His mind was indeed rapidly maturing, and becoming conscious in what direction its strength lay.
His account of his first impressions of Rome has been often quoted, and deserves to be so again.

"My temper is not very susceptible of enthusiasm, and the enthusiasm which I do not feel I have ever scorned to affect.

But at the distance of twenty-five years I can neither forget nor express the strong emotions which agitated my mind as I first approached and entered the Eternal City.

After a sleepless night, I trod with a lofty step the ruins of the Forum.

Each memorable spot where Romulus stood, or Tully spoke, or Caesar fell, was at once present to my eye, and several days of intoxication were lost and enjoyed before I could descend to a cool and minute examination." He gave eighteen weeks to the study of Rome only, and six to Naples, and we may rest assured that he made good use of his time.