Eustace, John Cretwode: A classical tour through Italy An. MDCCCII (Vol. 4): 3. ed., rev. and enl (London: J. Mawman, 1815)

36

CLASSICAL TOUR

Ch. I.

outshine that of Trajan itself. When it is to be
begun is not known ; meantime the work of de-
struction proceeds. However be these improve-
ments what they may, I must say, that the
beauties of Milan are not a little at present, and
in opposition to the poet’s declaration were, I
believe, anciently still more eclipsed by the
splendor of Rome. Juncta premit vicinia Homes,
an observation applicable to Milan, to Genoa,
and still more to Florence because nearer that
Capital, so long- the seat of beauty, of empire,
and of Majesty *.

* The traveller would do well to visit, as he easily may,
the three cities above-mentioned, to which we may add
Turin and Venice on his way to Rome. As for Naples it
derives its attractions not from art but from nature, and will
charm as long as its bay with all its isles, its coasts with
their windings, its lakes with their wild borders and classic
haunts, and its mountains with their fires, fertility and ver-
dure continue to glow with the beams of the sun that now
enlightens them.