Standing on the piazza of Saint Mark and looking towards the east over the water and through the masts of the fishing and other small craft with which the port of Venice is now filled, one sees several small islands at a distance or rather buildings and bell towers rising out of the water. Some of these are hospitals and some convents, the nearest and largest is San Georgio Maggiore - with a fine church built by the first architects of the 17th century, Palladio and Scamozzi. At a greater distance and indistinctly seen is the island San Lazzaro.

A bright sunshine, and the waters just rippled by a gentle breeze put me in mind of Father Alepson's invitation to visit the Armenian monastery - barca! barca was answered by twenty gondalier's - ecco lo la Signor - always waiting for passengers in front of the red columns.

A mile and a half over the water brought us (myself and Italian master) to San Lazzaro. Father Alepson was not in the house, but his plan was kindly supplied by Father Paschale, the venerable and learned man who twenty years ago assisted Lord Byron in his studies of the Armenian language - the English and Armenian dictionary on which he was employed in his Lordships time is now published, also his translation of Milton into Armenian and other works & proofs of the indefatigable labours of these Pious monastic's.

He showed us the library, with books and manuscripts in all languages. The table still remains in the middle of the room at which he and Byron used to sit - to my inquiries if his pupil were a man of a cheerful temper, he relayed that at times he was dejected and spoke with acrimony of his wife and the British government and as if he were disgusted with the whole world, at other times he was more cheerful, and that much of the time while in Venice was occupied in writing and composing his poetry.

In his visits to the island was generally accompanied by his friend Mr. Hobhouse, who waiting for Byron used to walk in the little garden under the library window. After looking at the mummy of the Egyptian priest and the printing office - purchased the prayer of the Armenian patriarch in 24 languages. Among the names of American visitors observed Bishop Rosati of St. Louis - inscribed my own - and took leave of the venerable Father Paschale.

Getting to the Gondola from the steps of the convent, rowing back to the city the wind had increased a little, which terrified my Italian to such a degree - that he appeared quite ridiculous. And, which all my assurances of safety failed to pacify - he afterward apologised for his imbecility, saying he had never been accustomed to the water -