to that celebrated college, not less than seven academies were established, among the members of which were reckoned Alessandro Piccolomini, Benedetto, Varchi, and Sperone Speroni, Guarini and Torquato Tasso.

One of these academies, that to which Guarini and Tasso belonged, was founded by Scipio Gonzague, who afterwards became cardinal. Another was composed wholly of the noblesse, who applied themselves solely to acquiring the science of chivalry, and feats of arms; pursuits which unlike those of the other academies, have left no trace behind, and only serve to induce comparisons between the tastes of the two classes, little creditable to the aristocracy of Padua.

The circumstance of Gianvicenzo Pinelli having fixed his residence at Padua, contributed not a little to the encouragement and development of science and literature here. Devoted to both, he collected around him, and aided all who were calculated to advance them; and spared neither trouble nor expence in the formation of a library, the stores of which were ever open to those who wished to consult them. It would be difficult to imagine a life more rationally, usefully, and agreeably spent, than that of Gianvicenzo Pinelli, surrounded by savans and students, who found beneath his roof the most valuable books, the rarest manuscripts, the best astronomical and mathematical instruments, and a friend ever ready to advance the interests of

science and literature, and of those who cultivated either.

This noble library, collected with such pains and trouble, was unhappily dispersed; for having bequeathed it to Naples, his native city, three vessels were laden with the valuable freight, which was to be delivered to his heirs, at that place. One of them was captured by the corsairs, who ignorant of the worth of their prize, threw the greater portion of the books overboard; while the rest were scattered on the coast of Fermo, where the fishermen employed them for stopping the holes in their boats, or for other ignoble purposes. Luckily, the bishop of Fermo discovered this fact, and used every effort to collect the remaining portion, which he shipped for Naples; where they were afterwards sold for a very large sum to the Cardinal Borromeo, nephew to the saintly and celebrated Archbishop of Milan of that name. I quote one of my favorite writers, Ginguéné, on this subject, and from memory, not having seen his admirable "Histoire Littéraire d'Italie," for a long time.

The town has some fine buildings, and the streets, though for the most part narrow, are remarkably clean. The arcades, which line each side of most of the streets, add to the gloominess of their aspect, but render them more picturesque.

The town-hall, or palace of justice, is considered the largest in Europe; the roof is unsupported by columns, pillars, or arches, and its effect is very imposing. In it is a monument to Titus Livius,

who was a native of Padua, ornamented with a bust and complimentary inscription, remarkable for the exaggeration not unfrequently to be found in Italy; as regret is expressed that the means of the erectors of the monument permitted them not to form the bust of gold, instead of marble.

A stone coffin, evidently the work of the dark ages, and probably the depository of the bones of some monk, is shown as that, of Livy; and the expression of any doubt of the authenticity of the relick, gives great offence.

The tomb of Antenor was next pointed out to us, and was exhibited with no trifling complacency by our guide; who was so proud of it, that I could not bring myself to damp his pleasure by avowing my incredulity as to its being other than some monument erected in the middle ages.

The abbey of St. Giustina next attracted us. Its church, library, and refectory do credit to Palladio; and its interior decorations are at once rich and chaste, a commendation that can rarely be bestowed on Italian churches. The martyrdom of St. Giustina, by Paul Veronese, is a fine picture; but much the contrary is a dead Christ, by some artist whose name I forget.

The Prato della Valle, in front of St. Giustina, from its vast extent adds much to the effect of the building; and the domes, not less than eight in number, give it an oriental air. The Prato della Valle is a large square of grass, intersected with

flagged walks, with a small canal surrounding it. On both sides of this canal are placed the statues of the celebrated men who have been educated at Padua; and stone benches, various monuments, and vases, are intermingled with an abundance of trees and flowering shrubs, rendering the place a very agreeable promenade to those who desire the enjoyment of tranquil contemplation, rather than the bustle of busy life.

Nowhere have I seen a town that is more calculated to suit the habits of a grave and reflecting person, than Padua; or where the studies of the occupants of a university were less likely to be interrupted by the seductions of gaiety. The church of St. Antonio, the patron saint of Padua, is an old Gothic building, containing the usual number of shrines, founts, pictures, and other ornaments, and more than the usual number of organs, having no fewer than four.

In this church, are preserved the relics of its titular saint, much resorted to by devotees, who purchase small medals inscribed with an image, and blessed by a priest, to which they attach much veneration.

The monument of Bembo pleased me by its simplicity. The cardinal was a true lover of literature and a friend to its votaries, with some of whom, Ariosto among the number, he lived in habits of cordial intimacy. The inscription on the monument is as follows:

Ne cujus ingenii monumenta
Eterna sunt, ejus corporis quoque
Memoria posteritati desideretur ;

and accords well with its unaffected style.

The university is not an extensive building, but exhibits the fine taste of the architect; who contrived in a limited space to introduce an elegance and fitness, often found wanting in larger edifices. The court, cloister, and galleries bear out this assertion, and reflect great credit on Palladio.

In the vestibule is a statue of Helena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, celebrated for her various and extraordinary acquirements, and said to have been remarkable for her beauty. This lady is reported to have vied with the inimitable Crichton, in the extent and variety of her accomplishments; and to have emulated Corinne in reciting her own poetica productions. Her piety is said to have been as remarkable as her learning; and her constant practice of it was not impaired by the rare distinction of Doctor of Philosophy of the University, which was conferred on her. It was probably the desire of not endangering her philosophy, that led to her rejection of the numberless suitors who, undismayed by her profound erudition, sought her hand. Whatever may have been the motive, she continued to lead a life of "single blessedness," and shrouded her beauty in the austere guise of a réligieuse, devoting those hours, passed by the generality of her sex in the adornment of their persons or in light amusements,