e has been very much
adorned by the Jesuits; but I confess, all the churches appeared so
mean to me, after that of Sancta Sophia, I can hardly do them the
honour of writing down their names. But I hope you will own, I have
made good use of my time, in seeing so much, since 'tis not many days
that we have been out of the quarantine, from which no body is
exempted coming from the Levant. Ours, indeed, was very much
shortened, and very agreeably passed in Mrs D'Avenant's company, in
the village of St Pierre d'Arena, about a mile from Genoa, in a house
built by Palladio, so well designed, and so nobly proportioned, 'twas
a pleasure to walk in it. We were visited here only by a few
English, in the company of a noble Genoese; commissioned to see we
did not touch one another.--I shall stay here some days longer, and
could almost wish it were for all my life; but mine, I fear, is not
destined to so much tranquillity. I am, &c. &c.

LET. XLVI.

TO THE COUNTESS OF ----.

_Turin, Sept_. 12. O. S. 1718.

I CAME in two days from Genoa, through fine roads, to this place. I
have already seen what is shewed to strangers in the town, which,
indeed, is not worth a very particular description; and I have not
respect enough for the holy handkerchief, to speak long of it. The
churches are handsome, and so is the king's palace; but I have lately
seen such perfection of architecture, I did not give much of my
attention to these pieces. The town itself is fairly built, situated
in a fine plain on the banks of the Po. At a little distance from
it, we saw the palaces of La Venerie, and La Valentin, both very
agreeable retreats. We were lodged in the Piazza Royale, which is
one of the noblest squares I ever saw, with a fine portico of white
stone quite round it. We were immediately visited by the
Chevalier ----, whom you knew in England; who, with great civility,
begged to introduce us at Court, which is now kept at Rivoli, about a
league from Turin. I went thither yesterday, and had the honour of
waiting on the queen, being presented to her by her first lady of
honour. I found her majesty in a magnificent apartment, with a train
of handsome ladies, all dressed in gowns, amongst which it was easy
to distinguish the fair princess of Carignan. The queen entertained
me with a world of sweetness and affability, and seemed mistress of a
great share of good sense. She did not forget to put me in mind of
her Engl