Here they experienced no trouble or annoyance whatever, for to the cities of Italy knights of all nations resorted, learned men came to study, philosophers to dispute, and as these brought their attendants with them, you might in the streets of Padua and its sister cities hear every language in Europe spoken.
From Padua they journeyed to Verona, marveling greatly at the richness of the country.

The footmen, however, grumbled at the flatness of the plain, and said that it was as bad as marching in the Holy Land.

On their right, however, the slopes of the Alps, thickly clad with forests, reached down nearly to the road, and Cuthbert assured them that they would have plenty of climbing before they had done.

At Verona they tarried again, and wondered much at the great amphitheater, then almost perfect.

Cuthbert related to Cnut and the archers how men had there been set to fight while the great stone benches round were thronged with men and women looking on at their death struggles, and said that not unfrequently British captives were brought hither and made to contend in the arena.