The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-11-16

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Who were Othello and Dssdemona?
Did they ever really live, or Were they
wholly or partly the creatures of Shakes
peare's imagination7
Ever since the immortal play was written
these questions have been asked.
Not until recently has the truth IN re-
gard to these Two famous p~ersonages been
revealed.
To Professor Cesare Augusta Levi, a dis
tingu4shed italian historian, is due the cred
It for solving this literary problem.
While engaged in collecting material for
q historical work. Professor Levi discov-
cred in an old Venetian palace documents
rated at length, the principal characters
therein being members Of aristo:ratic and
influential families.
Though the names In the dooamet:s are
not those which appear in the play. the
story in both is so similar that literary
critics are of the unanimous opinion tlat
the great problem has at last been salts
factorily solved.
Professor Lewis attention was first d.
rected to this subject about two years ago.
During the last few months he mas OBJ
tanned further evidence that Othello and
Desdernona actually lived such a tempestu-
Gus life as is portrayed by Shakespeare.
Trained historian as he is. he takes moth
ing for granted, and every statement which
he makes Is supported by indisputable evil
dence.
Most Of this evidence Is in the form OF
Sixteenth Century manuscripts.
In order to appreciate the Importance of
Professor Lewis recent discoveries, a word
about his previous work is necessary.
He found q few years ago q large bundle
OF letters in the archives of sfhe Grinfant
Palace. in Venice, and After perusing. them
he felt assured that they contained the life
history Of the persons who ara known
throughout the world as otheiio and Dec-
6smona- =
Here, In brief. is the story.
Some time before 1542 Andrea Calergt .
wealthy Canadian, married his
Eiisabetta to one Maffeo Calergf.
The latter, however. soon separated from
her, presumably on account Of her light
conduct, and Andrea, furious ct such an
insult, lay In wait for his son-in-law and
zstabbed him to death.
INFLUENCE SAVED HIM
FROM SHAMEFUL DEATH.
His arrest and trial followed. and only
his great influence saved him from q
shameful death
His daughter took IS her second husband
Pletro Querini, who ID the living type OF
Shakespeareis Brahanto<
From this marriage came q daughter,
Palma, who. In 15s3, married Nicolo Querini.
Now. according 90 Professor Levi Palma
and Nicolo, Querini are the real names OF
Desder1ona and Othello.
Nicolo Querini was a wealthy. high-spir-
tied soldier, who had many friends. but
also some bitter enemies. most notable
among the latter being Carlo Querini.
Querini Is supposed to be the prototype
of Shakespeare Cassie, and Antonio
Calergl. the writer Of the letters found by
Professor Levi. Palms and Nicoio loved
each other tenderly for a few years after
their marriage. but then trouble came.
Nicolo was often absent from home. fight
ing against the Turks. and whenever he
returned he was gloomy and suspicious
Finally. his distrust and harsh treatment
of his wife became 80 marked that his
mother-in-law interfered.
Palma ran away from home. finding refuge
in the Church Of San Francesca. and sub
sequently In her fathers house.
Nicolo thereupon bittery attacked his
wife's' parents.
They retorted by charging him in court
with having attempted to throttle their
daughter.
The authorities OF Gambia thought the
matter 80 serious that they sent for advice
to the Council of Ten.
The latter. knowing the great influence
of the Calerzf end Querini families. and
not wishing to offend either. imposed a
light sentence on Nicolo and
him back to Venice.