For the first time, Giovanni seemed inclined to enter upon an argument with him.
"Why are the conditions so different?
I do not see.

Here is the same undulating country, the same climate--" "And twice as much water," interrupted Giovanni.

"You forget that the Campagna is very low, and that the rivers in it have risen very much.
There are parts of ancient Rome now laid bare which lie below the present water-mark of the Tiber.

If the city were built upon its old level, much of it would be constantly flooded.

The rivers have risen and have swamped the country.