George's Fields, over which a Pump is placed, and by which a vast Casino is built, capable of containing many hundreds of patients, and surrounded by a lofty wall. These waters are in infinitely greater repute than those of Aix, of Pyrmont, or Barêges; and I have in one morning met with inhabitants of remotely-distant countries, gathered together before this famous Spring. It was at the time of my visit to this fountain, that I found it necessary to make some change in my name; and, for Castel Franco, the surname hitherto borne by my family, to adopt that of Castel Chiuso. This change, however, was not effected without due ceremony. I can assure the Reader that the proper forms of Law were observed; and that when the particular act was performed, by which the new surname was adopted, I was ushered by the appointed officers, with considerable ceremony, one preceding, and one following me, with the most scrupulous observance. It was during the time in which I partook of the salubrious potations of that spring, which, for I know not what reason, is called Number Sixteen, that I availed myself of my knowledge of the English language; and, changing the pencil for the pen, amused myself by making written Sketches, with which I have filled a portfolio: a small portion of these is now offered to the Public. I know not whether I have seized the traits which would particularly strike an Englishman: but, if I have thought and felt too much like a native of Italy, I have sedulously endeavoured to apply to my Sketches what knowledge I have acquired, during my abode in England, from a close observation of what has passed before me; and from an acquaintance with English manners and customs, that does not often fall to the lot of a foreigner. |