The life of Cardinal Mezzofanti: With an introductory memoir of eminent linguists, ancient and modernRussell, Charles William
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The life of Cardinal Mezzofanti: With an introductory memoir of eminent linguists, ancient and modern
Russell, Charles William
Linguists; Mezzofanti, Giuseppe, 1774-1849
The friendly courtesy of the Abate De Rossi rendered Mezzofanti’s stay at
Parma exceedingly agreeable. One of the friends whom he made during this
visit, the learned and venerable Librarian of the Ducal Library of that
city, Cavaliere Angelo Pezzana, still survives, and still speaks with an
affection which borders upon tenderness of the friendship which resulted
from their first meeting, and which was the pride of his later life.
Among the subjects of their conversation, Cavaliere Pezzana particularly
remembers some observations of Mezzofanti on certain affinities between
the Russian and Latin languages, which struck him by their acuteness and
originality.
A commission which M. Pezzana gave him at his departure led to the
following letter:—
_Bologna, November 11, 1805._
In the hope of being able to execute the little commission you
gave me regarding the Aldine edition of Aristotle, I have put
off writing until I should have searched in our Library.—On
doing so, I find that I have been mistaken, as there is no
copy of that edition here. I avail myself, however, of this
opportunity to renew the assurance of my gratitude for the
numberless kindnesses which you shewed me during the time it
was my good fortune to be in your society;—kindnesses which I
never can forget, and for which it is my most anxious desire
to find some opportunity of making you a return. I beg you
to present my respects to Dr. Tommasini, and to offer to
Signor Bodoni and his lady my acknowledgments for their great
courtesy. Should any occasion arise in which my humble services
can be of use, I shall consider myself happy, if you will
always put aside every idea of my occupations, and will honour
me with your valued commands. Meanwhile accept the assurance of
my sincere esteem and attachment.
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