CHAPTER III.
THE PALACE OF SIMON TURCHI, AND WHAT OCCURRED THERE.
Not far from the bridge De la Vigne, Simon Turchi had a magnificent dwelling, where the offices of the commercial house of Buonvisi were situated; but he possessed also, at the extremity of the city, pleasure-grounds, where in fine weather he was accustomed to invite his friends and acquaintances to festivals, banquets, and concerts.

His domains were near the church of Saint George, surrounded by grounds belonging to the hospital.
Exteriorly it appeared to be only a wall of enclosure, shaded by lofty trees, and without openings.

Against the horizon were seen two glittering weathercocks surmounting two small towers arising in the midst of foliage.
Within there was, however, a vast garden diversified with winding paths, flowery parterres, hillocks, and grottos.

Here and there, scattered among the thickets of verdure, appeared marble statues representing principally the gods of pagan mythology.

In the centre of the garden was a pond, in which seemed to float a crowd of monstrous animals, such as dragons, basilisks, lizards, and salamanders.