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

Ch. XIII. THROUGH ITALY.

459

sea, and the cheapness of provisions, are all so
many additional recommendations, and must, it
would seem, attract students. Pisa is indeed
the seat of Tuscan education, and is much fre-
quented by the subjects of the Florentine go-
vernment ; hence, when I say it has never re-
covered its ancient numbers, I mean not to say
that it is deserted, but that its present state does
not equal its former glory.
Pisa is only four miles from the sea; its port
was anciently at the mouth of the Arno, and was
a place of some fame and resort.
Contiguum stupui portum, quem fama frequentat
Pisarum emporio, divitiisque maris,
Mira loci facies !* Rutilius,

* This port was protected neither by a mole nor by a
pier, nor indeed by any artificial or natural rampart of
walls, rocks or promontories. Though it was open to every
wind, yet vessels rode secure on its bosom. The cause of
this peculiarity was the size and tenacity of the weeds which
were so closely interwoven, it seems, as to exclude the agi-
tation of the sea while they yielded to the weight of vesselsc
Such is the account of Rutilius.
. pelago pulsatur aperto
Inque omnes ventos littora nuda patent;
Non ullus tegitur per brachia tuta recessus,
/Eolias possit qui prohibere minas.