[Corinne, Volume 1 (of 2) by Mme de Stael]@TWC D-Link book
Corinne, Volume 1 (of 2)

CHAPTER v
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Lord Nelville judged of Italy as an enlightened administrator, the Count d'Erfeuil as a man of the world: thus the one from reason, and the other from levity, were not sensible of that effect which the country about Rome produces upon the imagination, when it is impressed with the recollections, the sympathies, the natural beauties and the illustrious misfortunes which spread over these regions an undefinable charm.
The Count made ludicrous lamentations on the environs of Rome.

"What," said he, "no country house, no carriage, nothing that announces the vicinity of a great city?
Heavens! what a melancholy prospect!" In approaching Rome, the postillions cried, with transport, "_See! See, there is the dome of St Peter's_!" It is thus that the Neapolitans shew mount Vesuvius, and the sea excites the same emotions of pride in the inhabitants of the coast.

"One would have thought they had seen the dome of _Les Invalides_;" cried the Count d'Erfeuil.

This comparison, more patriotic than just, destroyed the impression which Oswald might have received on beholding this magnificent wonder of human creation.

They entered Rome, not on a fine day--not on a fine night--but on a gloomy evening, which tarnished and confounded every object.


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