Pellico
SILVIO, an Italian patriot; born in Saluzza, in Piedmont, in 1789.
In early life he gained considerable distinction as a writer for the stage; and his tragedy, "Francesca da Rimini," may SILVIO PELLICO still be read with interest. In 1819 he became connected with the press, and in 1820, he was seized as a carbonaro by the Austrians at Milan, and confined in the fortress of Spielberg for 10 years.
The volume on which his fame rests tells the story of his imprisonment. His PELOPONNESUS treatment was not distinguished by the most terrible hardships or tortures which other more illustrious persons have undergone, but it tells a tale of solitude, of patient endurance, and of pleasing sentiments. Released by the amnesty of 1830, he found shelter at Turin, and was employed as librarian in the house of the Marchesa Barolo till he died. His imprisonment had ruined his health, and he took no further part in politics. He died in 1854.