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

308 CLASSICAL TOUR Dis.
inclination, and still fewer the information and
the opportunities, necessary to form a just esti-
mate of the Italian character. Many drive
through the country with the rapidity of couriers,
content themselves with a hasty inspection of
what they term its curiosities ; confine their con-
versation to the innkeepers and the Ciceroni;
visit the Opera-house, perhaps intrigue with an
actress; then return home, and write a Tour
through Italy. Others, with more information
and better taste, find that the ancient monuments
and classic scenery of the country, the perusal
of the Roman authors on the spot where they
were inspired, and the contemplation of the mas-
terpieces of the great artists, furnish sufficient
occupation for every hour ; these cannot prevail
upon themselves to sacrifice such refined enjoy-
ments to the formality of visits and to the frivolity
of general conversation. Such travellers, with-
out doubt, derive much improvement and much
rational entertainment from their tour; but yet
they cannot be qualified to judge of the character
of the Italians. For this purpose are requisite,
in the first place, a tolerable knowledge of the
language of the country, a qualification in which
transalpines in general are very deficient; in
the second place, a familiar and effectual intro-
duction into the best houses in each city ; and
thirdly, time and resolution to cultivate the ac-