And sweet indeed are those fair Florence weaves

In early spring—the Tyrian violet,

Snowy camellia with the burnished leaves,

Cassia, whose perfume wakes a fond regret,

Myrtle, carnation, and the first young rose,

With almond-scented jessamine that throws

A sweet, faint perfume as the buds unclose.”

Of Geppina, I shall have more to say in future pages. Our connection and friendship were by no means confined to my first visit to Florence.


CHAPTER XVI
RETURN TO ENGLAND—ACCESSION OF QUEEN VICTORIA—HER CORONATION