Pietas Romana et Parisiensis, or, A faithful relation of the several sorts of charitable and pious works eminent in the cities of Rome and Paris the one taken out of the book written by Theodorus Amydenus ; the other out of that by Mr. Carr.

The Pazzarella or Place for Mad-People.

The first Founder of this great work of Cha∣rity was Ferrantes Ruiz of the Kingdome of Navar, and Angelo & Didaco Bruni Father and Son, Spaniards. Afterwards An. Dom. 1561. by approbation of Pius the fourth, over this good work was set a Sodality of lay-per∣sons: a house was built near to Via lata, and a Church adjoyning dedicated to the Blessed Virgin under the title of St. Mary of Pity.

In this Hospital are received the crazed persons of whatever Nation they be; and at their first entrance care is taken by Physitians to restore them to their right mind, by Helle∣bore or any other Medicines proper to that effect. If the madness prove incurea∣ble, there they are kept during life, having food and rayment, necessary to the miserable condition they are in, charitably provided for them. Altho there be both men and women in that house, yet they have their apartments so severed that they cannot come together. All know their Keepers: who, as occasions require, correct the outragious, and there∣fore they stand in awe of such.

Persons of all Nations Germans, French-men, Spaniards, Dutch-men, and others are here maintained and governed with a great deal of charity, and (considering their distemper) difficulty also. A Venetian Lady was moved to a great pity of these poor Creatures upon

sight of them: and at her death left them heirs to her whole Estate.