Page:An Account of Corsica (1769).djvu/71

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OF CORSICA.
61

call by corruption 'paeses, countries.' I remember when I was first told in Corsica, that I should travel a great many miles 'Senza veder un paese, Without seeing a country,' I could not conceive what they meant. The Corsicans are in greater safety, and have more society with each other by thus living in villages; which is much the custom in the cantons of Switzerland, and some parts of Germany; as it was anciently among all nations.

The Corsican villages are frequently built upon the very summits of their mountains, on craggy cliffs of so stupendous a height, that the houses can hardly be distinguished during the day; but at night, when the shepherds kindle their fires, the reflection of such a variety of lights, makes these aerial villages have a most picturesque and pleasing appearance.

In the center of the island stands Corte, which is properly its capital, and will undoubtedly be one day a city of eminence. Here is the General's palace; and here is the supreme feat of justice, where the executive power constantly resides, and where the legislature is annually assembled; and here also is the university, which in time may become a distinguished feat of learning, though I must not allow my enthusiasm to indulge itself in