The shepherd's friend, Mopsus (by whom Tasso is thought to have meant Speroni), had warned him against going to court "Però, figlio, Va su l'avviso," &c. "Therefore, my son, take my advice.

In this character it has been customary to see Sperone Speroni, who later accused Tasso of plagiarizing him in the Gerusalemme, and was the first to apply the ominous word 'madman' to the unfortunate poet.

To Speroni's play Canace Tasso may have been indebted for the free measures with which he diversified his blank verse, as likewise for the line: Pianti, sospiri e dimandar mercede; though it must not be supposed that there is any resemblance in style between the Aminta and Speroni's revolting and frigid declamation of butchery and lust.

To Speroni's play Canace Tasso may have been indebted for the free measures with which he diversified his blank verse, as likewise for the line: Pianti, sospiri e dimandar mercede; though it must not be supposed that there is any resemblance in style between the Aminta and Speroni's revolting and frigid declamation of butchery and lust.

Guarini's comment on the Aminta in his letter to Speroni has been already quoted: it does little credit to the writer.