: In short, 'twas the most lamentable scene that eyes could behold."
The King, in his letter on the melancholy occasion to the King of Spain, concludes thus: "I am without a house, in a tent, without servants, without subjects, without money, and without bread."
An Italian Man and Woman in their proper Habits.
An Historical Description of ITALY.
ITALY in the scriptures is called Chittim, and Mesech. Pliny (an ancient Latin writer) gives it this character: "Italy is the nurse-mother of all nations, elected by the Gods to make the Heavens more glorious, and unite the dispersed governments of the world." &c. The situation is very advantageous, being towards the midst of the Temperate Zone. It is bounded by the Alps on the North, which separates it from Germany; on the East by the Adriatic Sea; on the South by Mare Inferum, or the Sea of Tuscany; and on the West by a part of the Alps, and the River Var, which are its bounds towards France and Savoy. The air of this country is temperate and healthful; the soil so fruitful, that there seems to be a continual spring: It abounds with grain, fruits, and flowers, and a variety of living creatures, as well for pleasure as profit; on which account Italy is called the Garden of Europe. The people are polite, dexterous
[sic]
, prudent, and ingenious, extremely revengeful, jealous, and great formalists; their genius lies much for poetry, music, antiquities, &c. and, in short, all the liberal arts. Their tongue is derived from the ancient Latin. The cities are fair, well built, and magnificent; Rome is looked on as the capital, and is called the
Holy