CHAPTER I.

NISMES.

Antiquities of this City--The Hôtel du Midi--Articles of Merchandise--History of the Maison Carrée--Work of Poldo d'Albenas--The Building described--Origin of it--Now used as a Museum--Monument to Marcus Attius--Cardinal Alberoni--Barbarous Project--Removal of Antiquities--The Amphitheatre described--Charles Martel--Excellent Precaution in Roman Theatres--Inscription--Officious Cicerone--Gate of Augustus--La Tour-Magne--Excavations--Fine Fountain--Temple of Diana--Brevity of Human Life, 1.