There was a band of music, and dancing, on a platform erected for the purpose. There was also a party of tumblers. The company was not either very numerous or very genteel; but the night was not hot, and fine weather is necessary to render this place agreeable; as there is no house or shelter of any kind. In the months of July or august Tivoli must be delightful.
I forgot to mention, that there were roundabouts, (as they are vulgarly called in England) on which full grown people were very gravely amusing themselves. I heard, the other day, of a duel, which took place in consequence of a dispute for one of these places. You will scarcely believe the report; yet I am every day convinced, that there is nothing so ridiculous, that fancy can suppose, which does not actually and frequently take place in this most extraordinary town.
Having given you this short sketch of the amusements “al fresco,” I shall conclude with repeating my recommendations to you, whenever you come to Paris, to come in the spring. Winter is, indeed, the time for private society; but I have found from experience, that a foreigner has so little to expect on this head, that it is much wiser to choose a season, when an infinite variety of amusements, and all the charms of Nature, in their richest and happiest colours, offer a sure and constant fund of pleasure.
I am, &c.
LETTER XXIX.
The manufactory of “Gobelins,” the observatory, “les Enfans trouvés,” “Champ de Mars,” les Invalides, and the temple of Mars, containing the colours taken from different nations, and the tomb of Turenne.—Le Musée des Monumens françois, or collection of monuments.—List of the most esteemed of these.—Note to this letter contains the account of a dinner at the first consul’s.
Paris, may the 5th, 1802 (15 floréal).
MY DEAR SIR,
As my stay at Paris draws towards a conclusion, I have occupied the three or four last days in visiting those objects of curiosity, which as yet I had neglected to see.