1Giovanni Battista Manso, Marquis of Villa, is an Italian
Nobleman of the highest estimation among his countrymen, for
Genius, Literature,and military accomplishments. To Him
Torquato Tasso addressed his "Dialogue on Friendship," for he
was much the friend of Tasso, who has also celebrated him
among the other princes of his country, in his poem entitled
"Jerusalem Conquered" (Book XX).

Among cavaliers magnanimous and courteous
--Manso is resplendent.

During the Author's stay at Naples he received at the hands
of the Marquis a thousand kind offices and civilities, and,
desirous not to appear ungrateful, sent him this poem a short
time before his departure from that city.


These verses also to thy praise the Nine2
Oh Manso! happy in that theme design,
For, Gallus and Maecenas3 gone, they see
None such besides, or whom they love as Thee,
And, if my verse may give the meed of fame,
Thine too shall prove an everlasting name.
Already such, it shines in Tasso's page
(For thou wast Tasso's friend) from age to age,
And, next, the Muse consign'd, not unaware
How high the charge, Marini4 to thy care, 10
Who, singing, to the nymphs, Adonis' praise,
Boasts thee the patron of his copious lays.