[K] A chasm occurs here of about twenty pages, which in the original MS. are torn out. Nearly the whole of what was written at Naples has suffered mutilation, or has been purposely effaced; so that in many parts only a detached sentence, or a few words, are legible in the course of several pages.—Editor.
[L] Was the letter addressed 'Alla Sua Excellenza Seromfridevi,' which caused so much perplexity at the Post Office and British Museum, and exercised the acumen of a minister of state, from Salvador to his illustrious correspondent?
[M] Quid times? &c.
[N] Wordsworth.
[O] Beyond Fondi I remarked among the wild myrtle-covered hills, a wreath of white smoke rise as if from under ground, and I asked the postilion what it meant? He replied with an expressive gesture, "Signora,—i briganti!" I thought this was a mere trick to alarm us; but it was truth: within twenty hours after we had passed the spot, a carriage was attacked; and a desperate struggle took place between the banditti and the sentinels, who are placed at regular distances along the road, and within hearing of each other. Several men were killed, but the robbers at length were obliged to fly.
[P] It is understood that this beautiful group has since been executed in marble for Sir George Beaumont.—Editor.
[Q] Written on an old pedestal in the gardens of the Villa Pamfili, yesterday (March 29th).
[R] See the admirable and eloquent "Essays on Petrarch, by Ugo Foscolo," which have appeared since this Diary was written—Editor.
[S] Corilla (whose real name was Maddaleno Morelli) often accompanied herself on the violin; not holding it against her shoulder, but resting it in her lap. She was reckoned a fine performer on this instrument; and for her distinguished talents was crowned in the Capitol in 1779.—Ed.