SCENE THE SEVENTH - A DAY AT BAIÆ

Summary

IF any place of antiquity could lay claim to be considered as the very abode of pleasure and free living, it assuredly was Baiæ, by far the most renowned bathing-place of Italy, and selected equally by Aphrodite and Comus, as by Hygieia, for a favourite residence. Nature had decked the coast of Campania, on which Baiae was situated, with all the charms of a southern climate; art and the taste of the Roman patricians had still further heightened the beauty of the landscape by the erection of magnificent villas. The lofty towers of these gorgeous palaces which lined the coast, commanded a view right across the bay to the open sea, whilst the villas of more humble pretensions, erected by the more serious men of former times looked down like strong castles from the neighbouring heights. Just opposite, and in the direction of the not far distant Nauplia, lay the fair Puteoli. On the right, after doubling the promontory, was Misenum with its renowned haven, the station of the Roman fleet, and close by lay Cumse, hallowed by ancient sagas, and near the latter was the lake Avernus, which, with the smiling plain adjoining it, seemed to represent on earth the contrast between the terrors of Hades, and the happiness of Elysium.

But fashion and the joyous mode of life, even more than the charms of the scenery, rendered Baiæ a most delightful place of sojourn.