Pagina 31 van 62

'After I entered the carriage, after I took leave of you, we made

a journey comfortable enough, but we had a few drops of rain to

wet us. But before coming to the country-house, we broke our

journey at Anagnia, a mile or so from the highroad. Then we

inspected that ancient town, a miniature it is, but has in it

many antiquities, temples, and religious ceremonies quite out of

the way. There is not a corner without its shrine, or fane, or

temple; besides, many books written on linen, which belongs to

things sacred. Then on the gate as we came out was written twice,

as follows: "Priest don the fell."[37] I asked one of the

inhabitants what that word was. He said it was the word in the

Hernican dialect for the victim's skin, which the priest puts

over his conical cap when he enters the city. I found out many

other things which I desired to know, but the only thing I do not

desire is that you should be absent from me; that is my chief

anxiety.