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“…We then went directly across to the
promontory of Misenum, leaving the precipitous island of Nisida on the
right. Here we were conducted to see the Mare Morto, and the Elysian
Fields; the spot on which Virgil places the scenery of the sixth Aenied.
Though extremely beautiful, as a lake, and woody hills, and this divine
sky would make it, I confess my disappointment.
We then coasted the Bay of Baiae to the left, in which we saw many
picturesque and interesting ruins; but I have to remark that we never
disembarked but we were disappointed, while from the boat the effect of
the scenery was inexpressibly delightful. The colours of the water and the
air breathe over all things here the radiance of their own beauty. After
passing the Bay of Baiae, and observing the ruins of its antique grandeur
standing like rocks in the transparent sea under our boat, we landed to
visit Lake Avernus…”
P.B. SHELLEY
Some lines from “Ode to the
west wind“
from: “Naples and its Environs” by
G.Capuano and R.Boardman |