. . . . Valence is a stately
old town, full of tall houses and irregular streets. We found a
cathedral there, not very large, but with a high and venerable interior,
a nave supported by tall pillars, from the height of which spring arches.
This loftiness is characteristic of French churches, as distinguished
from those of Italy. . . . . We likewise saw, close by the cathedral, a
large monument with four arched entrances meeting beneath a vaulted roof;
but, on inquiry of an old priest and other persons, we could get no
account of it, except that it was a tomb, and of unknown antiquity. The
architecture seemed classic, and yet it had some Gothic peculiarities,
and it was a reverend and beautiful object. Had I written up my journal
while the town was fresh in my remembrance, I might have found much to
describe; but a succession of other objects have obliterated most of the
impressions I have received here. Our railway ride to Valence was
intolerably hot. I have felt nothing like it since leaving America,
and that is so long ago that the terrible discomfort was just as good
as new.
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