But it was just at the moment when Italy became aware of the arduous task before her, that the Catholic reaction set in with all its rigor.

The still creative spirit of her children succumbed to the Inquisition, the Congregation of the Index, the decrees of Trent, the intellectual submission of the Jesuits, the physical force of Spanish tyranny, and Roman absolutism.

Carnesecchi was burned alive; Paleario was burned alive; Bruno was burned alive: these three at Rome.
Vanini was burned at Toulouse.

Valentino Gentile was executed by Calvinists at Berne.

Campanella was cruelly tortured and imprisoned for twenty-seven years at Naples.