eted his rounds in the
interior, and given to each of the innumerable windows an undue
importance in the architectural effect of the mass. Such is the
irregularity of their distribution over this vast facade--or such it
appeared to be then, for I have not seen it by daylight--as to give them
the appearance of having been thrown at it by handfuls, and fixed
themselves each at its first point of contact with the wall.

Or by way of compensation for the extravagant supposition of so large a
hand, we can suppose the edifice diminished, and resembling with its
jagged outline, a ragged black cloak, which, having been stretched out,
to serve as a mark for rifle-shooters, would admit the light through
openings not less symmetrically distributed than these windows.

Between Avignon and Marseille, by the land route, the only spot of
interest is Aix. It is a well placed little town; although, in the
summer, its position must procure for it rather too much warmth. There
are no remains of king Rene's palace; nor could I learn that any
souvenir of him was extant, with the exception of a statue, which
represents the jovial old king of the _trouveres_ in the character of
Bacchus. This figure ornaments a hot fountain, situated at the head of
the wide street, planted with trees, by which the town is entered.

LETTER XVI.

VOYAGE TO GIBRALTAR.

Cadiz.

I have just returned from a visit to the signal-tower--the highest
look-out in Cadiz; from which is seen a panorama equalled by few in
Europe. The Atlantic, and its coast down to Trafalgar Cape--the mountain
distances of the Ronda--and Medina Sidonia on its sugar-loaf rock, like
an advanced sentinel--all Cadiz, with its hundreds of white
Belvideres--and the bright blue bay, decked with glittering white towns,
and looking (but with more sparkling glow) like an enormous turquoise
set round with pearls. But let not, I entreat you, these magic
words--Cadiz--Andalucia--raise your expectations unduly; lest they be
disappointed, on rinding that I fail in doing justice to this charming
country. With regard to this town, not only would it be a task beyond my
powers to paint its bright aspect and to give you a sufficiently glowing
description of its pleasures. It is not even my intention to partake of
these--being bent on accomplishing my principal object--the exploration
of the monuments of Seville. However let us not anticipate. You ought to
have had news of me from Gibraltar, where