[Sylva, Vol. 1 (of 2) by John Evelyn]@TWC D-Link book
Sylva, Vol. 1 (of 2)

INTRODUCTION
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as if they were so many heapes of snow dropp'd out of the clouds amongst these perennial greenes.' Taking mules to Cannes, he went by sea to Genoa 'having procur'd a bill of health (without which there is no admission at any towne in Italy).' On reaching 'Mongus, now cal'd Monaco' on the route, 'we were hastened away, having no time permitted us by our avaricious master to go up and see this strong and considerable place.' On Oct.16th., after 'much ado and greate perill' he landed on Italian soil.

He was fully prepared to have the most delicious pleasure in this classical land, having already, even during the stormy weather off the coast, 'smelt the peculiar joys of Italy in the perfumes of orange, citron, and jassmine flowers for divers leagues seaward.' It would be pleasant to ramble through Italy in Evelyn's company, and to share with him the many enjoyments recorded in his _Diary_: but space forbids.

From Genoa he went to Leghorn and Pisa, from Pisa to Florence, thence to Sienna, and on to Rome.

'I came to Rome on the 4th November, 1644, about 5 at night, and being perplexed for a convenient lodging, wandered up and down on horseback, till at last one conducted us to Monsieur Petits, a Frenchman, near the Piazza Spagnola.

Here I alighted, and having bargained with my host for 20 crownes a moneth, I caused a good fire to be made in my chamber and went to bed, being so very wet.
The next morning (for I was resolved to spend no time idly here) I got acquainted with several persons who had long lived at Rome.' Evelyn's description of the interesting sights he saw in Rome is so good that it might well be perused in place of modern guide-books by those visiting the city.


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