A Handbook to the Works of Browning (6th ed.)

by Mrs. Sutherland Orr

AZZO, LORD OF ESTE (father and son).

RICHARD, COUNT OF SAN BONIFACIO (father and son).

Ghibellines.

ECCELINO DA ROMANO., Surnamed the Monk: married, first to Agnes Este; secondly to Adelaide, a Tuscan.

TAURELLO SALINGUERRA, a soldier, married, first to Retrude, of the family of the German Emperor Frederick the Second; and secondly, in advanced life, to Sofia, fifth daughter of Eccelino the Monk.

ADELAIDE, second wife of Eccelino da Romano.

PALMA (properly Cunizza), Eccelino's daughter by Agnes Este.

The poet SORDELLO.

Historical basis of the Story.

A Mantuan poet of the name of Sordello is mentioned by Dante in the "Purgatorio," where he is supposed to be recognized as a fellow-townsman by Virgil.