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

Ch. XI.

THROUGH ITALY.

389

dilation, this indulgence is confined to two days.
These austerities are peculiar to the inhabitants
of the Sagro Eremo, and do not extend to the
monastery. The church of the Eremo is ex-
tremely neat, and the sacristy adorned with some
excellent paintings. The library contains not
only religious and ascetical works, which are
seldom wanting in such establishments, but a
very good collection of general literature. The
situation is extremely grand and romantic; in
the midst of craggy mountains, and almost impe-
netrable forests of firs, it is eternally enveloped
in that holy gloom so congenial to the spirit of
monastic institution, and so well calculated to in-
fuse into the most dissipated minds sentiments of
religious melancholy.
Not far from the Eremo, the Apennines at-
tain their highest elevation, and exhibit at once a
view of the Adriatic and Tyrrhene seas. We did
not, however, ascend, as the heat of the weather
at this season renders the horizon too hazy for
extensive prospects ; but when evening approach-
ed we returned to the abbey, where we found a
very good supper prepared for us by the atten-
tion of the Padre Foresteraio, to whom we had
particular letters of recommendation. The prior
himself also honored us with his company; so