the distinguished scholars who then took part in its affairs. For this purpose, it is not necessary to enter into particulars which merely refer to his biography. Though we are never wearied by such details, when dwelling upon the lives of those with whose works we are already familiar--as all have felt while lingering over the memoirs of a Scott, a Southey, a Chalmers, or a Moore--it would be difficult to excite a similar interest, when the individual is unknown, even by name, to many of those whom we are addressing. In the centuries which immediately succeeded his death, the subject of these remarks was mentioned with frequent praise by about thirty writers, of more or less authority in literary history; and his works went through various editions; but the changes in knowledge, and in taste, have now almost thrown him into oblivion. So true is the observation of one of the great fathers of English prose, that, of all who have striven for earthly immortality, few are remembered, except "in the register of God." The philosopher, statesman, orator, poet, and historian of whom I am about to speak--for iu him the whole of these characters were combined--is known to us as Pandolfo Collenuccio. He held office under the Sforzas, lords of Pesaro; one of whom was even indebted to him for his throne. You are aware that several of the states of Romagna were at that time held as fiefs under the Church, and it was not unsatisfactory to the...