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to contend with this prodigy of erudition, began to devise means of hindering him from showing his superiority in this public manner. Lampoons and satires were circulated at first; but these proving ineffectual to drive the young champion from the field, recourse was had to a more powerful expedient. Of the propositions exhibited by Picus, thirteen were selected as of an heretical tendency. This was a very serious charge, and proved so effectual, that after staying a year at Rome in expectation of reaping an abundant harvest of praise, he found himself not only prevented from displaying his talents as a disputant, but, what was worse, involved in the accusation of heresy in the principal seat of bigotry and superstition.

Under such circumstances, it is no

wonder Picus thought it most prudent to quit Rome, and to seek an asylum with his great friend Lorenzo de Medici at Florence.

He there wrote his Apology, a work of immense learning, in the composition of which he was engaged only twenty days. This book he respectfully sent to Pope Innocent VIII. who was a man of mild disposition, and had a great regard for the author. His Holiness, however was not willing that subjects of so delicate a nature should be publicly agitated; and therefore, while he acquitted Picus of any wrong intention or corrupt principles, he caused his Apology to be suppressed. Such was the issue of this project, suggested by youthful vanity and ambition; and Picus afterwards acknowledged with thankful

ness, that Providence, which often brings good out of evil, had rendered the malevolence of his enemies a salutary check to his career of vainglory; in which he had been so far led astray.

By the kindness of his friend Lorenzo, he now took up his residence at Fiesole, an elevated spot in the neigh. bourhood of Florence, abounding with beautiful scenery and most extensive prospects, admirably adapted to the purposes of study and contemplation.

Here he devoted himself to theological inquiries, and to those philological pursuits which are necessary to the study of divinity.

He published some works of a religious character, which display prodigious reading, and, considering the age in which he wrote, considerable

judgement: but, what is better, they evince genuine piety and devotion, breathing a pure spirit of love to God and man.

The Psalms of David appear to have been his favourite study, and in commenting upon which he laboured with great assiduity. Of the merit of this commentary, and of its author, a learned man of that period thus writes:

"So young a man!" speaking of Picus," and yet connecting himself in erudition with the most celebrated fathers of the church! What is not such a person capable of becoming, if length of years be granted him in proportion to his talents! What gratification may we not expect from the Psalms and poetical works of David, in the elucidation of which he has been long employed; exploring with

infinite research all that Latin, Greek, and Hebrew authors have written on this subject; and for the completion of which work, I have the happiness to say, he has chosen the solitude of our monastery at Fiesole! To behold him, to listen to him, is the height of felicity!"

But the high expectations of the best and most learned men, respecting this phenomenon, were suddenly cut off; for being at Florence, he was attacked by a fever, which carried him off in 1494, aged only 33.

ANGELUS POLITIANUS.

THIS very learned man, whom we have had occasion to mention in the preceding memoir, was born in 1454, at

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