Chapter XCVI: Letter 366: To Mr. Hoppner

"Ravenna, March 31. 1820.

"Ravenna continues much the same as I described it. Conversazioni
all Lent, and much better ones than any at Venice. There are small
games at hazard, that is, faro, where nobody can point more than a
shilling or two;--other card-tables, and as much talk and coffee as
you please. Every body does and says what they please; and I do not
recollect any disagreeable events, except being three times falsely
accused of flirtation, and once being robbed of six sixpences by a
nobleman of the city, a Count * * *. I did not suspect the
illustrious delinquent; but the Countess V * * * and the Marquis L
* * * told me of it directly, and also that it was a way he had, of
filching money when he saw it before him; but I did not ax him for
the cash, but contented myself with telling him that if he did it
again, I should anticipate the law.

"There is to be a theatre in April, and a fair, and an opera, and
another opera in June, besides the fine weather of nature's giving,
and the rides in the Forest of Pine. With my best respects to Mrs.
Hoppner, believe me ever, &c. BYRON.

"P.S. Could you give me an item of what books remain at Venice? I
don't want them, but want to know whether the few that are not here
are there, and were not lost by the way. I hope and trust you have
got all your wine safe, and that it is drinkable. Allegra is
prettier, I think, but as obstinate as a mule, and as ravenous as a
vulture: health good, to judge of the complexion--temper tolerable,
but for vanity and pertinacity. She thinks herself handsome, and
will do as she pleases."

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