ciation of the Latin language, which he had been taught in common with us all in England: it was requisite that he should previously undergo an examination in Latin by the heads of the medical college (if I am not mistaken); but so different was the pronunciation, that the Doctor could neither understand nor make himself understood *. Doubts began to collect upon the brows of the Italian sages as to the abilities of their English brother, when he requested the probation might be carried on in writing; which being immediately assented to, proved so creditable to our worthy countryman, that he has ever since enjoyed a reputation to which his talents and abilities most justly entitle him.

THE natives of Genoa have long labored under the imputation of being in general more vicious in their habits and dispositions than any other Italians; but how far this opinion may be justified by corroborating facts is not easy for a foreigner to ascertain. There are certainly many anecdotes not very favorable to the moral character, and some proverbs which it would perhaps be no compliment to repeat in the presence, of a Genoese; but I must acknowledge that I perceived no trait, nor

*THE Scotch, from the classic propriety with which they pronounce the Latin, are not exposed to similar mortifications on the continent; and it is seriously to be hoped that the method which prevails in Scotland will be generally adopted in England.

heard of any occurrence, during my residence there, that would warrant my subscribing to the degrading reports which have been promulgated against them.

I AM by no means disposed to arrogate a right of decision on this subject; but I am equally averse from being influenced by such intemperate expressions as that attributed to Francis the First, who, upon being solicited to assist their government, bluntly replied, "Let them go to hell; I am not desirous of connecting myself with such people as the Genoese;" or by the taunting and ridiculous proverb, so frequently applied to this republic, " Mare senza pesce, montagne fenza legno, uomini senza fede, e donne senza vergogna *, so long as I bear in remembrance the delicate fish which every day covered the tables where I had the honor to dine, the probity of the brothers C, and the modest and amiable deportment of La Contessa P-ni.

I WILL intrude upon my readers only one more anecdote respecting the Genoese, who, in the most important moment of their political existence, manifested their knowledge of the human heart by an expedient which deserves to be recorded.

EARLY in the sixteenth century, Lewis the Twelfth entered the

* Sea without fish, mountains without wood, men without faith, and women without chastity.

eity a conqueror, and menaced it with utter destruction. Alarmed at the danger, the citizens dressed four thousand little children in sackcloth, and placing them in the grand piazza or square through which his Majesty was to pass, instructed them to cry out as he approached, "Miserecordia e pietà! Pietà e miserecordia!" which had such an effect upon the indignant but yet sympathising sovereign, that he relinquished his threatening resolutions, and treated the city mildly.

BEFORE leaving Genoa, we were joined by four passengers, two young ladies and two gentlemen (one of whom was uncle to the ladies), who were proceeding to the Crimea ; an addition to our society which could not fail to increase the pleasures, and relieve the tedium of the voyage.

A SHORT Sail brought us to Leghorn, one of the finest ports of Italy. A well built broad street, and a large square, form all that is most remarkable in the appearance of the city; which is of considerable extent, built with regularity, and may be looked upon, from the variety of its inhabitants, as an epitome of the commercial world. Turks, Jews, and Christians, forgetting their mutual prejudices, upon the Exchange tolerate each other with apparent testimonies of regard, and seem to be actuated by no other spirit than that of commerce. The principal articles of trade consist of silks, coffee, cotton, essences, straw-hats, wine, and

oil; the exportation of which was very considerable, and in a manner engrossed by the English and Jews. Of the latter, it was computed that no fewer than ten thousand resided in a part of the city appropriated to them, where they had a handsome synagogue; and where, added to the reputation of immense riches, many amongst them were celebrated for munificence and respectability.

BESIDES other particular privileges, the English were permitted the exercise of religious worship according to the established church of England; and at the consul's house was a neat chapel, attended with regularity by the merchants' families.

FEW specimens of the fine arts are to be found in Leghorn; and I believe the only public statue deserving remark is that of Ferdinand the First, situated opposite the arsenal in the inner harbour. The duke is represented larger than life, standing upon a square pedestal; at each angle of which is the figure of a Turkish slave in chains, so artfully disposed that, at one particular point of view, the four noses may be distinguished. The whole is the workmanship of Pietro Tacca, and in brass.

THE opera-house is large and convenient; but the want of light throws a gloom over it, which never fails of meeting with the disapprobation of those who are not accustomed to conti

nental theatres. There are generally, however, some good performers; and the charms of Italian music and Italian singing compensate for the disappointment of not being able, for a few hours, to distinguish the beauty of the Tuscan ladies: He must be strangely insensible to music who cannot suspend his curiosity during the performance of any one of Pergolese's, Cimarosa's, or Paisiello's operas.

THE Coffeehouses in the principal street are ornamented with large glasses and tables of finely polished marble. Ladies are accustomed to enter them as well as gentlemen; and indeed all the coffeehouses in Italy are upon a different footing from those of either England or France. Ice, lemonades, and similar refreshments, are most generally demanded in these elegant and fashionable saloons; and for the more substantial supplies of dinner, or the chearing support of the flask, the sons of conviviality must repair to the albergo or inn.

FROM Leghorn I went on board a common passage-boat, up the river Arno to Pisa; and was not a little amused by the variety of company I met with. The flippancy of a smart country girl excited the attention of a humorous musician, whose wit and hilarity tempered the severity of his observations, and made the lass so far forget she had been the object of his satire, that, before the end of our journey, she had consented di mangiar' un