Around Malta

"For there is every variety of luxury,
animal, mineral and vegetable -
a Bishop and a daughter,
pease and artichocks, works in
marble and fillagree, red mullet,
and Archadeacon, Mandarin Oranges,
Admirals and Generals, Marsala
Wine 10d a bottle -religious proces -
sions, poodles, geraniums, balls, bacon,
baboons, books and what not."

EDWARD LEAR
Letter to Lady Waldegrave (13 February 1866)


"Adieu, ye joys of
La Valette!
Adieu, sirocco, sun and
sweat!
Adieu, thou palace rarely
enter'd!
Adieu, ye mansions where
I've ventured!
Adieu, ye cursed streets of
stairs!"

LORD BYRON
Farewell to Malta (1811)