more is expected than in the days of Cary, whose work was originally published about the beginning of this century. They must not content themselves with a mere translation, but endeavour to possess themselves of the mind of Dante, and render plain what seems obscure and difficult, giving his meaning in appropriate language. No doubt this would be an onerous task, for, since the 'swarthy Florentine' wrote his poem six hundred years ago, many words have had their meanings modified and changed, so that it might happen that a literal rendering would convey an entirely different sense to that which the poet intended. At the best, however, when it is considered that the 'Commedia ' was the labour of the best part of the poet's life, a degree of relative completeness is all that can be expected from any translator, however willing he might be to do every justice to his original.

L

Ariosto's Orlando Furioso.

UDOVICO ARIOSTO was born on the 8th

September 1474 at Reggio, of which town his father Nicolo was military governor under the Duke of Ferrara. Designed for the legal profession, Ludovico's imaginative faculties displayed themselves at so early an age that his father desisted from urging the young poet to pursue the study of law, which he evidently disliked, and allowed him to devote his attention wholly to literary pursuits; and, while yet a youth, Ariosto composed several comedies, together with a number of sonnets and love songs in imitation of those of Petrarch. The death of his father obliged the young poet to relinquish those pursuits and devote his attention and care to his family, of whom he was now the principal support; but by this time he had gained considerable notoriety for his verses, which displayed much tenderness and spirit, and had obtained favourable recognition from literary men of eminence. This notice procured

him an appointment at the court of Cardinal Hippolito d'Este-a prelate who had gathered round him many persons known in the literary world, more perhaps from pride than from a due appreciation of their merits. In the service of the Cardinal, Ariosto continued to write sonnets and songs, but the reading of the prevalent romance literature of the time had impressed him with a desire to compose something similar, while also higher and better than those desultory efforts which had hitherto engaged his attention, and he early conceived the idea of taking up and continuing the 'Orlando Innamorata' of his predecessor Bojardo, a work which had peculiarly fascinated him. This design was eventually put into execution, and during all the many interruptions caused by the journeys and political labours with which his after-life was engaged, it was never forgotten, but persevered in as opportunity offered and time permitted.

On the removal of Cardinal Hippolito into Hungary, Ariosto transferred his services to the Duke Alphonso of Ferrara, and was received by him into the closest intimacy, being on two different occasions sent on embassies to Pope Julius II. That Pope had been seeking for some time to deprive Duke Alphonso of

his state of Ferrara, wishing to add it to the domains of the Church, and Ariosto was sent to Rome to avert if possible the threatened thunders of the Vatican. The poet was received with great respect at the papal court, and though he did not altogether succeed in his purpose, yet his eloquent pleading induced Julius to assume a milder tone in replying to the message of the Duke than had been expected. But the Pope was deceitful, and Ariosto had barely time to deliver his answer when the river Po was covered by a fleet from Venice, sent by the Doge to aid the army of the Pope. The Duke of Ferrara at once despatched a fleet against the hostile Venetians, and in the engagement which followed Ariosto fought gallantly and successfully, taking as a prize one of the enemy's richest vessels. Alphonso, having gained a complete victory, began to fear that there might be as much danger to his possessions in conquest as in defeat, and determined to send another embassy to the Pope with proposals for conciliation. Here a new difficulty arose-not one of the courtiers of the Duke would be the bearer of the treaty; all were unwilling to face the angry Julius, till at last Ariosto volunteered his services. The poet had hardly entered the Eternal City, when a friend intimated

to him that, instead of the respect shown to him on his former visit, he might be glad to avoid having a bed in the Tiber, and ought to make his escape as promptly as possible—a hint of which Ariosto speedily availed himself, and immediately returned to Ferrara.

On the death of Julius and elevation of Leo X. to the papal chair, Ariosto had hopes that his fortunes might be improved; Leo having been, along with other members of the Medici family, a long time in exile, during which period a close intimacy had existed. between Leo and the poet, who had received many flattering promises of patronage from the Medici in the event of their family ever regaining their influence and position at Rome. These promises were all forgotten, and on a visit to the new Pope, Ariosto was treated with great neglect and coldness, and very soon left Rome. It is not easy to account for this treatment of Ariosto by the Medici, who were ever reputed to be great protectors of literary men, and whose bounty to them was often lavish. During the early part of his pontificate, Leo X. was eminently a cherisher of literature, but afterwards becoming jealous. of the aid which learning was likely to afford the rising cause of the Reformation, he latterly became rather