We pursued our way through a delicious grove of orange-trees,
where I saw infinite numbers of spirits, every one of whom I
knew, and was known by them (for spirits here know one another by
intuition). I presently met a little daughter whom I had lost
several years before. Good gods! what words can describe the
raptures, the melting passionate tenderness, with which we kissed
each other, continuing in our embrace, with the most ecstatic
joy, a space which, if time had been measured here as on earth,
could not be less than half a year.

The first spirit with whom I entered into discourse was the
famous Leonidas of Sparta. I acquainted him with the honors
which had been done him by a celebrated poet of our nation; to
which he answered he was very much obliged to him. We were
presently afterwards entertained with the most delicious voice I
had ever heard, accompanied by a violin, equal to Signior
Piantinida. I presently discovered the musician and songster to
be Orpheus and Sappho.

Old Homer was present at this concert (if I may so call it), and
Madam Dacier sat in his lap. He asked much after Mr. Pope, and
said he was very desirous of seeing him; for that he had read his
Iliad in his translation with almost as much delight as he
believed he had given others in the original. I had the
curiosity to inquire whether he had really writ that poem in
detached pieces, and sung it about as ballads all over Greece,
according to the report which went of him. He smiled at my
question, and asked me whether there appeared any connection in
the poem; for if there did he thought I might answer myself. I