Nicolau Tolentino de Almeida

Nicolau Tolentino de Almeida (10 September 1740 – 23 June 1811^[1]), from Lisbon, was the foremost Portuguese satirical poet of the 18th century.^[1] Beginning at age 20, Tolentino studied law for three years at the University of Coimbra; he then ended those studies to teach rhetoric. He was sent to Lisbon in 1776 to fill a post, and was named professor of rhetoric a year later.^[1] His interests soon shifted once again, from teaching, to public office. He wrote against the Marquis of Pombal, and therefore gained the favor of Pombal's successor.^[2] He was awarded with a sinecure office in the royal administration. In 1790, he was honored with the title of knight of the royal family.^[1]