sledges, and ran all the way to the very
gates of that city, which is seven miles distant from Mount Cenis.

In our way we had a cursory view of the impregnable fortress of Brunetta,
the greatest part of which is cut out of the solid rock, and commands
that important pass.

We rested all night at Susa; and, having bought a very commodious
post-chaise, we proceeded to Turin, where we dined; and from thence, the
evening of May 2, O.S. got to Parma by way of Alexandria and Placentia,
having purposely avoided the high road through Milan, as it would have
cost us a few hours more time.

Sir Charles observed to me, when we were on the plain or flat top of
Mount Cenis, that had not the winter been particularly long and severe,
we should have had, instead of this terrible appearance of snow there,
flowers starting up, as it were, under our feet, of various kinds, which
are hardly to be met with anywhere else. One of the greatest dangers, he
told me, in passing this mount in winter, arises from a ball of snow,
which is blown down from the top by the wind, or falls down by some other
accident; which, gathering all the way in its descent, becomes instantly
of such a prodigious bigness, that there is hardly any avoiding being
carried away with it, man and beast, and smothered in it. One of these
balls we saw rolling down; but as it took another course than ours, we
had no apprehension of danger from it.

At Parma we found expecting us, the bishop of Nocera, and a very reverend
father, Marescotti by name; who expressed the utmost joy at the arrival
of Sir Charles Grandison, and received me, at his recommendation, with a
politeness which seems natural to them. I will not repeat what I have
written before of this excellent young gentleman; intrepidity, bravery,
discretion, as well as generosity, are conspicuous parts of his
character. He is studious to avoid danger; but is unappalled in it. For
humanity, benevolence, providence for others, to his very servants, I
never met with his equal.

My reception from the noble family to which he has introduced me; the
patient's case, (a very unhappy one!); and a description of this noble
city, and the fine country about it; shall be the subject of my next.
Assure all my friends of my health, and good wishes for them; and, my
dear Arnold, believe me to be

Ever yours, &c.

LETTER XLIV

SIR CHARLES GRANDISON, TO DR. BARTLETT
BOLOGNA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 10-21.

I told you, my dear a