MARTIAL'S VILLA.
The Government has recently acquired and thrown open to the public these grounds, known as the Corsini Villa, which for its view is one of the most charming sites in Europe, formerly the villa of Julius Martialis described by his nephew ("Ep." iv. 64):—
"The few acres of Julius Martial,
More blest than the Hesperides' gardens,
Lie on the long ridge of the Janiculum.
It is possible hence to see the seven ruling mounts,[8]
And to estimate all Rome,—
The Alban hills, and those of Tusculum;
And whatsoever cool shade lies under the city;
Old Fidenæ,[9] and little Ruba;[10]
And, that which delights in virgins' blood,
The apple-bearing grove of Anna Perenna.[11]
From thence, on the Flaminian and Salarian ways,[12]
The rider is manifest, his chariot-wheels being silent,
Whose gentle sleep may not be molested,
Neither to break it by nautical shouts,
Nor the clamour of the vigorous bargee,
Although the Mulvian bridge[13] may be so near,
And keels glide swiftly on the Sacred Tiber."