His young friend had not leisure to pay him due attention.

He therefore started on a journey to Loreto, which had long been the object of his pious aspiration.

Loreto led to Rome, where Scipione Gonzaga resided as Patriarch of Jerusalem and Cardinal.

Rome suggested Southern Italy, and Tasso hankered after the recovery of his mother's fortune.
Accordingly he set off in March 1588 for Naples, where he stayed, partly with the monks of Monte Oliveto, and partly with the Marchese Manso.
Rome saw him again in November; and not long afterwards an agent of the Duke of Urbino wrote this pitiful report of his condition.

'Every one is ready to welcome him to hearth and heart; but his humors render him mistrustful of mankind at large.