Brydone, Patrick; Beckford, William: A Tour Through Sicily And Malta: in a series of letters to William Beckford ; in 2 vol. (Band 2) (1775)

SICILY AND MALTA. 85
to be intimately acquainted ; he speaks the
language tolerably well, and encourages the
learning of it amongst his people.—He
may be considered with regard to Naples,
as what the lord lieutenant of Ireland is
with regard to England, with this trifling
disference, that, like his matter, he is in-
verted with absolute authority ; and keeps
his parliament (for he has one too) in the
most persect subjection. The patriots here,
although a very numerous body, have ne-.
ver been able to gain one point, no nor a
place, nor even a pension for a needy friend.
Had lord Townssiend the power of the mar-
quis Fogliano, I suppose your Hibernian
squabbles (of which we hear so much, even
at this distant corner) would soon have an
end.—Notwithstanding this great authority,
he is asfable and familiar, and makes his
house agreeable to every body. We go
very often to his assemblies, and have dined
with him sevcral times; his table is served
Vmh elegance and magnificence, much su^
G 3 perior