ULYSSES ALDROVANDI. 55 



more by the declared opinions of others, than by 

 his own writings. From the earliest period of life 

 he so delighted in learning, that he spared neither 

 labour nor expense to reach that elevation in which 

 we have all beheld him. Nor did you refuse the 

 reward due to his merit ; nay, it is owing to your 

 liberality that he could apply so assiduously to 

 those studies to which his taste led him. It was 

 by your assistance he was enabled to collect, from 

 various quarters, so many observations on plants, 

 animals, and atmospherical phenomena, and to pro- 

 cure so many paintings, sculptures, books, and 

 other records, which are in his library. All these 

 he determined should be your property, for he 

 knew that thus was the best prospect afforded of 

 preserving them from the injuries of time. My 

 husband placed all in your hands, not only that 

 they might be preserved for the public benefit, but 

 because he considered them as your property, even 

 when he lived. For as his own means were found 

 quite inadequate, you distinguished him above other 

 citizens by every mark of favour, respect, and sup- 

 port, (suppetiis;) so that he seemed to owe you 

 even more than he left. Having passed, however, 

 his whole life in severe labour, under the shade of 

 the Muses, or, rather, from his cradle, under your 

 wings, he offered you his all the fruit of his learn- 

 ing and industry, and consigned it to your care 

 the protectors of his country." Nor was this all 

 that was done by the Senate. This august assem- 



