factor, and his correspondence was eagerly courted and cherished by the lovers of learning in different countries. Of his friendship with the celebrated and virtuous nobleman, Picus, of Mirandula, we have had occasion to speak; and the amiable character of both appears to the greatest advantage, when it is considered that, notwithstanding the eminent talents of each, they were always disposed to ascribe to each other the superiority of mental talent. This is the pure and genuine friendship of exalted minds, which can alone spring from virtue and religion.

Politian died at Florence in 1494, aged only forty-one. His Latin and Italian Poems are still held in high estimation ;

as also

are his

critical observations upon classic au

thors.

FABIUS URSINUS.

Letter from Angelus Politianus, to Picus of Mirandula.

"I SINCERELY wish you had been of our party to-day, at the table of Paulus Ursinus, who is a gentleman not only of distinguished military fame, but very fond of letters, and of the society of the learned. He has a child of the name of Fabius, a youth of eleven years of age, and of singular beauty and endowments. His fine auburn hair falls gracefully on his shoulders. He has an eye sparkling with intelligence, an open

countenance, a person elegantly formed, and a most graceful carriage, which inclines a little to the military. When the party had taken their seats, this child was desired to accompany some persons of skill, in singing several airs set to music, which he did with so melodious a voice, that for my own part I listened with ecstasy. He afterwards recited an heroic poem in praise of my pupil Piero de Medici, of his own composing; for that it really was so, and not the work of another, (as I at first suspected,) I had afterwards an opportunity of ascertaining by undoubtable evidence. And what kind of a composition do you think it was? Really such I myself should not

an one as

need to be ashamed of, His tones

were not merely those proper to read ing, nor altogether modulated as in singing; but formed by a pleasing inflection of voice between both, As the subject required, they were uniform or varied, with exact regard to connexion and pause; acute or grave; easy or emphatical; quick or slow; yet always correct, distinct, and agreeable. His action was neither indolent and unanimated, nor yet bold and forward. You would have vowed another little Roscius stood before you. He was suddenly requested to turn the verse prose, and repeat the same thoughts unconfined by measure, Accord ingly, after a short interval of consideration, he began again in a manner perfectly unassuming and

into

I was astonished to hear from his youthful lips, a flow of expression so select and appropriate, as the pen seldom supplies. Are you already surprised? you will be still more so with what followed. The boy had completed his task, and was ordered to take his food standing; for such is his constant custom. After the first remove, I was requested to propose subjects to him for epistolary composition, as many as I pleased: on which he was to dictate, extempore, to several amanuenses at once. I mentioned only five, not being willing to bear too hard upon the child, though he engagingly insisted on more. But the subjects which I selected on this occasion, were of a nature so various and