, a celebrated poetess of Italy, in the sixteenth century, was the
, a celebrated poetess of Italy,
in the sixteenth century, was the natural daughter of Peter
Tagliava d'Aragon, archbishop of Palermo, and a cardinal,
himself an illegitimate descendant of the royal house of
Aragon. Her father made a settlement on this daughter
sufficient to enable her to live genteelly. She was beautiful in her person, and highly accomplished by taste and
education. She spoke and wrote in Latin and Italian with
the ability of the most eminent scholars, and enjoyed during
life great reputation for the elegance of her manners and
writings. The most distinguished scholars of the time celebrated her praises, and were proud to be ranked among
her admirers. She resided mostly at Ferrara and Rome,
and when advanced in age, went to Florence under the
protection of the duchess Leonora of Toledo, an.d at that
place she died very old, but the time is not mentioned.
Her works, which have not preserved the high character
bestowed by her admirers, are, 1. “Rime,
” Venice, Dialogo deli‘ infinita d’Amore,
” Venice, II Meschino, o il Guerino,
poema,
” in the ottava rima, Venice, 1560, 4to.