MALMIGNATI, GIULIO. - Man of letters and politician, born at Lendinara into a noble family toward the end of the 16th century, died about the middle of the 17th century.
An imitator of Tasso, he composed a heroic poem dedicated to Luigi XIII, l'Enrico ovvero Francia conquistata, which deals with the events that occurred during the religious wars in France, from the death of Enrico III to the conversion of Enrico IV. The plot is somewhat cum-
bersome, but particular importance is given to the supernatural element of divine visions and heavenly aid, by which the protagonist is assisted in all his actions. Perhaps, though the question is disputed, certain episodes of the poem provided Voltaire with inspiration for the composition of his Henriade. Moreover, M. was the author of two tragedies: l'Ordaura, set in a fabulous Orient, and the pastoral Clorindo.