Bologna 269 



en Italie. It is certainly a most noble piece of two figures, but 

 wants, of necessity, the poetry of a tale told by many. To 

 please me, the Guercino, of which he says little mor^ than its 

 being tres beau, has an expression delicious that works on a fine 

 subject to a great effect: it is more nature than painting. 

 Hagar's countenance speaks a language that touches the heart; 

 and the pathetic simplicity of the child is in unison with all the 

 mother's feelings. The mellow warmth and tender softness of 

 the colouring of the Albano, with the sweetness of the expression, 

 are inimitable. In the church of St. Giovanne in Monte, there 

 is the famous St. Cecilia of Raphael, of which Sir Robert Strange 

 has given so fine a print, and in which he has done ample justice 

 to the original. The St. Agnes of Domenichino, in the church 

 of that name, and Job on his throne, by Guido, at the Mendi- 

 canti, are two others that must be visited. Dine with Signore 

 Bignami ; he is a considerable merchant, and therefore I need not 

 stare at this hospitality in Italy; with great satisfaction I find 

 that no minute is lost in his company, as he is obliging enough to 

 pardon the number of my inquiries. In the evening to Mr. 

 Taylor's ; this gentleman's discourse is interesting to my pursuit, 

 for he has always had a great perdilection for agriculture, and 

 has practised it with intelligence and success. The Marchese di 

 Mareschotti, who is married to a very pretty English lady, 

 present also; a sensible man, who seemed pleased with the 

 opportunity of explaining to me several circumstances, relative 

 to tithes and taxation, that I was inquiring into. He is a 

 singular instance at Bologna of going into company with his 

 wife, and consequently superseding the necessity or want of a 

 cicisbeo. He is regarded by his countrymen for this pretty 

 much as he would be if walked on his head instead of his feet. 

 How strangely doth it appear to them that an Italian nobleman 

 should prefer the company of a woman he married from affection, 

 and think there is any pleasure when he embraces his children, in 

 believing them his own ! — Here I met also the Baron de Rovrure, 

 a French nobleman, and Madame la Marquise de Bouille, both in 

 their way to Naples ; they seem agreeable people. Mr. Taylor, 

 and his two charming daughters, have apparently a pleasing 

 society here. These ladies speak French and German like natives, 

 and before they leave Italy will do the same with Italian; they 

 paint agreeably, and have considerable musical talents; thus 

 accomplishments will not be wanted to second the graces they 

 owe to the beneficence of nature. I had some information from 

 Miss Taylor to-night relative to the expenses of housekeeping, 



