The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-04-27
Letters from Italy, by Mrs. j. G. B.

Ast'ViS HVm A0l!, "! mIS' ~ u ~
FLORENCE, March 10, lS47.
! arrived at Lucca after three days travelling
over delightful roads, and beautiful country,
with the carriage open all the way. Think OF
that in the beginning Of March. AT Lucca took
the railway to Pisa and Leghorn. Ny carriage
waited for me at Lucca I'LL my return came
here in one day, the finest road Imaginable
After nv return from Pisa, IN the evening, God
frey. the courier came into my room, and said to
ma 1f,dane Hfait que pous sers= de bonnie heure
domain rnatis' said, 81 will; but may ask
vou why o. MADAME, there is great danger on
that road if one is out after sunset "Ho !!
hor' said | and you may be very sure that
rose as early as possible
Il seems that great many robberes have been
committed on that road of late. diligence
was robbed, and carriage stopped and several
persons killed. | believe all the roads in Italy
are dangerous after dark. They have now cara
bineries stationed everywhere on the road The
morning we started we met three fellows in the
hands of three carabneries, who were taking
them into town 10 prison. think, without ex-
cepton, they are, in all the little towns through
out Italy, the most bandtti looking set of men
ever beheld. Sometimes | am afraid to look at
them. They are also very poor.
am SO intoxicated (f may use the ex-
prcssion) with this beautiful city-its statues
its architecture-its palaces-its paintings-that
really feel as if | cannot leave it. Such
calmness of mind such pleasures But must
leave this enchanting city.
! went yesterday to the churches The
first one was II Duomo, or Cathedral 1t is
nearly in the centre of the city. 1t i. magni-
6cent edifce-the pavement solid marble and
all the outward walls are ornamented with va
rious colored marbles. Behind the altar is
marble P;etd, which was the last work of Burma
ROTH, (Michae Angelo,) but he was prevented
from finishing it by death. ! also saw there an
antique portrait OF Dante, the poet, and also the
SassG di Danie, favorite stone, on which that
great poet used to sit when composing his verses
all of which, | assure you, were very inte-
resting to Inc. You knew my love, before this,
for antiquities, and your hatred for them. Now,
could have stayed there all day, looking at that
stone, and imagining l saw that great man sit
ting there weeping over his misfortunes, and
thinking how he was stripped Of his fortune by
his ungrateful country; and now, when it is too
late, like many other cases, they think of him
with veneraon and respect-and point out that
stone where he used to sit. Mankind, however
are So all over the world. ! then went TO the
church OF Sante CrOce, or Holy Cross. | saw
there the tomb of Michael Angelo Burnarotti
and his bust, culptured by himself, with three
crowns Underneath is a'sarcophagus, with Paint
ing, Sculpture and Architecture, deploring the loss
of their favorte. tits altogether the most magni-
ticent piece Of sculp ture ever beheld. There is
also his picture of Christ and the holy women
His remains are buried in this church.
also saw here one of Canova's chef d'qurrss.
II is a monument to the memory of Alferi, the
poet ; that unfortunate man, who was always fall
ing in love with married women. II is of white
marble, and exhibits sarcophagus with masks,
Tyres, laurel leaves, and head of the poet him.
self IN bGs relief. Italy is represented fe-
male, crowned with flowers, weeping over the
remains of her poet. looked at that face, again
and again, to see if could discover anything
different In the form and expression from the hui
man face generally, and 10 try and find out why
his passion was always for married women ; for
you know, whenever be was in love, and that
was often, 1t was sure 10 be with married per-
son, and never with young girl. And thus he
was so unfortunate in his loves, and always I'M
happy. His passions were so violent, that when
writing composing, he used TO chain himself
down to his chair, 80 that he could not do any
damage 70 himself or any body else. He thought
Re could write better when chained. | wish
somebody would chain you down in one spot,
I'll you write me a long letter, for really I want
10 hear from you.
There great many other monuments in
the church, which would be tedious to mention.
have told you of the principal ones. There is
something of interest to be seen in all the
churches here. Some of the ceilings are cover
I'D oh &
cent of frescoes-and fine paintings and statuary
in all go that the lower order of people must be
more or less enlightened in good taste when
they have those beautiful objects of art always
before their eyes. You don't know how it exalts
the soul to look on those fine objects
/ am going to-day to the palaces, which
shall give you an account of in my next; but you
know you can expect nothing from me but my
hurried accounts, for II is as much as can do to
see what Is TO be seen without writing. | never
was happier in my life than when surrounded as
am, with all these objects of art. | rise at six
in the morning. and go out Immediately after
breakfast-enjoy good health, and every thing
which makes life agreeable. No one to trouble
memo one to annoy with their slanderous
tongues and mischievous jeaousies-every one
kind TO me-every one polite-(black mail, sup
pose) Only imagine Jenny and | walking
nearly all over the Bracca Mountains. Oh what
delicious weather have. Why did you not
come You would have been delighted.
Now, think have written you n long letter
before breakfast. You ought to give me credit
for II, and write me long one to reach mc at
Rome.
The CArrTULATIoy OF ALvAEADo.--Thc bril-