CHAPTER IX.

The political reforms of the year 1847 in Tuscany--My first scholars--Ciseri, Prati, Aleardi, Fusinato, Coletti, and Chiarini the _improvisatore_--Inedited verses by Prati--Giuseppe Verdi--A digression on artistic individuality--The Emperor of Russia's visit to my studio--Reactionary movement of the 12th of April 1849--I am in danger of my life--The return of the Grand Duke, 159