PICUS, John Francis, prince of Mirandola, nephew of John Pica or Picus, mentioned above, was born about the year 1469. He cultivated learning and the sciences after the example of his uncle; but he had a principality and dominion to superintend, which involved him in great troubles, and at last cost him his life. He was twice driven from his principality, and twice restored; and at last, in 1533, was, together with his eldest son Albert, assassinated in his own castle by his nephew Galeotti. He was a great lover of letters; and such of his works as were then composed were inserted in the Strasburg edition of his uncle's in 1504, and continued in future impressions, besides some others which were never collected.