Nor can I remember in the _authentic_ annals of mortality a single example of a king or prince, of a statesman or general, of a philosopher or poet, whose life has been extended beyond the period of a hundred years....

Three approximations which will not hastily be matched have distinguished the present century, Aurungzebe, Cardinal Fleury, and Fontenelle.

Had a fortnight more been given to the philosopher, he might have celebrated his secular festival; but the lives and labours of the Mogul king and the French minister were terminated before they had accomplished their ninetieth year." Then follow several striking and graceful pages on Lucrezia Borgia and Renee of France, Duchess of Ferrara.

The following description of the University of Padua and the literary tastes of the house of Este is all that we can give here:-- "An university had been founded at Padua by the house of Este, and the scholastic rust was polished away by the revival of the literature of Greece and Rome.

The studies of Ferrara were directed by skilful and eloquent professors, either natives or foreigners.