Page:The Voyage of Italy (1686).djvu/47



efore I come to a particular description of Italy, as I found it in my Five several voyages through it, I think it not amiss to speak something in General of the Country itself; its Inhabitants, their Humours, Manners, Customs, Riches, and Religion.

For the Country itself, it seemed to me to be Nature's Darling, and the Eldest Sister of all other Countries; carrying away from them all the greatest blessings and favours, and receiving such gracious looks from the Sun and Heaven, that if there be any fault in Italy, it is, that her Mother Nature hath cockered her too much, even to make her become Wanton: Witness luxu- riant