roses, and flowering shrubs. Between the casini, the slope is embroidered 

 with patterns of box, flanked by bold stairways which lead the eye 

 upward to a series of fountains and cascades overshadowed by masses of 

 dark foliage that lend an air of mystery to the vista. 



The second terrace is enlivened by a circular fountain, built partly 

 within and partly without the sustaining wall. Its central jet is encircled 

 by minor fountains and several concentric water channels ranged one 

 above another. At the next terrace is a semicircular basin within which 

 recline two gigantic river-gods, enriched by brilliant patches of moss and 

 lichen. On either side of this fountain, stairways lead upward, flanked 

 by stepped walls, with tall sculptured vase-fountains and spouting masks, 

 the water falling from one to another. To these fountains the water is 

 conveyed by a mossy channel, the " catena, " so called from its curious rim 

 of interlacing scroll-work, which takes the place of the usual cascade and 

 makes a pleasing variety. Beyond it you reach the delightful upper 

 terrace, shaded by giant plane-trees and surrounded by tall columns set 

 at intervals in a balustrade. At the further side, where the aqueduct 

 enters, is a fountain in a semicircular recess, and on each side of it are 

 open pavilions of graceful proportions. These were built by Cardinal 

 Gambara, whose name is inscribed on the entablature and whose arms, 

 with the crayfish, appear in a panel above. A curious octagonal fountain 

 forms the centre of the terrace, with several channels rising one above 

 another in steps, quaintly sculptured with tazze dolphins and masks, from 

 all of which issue supplementary jets. This is surrounded by a high clipped 

 hedge, with stone benches that follow the curves and angles of the 

 enclosure ; a most delightful bower in which to while away a lazy 

 afternoon, to the drowsy accompaniment of the murmuring waters, and 

 the rippling song of birds. 



Thus it may be seen, that in the Villa Lante are to be found, carried 

 to the highest pitch of perfection, all those features which go to make the 

 ideal villa ; casini large enough for all reasonable requirements ; the parterre 

 spread out beneath the windows, which is always a delight, winter or 

 summer ; shady places near at hand ; fountains with a plentiful water 

 supply ; and beyond the garden, away towards the hilly background, wild 

 woodland stretches. 



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