Page:Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843 - Volume 2.djvu/298

 in barbarism, has served as a basis for every subsequent commercial code—who covered the sea with their ships—who almost discovered the mariner's compass. What are they now?

Their intelligence, their capacities, I am sure remain; their affections also must warm their hearts as kindly; must we not seek in their political history for the causes wherefore superstition and vice have replaced ardour for science and the virtues of industrious and brave citizens?

Though I could not fulfil in any way a favourite design of visiting Calabria, yet we have crept on as far as Amalfi. It had been my idea to spend a month in this town, when I could have told you more of the present state of its inhabitants. I was not able to do this; so, can only mention the impression made by the visit of a day.