The life and correspondence of Sir Anthony Panizzi, K.C.B., Vol. 1 (of 2): Late principal librarian of the British museum, senator of Italy, etc.Fagan, Louis
History
The life and correspondence of Sir Anthony Panizzi, K.C.B., Vol. 1 (of 2): Late principal librarian of the British museum, senator of Italy, etc.
Fagan, Louis
Panizzi, Anthony, Sir, 1797-1879
He was seized last week with a violent cold or influenza, accompanied
with fever. At first we thought him getting over it, but on Monday
night he was attacked with a shivering fit, and being put to bed he
never rose again. His strength failed him rapidly, and this morning at
11 o’clock he breathed his last quite peacefully.
It is a great consolation to know that he suffered no acute pain, and
his mind seemed perfectly composed.
Yours, &c.,
H. ROSCOE.
The centenary of William Roscoe’s birth was celebrated at Liverpool on
the 8th March, 1853, and Panizzi was of course asked to attend.
In replying to the invitation he said:—“Feb. 19, 1853.... The veneration
in which I, together with all lovers of truth, of freedom, of
independence, of literature, and of the arts, hold the memory of that
illustrious man, and the grateful recollection of the warm and
affectionate regard with which I was honoured by him, are inducements so
powerful to accept so kind an invitation as that which your letter
conveys, that nothing but the absolute impossibility of leaving my
duties here could restrain me from availing myself of it.”
Before Panizzi left London he received from Italy a most curious bill
for money due from him; such a bill as few men have ever received at any
time, and such as many men, Panizzi, probably, amongst the number, would
hardly consider the most unpleasant of their kind. It was from the
Inspector of Finances and Tax-gatherer (Ispettore ed Esattore di
Finanze) at Reggio, who, having heard of Panizzi’s escape and arrival in
Switzerland, sent him an account of money spent in preparing his
accusation, sentence of death, and even for the expenses of his
execution, “_in contumaciam_.” The actual sum demanded was 225 francs
and 25 cents, including the usual fee for the _hangman_.
In his then low state of spirits Panizzi hardly felt equal to answering
this amusing epistle in a befitting manner, and accordingly postponed
his reply until after his arrival at Liverpool, whence he sent the
following humorous letter:—
_(Translation.)_ Realm of Death,
Elysian Fields,
10th May, 1824.
The soul of whilom Dr. Antonio Panizzi,
To the Inspector of Finances and Tax-gatherer of the Province of
Reggio (Satanic Domain).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account