[569] I shall refer for the several languages, to the pages which contain the notices of the Cardinal’s proficiency in each. There are two or three cases in which the proof may not appear quite decisive: but I have much understated, even in these, the common opinion of his friends.
[570] In this and the few other instances in which I have referred to Cavaliere Minarelli’s list of the Cardinal’s languages, it is amply supported by the printed catalogue of his library, which contains several works in each language, evidently provided with a view to the study of it.
[571] I once travelled through the entire length of France with a friend, who was an excellent book-scholar in the French language, but who, from the feeling which I describe, never could prevail on himself to attempt to speak French in my presence. During a journey of several days, I only heard him utter one solitary oui; and even this was at a time when he was not aware that I was within hearing.
[572] p. 290.
[573] p. 78.
[574] P. 391.
[575] P. 291
[576] There is little originality in this piece, the words and forms being closely scriptural. It is without points, but he occasionally, also, employed them in writing Hebrew.
[577] Eumetes was the name under which, by ancient usage of the Arcadi, Gregory XVI., before his elevation, had been enrolled in their Academy.
[578] Domenichino’s Communion of St. Jerome.