'Io sono poco sano e tanto maninconico che _sono riputato matto da gli altri e da me stesso_' (_Ib._ p.

262).] The seven years and four months of Tasso's imprisonment may be passed over briefly.

With regard to his so-called dungeon, it is certain that, after some months spent in a narrow chamber, he obtained an apartment of several rooms.

He was allowed to write and receive as many letters as he chose.

Friends paid him visits, and he went abroad under surveillance in the city of Ferrara.