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8 March 1912 — Rome | |
Friday. 8th March [1912]. I had made various plans which all were disarranged as at luncheon the Queen told me she had arranged to make an expedition in the afternoon to show me the excavations at Ostia where many interesting things have been found. We dressed directly after lunch in order to be ready to start of 2– There were 2 motors– In the first went Marchesa di Villamarina, Mme Boyle & another lady in the interior seats. In front sat the Queen & I sat on H.M.s left. We had a pleasant drive out of Rome & were soon beyond the suburbs. The 2nd motor conveyed Mimi, Mme Boyle & Ct Guiccioli. We reached Ostia in about an hour, & H.M. was met by the Director of the excavations who showed her round. We found the foundations of a prosperous town—houses streets, mosaics pillars temples &c. I had been once to Ostia years & years ago with my husband & Alessandro Castellani the archaelogist & in those days very little of the old Roman town was uncovered. The Queen went into every detail & saw all thoroughly. The day was warm & silvery clouds were all round. The sun came out now & then lighting up the spring green– By the time we had walked thro’ all the excavations the inhabitants of the village of Ostia had assembled. There was a band of music consisting of school boys evidently trained by the priests. As soon as H.M. got near it the priest made the signal & the Marcia Reale was struck up. The Queen afterwards spoke to the priest & we all proceeded to walk to the old Castle. H.M. climbed up to the very top of it & from the tower is to be seen the distant sea & the entry to the Port of Ostia. It is now some distance from the Roman town as the sea has changed & receded. We climbed thro’ curious narrow passages made in the thickness of the castle walls. In one place there is a break in the walls for the use of the defenders of the castle. The boys struck up the royal march as the Queen’s motors drove off soon after it. The Queen said she was expecting a visit from the K & Queen at 7. When the Queen retired for the night she bid me good bye as I was leaving by an early train tomorrow for Venice. | |
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