The Citizens Of Avignon Have, In This Particular, Improved The
Roman Work With A New Bridge, By Apposition, Constructed On
The
same plan with that of the lower tire of arches, of which indeed
it seems to be a part,
Affording a broad and commodious passage
over the river, to horses and carriages of all kinds. The
aqueduct, for the continuance of which this superb work was
raised, conveyed a stream of sweet water from the fountain of
Eure, near the city of Uzes, and extended near six leagues in
length.
In approaching Nismes, you see the ruins of a Roman tower, built
on the summit of a hill, which over-looks the city. It seems to
have been intended, at first, as a watch, or signal-tower,
though, in the sequel, it was used as a fortress: what remains of
it, is about ninety feet high; the architecture of the Doric
order. I no sooner alighted at the inn, than I was presented with
a pamphlet, containing an account of Nismes and its antiquities,
which every stranger buys. There are persons too who attend in
order to shew the town,
and you will always be accosted by some shabby antiquarian, who
presents you with medals for sale, assuring you they are genuine
antiques, and were dug out of the ruins of the Roman temple and
baths. All those fellows are cheats; and they have often laid
under contribution raw English travellers, who had more money
than discretion. To such they sell the vilest and most common
trash:
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