"They have singular expressions, like all the Italians. For
example, 'Viscere'--as we would say, 'My love,' or 'My heart,' as
an expression of tenderness. Also, 'I would go for you into the
midst of a hundred _knives_.'--'_Mazza ben_,' excessive
attachment,--literally, 'I wish you well even to killing.' Then
they say (instead of our way, 'Do you think I would do you so much
harm?') 'Do you think I would _assassinate_ you in such a
manner?'--'Tempo _perfido_,' bad weather; 'Strade _perfide_,' bad
roads,--with a thousand other allusions and metaphors, taken from
the state of society and habits in the middle ages.

"I am not so sure about _mazza_, whether it don't mean _massa_,
_i.e._ a great deal, a _mass_, instead of the interpretation I have
given it. But of the other phrases I am sure.

"Three o' th' clock--I must 'to bed, to bed, to bed,' as mother S *
* (that tragical friend of the mathematical * * *) says.

"Have you ever seen--I forget what or whom--no matter. They tell me
Lady Melbourne is very unwell. I shall be so sorry. She was my
greatest _friend_, of the feminine gender:--when I say 'friend,' I
mean _not_ mistress, for that's the antipode. Tell me all about you
and every body--how Sam is--how you like your neighbours, the
Marquis and Marchesa, &c. &c.

"Ever," &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 312. TO MR. MURRAY.