Eustace, John Cretwode: A classical tour through Italy An. MDCCCII (Vol. 3): 3. ed., rev. and enl (London: J. Mawman, 1815)

Ch. IX.

THROUGH ITALY.

353
and almost equalled, it is said, that of the Vatican*
This library was indeed the noblest monument
which the Medici have left of the glory of their
line, and reflected more honor upon them than
the proudest edifices could bestow; but even this
literary monument will soon exist only in remem-
brance ; it has not escaped the rapacity of the
French leaders, and after the gleaning which it
has already furnished, it will probably pass entire,
either as an homage, or a purchase, or a volun-
tary present, to the consular palace.
CHURCHES*
It is not my intention to enlarge upon the
churches of Florence; in external beauty, ex-
cepting the cathedral, they are inferior to many,
but in internal decorations equal to most Italian
churches; however to travellers who had just ar-
rived from Rome, and sated their eyes with the
splendor of its majestic temples, the most mag-
nificent edifices of Florence could present little
interesting, nothing astonishing. One charm in-
deed the churches of Florence possess in a man-
ner peculiar to themselves, and that is, an inti-
mate connexion with the memory of the great
men who flourished in the fourteenth and fifteenth
century, and from Florence diffused the light of
VOL* III. A A