New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-09-25
SOCIETY AT FLORENCE.

Aeolresp0ndent OF Tile Neeark Adre, tIser at Flor
ence thus speaks of sunlry notsbtes and the state
Ct society in that city
"In music Italy is still far in advance of u.s. though
Possiui-the song bird of Paradise, neeted ia these
olive vineyards grown old and csptious, perhaps,
now shuts all the wealth Of his meodous soul within
itself refusing TO minister 70 the corrupt taste OF the
day. In other than bis own words, Nerdls assump-
ton of the musical throne has driven the king OF this
realm into moody solitude. And akngly solitude, in
deed is Old RossiDis his very silence has royalty
in il that is felt be reres in grandeur attended by
wealth az the repose of his age Is as luxurious rs
the life of his youth and the reign of his prime.
His beautiful villa stands on a commanding point OF
the e0lHe and is the resort Of his still loyal subjects
Too near acquaintance, however, with the persons
and priv alto histories Of most great men OF Europe not
only osipates the ilusiUn of distance, but reveals
characteristic and habits revolving that one often
regrets such Disseminating intimacy. In this case,
one turns from the elegant retirement of the old vo-
uptuary RossDi, TO the tomb Of the spiritual Bcllini,
with less Of regret that Paradise reclaimed 80 early its
musical child
Florence seems now 10 be gathering place for
tie notorious it has been the birthplace OF the
celebrated Here resides IL almost regal pomp,
Prince Dtmidon husband separated of course of the
famous Princess Matilda, now in power as queen OF
beauty-though in verify pdssfeat the court Of her
cousin Napoleon Ill. DemidOti is q Russian of Pile
beian birh bis princeship having been the gift Of this
duCal crown, probably account of immense wealth.
his only prncely claim. His chateaa-one of the
great ATTRACTIONS here, more desirable for being less
accessible than ohers-s richer in its interior than
any Of the ducal residences Not only has he tables
and other articles of furniture but mantle pieces and
pavemeDts Of malachite and laps ta=Hit indeed his
visitors often wear 10 small brooch on the bssoms
precious stones, such as they walk lean upon
ia bis gorgeous saloons. The grounds attached to
bis villa are nearly as extensive as the royal gar
dens and are inclosed the whole length by an iron
fence, higher and richer than surrounds any American
park. Bat inborn vulgsrty Is apparent in the posi-
ton Of this sumptuous residence on low marshy land
excluded from any Of the fine views which lesser vii
las enjoy. The princes income is said TO be over
100000 per anuu.n; yet, when recently remanded
10 Russia, be left Florence greatly in debt; from
which fact the expenses OF his daily living may
be estimated. Should he ever return il will proba
bly, be with Diminished wealth, his Emperor
no sdcubt had need OF him. The present Jonae
anne of this prince is the wife Of a noblemsn here,
who lives himself the best terms with her; though
her relation with the Russian publicly acknowledged
the presiding al all his balls, which, by the bye,
attended by the best society, including English
ladies Of delicate tastes and habits On the princes
departure be purchased place for this reH1rRed lady,
where she resides ruth her husband during his absence
For further particulars Of Prince Demidotf, refer
the reader 10 Mr.. Levers novel, The DaltOns where
he appears at large under the title Of Prince Medich-
cE among sundry other foreign residents OF Florence.
As Mr. Lever about visiting the United States, it is
well 10 caution those who may affect his society TO be
their good behavior in his presence, they may
be petty Of seeing themselves thereafter in the
mirror of type-often Lot the most iattering
Another notoriety here ia Byrons GHiccIOiI, now
married TO rich old Florentine Marquis, whose pea
oock-iread through the halls of fashion, with the
beauty of sixty bis arm, denotes how proud he is
OF being husband of the poets mistress which honor
II would seem is deemed enylsble by the crowd OF
cour,ers that surround the Marchoness who, if not
fair the Countess uiccio still holds her own art
tsteaiiyher blonde ringlets being whittier for her
years-and who carries in her march queenly con-
seiousness of superiority among high women Indeed
in coming TO Florence she knew her sphere and re-
wolves gloriousiy in il. Many other &esser stars of
fsshor-falen stars in their native pheres-dnd here
also the mOst favorable position among them are
several ladies IN their own right i.e: without their
ladies. Truly, Florence il motherly hospital for
suffering regulations. aud it is wonderful how soon
desperate cases come out whole sgain. Florentine
himself remarked the other day of great lady who
had lost caste even in another Italian city, Eky don't
she esms herei Florence rOEM reee,re her rh oysA
: arms, and put her "a position GgaIH 2