Transcriber's Note:
Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been preserved.
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.For a complete list, please see the end of this document.
Fair Italy, the land of song and cradle of the Arts, has been so oftenwritten about, and so well described both in prose and in verse, that Ifeel there is a presumption in my attempting to say anything fresh ofthat classic land, its art treasures, and its glorious past. But withinthe last few years a new Italy has sprung into existence—the dream ofCavour has been realized; and, contrary to all predictions, she hasevinced a union and cohesiveness so complete as to surprise all, andpossibly disappoint some who were jealous of her.
What was once a conglomeration of petty rival states is now oneconstitutionally governed kingdom. Italy has ceased to be only ageographical name; she is now a nation whose voice is listened to at thecouncil tables of the Great Powers.
The old terms of Piedmontese, Tuscan, Lombard, and Neapolitan, have nolonger aught but a local significance; from the Alps to Tarentum everyone glories in the name of free united Italy, and feels proud of beingan Italian.
Young Italy is so rapidly developing the resources of her gifted people[viii]and of her fruitful lands, that she daily becomes more interesting toall who sympathize with a free and vigorous country; more especially tothe English, who have many interests in common with her, and few, ifany, reasons to fear either antagonism or competition.
And the beautiful Riviera—
Yes! the Riviera is certainly one of the loveliest spots on this fairearth, and is visited by streams of human beings, lovers of nature andstudents of art; but is more especially dear to the thousands of sicklyinvalids, who—
But, to be truly candid, I must confess that, while humbly trusting Ihave succeeded in making this litt