Notwithstanding All Our Endeavours, I Found It Would Be
Impossible To Enter Florence Before The Gates Were Shut.
I
flattered and threatened the driver by turns:
But the fellow, who
had been remarkably civil at first, grew sullen and impertinent.
He told me I must not think of reaching Florence: that the boat
would not take the carriage on board; and that from the other
side, I must walk five miles before I should reach the gate that
was open: but he would carry me to an excellent osteria, where I
should be entertained and lodged like a prince. I was now
convinced that he had lingered on purpose to serve this inn-keeper;
and I took it for granted that what he told me of the
distance between the ferry and the gate was a lie. It was eight
o'clock when we arrived at his inn. I alighted with my wife to
view the chambers, desiring he would not put up his horses.
Finding it was a villainous house, we came forth, and, by this
time, the horses were put up. I asked the fellow how he durst
presume to contradict my orders, and commanded him to put them to
the chaise. He asked in his turn if I was mad? If I thought I and
the lady had strength and courage enough to walk five miles in
the dark, through a road which we did not know, and which was
broke up by a continued rain of two days?
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