Dennis, George: The cities and cemeteries of Etruria: in two volumes (Band 1) (London, 1848)

chap, vn.} THE HYKSOS OF ETRURIA. 147

do better than engage the services of the said Domenico,
which he may do at a few paoli a day, taking care to ask
for " Domenico, detto Figlio del Re," or the King's
Son; which is no reflection on any crowned head
in Europe, but is a sobriquet belonging to him in right
of his father, who was generally called " The King,"
whether from his dignified bearing, or from out-topping his
fellows, like Saul, I know not. These cognomina are general
among the lower orders in Italy—a relic, perhaps, of
ancient times—and no one seems ashamed of them; nay,
a man is best known by his nickname. At Sutri I was guided
by a Sorcio,—or "Mouse"—(remember the three great
Republican heroes of the same name, P. Decius Mus!) ; at
Narni, I was driven by Mosto,—or " New Wine;" at
Chianciano by the "Holy Father" himself; and at Pitig-
liano I lodged in the house of II Bimbo, or—" the Baby."
I should mention that this son of the shepherd-king of
Civita Castellana, will provide the traveller with horses at
three paoli each, per diem.

L 2