Rolli exemplifies the hybrid career of the London professional man of letters/scholar who also draws on aristocratic patronage. He came from Italy to England at the invitation of one or more earls, and created numerous libretti for a series of opera companies--in other words, creating a dramatic entertainment for an elite audience, who would have bought the libretti with translations in printed form at the playhouse. But he also translated Milton into Italian, published Italian language-learning books, as well as editing Italian poetry and literature for an English audience. He returned to Italy in 1744.