(Trajan), a celebrated satirical writer, born at Rome, who, in the beginning of the 17th century, obtained the admiration of all Italy by his refined and delicate criticism. Sovereign princes themselves did not escape the lash of his satire. The cardinals Borghese and Gaetan having declared themselves his protectors, he published his Raggiazzio di Parnasso, and La Secretaria di Apollo, which is the continuation of the former. These two works were received by the public with uncommon applause. He there feigns, that Apollo, holding his court at Parnassus, heard the complaints of the whole world, and did justice according as the cases required. He at length printed his Pietra di Parangone; wherein he attacks the court of Spain, setting forth their designs against the liberty of Italy, and inveighing particularly against them for the tyranny they exercised in the kingdom of Naples. The Spaniards complained of him in form, and were determined at any rate to be revenged. Boccalini was frightened, and retired to Venice; but was there assassinated in a very strange manner. He lodged with one of his friends, who having got up early one morning, left Boccalini in bed: a minute after, some armed men entered his chamber, and gave him so many blows with bags full of sand, that they left him for dead; so that his friend returning some time after, found him speechless. Great search was made at Venice for the authors of this murder; and though they were never discovered, it was universally believed that they were employed by the court of Spain.