54 SPRINGS, RIVERS, CANALS, LAKES, 



as it has quitted its source, and wide enough to admit a free passage 

 for vessels to pass by each other as they sail with or against llue 

 stream. The current runs so strong, though the ground is level, 

 that the large barges which go down the river have no occasion to 

 make use of their oars ; while those which ascend find it difficult to 

 advance, even with the assistance of oars and poles; and this vicis- 

 situde of labour and ease is exceedingly amusing when one sails up 

 and down merely for pleasure. The banks on each side are shaded 

 with the verdure of great numbers of ash and poplar trees, as clearly 

 and distinctly seen in the stream, as if they were actually sunk in it. 

 The water is cold as snow, and as white too. Near it stands an an- 

 cient and venerable temple, wherein is placed the river.god Cli- 

 tunmus, clothed in a robe, whose immediate presence the prophetic 

 oracles i.ere delivered sufficiently testifiy. Several little chapels are 

 scattered round, dedicated to particular gods, distinguished by dif- 

 ferent names, and some of them too presiding over different foun- 

 tains. For, besides the principal one, which is as it were the parent 

 of all the rest, there are several other lesser streams, which, taking 

 their rise from various sources, lose themselves i?i the river : over 

 which a bridge is built, that separates the sacred part from that 

 which lies open to common use. Vessels are allowed to come above 

 this bridge, but no person is permitted to swim except below it*." 

 The Hispalletes f, to whom Augustus gave this place, furnish a pub- 

 lic bath, and likewise entertain all strangers at their own expense. 

 Several villas, attracted by the beauty of this river, are situated upon 

 its borders. In short, every object that presents itself will afford 

 you entertainment, You may also amuse yourself with numberless 

 inscriptions, that are fixed upon the pillars and walls by different 

 persons, celebrating the virtues of the fountain, and the divinity that 

 presides over it. There are many of them you will greatly admire, 

 as there are some that will make you laugh ; but I must correct my- 

 self when I say so ; you are too humane, I know, to laugh upon 

 such an occasion. Farewell. 



[Mehnotk's Translation.] 



* The touch of a naked body was thought -j pollute these consecrated 

 ivatcrs, as appears from a passage in Tacitus, 1. 14. an. c. 22. 

 i Inhabitants of a town in Orabria, now called Spello a 



