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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 edition. Excerpt: ...once tore its entrails. If you strike on this hill, the snbterraneous vault resounds--you would say that the inhabited earth is nothing but a crust ready to open and swallow us up. The Campagna of Naples is the image of human passion--sulphurous, but fruitful; its dangers and its pleasures appear to grow out of those glowing volcanoes which give to the air so many charms, and cause the thunder to roll beneath our feet. Pliny boasted that his country was the most beautiful in existence---he studied nature to be able to appreciate its charms. Seeking the inspiration of science as a warrior does conquest, he set forth from this promontory to observe Vesuvius athwart the flames, and those flames consumed him. Cicero lost his life near the promontory of Gaeta, which is seen in the distance. The Triumvirs, regardless of posterity, bereaved it of the thoughts whichi that great man had conceived--it was on us that his murder was committe. Cicero sank beneath the poniards of tyrants--Scipio, more unfortunate, was banished by his fellow-citizens while still in the enjoyment of freedom. He terminated his days near that shore, and the ruins of his tomb are still called the Tower of our Country. What a touching allusion to the last thought of that great spiritl Marius fled into those marshes not far from the last home of Scipio. Thus in all ages the people have persecuted the really great; but they are avenged by their apotheosis, and the Roman, who conceived their power extended even unto heaven, placed Romulus, N uma, and Caesar in the firmament--new stars which confound in our eyes the rays of glory and the celestial radiance. Oh, Memory! noble power! thy empire is in these scenes! From...