Philelpho
was one of the most famous of the scholars who returned 'laden with
manuscripts' from Greece. To recover a lost poem or oration was to go far
on the road to fortune, and a very moderate acquaintance with the text
was expected from the hero of the fortunate adventure. When he lectured
on his new discoveries at Florence, where he had established himself in
spite of the Medici, Philelpho according to his own account was treated
with such deference on all sides that he was overwhelmed with
bashfulness; 'All the citizens are turning towards me, and all the ladies
and the nobles exalt my name to the skies.' He was the bitter enemy of
Poggio, and of all who supported the reigning family of Florence. Poggio
had the art of making enemies, though he was a courtier by profession and
had been secretary to eight Popes. He raged against Philelpho in a flood
of scurrilous pamphlets; Valla, the great Latin scholar, was violently
attacked for a mere word of criticism, and Niccolo Perotti, the
grammarian, paid severely for supporting his friend. Poggio was always in
extremes. His eulogies in praise of Lorenzo de' Medici, and Niccolo
Niccoli of Florence are perfect in grace and dignity; his invectives were
as scurrilous as anything recorded in the annals of literature.
Two generous benefactors preceded 'the father of his country' in
providing libraries for Florence. Niccolo Niccoli by common consent was
the great Maecenas of his age; his passion for books was boundless, and he
had gathered the best collection that had been seen in Italy for many
generations.
Pages:
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74