Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/217

Rh Rome the inspiration of those mild and wise laws which made its people happy, but that they only discovered a fountain, to which sorrow for Numa's death had changed Egeria. From amidst the cool shadows of the grove, one looks forth, on every side, over the sun-bathed Campagna, with its ruins of temple and tower.

Fountain and grove are both wonderfully charming places in the neighborhood of the old city of the world, and I must, if possible, visit them again!

Three days later, we drove to Tivoli, in the same good company. The morning was rainy, and we were, at first, doubtful whether we should go, or whether we should not. The decision was made on the courageous side of the question, and heaven rewarded the courage. The further we drove, the brighter it became. The larks began to sing in joyful chorus, and we also rejoiced. Amongst the small pleasures of life, there is scarcely any greater, than that of seeing the weather change from threatening to good humor; when one has an excursion of pleasure in hand.

We drove first to Hadrian's Villa, a work of vanity on a grand scale, which the mighty Roman emperor—in outward measure one of the most fortunate of the emperors of Rome—caused to be erected in memory of the temples, academies, and other remarkable objects, which he had seen during his journeys into the various lands under the rule of his sceptre. The magnificent Villa now stands like a desolated city of ruinous walls, and, in part, tolerably well-preserved buildings, which testify of its extraordinary grandeur.