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But if Don Ferrante might be said to be well versed in all the

above sciences, there was one in which he deserved, and really

obtained, the title of professor, the science of chivalry. He not

only spoke of it as a master, but was often requested to

interfere in nice points of honour, and give his decision. He had

in his library, and, we may add, in his head also, the works of

the most esteemed writers on this subject, particularly Torquato

Tasso, whom he had always ready; and he could, if required, cite

from memory all the passages of the Jerusalem Delivered, which

might be brought forward as authority in these matters. We might

speak more at large of this learned man, but we feel it to be

time to resume the thread of our history.