Without All Doubt, It Must Be Owing To The Folly
And Extravagance Of English Travellers, Who Have Allowed
Themselves To Be Fleeced Without Wincing, Until This Extortion Is
Become Authorized By Custom.
It is very disagreeable riding in
the avenues of Marseilles, because you are confined in a dusty
high road, crouded with carriages and beasts of burden, between
two white walls, the reflection from which, while the sun shines,
is intolerable.
But in this neighbourhood there is a vast number
of pleasant country-houses, called Bastides, said to amount to
twelve thousand, some of which may be rented ready furnished at a
very reasonable price. Marseilles is a gay city, and the
inhabitants indulge themselves in a variety of amusements.
They have assemblies, a concert spirituel, and a comedy.
Here is also a spacious cours, or walk shaded with trees, to
which in the evening there is a great resort of well-dressed
people.
Marseilles being a free port, there is a bureau about half a
league from the city on the road to Aix, where all carriages
undergo examination; and if any thing contraband is found, the
vehicle, baggage, and even the horses are confiscated. We escaped
this disagreeable ceremony by the sagacity of our driver. Of his
own accord, he declared at the bureau, that we had bought a pound
of coffee and some sugar at Marseilles, and were ready to pay the
duty, which amounted to about ten sols. They took the money, gave
him a receipt, and let the carriage pass, without further
question.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 508 of 535
Words from 136052 to 136310
of 143308
