a Bisceliais no sooner appears in Naples, than every | to the bed of your nephew; to learn, first, the state one roars with laughter the moment he opens his of his health, and then to request the narration of his mouth; it would be to little purpose were he to put adventures." himself into a passion, the spectators would but increase their merriment on observing the anger of a Bisceliais.

Such was the fate of my neighbour, when, in his illhumour, he wished all his travelling companions at the devil. In listening attentively, I discovered that the accent of Bisceglia gave a crying tone to his language, which was truly very comical, and that he resembled amazingly the Pancrace of San Carlino, who was then an admirable actor. However, as the Biscegliese did not entertain the same contempt for a foreigner as he did for a Neapolitan, I took pity on him, and engaged him in conversation with a very serious air.

You will confer an honour on him in so doing." Having quitted the boat, we were directed by a child to the house of the abbé. The arrival of his affectionate uncle having been announced to the patient, a young man of an elegant figure appeared, with his right arm in a sling, and the other resting on the shoulder of the servant.

The uncle embraced his nephew, and both began talking with such rapidity, and at the same time, that the thread of their discourse escaped me. I only understood the uncle was reproaching the young abbé for his imprudence, and that the nephew was bewailing his sad fate with the most pathetic lamenta

"It is plain," said I to him, "that you do not go tions. Tears soon flowed. The servant added a to Sorrento for pleasure."

soprano to this strange concert, and having wiped her tears with her bare arms, brought some seats on to the terrace. Calmness being in a measure restored, it was perceived that a stranger was a witness of this affecting scene. The uncle introduced me to his nephew, and after the ordinary civilities had passed, related to the god of the day our meeting in the boat, and added that we had made a bet.

"Altro!" replied my companion, I am going to Sorrento to scold, to weep, to regulate, and to spend in doctors' and surgeons' fees, the rest of the thirty ducats, of the half of which the inn-keepers of this infamous country have already swindled me. Is that pleasure? Besides, I find nothing pretty, either in Naples or its environs. At Bisceglia, the town is more agreeable, and the people are at least civil; but what signifies that when I think of the spectacle which awaits me there? My poor nephew, the most handsome young man in La Pouille, lying on a bed of suffering with a broken arm! . . . . Oh, what a fearful accident!" And how has your nephew managed to break his during the journey. arm ?"

"Who knows?" returned the Bisceliais. "Assuredly it was not in the service of God, although the poor fellow is an Abbé, and, by the protection of Monseigncur, he has already a revenue of six hundred ducats: it was doubtless for the dark eyes of some wicked woman, some Neapolitan beauty."

"Wait a little, do not accuse the Neapolitan women before understanding the matter."

You do not know them then?" replied the Bisceliais. "There never happens a crime nor accident in the country but a woman is at the bottom of it. My nephew is twenty years old, he has a figure of perfect symmetry, and eyes which the queen of the Amazons would envy; what more is necessary? We will ask him presently who has reduced him to the state in which he now is, and you will see if he does not say it is a woman. Were it not for this, why should his arm be broken? An arm does not break of itself without the interference of a Neapolitan woman. And yet I warned him of the dangers he would encounter, and told him to beware of the dandies who spend all their money in new clothes, of the gamblers, and sharpers, but especially of the women. You will see whether he has heeded my counsel.”

"I could swear you are mistaken in attributing your nephew's broken arm to the Neapolitan women; and I am curious to know which of us is right. If, therefore, you will permit me, I will accompany you

"You, too,

"A bet!" repeated the young man. uncle, you make bets! alas! you will lose them as your unfortunate nephew has lost that which has reduced him to the pitiable state in which you now see him.

The uncle explained the subject of our discussion

"You are right, uncle," said the invalid with a sigh. "There is behind the scenes a woman, a Neapolitan, an ungrateful beauty."

"Pardon me, monsieur l'abbé," interrupted I: "it is fair that before acknowledging myself conquered, I should at least know what has happened to you. The satisfaction of my curiosity will recompense me for the loss of my bet. Have the kindness, therefore, to relate your misfortunes to me. The deep interest I shall take in your narration, will prove, I trust, that I am not unworthy of your confidence.

66

Relate my misfortunes!" cried the young man, raising his beautiful eyes to heaven. "Re-open my wounds, and cause all the blood of my heart to flow. That is asking my death, Seigneur Français, and death by the most fearful torments. You know not that this poor heart has been ground to a thousand atoms, torn by nails of iron, and that its lacerated members now writhe under a load of anguish, never before experienced by a mortal. This heart was that of a Tancrède, a Rinaldo; but when I utter the name of the cruel one who has ruined, who has assassinated me, all the torments of hell overwhelm me. Judge then for yourself, if I can relate my sufferings, which are unparalleled on earth. At a subsequent period, Seigneur Français, we shall see."

Diable! thought I, when I heard this longed for recital, he will not be celebrated for his moderation. Miguel Cervantes was indeed right when he advised

narrators, by the mouth of the wise Don Quixote, to | dictionary would be employed. Follow me to the suppress all useless exclamations and reflections.

"And some white wine of Capri ?" asked the abbé. Assumption, a celebrated clergyman was to preach at "As much as we can drink."

"Do not attempt that which is above your mourning, her fan in her hand, her arms uncovered strength."

Then she wishes to devote the rest of her life to awaited her at the gate. Having finished her devothe education of her children.'

At Saint Jean Teduccio, out of town, where she happiness. When he reopened his eyes, the lovely has a small country house.'

science, he asked the driver of a corricolo for how much he would take him to San Giovanni Teduccio. The coachman offered to let him stand on the step for two grani; but Antonietto did not condescend to reply to such exorbitant demands. He showed his demi-carlin with a majestic air, turned away, and commenced his journey on foot. A fly, behind which he mounted, took him for nothing to the bridge of the Madeleine; the remainder of the road he walked, beguiling the time by songs and gambols. When he reached the village he found to his surprise that mass had already commenced.

"In order to deliberate on this circumstance, which he had not foreseen, Antonietto entered the shop of a macaronaro. Before the fire were pieces of macaroni two feet long, suspended from a stick. The boy took three of these pieces, each of which he devoured at a single mouthful, and, having completed his repast by a glass of water, was about to indulge himself in a siesta, when, happily for our abbé, another child, enticed by the macaroni and the demi-carlin, came to offer his services to Antonietto. The boy knew the beautiful Lidia, and in the hopes of obtaining a reward, promised to point out to Antonietto not only the lady he wished to see, but also all who were present at mass, pretending to know their names and rank in society. The two boys went to the church, and speedily discovered the Signora Lidia, in the midst of a considerable multitude. The beautiful widow was listening devoutly to the service, when she felt a hand gently pulling her dress. She then perceived between two chairs the face of a child who was on allfours.

my heart and my hand in the cemetery of Capo di Monte. | needless expenses on the road. To satisfy his conMy offer was accepted; the divine Lidia, surprised and captivated by my good looks and my eloquence, swore, on the very tomb of her former husband, to be mine for life; but time is necessary to dismiss politely the other suitors for her hand; and in order not to excite suspicion, we have mutually determined to communicate only by letter. It is in fulfilling the hazardous task of messenger, that you are to employ your ability and prudence, Antonietto. To-morrow, the fête de l'Assumption, you must go to San Giovanni Teduccio. You can ask some child in the village where the beautiful countess Lidia resides. When you see her leave her house for the church, you must follow her carefully, and endeavour to find an opportunity of slipping into her hands a note which I shall write this evening. If the countess be not accompanied by any attendant, you must request her to bring an answer when going to vespers. If she should question you concerning my fortune, my rank, and that of my family, tell her I am twenty years of age, that I have powerful friends and patrons, a superb living, rich relatives, and brilliant prospects; but that I will leave the church for which I have no longer any inclination, since my heart is inflamed with pure and unchangeable love. You will add further, that Geronimo Troppi, having neither father nor mother, is master of his actions, and in possession of his patrimony; that he will give dresses to his wife, that he will not prevent her going to the theatre, nor to balls, still less to the fêtes of Pedigrotta, and to those of the Madone dell' Arco. Now, reflect, Antonietto. Weigh well the words you have just heard, and fail not to employ the rest of the day and the whole of the night in forming your plans.' "Instead of forming plans, and reflecting on the means he possessed of serving his young master, Antonietto, with his mind filled with the all-absorbing idea of self, of which a true Neapolitan never loses sight, thought only of the advantages he himself would derive from the marriage of Geronimo. His first infraction of his master's orders, was to join a party of boys of his own age, and relate, with extraordinary amplifications, the wonderful events which he said were about to surprise the whole town. At night without depriving himself of five minutes' sleep, in order to prepare his part, he fell instantly asleep, lulled by golden fancies which concerned himself alone.

"Geronimo had composed a letter full of hyperbole and metaphor. He copied it on rose-coloured paper ornamented with birds, and folded it carefully. In giving this precious epistle into the care of his Mercury, the abbé added a hundred other injunctions, to which the boy appeared to listen with an attentive and respectful manner. Antonietto placed the letter in his pocket, and when he saw his master take a demicarlin from his purse, telling him to take a place in a corricolo, in order to lose no time, his eyes sparkled with delight. Scarcely had he entered the street, when he turned the large piece of copper in his hand, and vowed solemnly not to waste his money in

"What do you want with me, boy?' said she. "Take this, contessina,' replied Antonietto, presenting the letter. It is from Don Geronimo, your future husband, to whom you swore eternal fidelity yesterday at Capo di Monte. I shall come to fetch your answer at vespers, as my master ordered me.'

"Antonietto retired as quietly as he had come, and fell asleep at the foot of a wall, with his head in the shade and his feet in the sun. The metaphors of our hero had doubtless made a favourable impression on the heart of the lady, for on returning to the church, she motioned the little messenger to approach.

"Here is my answer,' said she, drawing a letter from her bosom. 'Love has truly inspired your master. Tell him that he has acted rightly in leaving me to get rid of the tiresome suitors who constantly surround me. Tell him that he has as much prudence as amiability and talent; that I cutreat him to read with indulgent eyes this note, in which he will find neither beautiful similes, nor poetry, nor eloquence, as in his letter, which would not dishonour the pen of the great Metastasio. Tell him to write to me next Sunday, and send his letter in the same manner as today, and that his prose or verse will always be well received; and say, also, that Lidia Peretti, widow of Matteo Peretti, is very willing to change her name for that of Lidia Troppi, and that if it depended upon

III.

her alone, the affair would be concluded. He will | Geronimo confirmed these accounts by speaking of understand what that means; and above all, tell him marriage in his first letter. I then passed in review that I think of him, and tell him that which I dared the other five persons who sought my hand. Two of not write, lest it should appear a want of modesty, those suitors are dandies, and more in love with namely, that I love him because he is handsome. Try themselves than with me; the third is a flatterer and to remember all this, and here is a carlin to assist your deceiver of young ladies, and incapable of making memory as well as your legs.' a quiet husband; the fourth a gambler, who holds the cards in his hand from morning till night, and who would always neglect his wife for the bazzica; the fifth, although a very good sort of man, is too quarrelsome and noisy; his Calabrais accent prevented his pleasing me, and since he does not please me, I ought not to marry him; is it not so ? Have I failed in prudence or wisdom in amusing these adorers with useless words and delays? What is necessary to a widow who wishes to decide on a second marriage? To feel an inclination for a person of good manners and an amiable disposition. It is true that the eyes of my body first distinguished Signor Geronimo; but I have also looked at him with those

"Two months had elapsed since the first meeting of the widow and the abbé, when Lidia wrote to Don Geronimo to inform him that he might at length present himself to her family. On the list of names which he received, the abbé found that of a prebendary of his acquaintance, who consented to introduce him to the family. The day for the first visit was appointed; and Don Geronimo, accompanied by the prebendary, to whom he related his prospects and adventures during the ride, drove to the house of the beautiful Lidia. On descending from the carriage, they crossed a vestibule paved in mosaic and orna-of my reason, and I have seen what I have seen; for mented with frescoes. Through a half-opened door were to be seen the remains of a copious breakfast; our abbé observed that an air of comfort pervaded the whole house. The servant conducted the visitors to a little garden, at the bottom of which were seated three persons under the shade of a citron-tree. They were Lidia, her father, the lamp-seller of the Toledo, and her aunt, dame Filippa, an old lady who was loaded with necklaces and gold chains. Geronimo became confused before this assembly, in spite of the indulgence which softened the faces of the father and aunt, and the pleasure which animated the beautiful eyes of the young widow.

6

I am very cunning, Monsieur; besides I have a good, affectionate father, who thinks only of my happiness; therefore at present, instead of speaking of the weather, Signor Geronimo will, in his turn, tell us how he became inspired with this affection, of which he has assured me in the prettiest letters that ever pen wrote since the days of letter-writing commenced.'

"During this speech, which had been uttered with extreme volubility, our abbé, delighted with such candid avowals, felt his courage return, and being thus called upon by the lovely widow, he replied with equal vivacity:

of love of which the poets speak. It is not only by your incomparable beauty, your bewitching grace, and all the treasures of your lovely person, that my affection has been awakened, it is also by your merit, your wisdom, your talent, your virtues, for I have examined all, and have carefully weighed all. I possess a penetrating eye-'

"My friends,' said the prebendary, the embar- "And I, too, divine signorina; I, too, have made rassment which Don Geronimo Troppi now feels, pro-use of the eyes of my reason, in spite of the bandage ceeds from a noble and upright heart, which merits your encouragement and your kindness. The most difficult part is already accomplished, since my protégé pleases you. My good friend Michel, and you, Dame Filippa, you see what young persons are; they meet, they look, they love. Whilst you were giving light to your countrymen by selling lamps, your amiable daughter was kindling other and more dangerous fires, and it happened one fine day that she provided herself with a second husband when you least expected it. The Church will lose a good subject; but let us leave that, lest we increase the timidity of our lovers; and to put them at their ease, let us talk for a little about the rain and fine weather.'

"The weather is fine,' said Lidia, impetuously, 'and the subject on which you have spoken pleases us all. My father approves my choice. You have very prettily and politely stated the manner in which the mutual love of Don Geronimo and myself was awakened; but do not imagine that I am foolish or giddy. Oh, no; on the contrary, I am very prudent. I have obtained information respecting your protégé, by making the gossips talk. I have been told that he lives prudently, that he spends nothing beyond his income, that he is not a gambler, and Signor

VOL. XIII.

"Poor Geronimo! he could say no more. From the moment he had commenced speaking, the face of the beautiful Lidia had changed alternately from crimson to white and from white to crimson. The pleasure and tenderness which had been visible in the countenance of the young Neapolitan gave place to the deepest disappointment. This disappointment soon became a species of despair; and Lidia, clasping her head in her hands, exclaimed:- Good heavens! he is a Bisceliais !'