A thirty years old Ugo Foscolo, tired of military life and longing for a quiet life that would allow him to dedicate himself to his beloved writings, arrived in Pavia in December 1808. He was to take up the chair of Eloquence, previously held by Vincenzo Monti, at the University.

In January of the following year, he read the inaugural speech of his course, On the Origin and Office of Literature, in the University’s main hall; an inspiring address, in which he extolled the function of literature and the fundamental role of intellectuals in building a state. The success was enormous and the audience entusiastic.

In the same year, however, the chair was abolished, and Foscolo prepared to leave Pavia.

Pavia in Ugo Foscolo’s words

I spent six thousand lire, and perhaps more, on furniture, because, in my military living, I was lacking everything, and I sacrificed what I could to set up a house where I believed I would find a long rest for my wandering life.

I get up […] to enliven a brighter flame in my fireplace, which will perhaps correct the sadness of the dark fog, which thickens on my windows, and spills over my soul.

[…] I don’t hold a lesson without the whole city coming to hear me, including the university professors themselves, and without the students accompanying me home among cheers.