to those of the greatest Venetian ambassadors. Of his political writings, the Della perfezione della vita politica in dialogue form, written between 1572 and 1579, of somewhat didactic and academic tone, treats principally of the superiority of the active and contemplative life, a problem he decides in favour of the active life on account of its contributing more to the welfare of the Republic. It was supposed, not without reason, to have been written to controvert the ideas contained in Bellarmine's De officio principis christiani. His Discorsi politici were not published until after his death. The first book treats of the greatness and decadence of the Romans; the second of modern governments, especially Venice, being really an apology for the latter's policy. Among his other works may be mentioned a number of political orations. Though Paruta is an independent thinker, Machiavelli's influence is notable. The policy of Italian equilibrium, which a century later developed into that of European equilibrium, was clearly foreseen by him. In his political views economy is not an important part, and therein he is inferior to his contemporary, the Piedmontese Botero. Sources and references Bibliography Apostolo Zeno's edition of Paruta's history (in the series Degli Istorici delle cose veneziane, Venice, 1718) Cirillo Monzani's edition of Paruta's political works (Florence, 1852) 1540 births 1598 deaths 16th-century Venetian writers 16th-century male writers 16th-century Italian historians Procurators of Saint Mark Venetian governors Ambassadors of the Republic of Venice to the Holy See