Henry Crabb Robinson, 66 Piazza di Spagna, Naples, to Colonel Robert Finch, Rome, 23 March 1830.

My dear Sir

      I am unwilling that a packet should be dispatched to our friend Götzenberger without its inclosing a few lines to you, tho’ they will contain little beyond the expression of my sense of your great kindness to me. The pleasure I have had in your society and house, And the permission you have given me to look forward to a continuance of your obliging attentions constitute the strongest of the ties which now bind me in affection to the holy city – And I trust that my return will be early enough in the Autumn to enable me to remind you of your challenge to engage in an excursion among the mountains – During the hot months, I should not dare to be your companion.     

       I am so charmed with this delicious country that if I find I can but obtain the means of studying the language here I shall perhaps even remain here. My only letter of introduction has made me acquainted with a German who promises to introduce me into a family where pure Italian is spoken, And he has in his own house Conversaziones every evening – And in Italian only – And if I stay in my present lodgings they present attractions such as few dwellings can offer – I occupy a 4th piano in Santa Lucia – I have a terrace walk which gives me a view of the whole bay. I see Vesuvius without lifting my head from my pillow And am awakened by the rays of the rising Sun And the rest of the day my terrace is in Shade!!!

      [f. 171v.] Our journey was most pleasant – Glorious weather – Even the pontine marshes were delightful – We enjoyed the scenery at Velletri – We ascended the heighths at Terracina & walked on the ruins of Theodoric’s palace –

       Here we have lost no time – Westphal took us a most delightful journey – We drove to Fusara, walked to Cuma & Baia And after seeing all the wonders of the Phlaegrean fields which as I have since found excited in Forsyth the same sensation produced in me – for like him I was pained at the profanation of great names – And when I looked with mortification on Avernus and Acheron and the Styx I parodied Wordworth & exclaimed – “I had a vision of my own, Ah! Why did I undo it?” However recovering from this shock to my schoolboy recollections, I enjoyed our ride to Ischia – our residence at Don Thomassios.  Our ride on Ass-back up to the summit of the Mountain next day – And our row back to Pozzuola next day Our walk by Cynano and thro the Poplippo grotto terminated two of the most delighted days of my life

       Tomorrow we all set out for Paestum – meaning to be away three days And in about a fortnight probably shall embark for Sicily –

       As I said before all beyond I leave to the chapter of accidents Whenever I return I trust I shall find you and Mrs Finch And the ladies and the Doctor and Mr Mayer all in your usual good health – tho’ Mrs Finch I recollect does not enjoy such perfect health as the rest of you –

       I beg my grateful Comps to the whole household

            And remain

                         Your obliged friend and hble Servt

                                                 H. C. Robinson

Naples 23d March 1830 –

Mr Richmond desires me to add his Comps:

Text: Bodleian Library, Oxford, Ms. Eng. Lett., d. 458, f. 171.