TRAVELS 
116 
the hofpitable treatment we received at Maafo, it would be ne- 
ceffary to know whether the two perfons juft mentioned obtained 
the fame marks of refped: that we did. I travelled afterwards 
with my countryman Mr. Bellotti, through Norway, where we 
were treated, in like manner, with the moft diftinguifhed marks 
of honour. I certainly acknowledge with gratitude the hospi¬ 
tality Shewn us in that country ; but I cannot, without due re¬ 
gard for truth, omit to notice, that it was every where believed 
that we were Italian princes, who had come to pafs fome time in 
the North, during the troubles of Italy; and all the almanacks 
were moft carefully perufed in order to find out what princes we 
might be. My friend being of a more delicate frame and com¬ 
plexion than I, pafled for the unknown prince ; and myfelf, who 
was of a more robuft conftitution and appearance, was taken for 
his fecretary or travelling tutor. Some took him for a fon of the 
duke of Parma, others for a fon of the duke of Modena ; and 
feveral who were more fcrupulous in their investigation than the 
reft, referred to genealogical accounts, that by comparing his age 
with that of other young princes whom they found mentioned, 
they might be enabled to trace and afeertain his true rank and de- 
feent. I have no doubt but we Should have met with the fame 
polite hofpitahty, independently of all deception: but I cannot 
forbear thinking that this notion was not without its influence 
among certain clalfes of people in the principal towns of Norway, 
where we remained fome days. 
From Maafo we proceeded to Hammerfeft, a place where there 
are 
