[28] The baths of S. Elena. They were probably known to the Romans, but their modern use dates from the middle of the fifteenth century, when they were brought to notice by Giov. Dondi. Later on, in the seventeenth century, Il Dottore Selvatico restored the bath-houses, and greatly increased the repute of the place. [29] San Pietro Montagnon, near Abano. [30] The secretary seems to have been still absent at this point, as the narrative is written in the third person, but for the sake of coherence it seems better to keep to the first. [31] Adige. [32] Luigi Ricchieri, one of the first of the Humanists. [33] Alfonso II., son of Ercole II. and Renée of France. D’Estissac was the bearer of letters of commendation from Henry III. and the Queen Mother to the Duke of Ferrara. [34] In the church of S. Benedetto. It is now removed to the library. [35] Margherita Gonzaga, whom Alfonso married in 1579. She was the daughter of Guglielmo, Duke of Mantua. [36] It is strange that Montaigne should have made no allusion in his journal to a visit which he paid to Tasso, who had been imprisoned the year before in the hospital of S. Anna at Ferrara. In _Essais_ ii. 12 he writes: “Platon dit les mélancholiques plus disciplinables et excellens; aussi n’en est-il point qui ayent tant de propension à la folie. Infinis esprits se treuvent ruinez par leur propre force et soupplesse. Quel saut vient de prendre de sa propre agitation et allegresse, l’un des plus judicieux, ingenieux, et plus formez à l’air de cette antique et pure Poësie, qu’autre Poëte Italien aye jamais este? N’a-il pas de quoy sçavoir gré à cette sienne vivacité meurtrière? à cette clarté qui l’a aveuglé? à cette exacte et tenduë apprehension de la raison, qu’il a mis sans raison? à la curieuse et laborieuse queste des Sciences, qui l’a conduict à la bestise? à cette rare aptitude aux exercises de l’ame qui l’a rendu sans exercise et sans ame? J’eus plus de dépit encore que de compassion de le voir à Ferrare en si pitieux estat, survivant à soy mesme, mescognoisant et soy et ses ouvrages; les quels sans son sçeu et toutefois à sa veuë, on a mis en lumière incorrigez et informe.” [37] Bologna. [38] The Collegio di Spagna, the only separate college which still exists, was founded by Cardinal d’Albornoz in 1364. There was doubtless a French college for students at the time of Montaigne’s visit. [39] This fountain was built while Cardinal Borromeo was legate. It was designed by Lauretti, a Sicilian, the statues being the work of Gian Bologna. [40] Spoleto and the Bolognese territories as well were greatly overrun with brigands at this period. Large bands of armed ruffians ranged the country, nominally fighting one another, but really robbing and murdering the helpless peasants. One band, that of Sassomolari, was estimated to number four or five hundred men. Brigandage was not put down till the pontificate of Sixtus V. [41] Lojano.