destitute of all
resources and afflicted with illness, took refuge in the hospital of
the Bergamaschi, with whose founder he claimed relation by the
father's side; a singular fate for one with whose praises Italy even
then was ringing. But it should be remembered, ere we break into
invectives against the sordidness of the age which suffered this
degradation, that the waywardness of Tasso's temper rendered it hard
to satisfy him as an inmate, or to befriend him as a patron.

Restored to health, at the grand duke's invitation he went to
Florence, where both prince and people received him with every mark of
admiration. Those who saw him as he passed along the streets, would
exclaim, "See! there is Tasso! That is the wonderful and unfortunate
poet!"

It is useless minutely to trace his wanderings from Florence to Rome,
from Rome to Mantua, and back again to Rome and Naples. At the latter
place he dwelt in the palace of the Prince of Conca, where he composed
a great part of the "Jerusalem Conquered." But having apprehended, not
without reason, that the prince wished to possess himself of his
manuscripts, Torquato left the palace to reside with his friend Manso.
His health and spirits improved in his new abode; and besides
proceeding with the "Jerusalem Conquered," he commenced, at the
request of Manso's mother, "Le Sette Giornate del Mondo Creato," a
sacred poem in blank verse, founded on the Book of Genesis, which he
completed in Rome a few days before his death.

He visited Rome in 1593. A report that Marco di Sciarra, a notorious
bandit, infested the road, induced him to halt at Gaeta, where his
presence was celebrated by the citizens with great rejoicing. Sciarra
having heard that the great poet was detained by fear of him, sent a
message purporting that, instead of injury, Tasso should receive every
protection at his hands. This offer was declined; yet Sciarra, in
testimony of respect, sent word that for the poet's sake he would
withdraw all his band from that neighborhood; and he did so.

This time, on his arrival at Rome, Tasso was received by the Cardinals
Cinzio and Pietro Aldobrandini, nephews of the pope, not as a
courtier, but as a friend. At their palace he completed the "Jerusalem
Conquered," and published it with a dedication to Cardinal Cinzio.
This work was preferred by its author to the "Jerusalem Delivered." It
is remarkable that Milton made a similar error in estimating his
"Paradise Regained."

In