The entrance of the bay is on the south-west side, and is near fifteen miles wide. Off the town there are two moles, one for the King's galleys, the other for the larger men of war and merchantmen, with three castles to defend them. But notwithstanding these works, and the Citadel of St. Ilmo, which, from its height, is unassailable, and that its garrison is sheltered by excellent casemates, I think ten sail of the line might lay this capital in ashes, as a first rate man of war may lie close to the shore.
By Sir William Hamilton's desire, we, this morning, took a boat from the Pearl, and after rowing along the west side of the town, and passing the ruins of Queen Joan's Palace, landed at a small village, he was so good as to point out to us, in the neighbourhood of which we saw the remains of Pollio's Villa, with the subterranean fish-ponds, in which he used to feed lampreys on human flesh. There are some busts of his family in the garden, and several inscriptions to remind us of his abominable luxury.
LETTER VIII.
TO CAPTAIN SMITH.
Naples, September 24th.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
On a hill, a little without this city, the King has a palace, called Capo de Monté, in which there is a museum, and a numerous collection of paintings, the best of which is Titian's celebrated Danaæ. Nothing can be more beautiful, or expressive of enjoyment, than her face, or more elegantly shaped than her person: but, dared I suppose it possible to improve the design of so perfect a master, I would say, that, for Jupiter's sake, I wish that her knees were less drawn up.
Scidon's Charity is a divine figure, and, if possible, exalts that heavenly virtue.
The Dead Christ, by A. Carraccio; Mary Magdalen, by Giucino; Peter denying Christ, by Morillo; the Virgin Mary, with St. Ann, Jesus, and John the Baptist, by Raphael, are among the best pieces.