Self-denunciation to the Inquisitors

After a spell in Modena towards the end of 1576, and a trip to Comacchio, where the Duke’s court had transferred for the Carnival season, Tasso returned to Ferrara in March 1577. Suffering from restlessness and a sense of insecurity for some time, and afraid that he was being watched over and tricked by the Este Court, he first asked the Duke of Urbino for faithful servants, and then requested to be examined by the local Inquisitor, intending to openly declare doubts regarding his faith. Following the interview that took place on 7 June, Tasso was pronounced innocent of heresy. Meanwhile, however, he made serious allegations against Antonio Montecatini, a powerful figure at the Este Court whom Tasso viewed as deceitful and malicious. Dissatisfied with his interview, which he believed had been conducted as a mere formality, and probably manipulated by the Duke, as was indeed likely, Tasso stated his intention to seek a more thorough examination by the Inquisitor at Bologna (and shortly afterwards he wrote a request directly to the Roman Inquisition: see T. Tasso, Le lettere, edited by C. Guasti, 5 vols, Florence, Le Monnier, 1852-55, vol. I, 254-255). As a result, Alfonso became concerned, and Tasso’s position at court weakened.