城，附近的維蘇威火山爆發，淹沒了整座城市。屋木橫樑儲存完好，能清晰地看見木紋，但它已完全炭化，輕輕一碰就化為灰燼。今天，我們去了那座火山腳下，看到火山熔岩流的物質，大概是四年前衝下山的；現在山口只冒一點兒煙。我們只能在這裡逗留幾天，說實在的，目睹這樣勝地美景的時間真是太短了。
1740年6月17日於那不勒斯
Thomas Gray
To
Naples；
June 17； 1740。
Our journey hither was through the most beautiful part of the finest country in the world； and every spot of it on some account or other； famous for these three thousand years past。 The season has hitherto been just as warm as one would wish it； no unwholesome airs； or violent heats； yet heard of： The people call it a backward year； and are in pain about their corn； wine； and oil； but we； who are neither corn； wine； nor oil； find it very agreeable。 Our road was through Velletri； Cisterna； Terracina； Capua； and Aversa； and so to Naples。 The minute one leaves his Holiness's dominions； the face of things begins to change from wide uncultivated plains to olive groves and well�tilled fields of corn； intermixed with ranks of elms； every one of which has its vine twining about it； and hanging in festoons between the rows from one tree to another。 The great old fig�trees； the oranges in full bloom； and myrtles in every hedge； make one of the delightfullest scenes you can conceive； besides that； the roads are wide； well�kept； and full of passengers； a sight I have not beheld this long time。 My wonder still increased upon entering the city， which I think for number of people； outdoes both Paris and London。 The streets are one continued market； and thronged with populace so much that a coach can hardly pass。 The mon sort are a jolly lively kind of animals； more industrious than Italians usually are； they work till evening； then take their lute or guitar （for they all play）and walk about the city； or upon the sea�shore with it； to enjoy the fresco。 O