sophy at the
University of Glasgow for that of Literature at St. Andrews, saying: "It
is the right order; Philosophy first, and Poetry, which is its highest
outcome, afterward, and much harm has been done by reversing the usual
process."

The letters to Mrs. Bronson tell much of the story of these days. In one,
dated June 10, 1899, he gives this reminiscence of Asolo:

DEAREST FRIEND,--It was indeed a joy to get your letter. I know that a
change of place would be desirable for you, darling Edie told me so,
but I fancied you would not leave Venice so soon....

... One thing is certain, that if I do go to Venice, and abide at the
Rezzonico, every day during the visit I shall pass over to the beloved
Alvisi and entirely beloved friends there, who are to me in Venice
what San Marco is to the Piazza. Enough of this now, and something
about Asolo.

When I first found out Asolo, I lodged at the main hotel in the
Square,--an old, large inn of the most primitive kind. The ceiling of
my bed-room was traversed by a huge crack, or rather cleft, caused by
the earthquake last year; the sky was as blue as blue could be, and we
were all praying in the fields, expecting the town to tumble in. On
the morning after my arrival, I walked up to the Rocca; and on
returning to breakfast I mentioned it to the land-lady, wherein a
respectable middle-aged man, sitting by, said: "You have done what I,
born here, never thought of doing." I took long walks every day, and
carried away a lively recollection of the general beauty, but I did
not write a word of 'Pippa Passes'--that idea struck me when walking
in an English wood, and I made use of Italian memories.

I used to dream of seeing Asolo in the distance and making vain
attempts to reach it--repeatedly dreamed this for many a year. And
when I found myself once more in Italy, with Sarianna, I went there
straight from Venice. We found the old inn lying in ruins, a new one
(being) built, to take its place,--I suppose that which you see now.
We went to a much inferior albergo, the best then existing, and were
roughly, but pleasantly, entertained for a week, as I say. People told
me the number of inhabitants had greatly increased, and things seemed
generally more ordinary and life-like. I am happy that you like it so
much. When I got my impression, Italy was new to me....