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f 


TIlE   GirT  O 


I 

■  S.   e.   Fietmiteirakl 


II,  Coo'^lc 


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-A/ta  /-  /i/"i: 


3f  $nmicaii  Spisi. 
THE  BETROTHED. 


L);ili.=.Jbv  Google 


;dbv  Google 


THE   BETROTHED. 

ALESSAITORO  MAUtZONL 


LONDON:  GEORGE  BELL  AND  SONS,  TOSE ffTBEET, 

COVENT  GABDEN, 

1876. 


U5.t.z=dbv  Google 


Dg.t.z^dbvGOO'^lC  I 

I 


ADVERTISEMENT, 


Wbat  kaa  a  translator  of  'I Prometti  Spoti'  to 
Bay  for  himself?  To  praiae  his  author  wonld  be 
Bnperflnoaa  for  those  who  mean  to  read  the  work, 
and  impertinent  for  othera  :  beaìdes,  it  would  ba 
difficnlt  to  Bay  anything,  withoDt  aaying  too  much, 
To  praias  bis  own  performaDce  migbt,  porh&ps,  be 
more  acceptable  to  himself  than  to  any  one  else. 

Withoat,  howerer,  expatiating  on  either  of  these 
fmitful  tbemes,  the  translator  nmy  be  allowed  to 
make  two  remarks  : — 

First,  that  the  English  resder  ìb  bere,  for  the 
first  timo,  preeented  witb  a  translation  of  the  whole, 
nnmatilated  work  of  Manzoni  ;  whereas  the  oaly 
other  book  in  English,  profeasing  to  be  a  transla- 
tion of  it,  otnitB  and  altera,  ad  lihitum,  or  rather 
witb  JDBt  Bo  mnch  of  method  ae  to  bring  down  ita 
high  religions  and  moral  tono  more  nearly  to  the 
lerel  of  comjuon  taates. 


;dbv  Google 


n  ADVEKTISEMENT. 

And  secondi;, — In  pntting  before  Engliabniea 
sach  masterly  pictures  of  relìgions  tratli  and  beauty, 
the  transistor  tronld  not  be  sapposed  to  hold  op  for 
imitation  or  admìratìoD  erery'  practice  or  doctrìne 
implied  in  Manzoni'B  work.  PerbapB,  after  ali,  snch 
a  protest  is  bat  a  token  that  the  transUtor  baa 
imjiibed  somewbat  of  the  cantions  spirìt  of  Don 
Abbondio,  as,  of  coarse,  thoas  topica  oa  whicb 
differenoes  miglit  arise  are  not  bronght  forward 
argamentatively  in  a  work  of  the  imaginatioD. 
Belìgìons  Italiana  are  described  as  they  are;  and 
tbere  seems  no  reaaon  wfay  we  ahonld  not  profit  by 
the  lesaons  of  courage,  faitb,  conatancy,  and  devo- 
tion,  afforded  bj  tbe  hiatory  of  their  lives,  notwith- 
standing  those  difEerences  of  tene,  feeling,  and 
maimerB,  which,  as  we  ali  know,  ezist  between 
oursGlres  and  onr  brethren  abroad. 

The  Wood-cnta,  it  should  be  added,  are  chieBy 
taken  from  foreign  illastrated  editioos  of  the  work. 


;dbv  Google 


rniRODUCTION. 


'SISTOST  mt^  tndf  he  defined  a  mighty  Warfan 
'agmtut  Time,  fonunaek  tu,  tahing  Frittmen  By  Voree 
'(i«  Yoan  cf  Time,  àlreadi/  dead,  the  reeàlleth  ihem  to 
'  lÀfe,  brinyelh  tkem  under  Seview,  and  re-arrangeth  tìiem 
'm  ButtU- Array.  Bui  the  illustriou»  Championt  who  nt 
.'tiie  Arena  revtp  a  Harveet  of  Pahu  and  Laurelt,  do  use 
'to  teixe  only  upon  the  mott  pompout  and  britUant  0/  the 
'  Spaile,  emhalming  with  their  empwpled  Fluid  the  Enler- 
'prieee  of  Prineet  and  Patentate»,  and  tueh-like  qual\fied 
'  Penonage»,  and  embroidering  with  the  aeate  Needle  of 
*  Oeniue  tkoee  golden  and  lilken  Threade  tekich  Jòrm  a» 
'  tmintempled  Tapettry  (fffamou»  Action*.  Whereat  to 
'wuf  Feehienett  it  ii  mot  permilted  lo  rise  to  tueh  Argu- 
'  menta  and  perìlout  Suilimiiiet,  ranging  among  the 
'  Lahyrinlht  ofpoliiieal  Ibetùmt,  and  the  learlika  CSang  of 
'  brazen  Trmnpete .-  bui  onlg  thie,  that  having  come  to  the 
'  Knoieledge  of  Poeti  worthg  of  Sememòranee,  even  though 
'  Ikeg  happened  Io  Pertoni  of  ìow  Condition  and  ordinary 
'Bank,  I Kould  addret  mgie\f  to  ih»  Talk  of  leaving  their 
'Mewu>rg  to  Poiteritg,  bg  giving  with  ali  Acewraey  and 
'  Oenwimeneii  the  Aaeotmt,  or  rather  SeUtion,  of  tiem. 


,c,oglc 


nu  IMTRODTTCnOM. 

'  Wherein  teill  be  tee»,  on  a  narrow  Tfteatre,  ffrieoou* 
'  Tragedie*  of  Horror,  and  Seeni-a  of  great  Wiekedn&»g, 
'  iatertperied  leilk  mrtuou$  Snier^ritet  and  angelie  Oood- 
'  fMM,  appoted  unto  Satanio  Operationt.  And  in  good 
'  Truih,  teeing  tiat  thU  our  Chuntrg  m  heneath  the  Sule 
'  of  Hit  Calholie  Majettg,  our  Qooemor,  tcho  it  that  Sun 
'tohieh  doth  never  tei;  and  that,  moreover,  in  Addition, 
'thinetk  uith  reflected  Light  ihot  Moon  tthieh  never 
'  waneih,  the  Hero  of  Prateria,  u>io,for  the  Time  pretent, 
'  oeeupieth  hit  Place  ;  atid  the  «tail  noble  Senatori,  thoee 
'fixed  Stara,  and  the  other  admirable  Magitfrales,  tcho,  lite 
'  irandering  Pianeta,  diffuae  the  Light  in  ali  Quartert, 
'  hereby  forming  a  mott  glorioua  Firmatneni, — other  Caute 
'eannot  be  diacovered  wherefore  it  thould  be  iranatnuted 
'  into  the  dark  Shadowt  ofinfemal  Beedt,  Wickednett,  and 
'  Crueltg,  tueh  at  bg  rash  Men  are  multiplied,  exeept  U 
'  come  io  patt  bg  diaholical  Art  and  Plottinga,  tince  human 
'  Miliee  alone  eovld  never  auffiee  to  retiti  to  great  a  Fbree 
'of  Heroet,  who,  ìoith  the  Eget  of  Argot,  and  Limht  of 
'Briareut,  deal  teith  the  public  Weàlih.  Wherefore, 
'  deacribing  thete  Eventt  tohick  look  place  in  the  Timet  of 
'  mg  ttill  oerdant  Toutk,  notwithttanding  the  greater  Part 
'of  the  Pertont  here  repretented  have  ditappeared  from 
'  the  Stage  of  thit  World,  and  beeome  Trihutariet  to  the 
'  Fatet  ;  nevertheleta,  far  worthy  Eeatont,  Silence  thall 
•throud  their  Namet,  that  it,  the  Namet  oftieir  Pamiliei, 
'and  the  tome  thall  be  obterved  of  Placet,  onlg  indicating 
'  the  Territory  generaliter.  Jfor  Ut  ang  one  tag  that  fhi* 
'  wiU  be  an  Unpetfeetneat  in  the  Story,  and  Deformitg  of 
'thit  mg  unpolithed  Production i  at  ìeatt.  Ut  noi  tucha 


,»Ogk' 


IKTEODUCriON.  IX 

'  Oritìe  be  a  periati  greedg  of  philotophio  RepuU  ;  for  ai 
'io  Men  verud  hi  ihe  Stare*  qf  Fhiloiophi/,  they  wUl  ibi 
'elearfy  fiat  there  ii  Notliiag  teatiting  lo  the  Subitanee  qf 
'ike  taid  Norratioe.  Ibraimuch  a»,  it  heing  te^f-eoident, 
'md  denieJ  by  none,  that  Samea  tire  Nothing  bui  mere— 
'ike  merett  Accidenls  .  .  .  ' 

— But  when  I  eludi  bare  undergone  the  beroic  fatif^B 
of  tnoBcrìbing  thiB  hiitorj  fram  thia  blotted  and  be- 
acratched  autognph,  and  shall  bave  brougbt  ìt,  as  they 
uj,  to  light,  will  anj  one  be  found  te  enduro  the  f&tigue 
of  readiog  it  ? 

Thia  doubtful  reQection,  originatine  in  the  endearour 
to  decipber  a  great  blot  which  carne  after  Aceidentt, 
brought  mj  cop^  to  a  staad-stili,  and  made  me  reflect 
more  BerìouBlj'  upon  what  ougbt  to  be  done.  It  ia  quite 
true,  eaid  I  to  royseir,  runnìng  my  Bje  over  the  manu- 
tcript,  it  is  verj  trae,  thia  hailstorm  of  little  cooceita  and 
figura  of  apeech,  doee  not  continue  ao  uninterruptedly 
throngh  the  work.  The  good  man,  after  the  fashion  of 
bis  time,  was  willing  at  flret  atart  to  make  a  little  ahoir 
of  hÌB  abilìties;  but  afterwarda,  in  the  courae  of  the 
nairatìoD,  aometimea  for  a  long  time  togetber,  the  atyle 
rune  more  natarally  and  amoothlf.  Tea;  but  then  how 
commonplace  he  ia  !  how  dry  !  bow  incorrect  !  Lombard 
idioms  without  end,  converaational  terma  ìntroduced  out 
of  place,  gnunmatical  rulea  neglected  at  will,  sentencea 
awkwardlj  constructed.  And  then,  aundry  Spaniah 
elegancea  acattered  bere  and  there  ;  and  theo,  wbìcb  is 
wone,  in  tragio  or  pitiful  portiona  of  the  atoiy,  on  every 
•reat  which  excites  wonder,  or  calla  fortb  reflectiona — ia 


,CK,glc 


X  IHTBODtFCnoH. 

ali  Buoh  pUBBges,  in  ahort,  u  require  a  little  eloqoence, 
bat  diwreet,  delicate,  and  in  good  taate,  this  author  never 
fails  to  indulge  in  aomething  of  similar  charaoter  with 
bis  exordium.  And  then,  uniting,  witli  wonderful  talent, 
the  most  rapugnaat  quolitieB,  te  manages  to  be  un- 
poliabed  and  affected  at  once,  in  the  aame  page,  the  sanie 
period,  the  aame  expresaion.  Rere  are  bombastic  de- 
clamations  made  up  hy  force  of  limping  aoleciama,  and 
throughout  the  vhole  thst  ambitious  dulnesa  which  ia 
the  peculiar  characteriatic  of  the  writ«n  of  bis  country 
at  that  time.  In  Tery  truth,  it  la  not  a  production  fit 
to  preaent  to  readere  of  to-da^, — they  are  too  well 
advised,  too  much  diaguated  wit^  extraragancea  of  thia 
kìnd.  A  fortunate  eacape  for  me,  tbat  thia  good  thought 
bai  anggested  itself  at  the  beginning  of  thia  unbappy 
work.    I  waab  my  banda  of  it. 

But  in  the  very  act  of  sbuttìng  np  the  rejected  manu- 
acrìpt,  to  put  it  av&y  again,  it  aeemed  sad  to  me  that  so 
pretty  a  etory  ahould  retnain  for  ever  unknown  ;  for  a« 
to  the  atory  itaelf,  tt  may  appear  diSerently  to  the  reader, 
but  to  me,  I  aay,  it  appeara  very  pretty.  Why,  thought 
I,  abould  I  not  take  the  aeries  of  facts  from  thia  manu- 
script,  and  re-caat  the  languageP  No  reasonable  icAy 
not  baving  preaented  itaelf,  thia  pian  waa  embraced  at 
once.  And  now  you  bave  the  arigin  of  the  present  work, 
aet  fortb  with  an  ìngenuousnesa  corresponding  to  the 
importance  of  the  aame.  Some  of  these  facto,  bowerer — 
certain  cnatoma  deacribed  by  our  aatbor — seemed  to  uà 
so  new,  so  atrange,  to  aay  do  worse,  that,  before  pnttmg 
fiuth  in  them,  ve  determined  to  queation  other  author- 


,»Ogk' 


INTXODUCnON.  XI 

ìUm.  Ajid  WS  set  ourselves  the  ta«k  of  groping  among 
the  record»  of  th&t  age,  to  certify  ourselves  whetlier  the 
world  ÌD  tlioM  dayi  reali;  ho  went.  Thìa  Bearch  dìsBÌ- 
pated  ali  our  donbts;  at  ever;  atep  we  atumbled  on 
eimilar  eventB,  and  even  more  wonderful  ;  and,  what 
appeared  to  uè  most  decisive,  we  have,  iii  the  Dourae  oF 
our  reading,  met  with  »ome  peraonageB,  of  whom  baving 
nerer  aeeo  any  notice  beyoiid  the  pagei  of  our  marni- 
aeript,  we  had  doubted  whether  they  hod  ever  enjoyed  a 
real  eiiateoce.  In  the  course  of  the  story  we  cito  a  few 
of  these  teadmomea  to  gaia  credence  for  facta,  from 
which,  OQ  accoost  of  their  strangeoeea,  the  reader  might 
have  beeQ  moat  tempted  to  withhold  it. 

But  having  rejected  aa  iotolerable  the  diction  of  oar 
aathor, — of  what  kind  ia  that  which  we  have  mibetituted  P 
Here'e  the  point. 

Whoe?er,  withoat  being  asketl,  aeta  himself  to  reriae 
uiother'a  work,  must  be  prepared  to  render  a  atrìct 
acconnt  of  hia  own,  and,  aa  it  vere,  contracta  an  obUga- 
tion  to  do  80.  ThÌH  ie  a  rale  in  fnct  and  juatìce  from 
wbich  we  do  not  pretend  to  eiempt  oureelrea.  So  much 
Bo,  that  io  order  to  cooform  to  it  with  a  good  grace,  we 
had  propoaed  to  givo  bere  a  minute  account  of  the 
rnanner  of  composition  adopted  by  uà  ;  and  to  this  end 
we  went  aeeking,  ali  the  tìme  the  work  laated,  to  divine 
ali  pOBBÌble  and  contingeat  crìticiams,  with  the  intention 
of  auBwerìng  them  by  anticipation.  Nor  would  the 
difficolty  h&re  lain  bere  (bìdco  we  must  lay  thia  in 
hotiour  of  truth)  :  not  a  BÌagle  crìticism  occurred  to  uà, 
bnt  there  carne  atong  with  it  a  trìumphant  anawer;  I  do 


ni  nrmoDUcrioN. 

not  ts,y  sucb  an  ansver  as  resolvea  queatioiis,  but  rerersea 
them.  Often,  too,  puttiag  two  crìticiamà  one  over 
against  the  other,  we  oiade  them  beat  each  othe>r  dovu  ; 
or,  examinìug  well  their  inward  eBsence,  and  attentÌTely 
comparing  them,  we  Bucceeded  in  discovering  and  sbowing 
that,  opposed  ae  tbej  were  in  appearance,  they  were 
nevertheteas  of  oue  geaus,  apringiag  botb  one  and  otber 
from  uot  perceiving  the  facts  aod  principles  on  wbich  a 
judgiaeut  should  be  formed.  To  their  great  aurprìae,  we 
put  them  botb  togetber,  and  togetber  walked  tbem  off. 
NeTer  waa  there  aa  author  who  proved  eo  undeniably 
that  he  had  done  well.  Bat  then  I  b;  the  time  we  bave 
developed  ali  the  said  ohjectìona  and  repliea,  and  put 
tbem  in  some  order,  alas  !  we  ehall  bave  made  a  hook. 

When  we  aaw  tbù,  we  put  aaide  the  thought  for  two 
resaonit,  wbich  the  reader  will  certainly  flnd  oonvincing  : 
firat,  that  to  prìnt  a  hook  to  defend  anotber,  not  to  Bay 
the  atyle  of  anotber,  might  appear  ridiculoua;  secondly, 
that  of  booke,  one  at  a  tune  ia  enough,  wben  theie  is  no 
praflt  in  advaoce. 


;dbv  Google 


THE    BETEOTHED. 


CHAPTEB  I. 


QHAT  brancb  of  tbe  ]ake  of  Como,  wbich  ei- 
1  teade  towarda  the  aouth,  Ìb  encloaed  by  two 
[  unbroken  chainH  of  moimtaiiiB,  which  aa  thev 
I  adrance  and  recede,  diTeniJj  ita  aborea  witn 
merouB  bays  and  ìoleta,  Suddenly  tbe  lake 
contracta  itaelf,  and  takes  tbe  coirne  and  form  of  a  river; 
between  apromontoiyontberigbt,  andawideopenabore 
on  tbe  oppoeìte  aide.  Tbe  bridge  whicb  tbere  joina  the 
two  banka  aeeme  to  render  thie  tranaformation  more  sena- 
ible  to  tbe  eye,  and  tnarka  tbe  point  where  the  lake  enda, 
and  the  Adda  again  b^ins — aoon  to  resumé  the  nome  of 
lake,  where  the  banka  receding  afreib,  allow  the  water  to 
eitend  and  (pread  itself  in  new  gulfa  and  baye. 
Tbe  open  country,  bordering  tbe  lake,  formed  of  tbe 


»SI.  [CH. 

alluvìal  depoait  of  tbree  great  torrente,  reclinet  upon 
tbe  rootB  01  two  contiguous  tnountaina,  one  named  San 
Martino,  the  other,  in  the  Lombard  dialect,  Il  Beiegone, 
becauae  of  ita  mauf  peak»  eeen  in  profile,  which  in  truth 

/resemele  the  teetb  of  a  iiaw  ;  bo  much  so,  that  no  pne  at 
first  BÌght,  viewing  it  in  front  (aa,  for  esampte,  from  the 
nortbern  baationB  of  Milan),  couid  fail  to  distinguisb  ìt, 
by  thÌB  aimple  deacription,  from  the  otber  mountaina  af 
more  obecure  name  and  ordinair  form,  in  tbat  long  aad 
vaat  cbain.  For  a  considerable  diatance  the  country 
rÌB68  with  a  ^ntle  and  continuous  ascent  :  afterwarda 
it  is  broken  into  hill  and  dale,  terracea  and  elevated 
plaina,  formed  by  tbe  intertwining  of  tbe  rootB  of  the  ttro 
mountains,  and  tbe  action  of  the  wateni.  The  Bhore 
itBelf,  iuterBected  br  the  torrenta,  consista  for  the  most 
part  of  gravel  and  mrge  fliots  ;  the  reat  of  the  plain,  of 
fielda  and  vineyarda,  iuterspersed  with  towna,  villagea, 
and  hamletB  :  other  porta  are  clothed  with  wooda,  ex- 
tending  far  up  tbe  mountain. 

Lecco,  tbe  prìncipal  of  these  towna,  gìving  ìts  name 
to  the  territory,  ia  at  a  ahort  diatance  from  the  bridge, 
and  so  cloae  upon  the  ebore,  tbat,  wbea  tbe  watera  are 
high,  ìt  aeemB  to  atand  in  tbe  lake  itaelf.  A  largo  town 
even  now,  it  promÌBes  Boon  to  become  a  city.  At  tbe 
time  tbe  eventa  bappened  which  wo  undertake  to  re- 
count,  thia  town,  ali^ady  of  conaiderable  importance, 
was  alao  a  place  of  defence,  and  for  tbat  reaaon  bad  tbo 
honour  of  lodging  a  commander,  and  the  advantage  of 
poBseeaÌDg  a  lied  garriaon  of  Spaniah  Boldiera,  wbo 
taught  modeaty  to  the  damaels  and  matrouB  of  the 
country  ;  beatowed  from  time  to  time  marka  of  their 
favour  on  tbe  sboulder  of  a  hueband  or  a  father  ;  and 
never  failed,  in  antumn,  to  diBperae  themseWea  in  tbe 
TineyardB,  to  thin  tbe  grapes,  and  lighten  for  the  peaaant 
the  labourfl  of  the  vintage. 

From  one  to  tbe  otber  of  tbeae  towna,  from  tbe  heighta 
to  tbe  lake,  from  one  heigfat  to  anotber,  down  tbrough 
tbe  little  Talleya  which  lay  between,  tbere  ran  many 
narrow  lanes  or  mule-patlis,  (and  they  etili  exiat,)  one 
wbile  abrupt  and  ateep,  anotber  level,  anotber  pleaaanlly 


,»Ogk' 


I.]  TH»   BBTKOTHED.  3 

dopisg,  in  moat  plams  endofled  b^  wbHh  built  of  l'uve 
fiints,  uid  clothed  bere  and  there  with  ftncient  ivy,  whicn, 
eatine  with  ita  roots  into  the  cement,  usurps  ita  place, 
and  binda  together  the  vali  it  renderà  verdant.  For 
some  diatance  theae  tanea  are  bidden,  and  &s  it  were 
buried  between  tbe  walls,  ao  that  tbe  paasenger,  looking 
upwarda,  can  e«e  nothing  but  the  akr  and  the  peaka  of 
some  neighbouring  mountain  :  in  otner  placca  thej  are 
t«rraced  :  aometiineH  they  akirt  the  edge  of  a  plain,  or 
project  from  the  face  of  a  declivitj,  like  a  long  ataircase, 
upbuld  by  valla  whìch  flank  tbe  hill-eidea  like  bastiona, 
but  in  the  pathway  rise  only  the  height  of  a  parapet — and 
bere  the  eye  of  the  traveller  can  range  over  Tarìed  and 
moat  beautiful  proapecta.  Ou  one  eide  he  commanda  the 
azure  aurface  of  tbe  lake,  and  the  inverted  im^e  of  tbe 
rural  banka  refleeted  in  4he  placid  wave  ;  on  the  other, 
the  Adda,  acarcely  eacaped  irom  the  arcbeBof  the  bridge, 
espanda  itoelf  anew  into  a  little  lake,  then  ia  again  con- 
tracted,  and  prolongs  to  the  horizon  ita  brigbt  vindinga  ; 
upnard, — the  massive  piles  of  tbe  mountains,  overhang- 
ÌDg  tbe  head  of  tbe  gazer  ;  below, — tbe  cultivated  terrace, 
the  cbampaign,  the  bridge  ;  oppo8Ìt«,— the  furtber  bank 
of  the  lake,  and,  riaing  from  it,  the  mountain  boundary. 

Along  one  of  these  narrov  lanee,  in  the  eveuing  of  the 
7thofSovember,intheyear  1628,  Don  Abbondio  •  •  *  •, 
curate  of  one  of  the  towns  alluded  to  above,  vas  leiaurely 
retuming  home  from  a  walk,  (our  author  doea  not  meo- 
tion  the  name  of  tbe  tovn — tvo  blanka  already  I)  He 
vas  quietly  repeatìng  bia  office,  and  now  and  then,  betveea 
one  paalm  ana  another,  be  vould  abut  the  breviary  upon 
the  fore-fiDger  of  bis  right  hand,  keeping  it  there  for  a 
tiiark  ;  then,  putting  both  bia  banda  bebiud  bis  back,  the 
right  (with  the  cloeed  hook)  in  the  palm  of  the  left,  be 
puraued  hia  way  vith  dowu-caat  eyea,  kicking,  irom  time 
to  time,  tovarda  the  wall  the  ilinta  which  lay  as  atum- 
bling-blocka  in  the  path.  Thua  be  gave  more  undisturbed 
audience  to  the  idle  thougbta  which  had  come  to  tempt 
bia  apirit,  wbile  bia  lina  repeated,  of  their  own  accora, 
bis  evening  prayera.  £acaping  from  tbeEe  thoughts,  he 
raiaed  hia  eyea  to  tbe  mountain  Which  rose  oppoaite  ;  and 


,CK,glc 


4  I   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [cR. 

mechanìcally  gazed  on  the  gleamiog  of  tbe  scarcelj  set 
Bun,  which,  making  ita  way  through  the  clefts  of  the 
oppotite  mountain,  woa  thrown  upon  the  projecting  peaks 
in  larga  unequal  masses  of  roBe-coloured  light.  Thebre- 
TÙuy  open  again,  and  another  portion  recited,  he  reached 
a  tum,  where  he  always  need  to  raige  hia  eyee  and  look 
forward  ;  and  so  he  dia  to-dav.  After  the  tum,  the  road 
ran  straigbt  forward  about  aixty  f  arda,  and  theu  dirided 
into  two  lanea,  T  fashion— the  right-hand  path  aacended 
towarde  the  mountain,  and  led  to  tii'e  parsonage  :  the  left 
branch  deacended  through  the  volley  to  a  torrent  :  and  on 
thia  side  the  walls  were  not  higher  tban  about  two  feet. 
Tbe  inner  walla  of  the  two  waya,  instead  of  meeting  so 
as  to  form  an  angle,  euded  in  a  little  chapel,  on  which 
were  depicted  certain  fi^paree,  long,  wavìne,  and  terminat- 
iug  in  a  poiut.  Theee,  in  the  iotention  of  the  artiat,  and 
to  the  eyes  of  the  neighbourìng  iubabitants,  represented 
flames.  Altemately  with  the  flamea  were  other  figures — 
indescribable,  meaut  for  bouIb  in  purgatory,  souls  uid 
flamea  of  brìck-colour  on  a  grey  ground  enlivened  with 
patcbes  of  tbe  naturai  wall,  where  the  plaster  was  gone. 
The  curate,  havingturned  the  corner,and  looked  forward, 
aa  waa  bis  cuatom,  towarda  the  chapel,  befaeld  an  unex- 
pected  sìght,  and  one  he  would  not  willingly  bave  eeen. 
Two  men,  one  oppoeite  the  other,  were  stationed  at  the 
confluence,  so  to  say,  of  tbe  two  ways:  one  of  them  waa 
sitting  aerosa  tbe  low  wall,  with  one  leg  dangling  on  tbe 
outer  side,  and  tbe  otber  supporting  bim  in  the  path  : 
bis  companion  wae  standing  up,  leanìog  against  tbe  wall, 
with  bis  arma  crossed  on  bis  oreast.  Their  dress,  theìr 
carriage,  and  so  mucb  of  tbeir  expression  as  could  be 
distinguished  at  tbe  distance  at  which  the  curate  stood, 
lefì:  no  doubt  about  tbeir  condition.  Eacb  had  a  green 
net  on  bis  head,  wbicb  fell  upon  tbe  left  shoulder,  and 
ended  in  a  largo  tassel.  Tbeir  long  bair,  appearing  in 
one  lai^  lock  upon  tbe  forebead  ;  on  the  upper  lip  two 
long  muetachios,  curled  at  tbe  end  ;  their  doublete,  con- 
fined  by  brigbt  leathern  girdles,  from  wbicb  hung  e  brace 
of  pistola  :  a  little  barn  of  powder,  dangling  round  their 
necka,  and  fàlling  on  tbeir  breaata  like  a  necklace  :  on  the 


,»OglC 


1.]  TUE    BBTROTHBD.  Q 

right  Bidè  of  theìr  lorge  uid  loose  pantaloons,  a  pocket, 
and  from  the  pocket  the  bandle  of  a  dagger  :  a  sword 
hanging  on  the  left,  with  a  large  baaket-hilt  of  brasa, 
carved  in  cipher,  polished  and  gleaming  : — ali,  at  a  glonce, 
discovered  them  to  be  individuala  of  tDe  speciea  bnteo. 

TbiB  order,  now  quite  extinct,  was  then  most  &ourieh> 
ìng  in  Loinbardf ,  and  already  of  conaiderable  ontiquit^. 
Has  an^  oae  no  clear  idea  of  itP  Here  are  Bome 
Buthentic  aketchea,  wbich  maygive  him  a  distìnct  notioa 
of  ite  principal  characteriBtice,  of  the  meana  put  in  force 
to  destroj  it,  aad  of  ita  obetin&te  vitality. 

Od  the  Sth  of  Aprii,  1583,  the  most  IllustriouB  and 
Ezcellent  Signor  Don  Carlo  d'Aragon,  Frìnce  of  Castel- 
vetrano,  Duke  of  Terranuova,  Marquis  of  Avola,  Coimt 
of  Bui^to,  grand  Admiral,  and  grand  Constable  of 
Sicily,  Qovemor  of  Milan,  and  Captala- Qeneral  of  His 
Catholic  Majeaty  in  Italy,  beinff  Jully  informed  of  the 
intoleràble  muety  in  loiich  thi*  city  of  MUan  ha*  lain,  and 
doti  tu,  hy  reaton  of  ìrravoe*  and  vagahondt,^'p\i\>\vìht%  a 
ban  Bcainst  them,  declaret  and  d^net  ali  thoit  to  be  in- 
eludedw  thia  ban,  and  io  be  held  bravoet  and  vag<Aond», 
viho,  vikether  foreignert  or  nativet,  haee  no  oceupation,  or 
having  it  do  noi  employ  ikemtelvet  in  it .  .  .  .  bui  mthout 
uìary,  or  with,  engi^e  thetnaelvet  to  any  cavaìier  or  gentle- 
non,  offieer  or  merehant .  .  .  .  to  render  them  aid  and  lerv- 
iee,  or  rather,  aa  mov  be  pretutned,  to  lay  temt  againtt 
otherM  ....  ali  theee  ne  commands,  that,  within  the  term 
of  six  day»,  tbey  should  evacuate  the  country,  threatena 
the  galleys  to  the  refractor^,  and  grante  to  ali  officiala 
themoatstrangely  ampie  and  indefinite  power  ofexecuting 
the  order.  But  the  lollowing  year,  on  tbe  12th  of  Aprii, 
tbia  same  Signor,  perceìving  that  thit  citu  it  eompletefy 
full  of  the  »aid  bravoei  ....  retumed  to  Uve  aa  they  had 
Uvei  befbre,  their  cuatoma  whoUy  wiehanged,  and  their 
nutnbera  undititiniahed,  iasuee  another  hue  and  cry,  more 
vigorouB  and  marked,  in  which,  among  otber  ordinancea, 
be  preacribea — That  whataoever  perton,  aa  tnell  aninhabit- 
ant  of  tkia  citi/  a»  aj^eiguer,  Kho,  by  the  tettimony  tftKO 
witnestet,  ahouìd  appear  to  be  held  and  eommonly  reputed  a 
bravo,  and  to  have  that  nome,  although  he  cannot  be  con- 


I.,  Cioot^lc 


.     6  I    FROHKSSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

vieted  of  haviuff  eonmitted  any  crime  ....  for  tiù  repuU 
ation  y  Saixy  a  bravo  alone,  vdihout  any  other  proqf,  may, 
hy  the  laid  judge»,  and  by  eoery  individuai  of  them,  he  puf 
io  iheraek  and  torture,  for  proeeitofinformation  ....  atid 
althoug\  he  confiti  no  erime  whatever,  notwithitandiny,  he 
thallbe  eent  tu  the  galleyt  Jbr  the  taid  threeyear»,for  the 
tele  reputation  and  nome  qf  bravo,  ai  a/oreiaid.  AH  thìs 
and  more  which  ia  omitted,  because  Sii  Excellenoy  m 
reaolved  to  be  obeyed  by  entry  one. 

At  hearing  auch  brave  and  confident  worda  of  to  great 
a  SiffQor,  accompanied  too  witb  sucb  penalties,  one  feola 
muco  inclined  to  auppose  tbat,  at  the  echo  of  tbeir  rum- 
blings,  ali  tbe  braToea  had  dioappeared  for  erer.  Bnt 
tbe  testituonT  of  a  Signor  not  lese  authorìtative,  nor  lesa 
endowed  witn  names,  obligea  uà  to  believe  quite  tbe  con* 
trary.  The  moat  lllustrioua  and  moet  Eicellent  Signor 
Juan  Femandez  de  Velasco,  Constable  of  Caatile,  Grand 
Chamberlain  of  hia  Majeety,  Duke  of  the  city  of  Fria», 
Connt  of  Haro  and  Castelnovo,  Lord  of  the  House  of 
Telasco,  and  that  oftheSeTen  Infantaa  of  Lara,  Governor 
of  tbe  State  of  Milan,  &c.,  on  the  5th  of  June,  1593,  be 
alao,  fulljT  ìnformed  of  how  much  loii  and  dettrvetion  .... 
bravoe*  and  vagabondi  are  the  caute,  and  of  the  miickief 
taeh  lori  qfpeople  effécti  againit  the  public  leeal,  in  demile 
cfjmtiee,  woma  them  anew,  tbat,  within  the  tenn  of^aìz 
days,  they  are  to  evacuai*  the  country,  repeatin^,  almoat 
word  for  word,  the  throatn  and  pen^tiea  of  hia  prede- 
ceasor.  On  the  23rd  of  May,  in  a  aubaequent  year,  1696, 
heiny  iiffivmed,  with  no  little  ditpleaaure  ofmind,  that .... 
evenf  day,  in  thii  city  and  alate,  the  number  of  theie people 
(bravoea  and  vagabonde)  ii  on  the  increate,  and  day  and 
niyht  nothing  it  heard  of  them  bui  murder,  homieide,  rob- 
lery,  and  crimei  of  every  kind,for  which  there  it  greater 
Jacility,  becaute  thete  bravoei  are  confident  of  beiny  tiqi~ 
ported  by  their  creai  employeri ....  he  preacribes  anew 
tbe  aame  remediea,  increaaing  the  dose,  as  nien  do  in 
obatinate  maladiea.  Lei  every  one,  then,  he  concludea,  be 
wholly  on  hitguard  againit  contravening  in  the  leaat  the 
pretent  proelamafion  ;  for,  inttead  of  esperieneing  the 
cìemeney  ef  Sii  EaxéUèney,  he  wilì  eaperienee  the  rigour 


,»Ogk' 


1.]  THB   BBTROTHED.  7 

(f  ìm  oti^er  .  .  .  .Ite  hevng  retohed  a*d  determined  that 
tkU  ihall  he  the  lati  and  peremptory  admonitùm. 

!Not,  however,  of  this  opìaioa  «as  the  most  lUustrìoiu 
and  moBt  Excelleut  Signor,  Il  Signor  Don  Pietro  Enriques 
de  Acevedo,  Count  of  Fuentes,  Captain  »nd  Govemor  of 
the  State  of  Milan  ;  not  of  this  opinion  vas  he,  and  for 
good  reasoDi.  Beingfulhf  informed  of  the  mùery  in  whie\ 
thit  city  and  fiate  lies  hy  reaaon  of  the  great  nvmhcr  of 
iraeoet  which  ahound  in  it .  .  . ,  and  leing  retoloed  KholUf 
io  estirpate  aplant  *o pemieioue,  he  ÌBeu«B,  on  the  5th  of 
Secember,  1600,  a  new  admonition,  full  of  severe  penai* 
tìcB,  teith  afirmpurposn,  that,  icith  ali  rigow,  and  toithoitt 
mg  hope  of  remuaion,  they  thall  befullv  earried  out. 

We  inaBt  believe,  however,  that  he  did  Dot  applj  him- 
self  to  thia  inatter  with  that  beartjr  good  will  which  he 
knew  how  to  employ  in  contriving  cabala  and  eiciting 
enemiea  ogainat  his  great  enemy,  Henry  IT.  Hietoiy 
informa  ds  that  he  Bucceeded  m  anning  against  that 
king  the  Duke  of  Savoy,  and.caused  him  to  loae  a  city. 
He  Bucceeded  alao  in  engaging  the  Duke  of  Biron  on  hia 
behalf,  and  caused  him  to  iose  bis  head  ;  but  as  to  this 
pernidous  pìant  of  bravoee,  certain .  it  is  that  it  con- 
tinued  to  blossom  till  the  22nd  of  September,  1612.  On 
that  day  the  most  Ulustrious  Signor  Don  Giovanni  de 
Mendoea,  Marquis  of  Hvnojosa,  Gentleman,  Sx~,  Go- 
veraor,  &x.,  had  serious  thoughts  of  extirpating  it.  To 
this  end  he  eent  the  uanal  proclamation,  corrected  and 
enkreed,  to  Pandoìfo  and  Marco  Tullio  Molateati,  asao- 
dated  printers  to  His  Majeaty,  with  orders  to  print  it, 
to  the  defltraction  of  the  bravoes.  Yet  they  lived  to 
receive,  on  the  24th  of  December,  1618,  similar  and 
more  vigorous  blowa  from  the  moat  Illustrious  and 
most  Excellent  Signor,  the  Signor  Don  Gomez  Snarez 
di  Figueroa,  Duke  of  Feria,  &c.,  Govemor,  Sus.  More- 
over,  they  not  being  horeby  done  to  death,  the  most 
DluatriouB  and  most  Excellent  Signor,  the  Signor  Oon- 
zala  Femandez  di  Cordova,  (under  whose  government 
theae  events  bappened  to  Don  Abbondio,)  had  foimd 
fairaself  obliged  to  recorrect  and  republtah  the  uauol 
proclamatian  against  the  bravoes,  on  the  6th  day  of 


,c,oglc 


8  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

October,  1627  ;  t.  e.  one  y&ti  one  iDonth  and  two  dava 
before  thìe  tnemorable  eveat 

Nor  was  thie  the  laat  publicatiou.  We  do  not  feei 
bound,  however,  to  make  meotìon  of  those  which  ensued, 
as  tbey  are  beyond  the  period  of  our  story,  Wewill 
notice  ouly  one  of  the  13th  of  February,  1632,  in  which 
the  moet  IllustriouB  and  moat  Ezcellent  ijignor  the  Dvke 
of  Feria,  a  eecond  time  govemor,  sìgniSee  to  ub  thal  the 
ffreatetl  outrage»  are  eauted  hy  those  detiominated  bravot*. 

This  8uSc«8  to  niake  it  pretty  certain,  that  at  the  time 
of  which  we  treat,  there  waa  aa  yet  no  lack  of  bravoes. 

Tbat  the  two  described  above  were  on  the  look  out  for 
some  one,  was  but  too  evident  ;  but  what  more  alarmed 
Don  Abbondio  was,  that  he  was  assured  by  certain  signa 
that  he  waa  the  person  expected  ;  for,  the  moment  he  ap- 
peared,  they  exchanged  glanccs,  raìsing  their  heada  with 
a  inoTement  which  plainly  eipreaaed  that  both  at  once  had 
eii'laimed,  'Here'a  our  man!'     He  who  bestrode  the 


Wall  got  up,  and  brought  bis  other  leg  into  the  path  :  hia 
companion  left  leaning  on  the  wall,  and  both  began  to  walk 
towards  him.    Don  Abbondio,  keepÌDg  the  brevìary  open 


,l)Ogk' 


1.]  THE   BSrrROTHED,  9 

before  him,  as  if  Trading,  directed  his  glance  forward  to 
watcb  tbeir  movemeDta.  He  saw  them  advanciiig  straieht 
towardfi  him  -.  multitudes  of  thoughte,  ali  at  once,  crawded 
npon  him  ;  with  quick  aniiety  he  aaked  himself,  whether 
any  pathwaj  to  the  right  or  left  lay  between  him  and  the 
bravoeH  ;  and  quickly  carne  the  anawer, — no.  He  mada 
a  hasty  eiamination,  to  diacover  whether  he  had  o&ended 
some  great  man,  some  vindictive  neìghbour  ;  but  even  in 
thifl  moment  of  alano,  the  consoling  teetimony  of  con- 
Bcicnce  Bomewbat  reassured  him.  Meanwhìle  the  braToes 
drew  near,  eyeing  him  fiiedly.  He  put  the  foro  finger  and 
middle  finger  of  his  left  band  up  to  bis  collar,  aa  if  to 
Bettle  it,  BQd  ruunìng  the  two  fingerà  round  hia  ueck  he 
taraed  hia  head  baciwards  at  the  same  timo,  twiating  bis 
mouth  in  the  same  direction,  and  looked  out  of  the  corner 
of  his  eyes  as  far  as  he  eould,  to  aeo  whether  any  one  was 
comiug  ;  but  he  saw  no  one.  He  cast  a  glance  over  tha 
low  wul  into  the  fielda — no  one  ;  another,  more  Bubdued, 
along  the  |)ath  forward — no  one  but  the  bravoea.  What 
iato  he  douè?  tum  back?  Itistoolate.  BunPItwaathe 
eame  as  to  say,  foUow  me,  or  woree.  Since  he  could  not 
escape  the  danger,  he  went  to  meet  it.  Tbeee  moments 
of  uncertainty  were  already  so  painful,  he  desired  only  to 
Bhorteu  them.  He  quickened  his  pace,  recited  a  verse  in 
a  louder  tone,  compoaed  his  face  to  a  trauquil  and  careless 
expressioD,  as  well  aa  he  could,  uaed  every  eSbrt  to  bare 
a  amile  ready  ;  and  wben  he  found  himself  in  the  preaence 
of  the  two  ^ood  men,  exclaiming  raentally,  '  bere  we  are  !  ' 
he  atood  stilL  '  Signor  Curato  !  '  said  one,  ataring  in  his 
face. 

'  Who  commands  me  ?  '  quickly  answered  Don  Abbon- 
dio, raieing  bis  eyea  &om  the  hook,  and  holding  ìt  open  In 
hoth  hands. 

'You  intend,'  continued  the  other,  with  the  threat- 
eain^  angry  brow  of  one  who  has  caught  au  ìnferior  com- 
mi ttiug  some  grievous  fault,  'you  intend,  to-morrow,  to 
mai^  Benzo  Tramaglino  and  Lucia  Mondella  !  ' 

'That  is  .  .  .  .'  replied  Don  Abbondio,  with  a  quiver- 
ing  voice, — 'That  ia  ....  You,  gentlemen,  aro  men  of 
the  world,  and  know  well  how  these  things  go.    A  poor 


10  t   PROMESSI   8P09I.  [cH. 

curate  ^aa  nothìng  te  do  wìth  tliem.  Tfaer  patch  tip  theìr 
little  treaties  between  themeelvea,  and  tuen  ....  then 
tbey  come  to  ub,  as  ose  goes  to  the  bank  to  maike  a  d»- 
maod  ;  and  we  .  .  .  .  we  are  aerranta  of  the  community.' 

'Mark  well,'  uid  the  bravo,  in  a  lower  voice,  but  wìth 
a  solemn  t<Hie  of  command,  'this  marriage  la  not  to  he 
perfonned,  net  to-morrow,  nor  e  ver.' 

'But,  gentlemen,'  leplied  Don  Abbondio,  wìth  the 
soothing,  mild  tono  of  one  who  would  peraunde  an  impa- 
tieni  man,  '  be  ao  kind  aa  putyounelves  in  myplace.  If 
the  thing  depended  on  me  . .  . .  you  aee  plainly  tbat  it  ÌB 
no  advantage  to  me  .  .  .  .' 

'  Come,  come,'  interrupted  the  bravo  ;  '  if  the  thing 
were  to  be  decidod  by  prating,  you  migbt  soon  put  our 
heada  in  a  poke.  We  know  nothmg  about  it,  and  ve  don' t 
want  to  know  more.  A  vamed  man  ....  you  under- 
Btand.' 

'  But  gentlemen  like  yoa  are  toc  just,  too  reaaonable 

'  But,'  (thia  time  the  other  companion  broke  in,  wbo 
had  not  hitherto  apoken) — '  but  the  marriage  ii  not  to  be 
performed,  or  .  . .  .'  bere  a  great  oatb — '  or  he  who  per- 
lorrns  it  will  never  repent,  becauee  he  ehatl  bave  no  time 
for  jt .  .  . .  '  anotheroath. 

'  ■  Silence,  eilence,"  replied  the  firat  orator:  'the  Signor 
Curato  knowB  the  waj  of  the  world,  and  we  are  good  aort 
of  men,  wbo  don't  wièb  to  do  bim  any  barm,  if  he  wiU  act 
like  a  wise  man.  Signor  Curato,  the  Illuatrious  Signor 
Don  Kodrigo,  our  maater,  aenda  hia  kind  reapecta.' 

To  the  miud  of  Don  Abbondio  tbis  name  waa  like  the 
ligbtuing  flash  in  a  atorin  at  night,  which,  illuminating 
for  a  moment  and  confuaing  ali  objecta,  increasea  the 
terror.  Aa  by  instinct  he  made  a  low  bow,  and  aaid, 
'  If  you  could  auggest .  .  .  .  ' 

'  Oh  !  mggeH  is  for  you  wbo  know  Latin,'  again  inter- 
rupted the  bravo,  with  a  amile  between  awkwardnese  and 
ferooity  ;  '  it  is  ali  very  well  for  you.  But,  above  ali,  let 
not  a  word  be  whiapered  about  thia  uotice  tbat  we  bave 
given  you  for  your  good,  or  ...  .  Ehem  1  .  .  .  .  it  wjll  he 
the  aame  aa  marrying  them. — Well,  wbat  will  your  Bever- 


,»Ogk' 


I.]  THE   BKTROTHED.  11 

enee  thkt  wo  asy  for  jou  to  the  Elostrioiu  Signor  Don 
BodngoF' 

'  My  reapects.' 

'  Be  dear.  Signor  Carato.' 

' . .  .  .  DÌBp(»ed  ....  alwayB  disposed  to  obedience.' 
And  b&Tinff  said  these  words,  he  did  not.  tiiniBelf  veli 
know  wbetBer  he  had  given  e  promùe,  or  whether  he  had 
onlj  aent  an  ordinaiy  compliment.  The  bravoes  took  it, 
and  ahowed  that  they  took  ìt,  in  the  more  serìous  mean- 
ing. 

'  Very  veli — good  erenlng.  Signor  Curato,'  aaid  one  of 
them,  léadinghia  companion  avay. 

Don  Abbondio,  wbo  a  few  momente  before  would  bave 
giren  ooe  of  bis  eyes  to  bave  got  rid  of  tbem,  now  wished 
to  prolong  the  convereation  and  modify  the  treaty  ; — ìn 
vain  :  they  would  not  lUten,  but  took  the  path  along 
wbich  he  nad  come,  and  were  aoon  out  of  sight,  lìnging  a 
baUad,  wbich  I  do  not  cbooae  te  tranacribe.  Foor  Don 
Abbondio  Btood  for  a  moment  with  bis  mouth  open,  ae  if 
encbanted  :  then  he  toc  departed,  taking  that  path  which 
led  te  bis  houae,  and  hardly  dr^ging  one  leg  after  the 
other,  with  a  aensation  of  walking  on  crab-dawa,  and  ìn 
a  frante  of  mind  which  the  reader  will  better  underatand, 
after  bsTÌng  leamt  aomewbat  more  of  the  character  of  thia 
perscaiage,.and  of  the  aort  of  timea  in  which  hia  lot  waa 
caat. 

Don  Abbondio — the  reader  may  bave  dtscorered  ìt 
dready — waa  not  bóm  with  the  heart  of  a  lion.  Beeidea 
this,  from  hia  earlieat  years,  he  had  had  occasion  to  leam, 
that  the  moat  embarraasiag  of  ali  conditiona  in  those 
timea,  was  that  of  an  animai,  without  clawa,  and  witbout 
teetb,  which  yet,  nerertheleaB,  had  no  inclination  to  be 
devoured. 

The  arm  of  the  law  by  no  meana  protected  the  quiet 
inoffenaive  man,  wbo  had  no  other  meana  of  inspirine 
fear.     Not,  indeed,  that  there  waa  any  want  of  latra  and 

Snaltiea  againat  private  violence.  Lawa  carne  down 
e  hail  ;  crimefl  were  recounted  and  particularized  with 
minute  prolixìty;  penaltiea  were  abaurdly  ezorbituit; 
And  if  toat  were  not  enough,  capable  of  angmentation 


,„oglc 


12  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

in  almost  every  case,  at  the  will  of  the  legislator  himself 
and  of  a  hundred  ezecutivesj  the  forms  of  procedure 
Btudied  only  how  to  liberate  the  judge  frotn  every  impedì- 
ment  Ìd  the  way  of  passing  a  eenteoce  of  coDdemnation  ; 
the  aketchea  we  have  given  of  the  proclamations  againat 
the  bravoea  are  a  feeble  but  true  index  of  thia.  N^otwitb- 
Btauding,  or  rather  in  great  meaaure  tbr  tbia  rensoD,  these 
procl&matioiia,  repablished  and  re-euforced  by  one  govem- 
ment  after  auotber,  aerved  ooly  to  atteat  most  magoilo- 
qnently  the  impoteuce  of  their  authors  ;  or  if  they  pro- 
duced  any  immediate  effect,  it  was  for  the  most  part  to 
add  new  vezatioBs  to  thoae  already  suffered  by  the  peace~ 
able  and  helplesa  at  the  banda  of  the  turbulent,  and  to 
iucrease  the  violenoe  and  emuline  of  the  latter.  Impunity 
srganized  and  implanted  so  oeeply  that  ita  rootB  v 


untouched,  or  at  leaat  unmoved,  by  these  proclamationa. 
SuchweretheaaylumB,  Hucb  weretheprivileges  ofcertaia 
claasea,  privilegea  partly  reco^iaed  by  law,  partly  borne 
with  enviouB  ailence,  or  decried  with  vaìn  protesta,  but 
kept  up  in  faet,  and  guarded  by  tbeee  cUsBea,  and  by 
almost  every  individuai  in  them,  with  intereated  activity 
and  punctilioua  jealouay.  Now,  impunity  of  this  kind, 
threatened  and  ineulted,  but  not  deatroyed  by  tbe  pro- 
clamationa, waa  naturally  obtiged,  on  every  new  threat 
and  inault,  to  put  io  force  new  powera  and  new  achemea 
to  preaerve  ita  own  eziatence.  Soit  fell  out  in  fact;  and 
on  tbe  appearance  of  a  proclamation  for  tbe  restraint  of 
tbe  violent,  tbeae  aought  in  their  real  power  new  meana 
more  apt  in  effecting  that  which  the  proclamationa  for- 
bade.  The  proclamationa,  iudeed,  couid  accompliah  at 
every  step  the  moleatatioa  of  good  aort  of  men,  who  bad 
neither  power  themaelvea  nor  protection  from  othere; 
becBuae,  in  order  to  have  every  peraon  under  tbeir  banda, 
to  prevent  or  puniab  every  cnme,  they  aubjected  every 
movementof  private lifeto  tbe  arbìtrary  wilt  oiathousaud 
magiatratea  and  executivea.  But  whoever,  before  com- 
mitting  a  crime,  bad  taken  measures  to  eecure  bis  escape 
in  tìme  to  a  convent  or  a  palace,  where  tbe  birri  '  bad 
never  dared  to  euter  ;  whoever  (witbout  any  other  mua- 
*  I.  e.  the  armed  police. 


,l)OglC 


I.]  THE  BBTROTHED.  13 

suree)  bore  a  liver;  which  called  to  bis  defence  the  vanity 
and  interest  of  a  powerful  familj  or  order,  sucb  an  one 
■WM  {ree  to  do  aB  he  pleased,  and  cotild  set  at  nought  tba 
clomour  of  the  procliunationa.  Of  those  very  persons  to 
whom  the  enforcing  of  them  waa  committed,  Bome  be- 
longed  by  birth  to  the  privileged  class,  some  were 
dependent  on  it,  aa  dients  ;  both  one  and  the  other  by 
education,  interest,  habit,  and  imitation,  had  embraced  ita 
maxima,  and  would  bave  taken  good  care  not  to  ofiend  it 
for  tbe  Bake  of  a  piece  of  paper  paated  on  the  cornerà  of 
the  Btreets.  The  men  entrusted  with  the  immediate 
execution  of  the  decreoa,  had  they  beea  enterprislng  aa 
beroee,  obedient  aa  monka,  and  devoted  as  martyrs,  could 
not  bave  bad  tbe  upper  band,  inferior  aa  tbey  were  in 
namber  to  tbose  with  whom  tbej  would  bave  been  eo- 
gaged  in  battle,  with  the  probability  of  being  frequeotly 
abandoned,  or  even  aacrificed,  hy  those  who  abstractedljr, 
or  (so  to  aay)  in  theory,  set  them  to  work.  But  beeidea 
this,  theee  men  were,  generally,  chosen  from  the  lowest 
uaA  most  rascally  claasea  of  those  times  :  their  office  was 
held  base  even  by  thoae  who  stood  moet  in  fear  of  it,  and 
their  title  a  reproach.  It  waa  therefore  but  naturai  tbat 
they,  inatead  of  rìsking,  or  ratber  tbrowing  away,  their 
Uvea  in  an  impracticable  undertaking,  ahould  take  pay 
for  inaction,  or  even  conuivance  at  the  powerful,  and 
reserre  the  exercise  of  tbeìr  execrated  autborìty  and 
diooiniabed  power  for  tbose  occaeloDB,  wbere  tbey  could 
oppresB  without  danger,  t.  e.  by  annoying  pacific  and 
deienceleBS  persona. 

The  man  who  is  ready  to  givo  and  expecting  to 
receive  ofiénce  every  moment,  naturallr  seeks  (Jlies 
and  companiona.  Hence  the  tendency  of  individuala  to 
unite  into  clasaea  waa  in  tbeae  timea  carried  to  the 
greatest  excesa  ;  new  societies  were  formed,  and  each 
man  strove  to  increase  the  power  of  hia  own  party  to  the 
greatest  degree.  The  clergy  were  on  the  watcb  to  defend 
and  extend  their  immunities  ;  tbe  nohility  their  pririlegee, 
the  miliiary  their  exemptions.  Tradespeople  and  artisans 
were  enrotled  in  subordinate  confratemities,  lawyera 
constituted  a  leagne,  and  eren  doctors  a  corporation. 


,c,oglc 


14  I  FBOMEBSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

£ach  of  tbeee  little  oligarchies  had  ito  own  peculiar 
power;  in  each  the  individuai  found  it  &n  advant^e  to 
ffvail  himself,  in  proportion  to  their  authority  and  vigour, 
of  the  united  force  of  the  many.  Honeet  men  avaìled 
themselTeB  of  thia  advantage  for  defence  ;  the  evil-dia- 

Soaed  and  aharp-witted  made  uee  of  it  to  sccompliah 
afide  of  violeuoe,  for  which  their  peraon&l  meaua  were 
ìnsufficient,  and  to  ensure  themaelvea  imponity.  The 
power,  however,  of  theee  v&rioua  combìuationa  wae  very 
unequal  ;  and  eapeciaUr  in  the  country,  a  rich  and  violent 
nobÙity,  having  a  band  of  bravoes,  and  aurrounded  by  a 
peaaantry  accustomed  by  immemorìal  tradition,  and  coni- 
pelled  by  interest  or  torce,  to  look  upon  thetnaelvea  aa 
aoldiers  of  their  lorde,  exercised  a  power  againat  which  no 
other  league  could  bave  inaiutained  eSectuol  reaistance. 

Oor  Abbondio,  not  noble,  not  rich,  not  courageous, 
was  tberefore  accustomed  from  bis  very  ìnlàDcy  to  look 
upon  himaelf  aa  a  veasel  of  fragile  eartbenware,  obliged 
to  joumey  in  company  witb  tnany  veasela  of  iron.  Hence 
hehad  very  eaaily  acquieaced  in  bia  parente'  wiahtomake 
him  a  prieat.  To  aay  the  truth,  he  had  not  reflected 
much  on  the  obligations  and  noble  ende  of  the  minietry 
to  which  he  waa  dedicatiug  himself  :  toensure  eometbing 
to  live  upon  with  comfort,  and  to  place  himeelf  in  a  cleaa 
revered  and  powerful,  eeemed  to  him  two  sufficient 
reaaona  for  bie  cboice.  But  no  claea  whatever  providea 
Tfor  an  individuai,  or  aeoureB  him,  heyond  a  certain  point  : 
■J  and  none  dispenaee  bim  &om  forming  hie  own  particular 
ayatem. 

Don  Abbondio,  cootinually  abaorbed  in  thoughta  about 
bia  own  aecurity,  cared  not  at  ali  for  thòse  advantagea 
wbich  risked  a  little  to  aecure  a  great  deal.  Uie  eyetem 
was  to  escape  ali  oppoeition,  and  to  yield  where  he  could 
not  escale.  In  eli  the  frequent  contesta  carrìcd  on 
around  him  between  the  clergy  and  loity,  in  the  perpetuo! 
oollision  between  officiala  aon  the  nohility,  between  the 
Bobility  and  magiatratea,  between  bravoea  and  eoldiera, 
down  to  tbe  pitcbed  battte  between  two  ruetics,  arising 
from  a  wora,  and  decided  with  fiata  or  poniarda,  an 
iinarmed  neutralitj-  waa  bis  cbosen  poaition,    If  he  were 


I.]  THB   BBTROTHED.  15 

nbaolntel;  obliged  to  take  a  part,  he  favoured  the 
■tronger,  alwaya,  howeTer,  with  a  reserve,  and  an  endea- 
lour  to  show  the  other  that  he  wa«  Bot  wiUingly  hia 
enemy.  It  leemed  ab  if  he  wauld  aay,  '  Whj  did  you  not 
manage  to  be  the  strongerP  I  would  ha?e  taken  your 
side  thau.'  Eeeping  a  l'eepectful  dietance  frani  the 
powerful  ;  silently  hearing  their  bcoih,  when  caprìciouBl; 
■hown  in  pasBÌng  inatanceB  ;  anBwering  with  Buhmiseion 
when  it  oanmied  a  more  aerious  and  decided  forni  ; 
obliging,  by  bis  profound  bowB  and  reapectful  salutationa, 
the  moBt  Burlv  and  haughty  to  return  liim  a  amile,  when 
he  met  thea  by  the  way  ;  the  poor  man  had  performed 
the  vojage  of  aixty  years  without  experìencing  any  very 
violent  tempeste. 

It  waa  uot  that  he  had  not  too  hia  own  little  portion 
of  gali  in  bis  diapoBÌtion  :  and  this  continuai  exercise  of 
endurance,  thia  ceaaelesa  giring  reasons  to  othere,  the»e 
mtvny  bitter  moutbfuls  giuped  down  in  sUence,  had  ao  far 
eiaaperated  it,  that  had  he  net  had  on  opportunìty  some* 
timee  of  gÌTÌng  ìt  a  little  of  ita  own  way,  bis  bealth  would 
certainly  bave  euffered.  But  since  tbere  were  in  the  world , 
dose  around  bim,  some  few  persona  whom  be  knew  weU 
to  be  incapable  of  burting,  upon  them  be  was  able  iiow 
and  then  tò  let  out  tbe  bad  humour  ho  long  pent  up,  and 
tAke  upon  bimsclf  (even  be)  tbe  right  to  be  a  little  fan- 
taatie,  and  to  ecold  unreasonably.  Beaidea,  be  was  a 
rìgid  ceneor  of  thoee  who  did  not  guide  tbemselres  by 
hia  mlee;  that  ia,  when  the  cenaute  could  be  paesed 
without  any,  the  moet  distant,  danger.  Waa  any  one 
beateD  P  he  waa  at  leaat  imprudent  ; — any  one  murdered  F 
he  had  always  been  a  turbulent  meddler.  If  any  one, 
having  tried  to  maintain  bis  right  againet  some  powerful 
noble,  carne  off*  with  a  broken  head,  £on  Abbondio  alwaya 
knew  how  to  discover  some  fault  ;  a  tbìug  not  difficult, 
lince  rìgbt  &nd  wrong  never  are  divided  with  so  ctean  a 
cut,  that  one  partv  bas  the  wbole  of  eitber.  Above  ali, 
be  dectaimed  ag&mst  any  of  bis  brethreu,  who,  at  tbeir 
own  risk,  took  the  part  of  tbe  weak  and  oppreaaed  agaioBt 
the  powerful  oppreBsor.  Tbìs  be  called  paying  for  quar- 
rela,  and  giving  one'e  lege  to  the  doga  :  be  even  prò- 


16  I    PROHESBI   SPOSI.  leu. 

nonnced  witli  Bereritj  npoa  it,  ss  a  mixing  in  pro&ne 
thìn)^  to  the  lou  of  dignity  to  the  aacred  mini^trT. 
Againat  such  men  he  discoursed  (always,  boweTer,  with 
bis  eyes  about  him,  or  in  a  retired  corner)  with  greater 
Tebemence  in  proportion  aa  he  knew  them  to  be  strangera 
to  onzietjr  about  their  personal  ufety.  He  had,  Snslly, 
a  favourite  Bentence,  witb  vbich  be  alwaye  wound  up 
digcourseB  on  tbeee  matterà,  that  a  lespectable  man  wbo 
looked  to  himself,  and  minded  hia  own  businesa,  could 
alwaya  keep  clear  of  mÌBcbievous  quarrels. 

My  fire-and-twentj  readera  may  imagine  what  impres- 
aion  aucb  an  encounter  ob  baB  been  rekted  above  would 
make  on  the  mind  of  tbia  pitiable  being.  The  fearful 
aBpect  of  those  faces  ;  the  great  word»  ;  the  threati  of  a 
Signor  known  for  never  tbreatening  in  vain;  a  ayatem  of 
living  in  quiet,  the  patient  Btudy  of  so  many  yearB,  upset 
in  a  moment  ;  and,  m  proepect,  a  patb  narrow  and  rugged, 
from  which  no  exit  could  be  aeen, — ali  theae  thougbta 
buEzed  about  tumultuoualy  in  the  downcaat  head  of  Don 
Abbondio.  '  If  Eenzo  could  be  diamiased  in  peace  with 
a  mere  no,  it  ìb  ali  plain  ;  but  be  would  want  reasona  ; 
and  what  am  I  to  Bay  to  him  ?  and — and — and  he  is  a 
lamb,  quiet  ae  a  lamb,  if  no  one  toucbeB  him,  but  if  be 
were  contradicted  ....  whew  I  and  then — out  of  hia 
Bensee  about  this  Lucia,  in  love  over  head  and  ....  Tbeee 
young  men,  wbo  fall  in  love  for  want  of  aomething  to  do, 
loill  be  married,  and  tbìnk  nothìng  about  other  people, 
th^  do  not  core  any  thing  for  the  trouble  tbey  bring  upon 
a  poor  curate.  TTnfortunate  me  I  What  poaaible  buai- 
neaa  had  theae  two  frigbtful  figurea  to  put  themeelveB  in 
my  patb,  and  interfere  with  ine  !  la  it  I  wbo  want  to  be 
married  F  Wby  did  they  not  ratber  go  and  talk  witb  .... 
Let  me  see  :  what  a  great  miafortune  it  is  that  the  rìght 
pian  noTcr  cornea  into  my  head  till  it  is  too  late  !  It  1 
had  but  thought  of  suggeating  to  tbem  to  carry  their 
mesaage  to  .  .  .  .'  But  at  thia  point  it  occurred  to  him 
that  tu  repont  of  not  having  been  aider  and  abettor  in 
iiiiquity,  was  itself  iniquitoua  ;  and  he  tumed  hia  angry 
thoughta  upon  tha  man  who  had  come,  in  this  manner,  to 
rob  Hm  oi  bla  peace.     He  knew  Don  Bodrigo  only  by 


,»oglc 


1.3  THB    BSTHOTBED,  17 

BÌgbt  and  by  report  ;  nor  bad  he  had  to  do  with  bim 
fiirtber  than  to  make  a  lowly  reverence  wben  he  hftd 
chanced  to  meet  him.  It  had  fallea  to  him  Beveral  tìmea 
to  defend  tbis  Signor  against  those  who,  with  aubdued 
voice  and  looka  of  fear,  wiehed  ìli  to  some  of  bis  enter* 
priaes.  He  bad  aaid  a  huudred  times  that  he  was  a 
reepectable  cavalier;  but  at  this  moment  he  beatowed 
upon  him  ali  those  epitheta  wbìch  he  had  uerer  heard 
applied  bj  others  wibbout  an  exclamation  of  disapproba- 
tion.  Amid  the  tumult  of  these  thouehte  he  reached  hia 
own  door — hastily  applied  the  kej  which  he  beld  in  bis 
band,  opened,  entered,  carefully  cloaed  it  hehind  him,  and 
aniioue  to  find  himaelf  in  truat-wortby  company,  called 
quìckly,  '  Perpetua,  Perpetua  !  '  as  he  went  towards  the 
dining-room,  where  he  waa  aure  to  find  Perpetua  laying 
the  doth  for  suppier. 

Perpetua,  aa  eveiy  one  already  knowa,  was  Don  Ab- 
bondio'B  aervant,  a  servaot  afTectionate  and  faitbful,  who 
knew  how  to  obey  and  command  in  tum  as  occasion  re- 
quired — to  bear,  in  aeason,  tbe  grumblinga  and  &iicie8  of 
ber  master,  and  to  make  him  bear  the  lihe  when  ber  tum 
carne  ;  which  day  by  day  recurred  more  frequenti?,  aince 
she  bad  paAaed  the  ainodal  &ge  of  forty,  remainiug  eingle, 
becauae,  as  abe  aaid  beraelf,  she  bad  refiiaed  ali  offera,  or 
becauee  abe  had  never  found  any  one  gocee  enougb  to 
bave  ber,  aa  ber  friends  aaid. 

*I  am  coming,'  reptied  Perpetua,  potting  down  in  ita 
nana]  place  a  little  flaak  of  Don  Abbondio'e  favourita 
wine,  and  morìng  leiaurely.  But  before  ohe  reacbed  tha 
door  of  the  dining-room,  he  entered,  witb  a  etep  so  un- 
ateady,  witb  an  expreBsion  so  overcaat,  with  featurea  bo 
distnrbed,  that  there  had  been  no  need  of  Ferpetaa's 
eiperienced  eye  to  discover  at  a  glance  that  eomething 
very  eztraordinary  had  happened. 

'  Merc^  1  what  bas  happened  to  you,  master  F  ' 

'  Nothmg,  nothing,'  replied  Don  Abbondio,  sinking 
own  breathleea  on  bis  arm-chair. 

'  How  nothing  1  Would  you  make  me  believe  thia,  eo 
diaordered  aa  you  are  ?    Some  great  miafortune  has  hap- 


..lìOi^lc 


18  I  PB0KB8SI  SPOfll.  [CH. 

'  Oh,  for  HeaTen'a  aake  I  Wlien  I  uy  nothìng,  either 
it  is  Dothing,  or  it  ÌB  something  I  cannot  teli,' 

'Nat  teli,  even  to  me  ?  Who  will  take  care  of  ;our 
Bafetj,  air  P  vho  will  advise  ;ou  P  ' 

'  Oh,  dear  I  hold  ^our  tongue,  and  Bay  no  more  :  gire 
me  a  glaea  of  my  wine.' 

'And  7011  will  peraiat,  air,  that  it  ia  nothìng t'  eaid 
Perpetua,  filiing  the  glaae  ;  and  then  holding  it  in  ber 
band,  aa  if  ahe  weuid  give  it  in  payment  for  the  confidence 
he  kept  ber  waitìng  for  bo  long. 

*  Give  it  bere,  give  it  here,'  aaid  Don  Abbondio,  taking 
the  class  from  ber  with  no  very  ateady  band,  and  empty- 
ìng  it  bastily,  aa  if  it  were  a  draiight  of  medicine. 

'  Do  you  wieh  me,  then,  eir,  to  be  obliged  to  aak  bere 
and  there,  what  hae  bappened  to  my  master?'  said 
Perpetua,  right  opposite  nim,  with  ber  arma  akìmbo, 
lookin^  stesdily  at  him,  aa  if  ahe  would  gather  the  truth 
from  hi8  eyea. 

'  For  HeHven's  sake  !  let  na  bave  no  brawlìng — let  uà 
bave  no  noiae  :  it  ia  . . . .  it  ia  my  lìfe  1  ' 

'  Tour  life  !  ' 

'Mylife.* 

'  You  know,  air,  that  wbenever  yon  bave  told  me  any 
tbing  aincerely  in  conSdence,  I  bave  never  .  .  .  .' 

'  Well  done!  for  instance,  when  .  .  .  .' 

Perpetua  saw  abe  had  touched  a  wrong  chord  ;  wbere> 
fore,  Buddenly  changing  ber  tone,  '  Signor,  master,'  ahe 
said,  with  a  eóftened  and  affecticg  voice,  '  I  bave  always 
beeu  an  affectionate  servant  to  you,  sir  ;  and  if  I  wiab 
to  know  tbia,  it  is  because  of  my  care  for  you,  becauae  I 
wiah  to  be  able  to  help  you,  to  give  you  good  advice,  and 
to  comfort  you.' 

The  fact  waa.  Don  Abbondio  was,  perhaps,  just  aa 
anxìouB  to  get  rìd  of  bis  burdenaome  secret,  as  Perpetu» 
was  to  know  it.  In  consequenee,  after  baving  rebutud, 
alwaya  more  feebly,  ber  reiterated  and  more  vigorona 
BBsaultB,  after  baving  made  ber  vow  moro  thaa  once  not 
to  breatbe  the  aubject,  with  many  aighs  and  many  doleful 
ezclamations,  he  related  at  laat  thÌB  miaerable  eveot. 
"When  be  carne  to  the  terrible  name,  it  was  neceesaiy 


,l)OglC 


I.]  THE    BETROTHK0.  Ift 

for  Perpetua  to  mske  cew  nod  more  Bolemo  towb  of 
silence;  and  Don  Abbondio,  having  pronounced  this  name, 
sank  back  oq  the  chaìr,  lifting  up  bis  banda  in  acf  at  once 
of  comnumd  and  entreaty — exclaiming,  '  For  beaven'a 
iake  !  ' 

'  Mercj  1  '  eictaimed  Perpetua,  '  Oh,  what  a  wretch  ! 
Oh,  what  a  tyrant  !     Ob,  wbat  a  godloBs  man  !  ' 

'  Will  fou  bold  jova  tongue  ?  or  do  jou  wish  to  min 
me  altogether  ?  ' 

'  Wby,  we'pe  ali  alone  :  no  one  can  bearua.  Butwfaat 
wrll  you  do,  air?     Oh,  my  poor  master  !  ' 

'  You  see  now,  you  eee,  said  Don  Abbondio,  in  an 
angiy  tono,  '  whst  good  advice  this  woman  can  give  me  I 
She  cornea  and  aska  me  wbat  ahall  I  do,  wbat  ahall  I  do, 
ae  if  ahe  vere  in  a  quandaiy,  and  it  were  mj  place  to  belp 
ber  out.' 

'But  I  could  6Ten  give  my  poor  opinion  ;  but 
then  . .  , .' 

'  JBut  iien,  let  ub  hear.' 

'  My  advice  would  be,  eince,  m  ereiybody  Bays,  our 
Arcbbiahop  ie  a  saint,  a  bold-hearted  man,  and  one  who 
ìb  not  afraid  of  an  ugly  face,  and  one  who  gloricB  in  up- 
holding  a  poor  curate  against  these  tyranta,  when  De 
haa  an  opportunity, — I  abould  aay,  and  I  do  aay,  that 
you  ahould  write  a  nice  letter  to  inform  bim  how 
tbat ' 

'  Will  you  bold  ^our  tongue  ?  will  you  be  silent  ?  la 
tbis  fit  aayìce  to  give  a  poor  man?  wheu  a  bullet  was 
lodged  in  my  back,  (Heaven  defend  me!)  would  the 
Archbiahop  dialodge  it  P  ' 

'Wby!  bulleta  don't  fly  in  abowera  like  comfita.^ 
Woe  to  ns,  if  tbeae  doga  could  bite  whene?er  they  bark 
And  I  bave  alwaya  taken  nutice  that  whoeyer  knows  bow 
to  show  bis  teeth,  and  make  use  of  them,  ia  treated  wìth 
reapect  ;  and  just  because  master  will  never  give  his  rea- 
Bona,  we  are  come  to  that  pass,  that  eyery  ooe  cornea  to 
uB,  if  I  may  say  it  to . . . .' 

'  "Will  you  bold  yonr  tongue  ?  * 

*  It  ìb  a  snatom  in  Italy,  danng  the  oamÌTal,  for  irieiid*  to  raluta 
each  other  «ith  ibowei*  of  oomfiti,  m  Uiej  pan  in  ths  itrseli. 


,„oglc 


20  I    PROME33I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  I  will  directly  ;  but  it  ìb,  howerer,  certain,  that  whea 
ali  the  world  aeea  a  man  alva^s,  in  every  encoimter,  TOul; 
to  jieìA  the . . . .' 

'  Will  jou  hold  youF  Umgae  F  la  this  a  time  for  sach 
noDBensical  words  F' 

'  Very  well  ;  you  can  think  about  it  to-night  ;  but  now, 
don't  he  doinganymiachief  toyouraelf  ;  don't  he  making 
yourself  ili — take  a  mouthful  to  eat.' 

'  Think  about  it,  ahalt  I  ?  '  grumbled  Don  Abbondio, 
'to  he  Bure  I  ahall  think  about  it.  l've  gut  it  to  tbink 
about  ;  '  and  he  got  up,  going  on  ;  '  I  nill  toke  nothing, 
nothing  :  I  bave  Bometbing  elee  to  do.  I  know,  too,  what 
I  ought  to  think  ahout  it.  But,  that  this  should  bare 
come  on  mg  head  I  ' 

'  Swallow  &t  leaat  this  other  little  drop,'  said  Perpetua, 
pouring  it  out  ;  >you  know,  sir,  this  alwaya  Btrengtfaeuti 
your  stomach.' 

'  Ah,  we  want  another  strengthener  —  another  — 
another — ' 

So  Bayiag,  he  took  the  candle,  and  constantly  grum- 
bling,  '  A.  Qice  little  bueinetis  to  a  man  like  me  !  and  to- 
morrow,  what  Ì8  to  he  done  F  '  with  other  lìke  lamenta- 
tiona,  went  to  hia  chamber,  to  lie  down.  Wheo  he  had 
reached  the  door,  he  pauied  a  moment,  turned  round  and 
laid  bis  finger  on  hia  lìpa,  pronouncing  alowly  and  ao- 
lemnly,  '  For  Heaven's  aake  !  '  and  dìsappeared. 


;dbv  Google 


U.]  THB   BETROTHED. 


CHAPTEE  II. 

ìlT  ù  related  tbat  the  Frince  Condé  slept 
•onndly  the  night  before  the  battle  of  Bocroi. 
But,  in  the  first  place,  he  was  verj  tired  ; 
and,  Becondly,  he  hod  given  ali  needful  pre- 
viouB  ordere,  and  arranged  nbat  was  to  be 
doae  on  the  morrow.  Don  Abbondio,  on  the  other  band, 
afl  Tei  knew  nothing,  eicept  tbat  the  morrow  would  be  a 
daj  of  battle  :  hentre  great  part  of  the  night  wae  apent 
by  him  in  aniiouB  and  haraesÌD^  d eliberati one.  To  take 
no  QOtice  of  the  lawleas  intintation,  and  proceed  with  the 
marriage,  waa  a  pian  on  wbich  he  would  not  even  eipeod 
a  tbooght.  To  confide  the  occurrence  to  !Renzo,  and 
aeek  with  him  aome  meone  ....  he  dreaded  the  thought  t 
*  he  muat  not  let  a  word  eacspe  ....  otberwise ....  ehm  I  '  : 
thuB  oneof  thebraToea  had  apoken.and  at  tbe  re-echoing 
of  thÌ8  ehm  I  Don  Abbondio,  far  from  thinking  of  trans- 
greuing  aucb  a  law,  began  to  repent  of  having  reveaied 
it  to  Perpetua.  Must  lie  fly  I  Whitherp  And  then, 
bow  many  aunoyances,  how  many  reaaona  to  give  I  Aa 
be  rejected  pian  after  pian,  the  unfortunate  man  tossed 


,c,oglc 


28  I    PB0MBS8I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

from  side  to  side  in  bed.  The  course  whìch  seeroed  beet 
to  him  waa  to  gain  time,  bj  impoping  on  Benzo.  He 
opportunely  remembered  that  it  wanted  only  a  few  days 
or  the  time  wlienveddings  wereprohibited.* — 'And  if  I 
can  only  put  him  oflf  fortheee  few  days,  I  bave  tbeo  two 
monthe  before  me,  and  in  two  montba  great  tbioge  may 
be  done.' — He  ruminated  over  variouB  pretexts  to  bring 
ìnto  play  ;  and  tbough  they  appeared  to  hìm  rather  elight, 
jet  he  reaBBured  hìmaatf  with  the  thougbt  that  hia 
autbority  added  to  tbem  vrould  malce  them  appear  of  auf> 
ficieut  weight,  and  that  hia  practised  eiperience  would 
givo  hìm  great  advantage  over  an  ignorant  routh.  '  Let 
UB  aee,'  he  eaid  to  himaelf,  '  be  tbink»  of  bis  love,  but  I 
of  my  life  ;  I  am  more  intereeted  than  he  :  beaide  that  I 
am  cleverer.  My  dear  cbild,  if  you  feei  your  back  amarti 
ing,  I  know  not  what  to  eay  ;  hut  I  will  not  put  my  foot 
in  it.' — HÌB  mind  beìng  thus  a  little  eettled  to  delibera- 
tion,  he  waaableatlaat  to  cloae  hiseyes;  but  what  sleep! 
What  dreams  !  Bravoea,  Dan  Rodrigo,  Benzo,  path- 
waye,  rocfcB,  flight,  chase,  enea,  muskets  ! 

The  moment  of  firet  awaking  afler  a  miafortime,  while 
stili  in  perpleiity,  ìb  a  bitter  one.  The  mind  acarcely 
restored  to  consciouBness,  retums  to  the  habitual  idea 
of  former  tranquillity  :  but  the  thougbt  of  tiie  new  state 
of  tbingB  Hoon  preseutB  itaelf  with  rude  abruptuese  ;  aud 
Olir  miafortune  ts  most  trytng  in  tbis  moment  of  contrast. 
DolefuUy  Don  Abbondio  taated  the  bittemeas  of  tbis 
moment,  and  then  begaa  hastily  to  recapitulate  the  de- 
signa of  the  night,  confirmed  himaelf  in  them,  atraaged 
them  anew,  aroae,  and  waìted  for  Itenzo  at  once  with  fear 
aud  impatience. 

Lorenzo,  or,  as  every  one  called  him,  Benso,  did  not 
keep  him  long  waiting.  Scarcely  had  the  hour  arrìved 
at  wbich  he  tbought  he  could  with  propriety  preaent 
himaelf  to  the  Curate,  when  he  set  off  with  the  lignt  atep 
of  a  man  of  twen^,  who  waa  on  that  day  to  espouse  ber 
whom  he  loved.  He  had  in  early  youth  been  deprived 
of  hia  parenta,  and  carried  on  the  trade  of  ailk-weaver, 
hereditary,  bo  to  aay,  in  hia  family  ;   a  trade  lucrative 


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11.]  THE   BETROTHBD.  33 

enough  in  former  yem,  but  even  then  beginning  to  de- 
cline, yet  not  to  aneti  a  degree,  that  a  clever  workmÉm 
-WBs  not  abto  to  make  an  honeet  liTelihood  bj  ìt.  Work 
became  more  acarce  from  day  to  day,  but  the  continuai 
emigration  of  the  workmen,  attracted  to  tbe  neighbouiv 
ing  States  by  promìseB,  pririlegeB,  and  large  woges,  left 
aumcìent  occupation  for  those  who  remained  in  the 
country.  Benzo  poBsesaed,  beBiden,  a  plot  of  land,'which 
he  cultivatfld,  working  in  it  himself  wbea  he  was  diaen- 
gaged  from  bia  sUk-uu^ing,  ho  that  in  bis  station  he  migbt 
be  called  a  neh  man.  iUthou^b  tbis  year  was  one  of 
greater  acarcity  than  thoae  wbich  hod  preceded  it,  and 
real  want  begaa  to  be  felt  alreadv)  yet  he,  baring  become 
a  aaver  of  money  evec  ùnce  be  bad  caat  his  eyea  upoa 
Lucia,  found  hmuelf  aufficientl^  fumished  with  pro- 
visions,  and  bad  no  need  to  beg  his  bread.  He  appeàred 
before  Don  Abbondio  in  gay  brìdal  costume,  with  featbera 
of  Tarious  colours  in  bis  cap,  with  an  omamental-hilted 
dagger  in  his  pocket  ;  and  with  an  air  of  feetirity,  tnd 
at  tbe  same  time  of  defiance,  common  at  tbat  time  eren 
to  men  the  moat  quiet.  The  hesitating  and  mjsterioi^s 
reception  of  Don  Abbondio  formed  a  atrange  contnat 
with  the  joyous  and  reeolute  bearing  of  the  young  man. 

He  must  bave  got  some  notion  in  his  bead,  thought 
Benzo  to  himself,  and  tfaen  aaid  ;  '  I  bave  come.  Signor 
Curate,  to  know  at  what  hour  it  vili  suit  you  fot  uà  to 
be  at  churcb.' 

'  What  day  are  you  n>eaking  of  ?  ' 

'  How  1  of  what  day  r  Doa't  you  remember,  sìr,  tbat 
tbis  ìh  the  day  fiied  upon  F  ' 

'  To-day  ?  '  replied  Don  Abbondio,  aa  if  be  now  board 
it  spoken  of  for  tbe  fint  time.  '  To-day,  to-day  .... 
don't  be  impatient,  but  to-day  I  cannot.' 

'  To-day  you  cannot  !     What  bae  bappened,  sir  P  ' 

'  First  of  ali,  I  do  not  feel  well,  you  see.' 

'  I  am  very  Borrr,  but  what  you  bare  to  do,  air,  la  so 
Boon  done,  and  so  little  fatiguing . . . .' 

'  And  then,  and  then,  and  then  . . .  .* 

'  And  then  what,  Signor  Curate  ?  ' 

'  And  then,  there  are  diUiculties.' 


;dbv  Google 


24  '  I  PBOHXSsi  SPOSI.  [cn. 

'  Difficnltiei  I    Wbat  difficultiea  can  there  be  P  ' 

'Tou  need  to  stand  in  our  ahoes,  to  iinderstand  what 
perplezitÌM  we  have  in  tbese  matterà,  what  reasons  to 
gire.  I  ani  too  sofl-hearted,  I  think  of  nothing  but  how 
to  remove  obstBcles,  and  make  ali  easj,  and  arrange  thinn 
to  please  athera  ;  I  neglect  my  dutj,  and  then  I  am  sub- 
ject  to  reproofa,  and  worae.' 

'  But  in  Heaven'a  name,  don't  keep  me  ao  on  tbe  atretcb 
— teli  me  at  once  what  ìb  the  matter,' 

'  Do  you  know  bow  many,  mttnj  formalities  are  neces- 
eary  to  perform  a  mamage  regularly  ?  ' 

'  I  ougbt  to  know  a  little  about  it,'  said  Benio,  begin- 
ning  to  be  warm, 'for  you,  air,  bave  puzzled  my  bead 
eoougb  about  it,  tbe  last  few  days  back.  But  now  ia  not 
eTerytbing  made  clearP  la  Bot  everytbing  done  tbat 
bad  to  be  done  P  ' 

'  Ali,  ali,  on  Tour  part  :  tberefore,  bave  patience  ;  an 
asB  I  am  to  neglect  my  duty  tbat  I  may  not  give  pain  to 
people.  We  poor  curates  are  between  the  anvil  and  tbe 
bammer  ;  you  are  impatient  ;  I  am  aorry  for  you,  poor 
young  man  ;  and  the  great  people  ....  enougb,  one  must 
not  aay  everything.     And  we  bave  to  go  between.' 

'  But  eiplain  to  me  at  once,  air,  what  thia  new  form- 
alitv  IH,  which  has  to  be  gone  through,  ae  you  Bay  ;  and 
it  aball  be  done  soon.' 

'  Do  you  know  what  the  nnmber  of  abaolute  impedi- 
menta  ìb  P  ' 

'Wbatwouldyoubaveme^owaboutimpediments.airP' 

'  Errar,  otmditio,  valum,  eognatio,  orimen,  euUu»  dùpari- 
iat,  vi»,  ardo  . .  .  .  Si  tit  ti^tnit .  .  .  .' 

'Are  you  making  game  of  me,  air?  What  do  you 
expect  me  to  know  about  jour  latinorum  f 

'Tben,  if  you  don't  underatand  thinga,  bave  patience, 
and  leave  them  to  tboBO  who  do.' 

•Oriif ■ 

'  Quiet,  my  dear  Bonzo,  don't  get  in  a  paaaion,  for  I 
am  ready  to  do  ....  ali  that  dependB  on  me.     I,  I  wiah 

to  eee  you  eatia&ed  ;  I  wiah  you  well.     Alaa  I when 

I  tbink  bow  well  off  you  were  ;  what  were  you  wanting  P 
Tbe  wbim  of  getting  married  came  upon  you . , . .' 


..notale 


n.}  THE   Sn'ROTBBD.  29 

'  What  talk  ìs  this,  Signor  mio,'  inteirupted  Benzo, 
with  a  voice  between  astonishment  and  anger. 

'  Haye  patience,  I  teli  you.   1  wiah  to  sce  you  satisSed.' 

'  In  short . . . .' 

'  In  short,  my  soni,  it  ie  no  fault  of  mine.  I  did  not 
make  the  law  ;  and  before  concluding  a  marrJage,  it  is 
our  special  du^  to  certify  ouraelTes  that  there  is  do  im- 
pediment.' 

'  But  come,  teli  me  once  for  ali  vhat  impediment  haa 
come  in  the  way  P  ' 

'  Have  patience,  they  are  not  thin^  to  be  deciphered 
thns  at  a  standing.  It  wiU  be  nothjng  to  uà,  I  hope  ; 
but,  be  the  consequence  great  or  little,  we  must  mahe 
theee  reaearches.  The  teit  is  dear  and  erìdent;  onte- 
f  iMffl  nuitrimoniam  denimeiet .  .  .  .' 

'I  bave  told  you,  eir,  I  wiU  bave  no  Latin.' 

'  But  it  is  necessary  that  I  should  esplain  to  you  .  .  .  .' 

*  But  bave  you  not  made  alt  theee  researches  P  ' 

'  I  teli  you,  I  bave  not  made  tbem  ali,  as  L  must.' 

'  Why  did  you  not  do  it  in  time,  sir  p  Why  did  you 
teli  me  that  ali  was  finished  P     "Wby  wait .  .  .  .' 

'Look  now!  you  are  finding  fault  with  my  over-kind- 
ness.  I  bave  facilitated  everything  to  serre  you  with* 
out  lesa  of  time  :  but ....  but  now  l  bare  received  .  >  . . 
enough,  I  know.' 

'  And  what  do  you  wisb  me  to  do,  bit  P  ' 

'  To  bave  patience  for  a  few  days.  My  dear  son,  a 
few  days  are  not  etemity  :  bave  patience.' 

'  For  bow  long  P  ' 

— We  are  in  good  traìn  now,  thougbt  Don  Abbondio 
to  himself  :  and  added  with  a  more  polite  manner  than 
erer  :  '  Come  now,  in  filleen  days  I  will  endeavour  to 
do  .  . .  .' 

'  Fifleen  days  !  Thia  indeed  is  sometfaing  new  !  Yen 
bà»e  bad  everything  your  own  way,  bit  ;  you  fiied  the 
day  ;  the  day  arrires  ;  and  now  you  go  teli  me  I  must 
wait  fifteen  days.  Fifleen  .  . .  .'  he  began  again,  with 
»  louder  and  more  angry  voice,  extending  bis  arm  and 
atriking  the  air  with  bis  fist  ;  and  nobody  knows  what 
■hockiof  words  be  would  bave  added  to  tbis  number 


,„oglc 


ss  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

£ft«en,  if  Don  Abbondio  had  not  intemipted  him,  Uking 
luB  other  h&nd  with  a  timid  and  sniioiis  friendlineas: 
'  Come,  come,  doa't  he  angry,  for  Heaven'a  aake.  I  wUl 
eee,  I  wìU  ttj  whether  in  one  week  .  . .  ,' 

'  And  Lucia,  wbat  must  I  say  to  ber  F  * 

'  That  it  bas  been  on  overaight  of  mine.' 

'  And  what  will  tbe  world  say  P  ' 

'  Teli  tbem  too,  tbat  I  bave  tnade  a  blunder  thraugh 
over-baate,  tbrougb  too  tnucb  good  nature:  lay  oli  the 
fault  on  me.  Can  I  aay  more?  Come  now,  for  one 
week.' 

'  And  tben  will  tbere  be  no  more  impediments  P  ' 

'Whenltellyou ' 

'Tery  veli  :  I  will  be  quìet  for  a  week  ;  but  I  know 
«eli  enougb  tbat  wben  it  ia  paased,  I  shall  get  nothlng 
but  talk.  But  before  that  I  Bball  Beeyousgain.'  Having 
Bo  saìd  be  retired,  makiog  a  bow  much  leaa  lowly  tbau 
UBual,  to  Don  Abbondio,  and  bestowing  on  bim  a  glance 
more  expressive  than  reverent. 

Having  reacbed  tbe  road,  and  walking  with  a  beavy 
heart  towarde  the  home  of  bis  betrothed,  in  the  midst 
of  bis  wratb.he  turned  hie  thoughts  on  the  tate  convera- 
ation,  and  more  and  more  stringe  it  seemed  to  him. 
Tbe  cold  and  conatrained  greeting  of  Don  Abbondio  ; 
bia  guarded  and  yet  impatient  words,  bis  grev  eyea, 
which,  ae  he  apoke,  ^Unced  inquiaitively  bere  and  tbere, 
aa  if  alìraid  of  coming  in  contact  witb  the  worde  whicb 
iaaued  from  bis  moutb,  tbe  makìng  a  new  tbing,  aa  it 
were,  of  tbe  nuptiala  ao  expreaaly  determined,  tuta  above 
ali,  tbe  Constant  binting  at  aome  great  occurrence,  wìth- 
out  ever  aaying  anytbing  decided, — ali  these  tbings  put 
together  made  BenEO  think  that  tbere  waa  some  over- 
hanging  myatery,  different  irom  tbat  whicb  Don  Abbon- 
dio would  bave  bad  bim  auppoHe.  Tbe  youth  waa  just 
on  the  point  of  tuming  back,  to  oblige  him  to  apeak 
more  plainly  ;  but  raiaing  bia  eyea,  be  aaw  Perpetua  a 
Uttle  way  before  him,  entering  a  garden*  a  few  pacca 

*  Ta  nudentand  thii  uena  taSj,  the  reader  mnit  Itaar  ia  mind  tbat 


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II.]  THE    BETEOTHBD.  27 

dist&Dt  froDi  tbe  house.  He  gara  her  a  c&U  to  open  tlie 
garden  door  for  him,  quickened  bii  pace,  carne  up  with 
oer,  detained  ber  in  the  door-way,  ana  stood  BtìU  to  bave 
a  oonTenatioB  with  ber,  inteodiiig  to  diecover  aomething 

'  Qood  momÌDg,  Perpetua:  I  boped  we  should  bare 
beeti  m&TTj  to-day  altosetber.' 

'  But  I  as  Heaven  villa,  my  poor  Senzo .' 

'  1  want  you  to  do  me  a  kindness.  The  Signor  Curate 
bas  been  making  a  long  stoiy  of  certain  reasone,  which  I 
caiinot  well  understand  ;  wiil  you  eipkin  to  me  better 
wby  he  cannot  or  will  not  marry  uà  to-day  ?  ' 

'  Oh  !  ÌB  it  lìkely  I  know  my  master'g  secreta  P  ' 

— I  Baid  tbere  wae  some  hidden  mystery,  thought 
Benzo  ;  and  to  draw  it  fortb  to  the  light,  he  continued  ; 
'  Come,  Perpetua,  we  are  friends  ;  teli  me  what  you 
know,  help  an  unfortunate  youth.' 

'  It  Ì8  a  bad  tbing  to  be  bom  poor,  my  dear  Benzo.' 

'  That  ia  true,'  replied  he,  stili  contirming  himself  iu 
hU  suspicioDB,  and  aeeking  to  come  neorer  the  question, 
'  that  is  true  ;  but  is  it  for  a  priest  to  deal  hordly  with 
the  poor '[" 

'  Lìsteo,  Benso,  I  can  teli  you  nothing  j  because  .... 
I  know  nothing;  but  what  you  may  asaure  youraelf  of, 
ia,  that  my  master  does  not  wish  to  ill-treat  you,  or  any- 
body  ;  and  it  ia  not  hiu  fault.' 

'  Whose  fault  ìb  it  theu  ?  '  demanded  Renzo,  with  an 
air  of  indifference,  but  with  aa  anxious  heart,  and  ears 
on  the  alert. 

'  When  I  teli  you  I  know  nothing  ....  In  defence  of 
my  master  I  can  speak  ;  becauee  I  can't  bear  to  bear 
that  he  is  ready  to  do  ili  to  any  one.  Poor  man  !  if  be 
doea  wrong,  it  ia  from  too  good  nature.  Tbere  certainly 
are  some  wretches  in  the  worid,  ovorbearing  tyrante, 
men  without  the  fear  of  Glod  ■ . . .' 

— Tyrantsl  wretchea!  thought  Benzo:  are  not  tbese 
the  ^reat  men  ?  '  Come,'  said  he,  with  difficulty  hiding 
bis  moreasiog  agitation,  '  come,  teli  me  wbo  it  is.' 

'  Oh,  oh  1  you  want  to  make  me  speak  ;  and  I  caimot 
•peak,  becauae  ....  I  know  aothiùg  :    when  I  know 


ISI.  [CH. 

notbing  it  is  the  Bame  m  if  I  Had  taken  sa  oatli  not  to 
teli.  Tou  might  pnt  me  to  the  rack,  and  yon  would  get 
uothing  from  mj  mouth.  Oood-b^e  ;  it  ia  lost  time  tbr 
jou  and  me  both.'  So  aajing,  she  quiclily  eutered  the 
garden,  and  ehut  the  door.  Renzo,  EaTÌng  retumed  her 
forewell,  tumed  back,  with  a  quiet  stop,  tliat  ehe  mìgbt 
net  bear  whìch  v&j  he  look  ;  Dut  when  he  got  beyond 
reach  of  the  good  woman'B  eara,  he  quickened  bis  pace; 
in  a  moment  he  vas  at  Don  Abbondio'B  door,  eotered, 
went  straight  to  tbe  room  in  whJcb  be  bad  left  bim, 
found  him  there,  and  went  towards  bim  vitb  a  recklees 
hearing,  and  e^ea  glanoing  anger. 

'Eb!  eb!  wbat  new  ^ing  is  tbìaP'  aaid  Don  Ab- 
bondio. 

'  Who  is  that  tyrant,'  aoid  Benzo,  with  tbe  voice  of 
a  man  wbo  is  determined  to  obtain  a  precise  reply, 
'Who  ia  the  tTrantwho  ia  unwillingtbat  I  ahould  marry 
Lucia  P  ' 

'WhatP  wbat  e  wbatP'  ittammered  the  astouiebed 
poor  man,  bia  &ce  in  a  moment  becoming  pale,  and 
colourleaa  as  a  rag  just  emerged  from  the  wasbing-tnb; 
tben,  etili  atammenng,  be  mèide  a  atart  from  bia  arm- 
chaìr,  to  dart  towards  the  door.  Bnt  Benzo,  wbo  might 
bave  eipected  thia  movement,  waa  on  the  alert,  aprang 
there  before  bim,  locked  it,  and  put  the  key  in  hia 
pocket. 

'Ah !  ah I  Will  jou  speak  now.  Signor  Curate F 
Everybody  knows  my  affairs,  except  myself.  But,  by 
Bacchus,  I  too  will  know.     Wbat  ia  bis  name?  ' 

'Benzo  I  Benzo  !  for  charity,  take  care  what  you  are 
about;  think  of  your  souL' 

'  I  am  thinking  tbat  I  wiU  know  it  quickly,  in  a  mo- 
ment.* And  as  he  epoke,  perbapa  without  being  aware 
of  it,  he  laid  his  band  on  tbe  hilt  of  tbe  dt^^ger  which 
projected  from  his  pocket. 

'  Muerioordia  I  '  ezdaimed  Don  Abbondio,  in  a  feeble 

'  I  will  know  it.' 

'  Who  bas  told  you?  . .  . .' 


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II.]  THE  BBTROTHED.  29 

No,  no;  no  more  trìckeiy.  Speak  poflitìvely  uid 
quìckly.' 

'Do  Tou  wish  me  to  be  killedP' 

'  1  wiah  to  know  what  I  have  a  rtght  to  knov. 

'  But  ìf  I  Bpeak,  l'm  a  dead  man  !  Surely  l'm  not  to 
trainple  on  my  own  life  ?  ' 

'  Then  apeak.' 

ThÌB  then  was  pronounced  witfa  Bucli  enerffy,  and 
B«nzo'a  face  became  so  threatening,  tbat  Don  Abbondio 
could  no  longer  entertain  a  faope  of  tbe  posaibility  of  dia- 
obedience. 

'  Promiae  me— awear  to  me,'  said  he,  '  not  to  speak  of 
it  to  anj  one,  never  to  teli .  .  .  .  ' 

'  I  promise  joa,  air,  that  I  wiU  do  an  ili  deed,  if  7011 
don't  teli  me  quick — quick,  hia  name  !  ' 

At  thig  new  adjuration.  Don  Abbondio,  with  the  face 
and  look  of  a  man  who  bas  tbe  pincera  of  the  dentist  in 
hia  mouth,  articulated,  'Don.  .  .  .  ' 

'DodF'  repeated  Benzo,  aa  if  to  help  tbe  patient  to 
utter  the  reat  ;  while  he  atood  bending  forward,  hia  ear 
taroed  towarda  the  open  mouth  of  Don  Abbondio,  bis 
arma  atretched  out,  and  hia  clenched  Uste  bebind  him. 

'  Don  Rodrigo  !  '  baatily  uttered  the  compelled  curate, 
making  a  rnsb  at  theae  few  ayllablea,  and  gliding  over 
tbe  conaonante,  partir  through  eicitement,  partly  becauae, 
ezercieing  the  little  judgment  that  was  lelt  him,  to  ateer 
bis  waj  betwizt  the  two  fesre,  it  appeared  that  he  wìahcd 
to  withdraw  tbe  word  and  make  it  ìnTiaible  at  the  very 
moment  he  was  conatrained  to  gire  utterance  to  it. 

'  Ah,  dog  !  '  ahouted  Benzo  ;  '  and  how  bas  he  done  it  f 
And  what  has  he  said  to  .  .  .  .  P  ' 

'  How,  eh  F  how  F  '  replied  Don  Abbondio,  in  an  in- 
dignant  voice,  aa  it  were  ;  feeling  after  10  great  a  sacri- 
fice,  that  he  had,  in  a  manner,  become  a  ereditar.  '  How, 
ehF  I  wish  it  had  happened  to  you,  aa  it  haa  to  me, 
who  bave  not  put  my  foot  in  it  for  nothing;  for  then, 
certainly,  yen  would  not  bave  so  many  crotcbets  in  your 
head.'  And  bere  he  began  to  depict  in  dreadful  coloura 
the  terrìble  encounter.    Ab  be  proceeded  in  tbe  descrip- 


;dbv  Google 


30  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

tioB,  he  beg&n  to  realize  the  wrath  which  hitlierto  had 
beeu  concealed,  or  chonged  luto  fear;  ani  perceiving  at 
the  Hame  time  that  Benzo,  betweea  anger  and  confusion, 
etood  motionless,  with  his  head  downvarda,  lie  con- 
tinued  trìuinphaiitlj  :  '  You  have  done  a  pretty  deed  1 
Nice  treatment  you  have  given  me  !  To  serve  such  a 
trick  to  an  bonest  man,  to  your  curate — in  hia  ows  houee 
— in  a  eacred  place  !  Tou  have  done  a  fine  action,  to 
force  fioro  my  iipB  my  own  ruin  and  yours,  that  which  I 
concealed  from  you  in  prudence,  foryour  own  good  !  And 
now,  when  you  do  know  it,  how  mucb  wiser  are  you? 
I  fihonld  Uke  to  know  what  you  would  bave  done  to  me  ! 
No  joking  bere,  no  guestion  of  right  and  wrong,  bnt 
mere  force.  And  thia  moming,  when  I  gave  you  good 
advice  .  .  .  .  eb  !  in  a  rage  directly.  I  had  judgment 
enougb  for  myaelf,  and  yon  too  ;  but  bow  does  it  go 
now  P     Open  the  door,  however  ;  give  me  my  key.' 

'  I  may  nave  been  wrong,'  replied  Benzo,  with  a  voice 
aoftened  towards  Don  Abbondio,  but  in  which  suppreesed 
rage  against  bis  newIy-diBcovered  enemy  migbt  be  per- 
ceived  ;  '  I  mar  bave  been  wrong  ;  but  put  your  band  to 
your  heart,  auà  tbìnk  whether  in  my  case  .  .  .  .  ' 

So  Bayiog,  he  took  the  key  from  bÌ8  pocket,  and  went 
to  open  the  door.  Don  Abbondio  etood  behind  ;  and 
while  Bonzo  tumed  the  key  in  the  lock,  be  carne  beeide 
hìm,  and  witb  a  aerious  and  anxious  face,  holding  up 
three  fingerà  of  bis  right  band,  as  if  to  belp  bim  in  hìa 
tum,  *  Swear  at  leaat . .  .  .  '  B&id  he. 

'  I  a>av  have  been  wrong,  and  I  beg  your  pardon,  air,' 
anawered  Beozo,  openuig  the  door,  and  preparing  to  go 
cut. 

'  Swear  .  . . .  '  replied  Don  Abbondio,  seizing  him  by 
the  arm  with  a  trembling  band. 

'  I  may  have  been  wrong,'  repeated  Benzo,  as  he 
extricated  bimBelf  from  him,  and  departed  with  vebe- 
ment  haate,  thua  cutting  short  a  diacuasion  wbicb,  like 
many  a  queation  of  pbOoHophy,  or  lìterature,  or  aome- 
thing  elee,  migbt  bave  been  prolonged  aix  centuries, 
aince  each  puty  did  notbiug  but  repeat  bis  own  argu- 
menta. 


n.]  THE  BETBOTHED.  RI 

'  Ferpetna  !— Perpetna  r  cried  Don  Abbondio,  after 
liATÌng  in  Tain  called  back  the  fugitive.  Perpetua  an~ 
swered  not  :  Don  Abbondio  then  loet  oli  consciousiieas 
of  where  he  was. 

It  has  happened  more  than  onue  to  penanages  of 
much  greater  ìmportance  than  Don  Abbondio,  to  find 
tbemseWea  in  extremitieB  so  trying  to  the  fleab,  io  such 
perpleiitj  of  plana,  that  it  hae  appieared  to  them  their 
beat  reaource  to  go  to  bed  witb  a  tever.  This  reeource 
Don  Abbondio  had  not  -to  aeek  far,  because  it  ofiered 
itself  to  him  of  ita  own  accord.  The  frieht  of  the  day 
before,  the  haraasing  aleeplessnesa  of  tne  night,  the 
additional  frìght  in  the  moming,  anxietj  about  tbe 
futura,  had  produced  thia  effect.  Ferpteied  and  be- 
wildered,  he  rested  himaelf  on  his  arm-cbair  ;  he  began 
to  feel  a  certain  qnaking  of  the  bonee  ;  he  looked  at  hia 
naila  and  aighed,  and  called  irom  time  to  time,  wìth  a 
tremulouB  and  anzioua  voice — '  Perpetua  !  '  Perpetua 
arrired  at  length,  with  a  graat  cabba^e  under  ber  arm, 
and  a  bueiness-like  face,  as  if  nothmg  had  been  the 
matter.  I  apare  the  reader  tbe  lamentations,  condo- 
lencea,  accuaations,  defencea,  tbe — 'Toh  only  can  bave 
Bpoken,'  and  tbe — '  I  bave  not  spoken  ' — ali  the  re- 
crìminationa,  in  abort,  of  tbis  colloquy.  Let  it  euffice 
to  Bay,  that  Don  Abbondio  ordered  Perpetua  to  faiten 
the  doors  well  ;  not  to  put  foot  outaide  ;  and  if  any  one 
knocked,  to  anawer  from  the  viudow,  that  the  curate 
waa  confined  to  bia  bed  wìth  a  fever.  He  then  slowlj 
BBcended  the  staire,  repeating  at  every  tbird  step,  'I 
bave  caught  it  I  '  and  really  went  to  bed,  vbere  we  wìll 
leare  bim. 

Benzo,  meanwhile,  walked  with  an  excited  step  to- 
warda  home,  without  haring  detennined  what  he  ought 
to  do,  but  with  a  mad  longing  to  do  something  stranie 
and  terrìble.  The  unjuat  and  oppreBsive,  ali  those,  in 
&ct,  who  wTong  othera,  are  gnilty,  not  only  of  the  enl 
tbey  do,  but  olao  of  the  pervertion  of  mind  they  cause 
in  those  whom  tbey  offend.  Sento  waa  a  young  man  of 
peoceful  dispodtion,  and  averae  to  violence  ;  sincere, 
and  one  who  abborród  deceit  ;  but  at  this  moment,  bis 


..notale 


3S  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [cH. 

heart  pauted  for  murder:  hia  mind  waa  occupied  only 
in  deviaing  a  plot.  He  would  fa&Te  wiahed  to  Itaaten  to 
Don  Bodrigo'e  house,  to  seize  him  by  the  throat,  and 
....  but  he  remembered  that  his  nouse  waa  like  a 
fortress,  garrìaoned  with  bravoes  within,  and  euarded 
U'ithout  ;  that  only  friends  and  serrantB,  weli  Enown, 
could  enter  freeìy,  wìthout  beiug  searched  from  head  to 
foot  ;  that  an  artisan,  if  uuknowii,  could  not  put  foot 
within  ìt  wìthout  an  examination  ;  and  that  he,  above 
ali ....  he  probably  would  be  too  well  knawn.  He 
then  &Dcied  himaelf  taking  his  fowling-pìece,  planting 
himself  behind  a  hedge,  looking  out  whetber  bis  enemy 
would  ever,  erer  pass  by,  unaccompanied  ;  and  dwelling 
witb  ferocìouB  complacency  on  this  thought,  he  imagÌDed 
the  sound  ot  a  step  ;  at  this  sound  he  raiaes  bis  head 
wìthout  uoise  ;  recognizes  the  wretch,  raises  the  fowl- 
ing-piece,  takes  aim— fires  ;  sees  him  fall  and  struggle, 
bestows  a  malediction  on  him,  and  escapes  in  safety 
beyond  the  borderà. — And  Lucia  P — Scarcely  had  thia 
word  come  aerosa  tbese  dreadful  phantaaiea,  when  the 
better  thoughts,  with  which  Benzo  was  familiarized, 
crowded  into  his  mind.  He  recolled  the  dying  ebarge 
of  bis  parents.  The  thought  of  Qod,  of  the  Bleseed 
Yirgin,  and  of  the  sainta,  retumed  upon  him  ;  be  remem- 
bered the  consolation  he  had  so  often  eiperieaced  &om 
the  recollection  that  he  was  free  from  crimes  ;  he  remem- 
bered the  horror  with  which  he  had  so  ofl«n  received 
the  news  of  a  murder;  and  he  awoke  &om  this  dream 
of  blood  with  fear,  with  remorae,  and  yet  with  a  sort  of 
Joy  that  he  had  but  iuaeined  it.  But  the  thought  of 
Lucia — how  many  thoughts  it  brought  slang  with  it  i 
So  many  hopes,  so  maay  promises,  a  future  so  brigbt, 
so  secure,  and  this  day  so  longed  for  !  And  how,  with 
what  words  announce  to  ber  such  news  P  And  aft«r- 
vorde,  what  was  to  be  done?  How  were  their  plana 
to  be  accomplished,  in  spite  of  this  powerliil  and  wicked 
enemy  P  Along  with  ìli  this,  not  a  defined  suspicion, 
but  a  tormenting  abadow  flitted  ev^  moment  through 
his  mind.  This  overhearing  act  of  J)on  Bodrigo  could 
bave  no  motive  but  a  law^as  paaaion  for  Lucia.    And 


,»Ogk' 


II,]  THE   BETROTHED.  33 

Luci&i  coald  sbe  havegiven  him  the  smallett  encour- 
ogement,  tlie  moet  diataut  hopeP  It  was  a  thougbt 
wfaich  could  not  dwell  for  «a  iiutaat  in  bis  mind.  But 
was  ahe  avare  ot  itP  Could  he  bave  conceived  tbia 
infamouB  paMion  nitbout  ber  percetTÌng  it  P  Could  he' 
bare  camed  m&ttere  so  far,  without  EaTÌug  made  an 
attemptio  some  otber  mannerP  And  Lucia  had  never 
mentioned  a  word  of  it  to  bim,  ber  betrotbed  I    , 

Overcome  by  tbese  thoughtB,  be  pasaed  bj  his  awa 
house,  which  waa  sitoated  m  tbe  middle  of  the  village, 
and  proceeding  through  it,  carne  to  that  of  Lucia,  wbicb 
stooa  at  tbe  oppoeite  end.  Thìe  cottage  had  a  little 
garden  in  front,  whicb  eeparated  it  from  the  road  ;  and 
tbe  garden  waa  surrounded  \>j  a  low  wall.  Ab  Senzo 
etitered  the  garden,  he  beard  a  confused  and  continuai 
murmur  of  Yoices  from  an  upper  room.  He  supposed 
it  waa  friends  and  companiona  come  to  greet  Lucia;  and 
he  dìd  not  wìsb  to  show  himeelf  to  thìa  company  witb 
tbe  aad  newe  he  bad  to  comoiuntcate  visìble  in  bis  face. 
A  little  girl,  vbo  happened  to  be  in  the  garden,  ran  to 
meet  bim,  cryiug,  '  The  bridegroom  !  the  brìdegroom  !  ' 

'  G«ntly,  Bettina,  gentlj  I  '  aaid  Benzo.  '  Come  bere  ; 
go  up  to  Lucia,  take  her  od  «ne  side  and  whìaper  in  ber 

ear  . .  . .  but  mind  no  one  heara,  or  auspects teli  her 

I  want  to  apeak  to  ber,  and  tbat  l'm  waiting  in  the  down- 
ataira  room,  and  tbat  ahe  must  come  immediatelj.'  Tbe 
cbild  ran  quickly  up-ataira,  deligbted  and  proud  to  be 
entruated  with  a  secret. 

Lucia  bad  juat  come  fortb  adomed  from  head  to  foot 
bv  the  banda  of  her  mother.  Her  frienda  were  atealing 
glances  at  the  bride,  and  forcing  ber  to  abow  beraelt'; 
whiie  ahe,  with  tbe  aomewbat  warlike  modesty  of  a  rufi* 
tic,  was  endeavouring  to  eacape,  usine  ber  arma  as  a 
shield  for  her  face,  and  holding  ber  head  downwards,  ber 
black  pencilled  eyebrows  seeming  to  frown,  wbile  ber 
lipa  were  amilìne-  Her  dark  and  luxuriant  hair,  divided 
ou  ber  forebead  witb  a  white  and  narrow  parting,  waa 
iinìted  behind  in  many-circled  plaitinga,  pierced  witb  long 
Silver  pins,  disposed  around,  so  as  to  look  like  an  aureola 
or  saintl}'  glory,  a  fashion  ttììì  in  use  among  the  Milanese 


,»OglC 


34  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [ch; 

peaasTit-girlfl.  Itoniid  her  neck  ahe  had  a  necklace  of 
garnets,  alteraatod  with  be&ds  of  filagree  gold.  Sbe  wore 
a  pretty  boddice  of  àowered  brocade,  taced  vith  coloured 
ribbons,  a  short  gown  of  embroidered  silk,  plaited  in 
dose  aod  minute  fo]ds,  scarlet  stockinge,  and  a  pair  of 
ehoes  also  of  embroidered  silk.  Besidea  tbeae,  which 
were  the  special  oruaments  of  ber  wedding-day.  Lucia 
had  tbe  every-day  omament  of  a  modest  beauty,  displayed 
at  this  tìme,  and  increased  by  tbe  varied  feetings  wbich 
were  depicted  in  ber  face  :  Joy  tempered  by  a  siight 
oonfusion,  tbat  placid  Badnesa  wbicb  occasioDalIy  sbows 
itself  on  tbe  face  of  a  bride,  and  witbout  injuring  ber 
beauty,  gives  it  an  air  peeuliar  to  itself.  The  little  Bet- 
tina made  ber  way  among  tbe  talkera,  carne  dose  up  to 
Lucia,  ciererly  made  her  understand  tbat  ahe  had  aome- 
tbing  to  communicate,  and  wbispered  ber  little  message 
in  ber  ear.  '  I  am  going  for  a  moment,  and  will  be  back 
directly,'  said  Lucia  to  ber  frìends,  and  hastily  descended 
the  stairs. 

On  seeing  the  cfauiged  look  and  the  noquiet  mamier 
of  Senzo,  '  Wbat  is  the  matter  F  '  sbe  eidaimed,  not 
witbout  a  presentimeut  of  terror. 

'  Lucìa  !  '  replied  Benso,  '  it  ie  ali  up  for  to-day  ;  and 
Qod  kuows  wben  we  can  be  man  and  wife.' 

'  What  P  '  said  Lucia,  altogetber  amazed.  Senzo  brìefly 
related  to  ber  tbe  eventa  of  the  morning  ;  ahe  listened  ia 
great  distresa  ;  and  wben  ahe  beaj^  tbe  name  of  Don 
Eodrigo,  '  Ab  !  '  sbe  eiolaimed,  blusbing  and  tramblìng, 
'  baa  it  come  to  this  point  !  ' 

'  Then  you  knew  it  P  .  .  .  .'  eaid  Benzo. 

'  Indeed  too  well,'  ausvered  Lucia,  '  but  to  tbia  point  1  ' 

'  What  did  you  knew  about  it  ?  ' 

'  Don't  make  me  speak  now,  don't  make  me  cry,  1 
will  ruQ  ajid  caU  my  mother,  aad  eend  away  the  girla. 
We  must  be  alone.' 

Wliile  sbe  waa  going,  Benzo  murmured,  '  You  oerer 
told  me  anytbing  about  it.' 

'  Ah,  Benzo  I  '  replied  Lucia,  taming  round  for  a  mo- 
ment witbout  Btopping.  BeuEO  underatood  very  well 
tbat  bis  name  so  prouounced  by  Lucia,  at  tbat  moment, 


,»Ogk' 


II.]  THE   BETROTHGD.  35 

in  Hucli  a  tone,  meant  to  mj,  Can  you  doubt  tbat  I  could 
be  silent,  eicept  on  just  and  pure  motìveaP 

By  thiB  time  the  good  Agnese  (so  Lucia'»  mother  vas 
named),  incited  to  Buepicion  and  curìosit;  by  the  whieper 
in  ber  ear,^had  come  down  to  eee  what  wae  the  matter. 
Her  daughter,  leasing  ber  vitb  Benzo,  retumed  to  tbe 
assemblea  maidens,  and,  compoeing  ber  voice  and  manner 
as  well  as  she  could,  said,  '  Tbe  Si^or  Curate  la  ìli,  and 
notbing  will  be  done  to-day.'  This  gaid,  ehe  baatily  bid 
tbem  good-bye,  and  vent  down  again.  The  company 
departed,  ana  dispersed  themselvea  tbrougb  the  viUage, 
to  recount  what  had  bappened,  and  to  discoTer  wbether 
Don  Abbondio  was  rcally  ili.  Tbe  trutb  of  tbe  fact  cut 
short  ali  tbe  conjectures  wbicb  bad  already  begun  to  work 
in  tbeir  mìnda,  and  to  be  diacovered  undeoned  and  myate- 
rioualy  in  theii  words. 


;dbv  Google 


I   PROMESSI    SPOSI. 


[CH. 


CHAPTER  III. 

^HILE  Benzo  was  reUting  with  pain  wbat 
Agnese  with  paio  listeued  to,  Lucia  entered 
tbe  room.  Xbey  both  turned  towards  her  : 
sbe  indeed  knew  more  about  it  tban  they, 
and  of  ber  tbey  anaited  ao  ezplanatìon  whicb 
couldnot  but  be  diatregging.  In  tbe  midslof  their  aarrow 
tbey  both,  accordingtothedìfferent  nature  of  the  loTB  tbey 
bore  Lucia,  discovered  in  their  own  manner  a  degree  of 
anger  that  she  had  concealed  anything  from  thetn,  eape- 
cially  of  Buch  a  nature.  Agnese,  although  aniious  to 
bear  ber  daughter  speak,  couid  not  refrain  from  a  slight 
reproof,  '  To  nay  nothiug  to  your  mother  in  BUch  a  case  !  ' 
'Ifow  I  will  teli  you  ali,'  ansvered  Lucia,  aa  sbe  dried 
ber  eyes  with  ber  apron. 

'  Speak,  Bpeak  !— Speak,  gpeak  !  '  at   once  cried  botb 
motber  and  lover. 

'  MoBt  Holy  Virgin  !  '  ezclaimed  Lucia,  '  nho  could  bave 
believed  it  would  bave  come  to  this!'  Tben  with  a  voice 


,l)OglC 


111.]  THE  BETBOTREI).  37 

tremulooB  with  weeping,  sbe  related  how,  sa  sbe  wu 
retuming  ftom  ber  epitming,  and  had  loitered  bebind  ber 
compauiona,  Don  Bodrigo,  in  company  with  another 
gentlemaD,  had  paesed  by  ber  ;  that  he  had  tried  to  en- 
gagé ber  in  foolish  talk,  os  sbe  called  it  ;  but  sbe,  nithout 
Eiving  bim  an  anewer,  had  quickened  ber  pace,  and  joined 
er  companiona  ;  then  sbe  had  heard  the  other  gentleman 
laugb  loudly,  and  Don  Itodrigo  Bay,  '  l'il  ìay  you  a  wager.' 
The  neit  day  tbey  were  again  on  the  road,  but  Lucia  waa 
in  the  midst  of  ber  companions  witb  ber  eyes  on  the 
ground;  wben  the  other  gentleman  laughed,  and  Don 
Bodrigo  aaid,  '  We  ahall  aee,  we  shall  Bee.'  '  Thia  day,' 
contiaued  Lucia,  'tbank  Qod,  wastbelaatof  the  Bpinning. 
I  related  immediately  . .  .  .' 

'  Wbo  wae  it  you  told  it  toF'  demanded  Agnese, 
waiting,  not  witbout  a  little  dispkaaure,  for  the  nome  of 
the  confidante  who  had  been  preferred. 

'Tofather  Cristoforo,  in  confesaion,  mamma,'  replied 
Lucia,  with  a  aweet  tona  of  apolog;.  '  I  related  the 
wbole  to  bim,  the  last  time  we  went  to  cburch  together, 
at  the  conventi  and  if  you  noticed,  tbat  moming  I  kept 
putting  my  band  to  one  thing  and  another,  to  pass  the 
time  till  other  peonie  were  oq  the  road,  that  we  might 
go  in  company  witn  them  ;  becauae,  after  that  meeting, 
the  roada  make  me  so  frightened.' 

A.t  the  reverend  name  of  father  Cristoforo,  the  wntth 
of  Agnese  aubsided.  'You  did  well,'  aaid  sbe;  'but 
why  not  teli  ali  to  your  mother  also  ?  ' 

Lucia  had  had  two  good  reasona  :  one  not  to  diatresa  and 
irighteu  the  good  woman,  about  an  eveut  against  wbich 
sbe  could  have  found  no  remedy  ;  the  otber  not  to  run  the 
risk  of  a  story  travellitig  Irom  mouth  to  niouth,  which  sbe 
wìahed  to  be  kept  with  jealous  silence  ;  the  more  so  be- 
cauae Lucia  hoped  that  ber  marriage  would  bave  cut 
short  at  the  beginning  tbis^^minated  persecution.  Of 
these  two  reasons  sbe  alAwM'  only  the  first.  '  And  to 
you,'  aaid  sbe,  tvimìng  to  Itenzo,  with  that  tone  which 
reminds  a  friend  that  ne  is  unreasonable  :  '  And  to  you 
eouM  I  apeak  about  tbia  P  Surely  you  know  too  mucb 
of  it  now  !  ' 


38  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI  [CH. 

'  And  yfhat  did  the  iather  say  to  you  P  '  asked  Agnese. 

'  He  told  me  that  I  must  trj  to  hasten  the  weddÌDg 
as  much  as  I  could,  and  in  the  mean  time  to  keep  mjeelf 
within-doors ;  that  I  shoutd  pray  to  the  Lord;  and  he 
hoped  that  this  man,  if  he  did  not  aee  me,  would  Dot 
care  any  more  abont  me.  And  it  waa  then  that  I  forced 
myself,'  contjnued  ahe,  turning  again  towards  Benso, 
without  however  raÌBiag  her  eyea,  sud  bluahing  to  the 
temples,  '  it  wos  then  that  I  put  on  a  too-bold  face,  and 
begged  you  to  get  it  done  soon,  and  bara  it  concluded 
beiore  the  fized  time.  Who  knowB  what  you  must  bare 
thought  of  me  I  But  I  did  it  far  good,  and  it  was  adviaed 
me,  and  I  thought  for  certiaip  ....  and  tbis  moming  I 
was  so  far  &om  thiaking . . .  .' 

Here  Lucia'e  worda  were  cut  short  by  a  violest  biint 
of  teare. 

'  Ab,  raacal  I  wretch  !  murderer  !  '  eiclaimed  Benzo, 
atrìding  backwuds  and  forwards  across  the  room,  and 
grasping  &om  time  to  time  the  bilt  of  bis  dagger. 

'  Oh,  heaTcne,  what  a  fury  !  '  eiclaimed  Agnese.  The 
young  man  auddenly  drew  himaelf  up  before  Lucia,  wbo 
was  weeping,  tooked  at  her  with  an  anxious  and  embit- 
tered  tendemess,  and  said,  '  This  ìb  the  laat  deed  this 
assasBin  shall  do.' 

'  Ah,  no,  Renzo,  for  Heaven's  sake  !  '  cried  Lucia  ;  '  no, 
no,  for  Heaven's  sake  t  God  is  on  the  side  of  the  poor, 
and  how  can  we  ^pect  him  to  help  us  if  we  do  wrongp' 

'  No,  no,  for  Heaven's  sake  !  '  echoed  Agnese. 

'  Benzo,'  aaid  Lucia,  with  an  air  of  bope  and  more 
tranquìl  resolution,  '  you  bave  a  trade,  and  I  know  bow 
to  work  ;  let  us  go  so  fiir  off  that  this  man  will  bear  no 
moreabout  us.' 

'  Ab,  Lucia  !  and  wbat  then  ?  We  are  not  yet  man 
and  wife  !  Will  the  curate  gÌTe  us  a  certificate  of  no 
impediment,  sucb  a  man  aa  he  is  P  If  we  were  married, 
oh  then  !  .  ..." 

Lucia  began  to  weep  aeain,  and  ali  three  remaìned 
silent,  giving  signs  of  aepreBaion  whicb  contrasted 
strangely  with  the  festive  gaiety  of  their  dress. 

'  LìBten,  my  cbildren  ;  attend  to  me,*  said  Agnese, 


ni.]  THE    BSTROTHED.  39 

tftei  some  moments  ;  '  I  Game  into  the  world  long  before 

jou;  and  I  know  aomethìng  about  the  world.  You  need 
not  {righten  younelvea  too  mncli  :  tbiuge  are  itot  ao  bad 
u  people  make  out.  Io  uà  poor  people  the  ekein  Beema 
more  entangled  becaose  we  canoot  get  hold  of  thb  right 
end  ;  but  aometimea  a  piece  of  good  advìi»,  a  little  talk 
with  a  man  vho  has  got  leaming  ....  I  know  well 
enougb  wfaat  I  would  aa;.  Do  aa  I  teli  you,  Benzo  ;  go 
to  Lecco,  seek  for  Dr.  Azzecca- Garbugli,*  teli  bim  ^1 
about  it, — but  mind  you  don't  cali  bim  so,  for  Heaven's 
aake  :  it'a  a  nick-naiD&  Tou  must  teli  the  Signor  Doctor 
— Wbat  in  the  world  do  they  cali  bim  ?  Oh  dear  !  I 
don't  know  hia  right  name  :  everjbody  calia  bim  to. 
Never  mìnd,  aeek  for  tbis  doctor  ;  he  ia  tali,  tbiu,  bald, 
wìth  a  red  uose  and  a  raspbeny-coloured  mole  on  bis 
check.* 

'  I  know  bim  hj  sigbt,'  aaid  Renzo. 

'  Well,'  continued  Agnese,  '  he  m  a  man  !  I  bave  seen 
more  than  one  person,  botbered  lìke  a  cfaicken  in  a  bundle 
of  bemp,  and  who  did  not  know  where  to  pnt  bis  head, 
and  after  being  an  bour  uose  to  noee  wìtb  tbe  Dr  Azzec- 
ca-Oarbugli,  (take  good  care  you  don't  cali  bim  ao) — I 
have  seen  bim,  i  say,  make  a  joke  of  it.  Take  these  four 
capone,  jpoor  creatures  I  whoae  necks  1  ought  to  bave 
wrung  for  to-nigbt's  eupper,  and  carry  them  to  bim; 
becauae  we  must  never  go  empty-bandea  to  theae  gentle- 
men.  .  Belate  to  bim  ali  that  haa  bappened,  and  you'll 
■ee  he  vili  teli  you,  in  a  twinkling,  tbings  wbicb  would 
not  come  into  our  faeada  if  we  were  to  tbink  about  tbetn 


ìt  ;  and  Agnese,  proud  of  hafing  given  it,  took  the  poor 
creaturee  one  by  one  from  tbe  ben-coop,  unìted  tbeir 
eigbt  lega,  aa  one  makee  up  a  bunch  of  flowera,  tied  them 
up  witb  a  piece  of  string,  and  conaigned  them  to  the 
h&nda  of  Benzo,  who,  after  giving  and  receiviug  wbrdz  of 
encoiu^ement  and  hope,  went  out  by  a  little  gate  from 
tbe  garden,  tbat  he  migbt  escape  tbe  obaervatìon  of  the 
boyo.  who  would  bave  run  after  bim,  crying,  '  The  bride- 


byCOO'^IC 


40  I  FROicRcei  SPOSI.  [cn. 

groom  !  the  brideeroom  I  '  Tbns,  having  croased  the 
fielde,  or,  ae  they  cali  them  there,  t/ie  placet,  he  continued 
his  route  along  narrow  lanee,  gÌTing  utterance  to  hia 
bitter  tboughtB,  as  he  reflected  oh  hia  miafortune,  and 
conaidering  what  he  muat  uy  to  the  Dr  Azzecca-Gar- 
bugli.  I  leave  it  to  the  reader  to  tbiok  how  the  jouruey 
was  enioyed  hf  thoae  paor  creaturea,  ao  bonnd  togetber, 
and  held  hy  the  feet  with  their  heads  downwards,  in  the 
band  of  a  man  who,  agitated  bj  ao  manj  paasionB,  accoro- 
panied  with  appropriate  geaturee  the  thoughta  which 
ruabed  tumultiioual^  throiigh  his  mind  ;  and  in  momenta 
of  anger  or  determina tioD,  auddenly  eitcnding  bis  arin, 
inSicted  terrible  shocka  upon  them,Aud  cauaed  thoae  four 
pendent  heada  to  bob  riolently,  if  we  m&j  be  allowed  the- 
ezpresaion  ;  they,  meanwhile,  vigoroualy  applying  them- 
eelvea  to  peck  each  other,  aa  toc  ofVeii  happens  among 
fìieuda  in  adveraity. 

Arrìnng  at  the  village,  be  inquired  for  the  Doctor'a 
houae,  and  when  it  nas  poìnted  out  to  him,  quickly  made 
his  way  tbither.  On  approaching  it,  however,  be  began 
to  feel  tbat  bashfulnesa  so  usuai  with  thepoor  and  ignur- 
ant  in  the  preaence  of  a  gentleman  or  man  of  leaming, 
and  forgot  ali  the  fine  speechea  he  had  prepared  ;  but  a 
glance  at  the  chickene  be  carried  in  his  band  reetored  his 
courage.  He  went  into  tbe  kitchen,  and  asked  the  maid- 
aerrant  if  be  could  see  the  Signor  Doctor.  The  woman 
looked  at  the  birds,  and,  as  if  accustomed  to  euch  presenta, 
waa  about  to  take  tbem  in  tier  band,  but  Benso  held  them 
back,  becauae  be  wanted  the  Doctor  to  eee  he  bad  brougbt 
Bomething  with  him.  Just  at  this  moment,  the  wiahed- 
for  peraonage  made  hia  appearance,  as  tbe  eerrant  waa 
aaying,  '  Give  them  bere,  and  go  forward  to  the  study.' 
Senzo  made  a  tow  bow  to  the  Doctor,  who  gractoualy  bid 
him  '  Come  in,  my  san,'  and  took  him  into  his  study.  It 
wae  a  large  room,  decorated  on  tbree  aides  with  portraits 
of  tbe  twelve  Cteaara;  the  remaining  wall  was  hidden  by 
a  largo  bookcase,  fiUed  with  old  and  duBty  booka  :  in  the 
middle  of  tbe  room  atood  a  table  corered  with  eitracta, 
petitions,  libelB,  and  proclamatioos  :  tbree  or  four  chaìis 


;dbv  Google 


HI.}  THB   BBTBOTSBD.  41 

vere  BcoHered  around,  and  on  one  side  was  ft  large  arm- 
diair,  with  a  high  squ&re  back.tenninatingat  the  cornerà 
in  two  hora-sbaped  omamentB  of  wood,  and  covered  with 
leather,  fastened  down  with  large  natia.  Some  of  tbeae 
had  fallen  out,  so  that  the  leather  curled  up  bere  and 
tbere  at  pleasure,  leaTÌD);;  the  corners  nnencumbered. 
The  Doctor'vaB  ìd  his  dreasing-gown  ;  that  Ìb  to  aa;,  be 
had  OH  a  faded  robe,  wbicb  had  serred  him  for  man^ 
rears  to  haranpiue  in  on  days  of  state,  when  he  went  to 
Milan  on  any  important  cause.  Kaving  shut  the  door, 
be  re-animated  the  young  man's  confidence  with  theee 
vords  :  '  Teli  me  your  case,  my  son.' 

'  I  wish  to  apeak  «  word  to  you  in  confidence.' 

'  l'm  ready ^speak,'  ?eplied  the  Doctor,  seating  bimself 
on  his  ann-chair. 

Benzo  stood  before  the  table,  and  twirling  bis  bat  with 
bis  rigbt  band  round  tbe  other,  continned  :  '  I  want  to 
know  from  yon,  who  bave  studied  .  .  .  .' 

'  Teli  me  tbe  case  oe  it  ia,'  interrupted  the  Doctor. 

'  Ezcuse  me,  Signor  Doctor  :  we  poor  people  don't 
knowhowtoipe&kproperly.  I  want,  theD,toknaw  .  .  .  .' 

'  Blessed  set  jou  are  !  You  are  ali  alike.  Instead  of 
relating  your  caae,  you  aek  questiona,  because  you've 
already  made  up  yonr  minda.* 

'  '  I  beg  your  pudon.  Signor  Doctor.  I  want  to  know 
if  there  s  saj  punishment  for  threateniog  a  curate,  and 
forbidding  bim  to  celebrate  a  marriageP  '  ^ 

'  I  underet«nd,'  muttered  tbe  doctor,  who  in  truth  had>^ 
not  understood  ;  '  I  understand.'  He  then  put  on  a 
serious  face  ;  but  it  was  a  seriousness  mìngied  wìtb  an  air 
of  compassion  and  importance  ;  and,  pressing  his  lipe,  he 
uttered  on  inorticulate  sound,  betokening  a  sentiment, 
afterwards  more  clearly  expreased  in  his  first  words.  '  A 
serìouB  case,  my  sod.  Tbere  are  laws  to  the  point.  You 
bave  done  well  to  come  to  me.  It  la  a  clear  case,  recog- 
nized  in  a  hundred  proclamationa,  and  ....  stsy  1  in  an 
edict  of  tbe  last  year,  by  the  present  Signor  Oovemor. 
l'il  let  you  see  it  and  handle  it  directly.' 

So  saying,  he  rose  firom  bis  seat,  and  bnnted  tbrougb 


byClOO'^IC 


SI.  [CH, 

tàe  chaos  of  papere,  ihooelUng  the  lower  ones  uppermost 
with  bis  hands,  u  if  he  were  throwing  coru  into  a 


'  Where  cftn  it  he  P  Come  nearer,  come  nearer.  One 
ìb  obliged  to  bave  so  maDy  thinga  io  band  I  But  it  must 
surel^  be  bere,  for  it  ia  a  proclamation  of  importance. 
Ah  !  here  ìt  is,  bere  it  ìb  !  '  He  took  it,  tinfolded  it, 
lookdd  at  tbe  date,  and  with  a  etili  more  serioue  face, 
continued,  '  The  flfteenth  of  October,  1627.  Certaioly  ; 
it  la  last  year'a  ;  a  fresb  proclamation  ;  it  ia  these  toat 
cause  aucb  fear.    Can  you  read,  my  son  F  ' 

'  A  little,  Signor  Doctor.' 

'  Very  well,  fullow  tue  with  your  eye,  and  you  ahall  aee.' 

Aad  holding  tbe  edict  displayed  in  the  air,  he  be^;an 
to  read,  rapidly  muttering  some  paasageB,  and  panaing 
dtatinctly,  with  marked  emphaaia,  upon  others,  as  the 
caae  required. 

'Ahhoagh  in  thè  proclamation  publUhed  bg  arder  of  the 
%»or  Duke  of  Fèria,  the  \^th  Decemher,  1620,  and  eou' 
Jlrmed  by  the  Mott  IlUutriou»  and  Moti  Exeellent  Signor, 
■  i'  the  Signor  Qonxalo  Femandez  de  Cordova,  ^c,  ihere  wat 
provinoti  madt,  iy  extraordinary  and  rigorout  meaturei, 
agaitui  oppreuion»,  eommoliom,  and  tyrannieal  aete  that 
tomeperton»  dare  to  commii  againtl  the  deeoted  tvbjgetl  of 
hit  Miyetty  ;  neverthele**,  the  Jrequeney  of  erimet  and 
violeneea,  qe.,  hot  inereated  to  aueh  a  degree,  that  hit  Ex- 
eelleney  it  under  the  necettitg,  ^o.  Wherefor»,  mth  the 
concurrenee  of  the  Senale  and  a  Oowieil,  Ife.,  he  hot  re' 
tolned  to  publith  the  pretent  ediet. 

'  And,  to  begin  with  tgrannieal  aett,  experienee  thowing, 
that  mani/,  at  meli  in  cilie»,  at  in  the  country.  Do  you  bear  P 
exeite  commotiont  in  thit  ttate  by  violence,  and  opprest  the 
weàk  in  variotu  vxiyi,  at,Jbr  exampie,  hy  compeUing  then 
to  attuta  hard  hargtànt  in  purehatet,  rentt,  ^c,  where  am 
I  P  ah  !  bere  !  look — lo  petform  or  noi  to  perjbrm  mar- 
riaget  ;  eh  !  ' 

'  That  ìb  my  case,'  said  Benio. 

'  Listen,  liaten  ;  there  ie  plenty  more  ;  and  then  we 
eball  aee  the  penalty.  To  gìoe  evidence,  or  noi  to  give 
eeidencei  eompelling  one  to  leave  hit  home,  ^c,  anothir  to 


,»Ogk' 


III.]  THE  BETROTHED.  43 

p<^  a  debt  :  al]  thia  boa  nothin^  to  do  with  us.  Ah  !  we 
nave  it  here  ;  this priett  not  toperform  that  to  which  he  it 
ohliged  by  hit  office,  or  to  do  thing»  which  do  not  helong  to 
him.     Eh  !  ' 

'  It  eeems  as  if  thej  had  mads  the  edict  eiactl^  for 
me.' 

'  Eh  !  Ì8  it  not  IO  F  listen,  lieten  :  and  timilar  oppret- 
tiatu,  uhether  perpetrated  by  feudatorie»,  the  nobilifg, 
middle  rankt,  Unoer  ordert,  orplebeiatu.  So  ooe  escapes  ; 
the;  are  ali  here  :  it  is  Itke  the  valley  of  Jehoahapbat. 
Liatea  uow  to  the  penalty.  AH  tAete,  and  other  mich  like 
criminal  actt,  aUhotyh  they  are  prohibited,  nevertheleeg,  it 
hemg  neeeMory  lo  uae  grealer  rigour,  hi*  JSxeellency,  noi 
reUnting  in  thi»  proclamation,  /fc.,  enjoint  and  eommandt 
that  againat  alt  (fendere  under  any  of  the  above-mentioned 
head»,  or  the  Uie,  ali  the  ordinary  magittrate»  of  the  itale 
shall  prooeed  by  pecuniari/  and  eorporal  pvniahment,  by 
bain*hment  or  the  galleys,  and  even  by  deatk  ....  a  mere 
bagatelle  !  at  the  mll  of  hit  Excellency  or  of  the  Senale, 
aeeording  to  the  eharaeier  oflhe  catet,per»ont,  and  eircum- 
ttaneei.  And  thit  is-bX-uib-si-blz,  and  vntk  ali  rigour,  ^ 
&o.  There'a  plenty  of  it  here,  eh  ?  And  see,  here'e  the 
BÌgaature:  Qomalo  Femandez  de  Cordova:  and  lowpr 
down;  SlcUonua;  aud  hereagain;  Vidit  Server  :  tbere'a 
Dotbine  wantuig.' 

While  the  Doctor  was  reading,  S«nzo  slowly  foUowed 
.  bim  with  bÌB  eye,  tryìiig  to  draw  out  tbe  eimple  mean- 
ing,  and  to  bebold  for  himself  those  bleesed  worda,  whichv^ 
he  believed  were  to  render  him  aaaigtance.  The  Doctor, 
seeing  bis  new  client  more  attentile  than  alarmed,  was 
greatlr  aurprised.  He  muat  be  matriculated,  said  he  to 
nimaelf — '  Ab  I  ab  !  '  added  he  aloud  ;  '  you  bare  been 
obliged  to  shave  off  the  look.  Tou  bave  been  prudent  ; 
howerer  jùvl  need  not  bave  done  ao,  wben  puttìiig  your- 
self  onder  my  hands.  Tbe  case  is  aerioos  ;  bnt  you  don't 
knowwhat  Ibave  coorage  to  do  in  a  timeof  need.'  . 

To  anderatand  tbia  miatake  of  the  Doctor'a,  it  muaf^ 
be  known,  that  at  that  time,  bravoea  by  profeaaion,  and 
TÌllainB  of  every  kìnd,  used  to  wear  a  long  look  of  hair, 
which  they  drew  over  the  foce  like  a  viaor  oa  meeting 


,l)OglC 


44  I   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

auy  one,  when  the  oocaeion  was  ooe  which  rendered  dis- 
ffuise  neceaeary,  and  the  undertaking  such  as  required 
Doth  forca  and  circumepection. 

The  proclfunation  haa  not  been  sileni  vitb  regsrd  to 
thÌB  matter.  '  Hit  ExceUmcy  (the  Marquis  of  La  Hyno- 
josa)  eommandt  that  lahogoever  rìall  tcear  his  hair  ^  »ueh 
a  lengtk  a»  to  cover  hitforehead  a* far  ai  the  eyebrom  tmly, 
or  shall  wear  frette»  either  before  or  hehind  the  ear»,  thall 
incwr  the  pefialty  of  three  huTidred  croumt  ;  or  ut  cote  of 
inabilita,  threeyear*  in  the  oallei/afor  thefirtt  offence,  and 
for  the  teeond,  batidet  the  move,  a  leverer  penalty  stili,  at 
the  toill  ofhis  Exeelleacy. 

'  Hoìoever,  in  cote  of  baldnest  or  other  reasonable  canee, 
a*  a  mark  or  loound,  he  oioes  permittion  to  sueh,for  their 
greater  deeorum  or  health,  lo  teear  their  hair  so  Umg  ae  may 
be  neeestary  to  cover  tuch  failingg,  and  no  more;  warning 
themuiell  to  beteare  of  exceeding  the  limit*  of  duty  and  pure 
necettitg,  that  they  may  not  ineur  the  penalty  impoted  upon 
other  distemblert. 

'  And  he  alao  eommands  ali  barberi,  under  penalty  of  a 
hundred  crownt.or  three  stripes,  to  begiven  them  in  pwlic, 
end  even  greater  oorporal  punishtnent,  at  the  will  of  hi» 
Excelleneg,  a*  aboee,  that  they  leave  not  on  Ihoee  vihom  they 
thave,  any  kind  of  the  said  tresset,  loek»,  eurls,  or  hair, 
longer  than  usuai,  either  on  theforehead,  templea,  or  hekìnd 
theears  ;  bui  that  they  shall  beali  ofequal  lengih,  as  above, 
exoept  in  cote  of  baldnest,  or  other  defects,  as  aìready 
deseribed.'  The  lock,  then,  might  almoat  be  considered 
a  part  uf  the  armoiir,  and  a  distinctive  mark  of  bravoes 
and  vagabonda  ;  ao  that  tbeae  charactera  Tery  conmonlr 
bore  the  name  of  Ciuffi.*  ThU  term  ia  stili  used,  with 
a  mitìgated  signification,  in  the  dialect  of  the  country  ; 
and,  perhaps,  there  ia  not  one  of  our  Milanese  readera 
wko  does  not  remember  hearing  it  said  of  him,  in  his 
childhood,  either  by  hia  relativea,  his  tutor,  or  some 
family  friend,  '  He  ia  a  Ciuffo;  he  is  a  Ciuffetto.' 

'  On  the  word  of  a  poor  youth,'  replìed  Benzo,  '  I  never 
wore  a  lock  in  my  life.' 

'I  can  do  nothing,'  replied  the  Doctor,  shaking  hia 
•.■.«.  LmU 


.oogic 


III.]  THE    BBTROTHBtI.  45 

bead,  with  a  Binile  between  malice  and  impatience. 
'If  ^ou  don't  trust  me,  I  can  do  nothiag.  He  wba 
tellB  lise  to  tbe  lawrer,  do  ^ou  see,  107  soo,  is  a  fool 
vbo  vrill  teli  tbe  trutb  to  the  judge.  People  must  relate 
matterà  clearly  to  the  advocate  :  ìt  ìb  our  buaineBs  to 
make  them  intricate.  If  you  wish  me  to  help  you,  you 
must  teli  me  ali  from  a  to  e,  vitb  your  heart  in  your 
band,  aB  if  to  yoar  coofesBor.  Tou  muet  name  tbe  per- 
Bon  wbo  haa  employed  you.  He  wiil  moBt  likely  be  a 
peraOD  of  coQsequence  ;  and,  in  thst  case,  I  will  go  to 
hìm  to  perform  an  act  of  duty.  I  ahan't,  however,  teli 
him,  do  you  see,  that  vou  totd  me  be  bad  eeot  yx)u,  trust 
me.  I  will  teli  him  I  come  to  implore  bis  proteotìon  for 
a  poor  slandered  youth,  and  will  take  ali  necesaary  mea- 
Bures  with  birn  to  finish  the  afbir  commendably.  You 
uoderstaud,  that,  in  securing  himself,  he  will  also  aecure 
you.  Even  if  the  Bcrape  he  ali  your  own,  I  wou't  go 
back  ;  I  bave  extrìcated  otbers  from  worse  predicaments. 
And  if  you  bave  not  offended  a  persoti  of  quality,  you 
imderBtaud,  I  will  engagé  to  get  you  out  of  the  diffi- 
culty — with  a  little  eipenae,  you  understand.  You 
must  teli  me  wbo  u  tbe  offended  party,  aa  they  Bay  ; 
and,  according  to  tbe  condition,  rank,  and  temper  of 
tbe  persoQ,  we  shall  see  whether  it  will  be  better  to. 
bring  bim  to  reason  by  offerg  of  protectiou,  or,  in  some 
way,  to  crituinate  bim,  and  put  a  flea  in  hiB  ear  ;  because, 
you  Bee,  I  knov  *er^  well  bow  to  manage  tbeBe  edicts  ; 
no  one  must  be  guilty,  aud  no  one  must  be  innoceut. 
As  to  tbe  curate,  S  he  bas  any  discretìon,  he  wfll  keep  in 
tbe  back-ground  ;  if  be  ìb  a  simpleton,  we  will  dispoBe  of 
bim  too.  One  can  eBoape  from  any  intrìgue  ;  but  it  re- 
quirea  one  to  act  like  a  man  ;  and  your  case  ia  aerìoua — 
■erioiiB,  I  say,  aerìoua  ;  tbe  edict  speaks  clearly  ;  and  if  the 
matter  were  to  be  decided  between  juatice  and  you,  to  aa^ 
tbe  trutb,  Ìt  would  go  hard  with  you.  I  epeak  lo  you  as 
a  friend  One  muat  pay  for  pranka  ;  if  you  wish  to  get 
.  off  clear,  money  and  fouikneea — trust  yourself  to  one  who 
viabea  you  wellj  obey,  and  do  ali  that  ìb  euggeated  to 
you.' 
While  the  Doctor  pouied  fortb  tbìa  rbapaody,  Beozo 


46  I  PROIIE88I   SPOSI.  [CH. 

etood  looking  &t  ìàm,  wìth  the  spell-bound  attentìon  of 
a  labourìng  man  wstching  a  juggler  in  the  Street,  who, 
after  tbrusting  iato  bis  mouth  handful  after  handfol  of 
tow,  draws  forth  thence  ribbon — ribbon — ribbon — seem- 
ingly  without  end.  Wben,  at  last,  he  underatood  what 
the  Doctor  was  aaying,  and  the  atrange  mistake  he  had 
made,  he  cut  short  the  ribbon  in  his  mouth  with  these 
words  :  '  Oh,  Signor  Doctor,  how  have  you  understood 
me  f  The  caae  is  exactly  the  other  way.  I  bave  tbreat- 
ened  no  odo  ;  I  never  do  euch  thinga,  not  I  ;  aak  ali  mj 
neiebboura,  and  you  will  heor  I  have  never  had  anything 
to  do  with  the  law.  The  trick  haa  beeu  plajed  upou  me  ; 
aad  I  carne  to  ask  you  what  I  must  do  to  get  juatice,  and 
I  am  very  ^lad  that  I  bare  aeen  thia  edict.' 

'  Hong  him  I  '  eiclaimed  the  Doctor,  opening  bis  eyea. 
'  What  a  medley  you  have  mode  !  So  it  is  :  you  are  oli 
alike  ;  ia  it  poaaible  you  don't  know  how  to  teli  thinga 


Qly?' 


j  your  pardon,  Signor  Doctor,  you  didn't  gite 
me  time  ;  now  I  will  relate  the  case  as  it  ia.  You  must 
know,  then,  that  I  waa  to  bave  marrìed  to-day,'  and  bere 
Benzo'a  voice  became  tremuloua — '  I  waa  to  have  married 
to-day  a  young  woman  to  whom  I  bave  paid  my  oddreaaes 
aiuce  the  beginning  of  euinmer  ;  and  thia  wae  the  day,  aa 
I  aaid,  that  waa  fixed  with  the  Signor  Curate,  and  every- 
thing  was  ready.  Well,  this  moming,  the  Signor  Curate 
began  to  throw  out  some  ezcusea  ....  bowever,  not  to 
tir«  you,  I  will  only  aay,  I  made  him  Bpeok,  as  was  but 
just  ;  and  he  confeaaed  that  he  had  beea  forbidden,  under 
pain  of  death,  to  celebrate  this  marriage.  Thia  tyraut  of 
a  Don  Boilrigo  . . . .' 

'  Get  you  gone  !  '  quickly  interrupted  the  Doctor,  raìa- 
ing  hia  eyebrowa,  wrinkling  bis  red  uose,  and  distorting 
bia  mouth  ;  '  get  you  gone  I  Why  do  you  come  here  to 
rack  my  brain  with  these  liesP  Talk  in  thia  way  to  your 
companiODa,  who  don't  know  the  meaning  of  words,  and 
don't  come  and  utter  them  to  a  gentleman  who  kuowa 
well  what  tbey  are  worth.  Qo  away,  go  away;  you 
don't  biDw  what  you  are  talking  about  ;  I  don't  meddle 


;dbv  Google 


Ili,]  THK  BBTKOTHBD.  47 

with  ho^;  I  don't  vanito  he&rta]k  of  thÌB  Bort;  talk 
in  the  air.' 

'  I  will  take  an  oath  .  .  .  .  ' 

'  Get  you  gone,  I  teli  you  ;  what  do  I  care  fop  your 
oaths  !  I  won't  eater  into  the  biuineH  ;  I  waah  my 
banda  of  it.'  And  he  began  rabbing  and  twirlìng  them 
ane  over  the  otber,  as  if  he  were  really  waahing  them. 
'  Leam  hov  to  epeak  ;  and  don't  come  and  take  a  gentle- 
man thus  by  surprise.' 

'  But  listen — but  liaten,'  vaùily  repeat«d  £enzo.  The 
Doctor,  fuming  ali  the  time,  pushed  him  towarda  the 
dooT,  and,  on  reaching  it,  set  it  vide  open,  called  the 
•emnt,  and  said,  '  Be  quick,  and  give  thie  man  what  he 
brought.  I  want  nothing,  I  want  nothing.'  The  woman 
had  nerer  before  eiecuted  a  Bimilar  order  ali  the  time 
ebe  had  been  in  the  Doctor's  aervice  ;  but  it  waa  pro- 
nounced  in  so  reaolute  a  mauner,  that  she  did  not 
heeìtate  to  obey.  80,  takiog  the  four  poor  birde,  ahe 
gave  them  to  Benzo,  with  a  look  of  contemptuoua  com- 
pasaìon,  wbicb  aeemed  to  eay,  'you  must  indeed  have 
made  a  nand  blnnder.'  Benzo  tried  to  be  ceremonìoua, 
but  the  Doctor  was  inezorable  ;  and  the  unbappy  wight, 
astoniebed  and  bewildered,  and  more  wrathful  tlum  erer, 
was  compelled  to  take  back  the  reatored  TÌctima,  and 
return  to  the  country  to  relate  the  pleaaing  reault  of  hia 
expedition  to  Agnese  and  Lucìa. 

During  hia  absence,  after  sorrowfnlly  changing  their 
nnptial  robes  for  the  humble  daily  dress,  they  had  set 
tbemselvea  to  coosult  anew,  Lucia  sobbing,  Agnese 
■ighìng  moumfiilly,  from  time  to  time.  When  Agnese 
had  BuSciently  enlarged  upon  the  great  effecta  they 
might  hope  for  &om  the  Doctor'a  advice,  Lucia  re- 
marked,  that  they  ought  to  try  oTery  method  likely  to 
aaaiat  them  ;  that  fatoer  Cristoforo  was  a  man  not  only 
to  adnse,  but  alao  to  render  more  eSectual  agaistance, 
where  it  concemed  the  j>oor  and  nnfortunate  ;  and  that 
it  wotdd  be  a  good  thing  if  they  could  let  him  know 
what  bad  happened. 

'  It  would,  indeed,'  replied  Agnese  ;  and  they  began 


..notale 


48  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [cH. 

immediatelf  to  contrìre  togetber  some  pian  to  accom- 
plish  it  ;  since,  to  go  themBelvea  to  the  coavent,  distaot, 
perhapB,  two  miles,  was  an  undertakìng  tbej  wouid 
rather  uot  riak  that  day;  and,  certainlr,  no  one  with 


any   judgment  would    bave   advieed    tbem  to  do  t 

"While,  however,  they  were  thns  engaged  in  weighing 

the  different  aides  or  tfae  question,  they  beard  a  knock 


at  the  door  ;  and  at  the  same  moment,  a  tow  but  diatinct 
Deo  Oratùu.  Lucia,  wonderìng  who  it  conld  be,  nm  to 
open  it,  and  immediately,  making  a  low  bow,  there 
eatered  a  lay  Oapucbin  collector,  hia  bag  hangìng  over 
his  left  shoulder,  and  the  moutb  of  it  twiated  and  held 
tight  in  bis  two  banda,  o^er  bis  breast.  '  Oh,  brother 
fìaldino  !'  eiclwmed  the  two  women.  '  The  Lord  be  with 
you,'  aaid  the  friar  ;  '  I  bave  come  to  beg  for  the  nute.' 

'  Go  and  fetch  tbe  nuts  for  the  Tathers,'  aaid  AgueBe. 
Lucia  aroee,  and  moved  towarda  the  otber  room  ;  but, 
before  entering  it,  abe  pauaed  behind  tbe  frìar's  back, 
who  remained  standing  in  exactly  the  eame  position; 
and  putting  ber  fore-finger  on  ber  lipa,  gave  ber  mother 
a  look  demauding  aecrecy,  in  which  were  itiìngled  ten- 
deruesa,  aupplication,  and  even  a  certain  air  of  authority, 

Tbe  collector,  inquiaitively  eyeing  Agnese  at  a  dis- 
tance,  aaid,  '  And  thia  wedding?  I  thought  it  waa  to 
bave  been  to-day  ;  but  I  noticed  a  etir  in  the  neigbbour- 
hood,  aB  if  indicating  eometbing  new.  Wbat  baa  hap- 
pened  ?  ' 

'Tbe  Signor  Curate  is  ili,  and  we  are  obliged  to  poet- 
pone  it,'  baatily  replied  Agnese.  Frobably  the  answer 
might  bave  been  very  different,  if  Lucia  bad  not  given 
ber  tbe  bint.  'And  bow  doea  the  coUectìon  go  on?' 
added  she,  wishing  to  change  the  converaation. 

'  Badly,  good  woman,  badly.  They  are  ali  bere.' 
And  so  aaying,  he  took  the  wiulet  off  bis  sbouldera  and 
toaaed  it  up  between  bis  banda  ìnto  tbe  air.  '  They  are 
ali  bere  ;  and  to  collect  thia  migbty  abundance,  I  bave 
bad  to  knock  at  t«n  doora.' 

'  But  the  year  ìa  acarce,  brother  Codino  ;  and  when 
one  baa  to  atruggle  for  bread,  one  measures  ererjtbiug 
according  to  tbe  scarcity.' 


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III.]  THE    BETKOTHED.  49 

'  And  what  muat  we  do,  good  woman,  to  màke  better 
times  return  f  Oive  almB.  Don't  you  know  the  mìracle 
of  the  nute  that  happened  many  yearB  ago  in  our  Coo- 
veni  of  Bomagna  ?  ' 

'  No,  indeed  !  teli  me.' 

'Well,  you  must  know,  then,  that  in  our  convent, 
there  was  a  holy  Fatber,  whoae  name  vas  Father 
Macario.  One  day,  in  winter,  walking  along  a  narrow 
path,  in  a  field  belonging  to  one  of  our  benefactors — a 
good  man  also— Father  Macario  aaw  him  standing  near 
a  la^e  walnni-tree,  and  four  peasanta,  with  ues  up- 
taiae^  about  to  fell  it,  having  laid  hare  ite  roota  to  the 
sua.  "  What  are  you  doing  to  this  poor  tree  P  "  aaked 
Father  Macario.  "  Why,  Father,  it  has  bonie  no  fruit 
for  many  years,  bo  now  I  will  make  firing  of  iL"  "  Leave 
it,  leare  it,"  aaid  the  Father  ;  "  be  aesured  thia  year  it  will 
produce  more  fruit  than  leavee."  The  benefactor,  know- 
ing  wfao  it  waa  that  had  uttered  tbese  words,  immediately 
ordered  the  workmen  to  tbrow  the  eoil  upon  the  roots 
agaia  ;  and  calling  to  the  Father,  who  continued  bia 
walk,  Baid,  "  Father  Macario,  half  of  the  crop  aliali  be 
for  the  convent."  The  report  of  the  prophecy  spread, 
and  every  one  flocked  to  eee  the  tree.  Spring,  in  very 
truth,  brought  bloaeomg  withont  number,  and  tben  fol- 
lowed  Quts — nuts  without  number.  The  good  bene- 
factor had  not  the  happineas  of  gathering  them,  for  he 
went  befbre  the  barrest  to  receive  the  reward  of  bis 
charity.  Bnt  the  iniiacle  wae,  in  coosequence,  bo  much 
tbe  greater,  aa  you  will  bear.  This  worthy  man  left 
behind  him  a  Bon  of  very  different  character.  Weil, 
tben,  at  the  time  of  gatberiug,  the  collector  went  to 
reoeive  the  moiety  belonging  to  the  convent  ;  but  the 
mn  pretended  perfect  ìgnorance  of  tbe  matter,  and  had 
tbe  temeritr  to  reply,  that  he  had  never  heard  that 
Capucbina  knew  how  to  gather  nuta.  What  do  you 
tbink  bappened  thenf  One  day,  (lioten  to  this,)  the 
knave  was  entertaining  a  party  of  hia  frieada,  of  tbe 
aame  genaa  aa  himaelf,  and  while  making  merrr,  he 
relatad  the  atory  of  the  waiuuta,  and  ridiculed  the  friars. 
Hi»  jorial  fnendi  wished  to  go  see  this  wonderful  beap 


«I.  [CH. 

of  unta,  and  he  condneted  them  to  the  itonlioiue.  Bnt 
listen  now;  he  opened  the  door,  «ent  towud»  the 
corner  vbera  the  great  heap  had  beau  lud,  and  while 
aaying,  "LooVhelooked  himaelf,  andiaw— whatdoyoQ 
thinkp — a  m^;nificent  heap  of  witbered  waliiDt-leaTeal 
Tfaie  wae  a  leason  for  him  ;  and  the  convent,  instead  of 
being  a  loeer  bj^  the  denied  ahus,  gained  thereby  ;  for, 
after  bo  great  a  mintele,  the  contrìbution  of  nuta  in- 
creaaed  to  luch  a  devree,  tbat  a  benefactor,  raoved  with 
pity  for  the  poor  coUector,  made  a  preoeiit  to  the  con- 
rent  of  an  aw,  to  aaaìat  in  canying  the  unta  home. 
And  ao  ranch  oil  waa  made,  that  ali  the  poor  in  the 
neig^bourhood  carne  and  had  aa  mach  aa  they  requiied  ; 
for  we  are  like  the  Bea,  vhich  reoeivea  mtei  from  ali 
quarters,  and  retuma  it  to  be  sgain  diatributed  tbrongh 
the  riTcra.' 

At  thifl  moment  Iiucia  retnmed,  ber  apron  ao  laden 
with  nuta,  that  it  wsa  with  difficultj  ahe  could  manage  it, 
holding  the  two  coniers  etretched  out  at  arm'a  leogth, 
whUe  the  frìar  Galdino  lift«d  the  aack  off  hia  ahouldera, 
aod  putting  it  on  the  ground,  opened  the  mouth  for  the 
reception  <^  the  aboniunt  gift.  Agnese  glanced  towarda 
Lacia  a  aurprieed  and  reproachful  look  for  her  prodi- 
galità ;  but  Lucia  retomed  a  glance  wbich  aeemed  to  aajr, 
'I  will  joatily  myself.'  The  friar  broke  forth  into 
praiaefl,  prognoaticationa,  promiaea,  imd  eipreaaiona  of 
gratitnde,  and  replacing  hia  bag,  waa  about  to  depart 
Bat  Lucia,  recalling  him,  aaid,  '  I  want  yon  to  do  me  a 
kindneaa  ;  I  want  you  to  teli  Fatber  Cristoforo  tbat  we 
eameatly  wisb  to  apeak  to  him,  and  ask  him  to  be  so 
good  aa  come  to  xa  poor  people  qoickly^-directly  ;  for  I 
cannot  go  to  the  church.' 

'  la  this  ali  ?  It  ahall  not  be  an  hour  before  Fath^ 
Cristoforo  knows  yoiir  wiah.' 

'  I  beiieve  you.' 

'  You  need  not  fear.'  And  ao  aaying,  he  departed, 
nther  more  burdened  and  a  little  better  aatiafied  than 
when  be  entered  the  house. 

Let  no  one  think,  on  hearing  that  a  poor  girl  sent  to 
aak  with  auch  confideuce  for  Fatber  Criatoforo,  and  that 


,l)OglC 


n,.]  T 

the  eoQeetor  sceepted  the  ooniBiìnioa  withont  wonder 
and  wìtbout  difficnlt? — ^let  no  oae,  I  uy,  anppoae  that 
thit  Cristoforo  w&B  a  mean  friar — a  penon  of  no  import- 
ance.  He  waa,  od  the  contrarr,  a  man  who  had  great 
anthority  among  bis  friends,  and  in  the  country  aroond  ;  y 
but,  anca  ma  the  condition  of  the  Capacfaina,  that  nothing  "^ 
appeared  to  them  either  too  high  or  tao  low.  To  miniater 
to  the  baaeet,  and  to  be  ministered  to  bj  the  moat  power- 
ful  ;  to  eater  palaces  or  hovels  with  the  aame  deportment 
of  hutnility  and  security  ;  to  be  Bometimea  in  the  urne 
houae  the  object  of  ridiente  and  a  peraon  withont  whom 
nothing  conld  be  decided  ;  to  eoUcit  alma  everywhere,  and 
distrìbute  them  to  ali  tbose  who  begged  at  the  convent  : — 
a  Capochis  was  accustomed  to  ali  these.  TraTeraing  the 
road,  he  wu  equally  liable  to  meet  a  noble  wUo  woald 
reverenti^  kioa  the  end  of  the  rope  round  hi>  waiat,  or  a 
crowd  of  wicked  boys,  who,  pretending  to  be  quarrelling 
amoDg  theraeelTea,  would  fling  at  bis  board  dirt  and  mire. 
The  ward^e/0  waa  pronounced  in  thoae  days  with  the 
greateat  reqwct,  and  again  with  the  bittereat  contempt  ; 
and  the  Capuchma,  perhaps,  more  than  any  other  order, 
were  th»objecta  of  two  duectly  oppomte  aentimenta,  and 
■hared  two  directly  oppoeite  kinds  of  treatment  ;  becaute, 
pOBseBsing  no  property,  wearing  a  more  than  ordinuilj 
diatinctìTs  habit,  and  making  more  open  professiona  of 
homiliatìon,  ther  expoaed  themseires  more  directly  to  the 
veneration,  or  the  contomély,  which  these  drcnoutanoea  "^ 
would  exdte,  according  to  the  different  tempera  and  dif- 
ferent  opiniona  of  men. 

As  Boon  aa  the  friar  had  loft,—'  AU  thoae  nuta  I  '  ex- 
claimed  Agneie  :  '  and  in  luch  a  year  too  !  ' 

'  I  beg  pardon,  mother,'  replted  Lucia  :  '  but  if  we  bad 
only  given  like  othera,  brother  Galdino  would  hare  had 
to  go  about  no  one  knows  how  long,  before  hia  wallet 
would  bare  been  filled  ;  and  we  cannot  teli  when  he 
would  bave  retumed  to  the  con*ent  ;  beaideB,  what 
with  chatting  bere  and  there,  he  would  rery  likely  bave 
forgotten  .  .  ,.' 

'  Ab  !  you  tbougbt  wisely  ;  and,  after  ali,  charity  always 
bringa  a  good  reward,'  aaìd  A^iese,  who,  apite  of  her 


52  I   PROMESSI   SPOBt.  [CH. 

little  defecta,  wu  &  good  woman,  and  would  have  given 
everythiug  ahe  owiied  far  thia  only  daughter,  whom  she 
laved  with  the  tenderest  affection. 

At  tbjs  moment  Benzo  arrìved,  and,  entering  witb  an 
irrìtated  and  mortified  countenance,  threw  the  chickens 
on  the  table  ;  and  thia  was  the  laet  sad  rìcìasitude  the 
poor  creaturea  under«'ent  that  day. 


'  Fine  advice  you  gave  me  !  '  aaid  he  to  Agnese.  '  Tou 
aent  me  tp  a  nice  gentleman,  to  one  who  reallj  helpa  the 
unfortunate  1  '  And  he  began  immediately  to  Telate  hia 
receution  at  the  Doctor'a,  Poor  Agneae,  astoniahed  at 
faia  ili  succeas,  endearoured  to  prove  that  ber  advice  had 
been  good,  and  that  Benzo  had  not  gone  about  the  buai- 
nesB  cleverly  ;  but  Lucia  interrupted  the  queation,  by 
announcing  that  ahe  hoped  they  hadfound  a  better  helper. 
Senso  welcomed  the  hope  as  most  people  do  who  are  in 
miafortune  and  perplexity.  '  But  ir  the  Father,'  aaid  he, 
*  doea  not  find  us  a  remedy,  I  will  find  one  aomehow  or 
other.'  The  women  recommended  peace,  patience,  and 
pnidence.  '  To-morrovr,'  aaid  Lucia,  '  Father  Cristoforo 
will  certainly  come,  and  you'll  see  he  will  find  some  help 
that  we  poor  people  can't  even  imogìne.' 

'  I  hope  eo,  aaid  BeuEo  ;  '  but  in  any  caae  I  will  get 
redreaa,  or  find  aome  one  to  get  it  for  me.  Ihere  muat 
he  Juatice  in  the  end,  evea  in  thia  world  !  ' 

In  such  melancholy  dÌBCoune,  and  in  such  occurrences 


,»Ogk' 


in,J  THB   BETBOTHZD.  63 

as  hare  been  deicribed,  the  da^  wore  awaj,  and  began  to 
declise. 

'  Good  nigbt,'  aaid  Lucia,  aorrowfuUy,  to  Benzo,  who 
couid  not  make  up  bis  mind  to  leave  ber.  '  Good  night,' 
replied  he,  stili  more  moumiìillj.  , 

'Some  Saint  will  help  us,'  added  she.  'Be  prudeut, 
and  tT7  to  be  reaigned.  Agnese  added  other  adrice  of 
the  Bame  hiod,  and  the  bridegroom  went  avay  with  fury 
in  bis  heart,  repeating  ali  the  while  those  trtrange  worda, 
'Tbere  must  be  juBtice  at  Ust,  evea  in  thie  world  !  '  So 
true  ia  it  that  a  man  OTerwbelmed  with  great  aorrowa 
kmnra  not  what  he  iu  sajing. 


;dbv  Google 


I   FB0USS8I   8F08I.  [cH. 


CHAPTEE  IV. 

OHE  sim  had  Hcarcelj'  riaen  ftbore  the  horizon, 
n  wben  Fftther  Cristoforo  lefl  the  conveat  ot 
I  FeBcarenìco,  and  proceeded  towards  the  cot- 
tage where  he  waa  ezpected.  Pescarenico  is  a 
little  town  OQ  the  left  bank  at  the  Adda,  or 
ratfaer,  we  ahould  aay,  of  the  lake,  a  few  paces  below  the 
bridge  ;  a  gronp  of  houeea,  inhabìted  forthe  moet  part  hj 
fiabenuen,  and  adomed  here  nnd  there  with  neta  hung  out 
to  dr^.  The  convent  was  aituated  (and  the  building  stili 
remams)  outaide  the  town,  Eacing  the  entrance,  on  the 
road  that  leads  from  Lecco  to  Bergamo.  The  Ay  was 
■erene,  and  aa  the  aun  gradually  emerged  &om  behind 
the  mountain,  the  light  deacended  from  tbe  summit  of 
the  opposite  range,  spreading  itaelf  rapidly  over  the  steeps 
and  through  the  vaUeya  ;  while  a  Boft  autumnal  breeze, 
ehaking  from  the  boughs  the  withered  leares  of  the  muU 
berr^,  carried  them  away  to  bU  at  some  diatauce  from  the 
tree.  In  tbe  vincTarcb  on  either  band,  the  red  leaves  of 
Tarioua  ahadee  gUttered  on  tbe  stili  feetooned  brancbes; 


,»OglC 


IT.J  THK   SBtBOTHSD.  (US 

«nd  thsnetwly-made  net»  «ppeared  dark  and  diitinct  among 
tliefieldaof  vlutestubblesparUin^ìntbedew.  The  scene 
ma  bright  ;  but  the  oocuioual  aurbt  of  a  buman  figure 
marìng  theróiii  diipelled  the  oheernil  tboughta  which  the 
■cene  waa  calculated  to  inipire.  At  enerj  «tep  oue  met 
with  pale  and  emaciated  beggan,  either  grown  old  in  the 
biuiDeaa,  or  redueed  hj  the  ueceesitr  of  the  timea  to  ask 
alma.     Thej  looked  piteoooly  at  FatW  Criatoforo  aa  tb^ 


■ilently  pamed  hìm  ;  and  althoogh,  aa  a  Capuchin  nerer 
bad  an;  money,  the^  had  nothing  to  bope  m>m  hìm,  jet 
tìiey  gare  him  a  bow  of  gratitude  for  tbe  altns  whicb  tbey 


had  receired,  or  were  going  to  solicìt,  at  the  conveut. 
The  sight  of  tbe  labourerB  scattered  orer  the  fielda  had 
in  it  somrtbing  rtili  more  moumfiiL  Some  were  sowing 
•eed,  but  nin^rdlj  and  unwiliingl j,  bke  a  man  who  riska 
Bometbing  be  highlj  prìsea  :  otbera  could  with  diffioulty 
use  the  spade,  uid  wesriljr  overtoroed  the  soda.  The 
balf-starved  duld,  holding  aj  »  cord  tbe  tìiin  meagre  cow, 
and  lookìng  narrowly  aroimd,  hastily  stooped  to  steal 
from  it  some  berb  aa  food  for  the  family,  wbich  hunger 
had  tangbt  tbem  could  be  used  to  euatain  life.  Snob 
si^ts  as  tbeae  at  every  atep  increaaed  the  aadneaa  of  the 
fruur,  who  even  now  bad  a  preaentlment  in  bis  beart  that 
he  waa  goiiv  to  bear  of  aome  miafortune. 

But  why  £d  be  take  so  much  thongbt  for  Lnda  F  And 
wbf  at  thie  flrat  intimation  of  ber  wìab,  did  be  attend  to 
it  so  diligenti;,  as  if  it  were  a  cali  from  the  Father  Pro- 
Tìncial  F  And  wbo  was  tbis  Father  Cristoforo  F — It  will 
be  aeceaeaiT  to  anawer  ali  theae  inquirìes. 

Fatber  Cristoforo  of  *  *  *  *  waa  a  man  aearer  sixty 
tìian  fifty  years  of  age,  Hia  ahaven  head,  circled  with  a 
aUTow  Ime  of  hair,  tike  a  crown,  acoording  to  the  ùshion 
of  tbe  Capudùn  tonsure,  was  raised  &om  time  to  time 
Vith  a  movement  that  betrayed  somewbat  of  dtadaìn  and 
disqnietnde,  and  then  quickly  sank  again  in  thoa^bta  of 
lowlinesi  and  bumili^.  Hìalong,  giay  beard,  covermg  bit 
cheràa  and  obin,  oontnated  marke^  with  the  prominent 
features  of  the  n^per  part  of  hìs  face,  to  wbich  a  long 
and  luAita&l  abstmence  had  rather  giren  an  air  of  grarity, 
than  effoced  the  naturai  ezpreaaion.    His  aunken  ejes, 


,CK,glc 


56  1  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

HBu&lly  bent  od  the  ground,  Bometiinefl  bnghtened  np 
^th  a  momeiitary  fire,  like  two  spirìted  horees,  under  the 
band  of  B  driver  whom  they  know  by  ezperience  th^ 
cannot  overcome  ;  yet  occsBÌonatly  they  indulge  in  a  few 
gambola  and  prancinga,  for  which  they  are  quìckly  repaìd 
by  a  smart  jerk  of  the  bit. 

Father  Cristoforo  bad  not  alwaya  beeu  thua  :  nor  had 
he  always  been  Cristoforo  :  bis  baptismal  name  wa»  Lu- 
dovico. He  was  the  aon  of  a  merchant  of  •  •  •  ',  (theae 
BsteriskB  are  ali  inserted  by  the  circumspectioa  of  our 
anonymouB  author,)  who,  in  hia  latter  years,  being  con- 
Biderably  vealthy,  and  having  only  one  80D,hRd  given  up 
trade,  and  retired  as  an  independent  gentleman. 

In  hia  new  state  of  idleneaa  he  began  to  entertain  a 
great  contempt  for  the  time  be  had  spent  in  making 
money,  and  being  UBeful  in  the  world.  Full  of  thia 
fancy,  he  uaed  every  endeavour  to  make  othera  forget 
that  he  bad  been  a  merchant  ;  in  fact,  he  wiahed  to  forget 
it  himaelf.  But  tbe  warehouse,  the  balea,  tbe  journal,  the 
meaaure,  were  for  erer  ìntruding  upon  bis  miod,  like  the 
■bade  of  Bnnquo  to  Macbeth,  even  amidet  the  honours  of 
the  table  and  the  smilea  of  Batterers.  It  ia  impoiaible 
to  describe  the  care  of  theae  poor  mortala  to  avoid  every 
word  tbat  might  appear  like  an  alluaion  to  tbe  former 
condition  of  their  patron.  One  day,  to  mention  a  single 
inatance,  towards  the  end  of  dioner,  in  the  moment  of 
liveliest  and  most  uurestrained  featìrity,  vhen  it  would 
be  difficult  to  say  wbicb  was  merrieat,  the  company  who 
emptied  the  table,  or  the  boat  who  filìed  it,  he  was  rally- 
ìng  with  friendly  auperiority  one  «f  bis  guesta,  the  moat 
prodigiouB  eater  in  tbe  world.  He,  meaning  to  return 
the  joke,  with  the  fraoknesa  of  a  cbild,  and  without  the 
leaat  shade  of  malice,  replìed,  '  Ah,  l'm  listening  like  a 
merchant.'  *  The  poor  offender  was  at  once  conscious  of 
tbe  unfortonate  word  that  had  escaped  his  Hpa  ;  be  cast 
a  diffident  glance  towards  bis  patron's  clouded  face,  and 
each  would  gladly  bave  resumed  hia  former  ezpreeaion  ; 


rv.]  THE   BETEOTHKD,  67 

bui  it  wns  ìmpoeaible.  The  other  euesto  occnpied  tbem- 
BelvBB,  eacl^  io  bis  own  mìnd,  in  derieing  some  pian  of 
remedying  tbe  mietake,  and  making  a  diveraion  ;  but  the  ■ 
iótence  thns  occaaioned  tìbìj  made  the  error  more  apparent. 
Each  individuai  endeaToured  to  avoid  meeting;  hiB  com* 
p&nìou's  e;e  ;  each  felt  tbat  &1I  were  occupied  in  the 
thoueht  they  wisfaed  to  conceal.  Cheert'ulnesB  and 
sociaoility  had  fled  for  that  day,  and  the  poor  man,  not 
so  much  impnident  as  unfortimate,  never  again  received 
an  infitation.  In  this  manner,  Ludorico's  f^ther  paued 
hi»  latter  years,  continually  Bubject  to  annoyancea,  and 
perpetually  in  dread  of  being  deepised  ;  never  reflectine 
that  it  was  no  more  conteinptuous  to  aeU  tban  to  buy,  and 
tbat  the  busineea  of  wbich^ewas  nowao  much  aBbamed, 
had  been  carried  od  for  many  years  before  the  public 
without  regret.  He  gave  hia  eon  an  eipensive  education, 
according  to  the  judgment  of  the  times,  and  «a  far  aa  he 
wae  perraitted  by  the  laws  and  customs  of  the  country  ; 
he  procured  him  mastera  in  the  diSerent  branchea  of 
literature  and  in  eierciaeB  of  horaemanahip,  and  at  laet 
died,  leaving  the  youth  heir  to  a  large  fortune.  Ludo- 
vico had  acquired  gentlemanly  habita  and  feelings,  and 
the  flatterera  by  whotn  he  had  been  suirounded  had  ac- 
cuetomed  him  to  he  treated  with  the  greateat  reapect. 
But  when  he  endeavoured  to  mix  with  the  firat  mea  of 
the  city,  he  met  with  very  difiereut  treatment  towhat  he 
had  been  accustomed  to,  and  he  began  to  perceive  that, 
if  he  would  be  admitted  into  their  aociety,  aa  he  desired, , 
he  muet  learn,  in  a  new  achool,  to  be  patieat  and  submis- 
aive,  and  every  moment  to  be  looked  down  upon  and 
deepised. 

Such  a  mode  of  Itfe  accorded  neither  with  the  education 
of  Ludovico,  Dor  with  hia  diaposition,  and  he  withdrew 
from  it,  highly  pioued.  Stili  he  absented  himself  uawìU- 
ingly  ;  it  Bppearea  to  him  that  theee  ought  realjy  to  bave 
been  hia  couipanioue,  only  he  wanted  tfaem  to  be  a  little 
more  tnctable.  With  thia  misture  of  dialike  and  ìnclin- 
ation,  not  being  able  to  make  them  bis  familiar  aaaoci- 
atea,  yet  wishing  in  some  way  to  be  connected  with  them, 
he  endeavouied  to  rivai  them  in  show  and  magnìficence, 


,„oglc 


58  I  PROMBSai  8P0BI.  [CH. 

tbns  onrchanng  for  himaelf  enniìty,  jaalouBy,  and  ridicule. 
HÌB  aiepoùtìoD,  open  and  at  the  same  time  violent,  hsd 
occaaionally  engaged  him  in  more  seriouB  contéutions.  He 
had  a  naturai  and  sincere  horror  of  fraud  and  oppreuion 
— a  horror  rendered  atill  more  ririd  bf  the  rank  of  thoae 
wfaom  he  aaw  dfùlf  committing  them — exactlj'  the  peiaona 
he  hsted.  To  appeaee,  or  to  excite  ali  tbese  poesiona  at 
once,  he  readilj  took  the  part  of  the  weak  anct  oppressed, 
sasunted  the  office  of  arbiti&tor,  and  intermeddling  in  one 
dìspate,  drew  himaelf  into  otbera  ;  aò  that  by  degrees  be 
establishedliiB  cbaracter  aa  a  protector  of  the  oppreesed, 
and  a  TÌndicator  of  inìuriee.  Tbe  employment,  Qowever, 
waa  troubleeome  ;  and  it  need  not  be  asked  wbether  poor 
Ludovico  met  with  enemies,  ontoward  accidenta,  and  vex- 
atìona  of  apirìt.  Beaidea  tbe  esternai  war  be  bad  to  maio- 
tain,  be  waa  continuallj^  baraased  hj  internai  strifes  ;  for, 
in  order  to  carrr  out  bis  undert&binga,  (not  to  apeak  of 
sucb  as  never  were  carried  out,)  be  waa  often  obbged  to 
make  uae  of  aubterfugea,  and  bave  recourae  to  violence 
wbich  bia  couacience  conld  not  approve.  He  waa  com' 
pelled  to  keep  around  bim  a  great  number  of  bravoes  ;  and, 
aa  mucb  for  bis  own  aecurity  as  to  enaure  vigoroua  aaaist- 
anoe,  he  bad  to  cbooae  the  most  daring,  or,  in  other  worda, 
tbe  moat  unpnncipled,  and  tbua  to  Uve  witb  viUaiua  for 
the  aake  of  justice.  Yet  ou  more  tban  one  occaaion, 
eitber  discouraged  by  ili  aucceaa,  or  disquieted  by  immi- 
cent  danxer,  wearied  by  a  state  of  Constant  defenoe,  dis- 
.  giuted  with  bis  companiona,  and  in  apprehenaion  of  diasi- 
pating  bia  property,  whicb  was  daily  i&awn  upon  lareely, 
eitber  in  a  good  cause  or  in  eupport  of  bis  bold  enterpnaee, 
— more  tban  once  be  bad  tftken  afancy  to  tum  &iar;  for 
in  tbeae  timea,  tbis  waa  the  commonest  way  of  escaping 
difficultiea.  Tbis  idea  woald  probably  bave  been  only  a 
fancy  ali  bis  life,  bad  it  not  been  changed  to  a  resolution 
by  a  more  aerious  and  terrible  aoddoit  than  he  had  yet 
met  witb. 

He  wu  walking  ooe  day  «long  the  streeta,  in  company 
witb  a  fbrmer  ahopkeeper,  whom  bis  &tber  had  raisèd  to 
the  office  of  steward,  and  waa  followed  by  two  bravoea. 
Tbe  steward,  whose  name  waa  Cristoforo,  waa  about  fifty 


lY.]  THS   BETaOTHXD.  B9 

Tean  old,  devoted  trom  cfaildhood  (o  bis  master,  wfaoni  ]ie 
lutd  kiiown  &om  hia  birth,  and  bf  wlioae  wagea  and  liber- 
•lity  he  wu  biniBelf  sup[>orted,  with  bis  wifie  and  eight 
cbildren.  Ludovico  perccòved  a  gentleman  at  a  diatence, 
ao  BiTogant  and  oTerbearing  man,  whom  he  had  never 
■pokra  to  in  hit  life,  but  bis  cordial  enemj,  to  whom 
Ludovico  befotilj  retumed  the  hatied ,-  for  it  u  a  ùngula 
advBDtage  of  tbis  world,  that  men  mar  bate  and  he  hated 
vithont  knowing  each  other.  The  Signor,  followed  b; 
fonr  braToea,  advanced  banghtilj  with  a  proud  stop,  bia 
head  niaed,  and  bis  mouth  expreuive  of  insolence  and 
oontempt.  They  hotb  walked  next  to  tbe  wall,  wbich  (he 
ìt  obieÌTed)  was  on  LudoTico's  rieht  band  ;  and  thia, 
aceording  to  costoni,  gave  him  tbe  nght  (how  far  people 
will  go  to  pureue  the  rwit  of  a  caM  !)  of  not  moving  mnu 
the  said  wall  to  gire  pUce  to  aaj  one,  to  which  ciutom, 
atthattiine,greatimportaDcewasattached.  The  Signor, 
on  the  oontnry,  in  virtue  of  anotber  cuttoin,  held  that 
thia  rigbt  onght  to  be  ctmceded  to  him  In  oonsideration 
of  hia  Tank,  and  that  it  waa  Ludorico'i  part  to  gire  way. 
So  that  in  this,  aa  it  happena  in  jnaay  other  caaei,  two  op^/^ 
poaing  costoma  claahed,  the  queitìon  of  which  waa  to  ha*e 
tbe  pre&renceTemainingundecided,  thmgÌTÌngoccaaions 
of  dupute,  whenever  one  hard  head  chanced  to  come  in 
contact  with  aoother  of  tbe  aame  nature.  The  foes  ut- 
proached  each  other,  both  cloae  to  the  wall,  Uke  two  walk- 
ing  Bgnrea  in  baa-relief,  and  on  finding  themaelrea  fìuM 
to  Jace,  the  Signor,  eyein^  Lndonoo  with  a  baughtf  air 
and  imperion?  frown,  aaid,  m  »  correaponding  tone  of  voice, 
'  Qo  to  the  ontaide.' 

'Ton  go  jonnel^'  replled  Ludovico;  'the  path  ìa 
mine.' 

'  With  men  of  yonr  rank  the  path  ia  alwaya  mine.' 

'  Tea,  if  the  arrogaoce  of  men  of  your  rank  were  a  law 
for  men  of  mine.' 

The  two  traina  of  attendante  atood  atill,  each  behind 
ita  leader,  fiercelf  regudìog  each  other,  with  their  banda 
on  their  aaggw*  frepuroA  lor  battle,  whìle  the  paaaera-by 
stopped  on  Mcòr  wi^  and  withdrew  into  tìie  road,  placàng 
themaelvea  at  a  diatance  to  obaerve  the  iaeue  ;  the  pre- 


60  I  paoMssai  SPOSI.  [ch. 

Bence  of  tbese  Bpectfttora  continuali^  anìmatiiig  the  panc- 
tìlio  of  the  dieputantB. 

'To  the  outaide,  vUe  mechauic!  or  l'il  quìckly  teach 
you  the  cirility  you  owe  a  gentleman.' 

'  You  lie  :  1  am  not  vile,' 

'  Tou  lie,  if  you  eay  I  lie.'  This  reply  waa  pragmatica). 
'  And  if  you  were  a  gentleman,  sa  I  am,'  added  the  Sig- 
nor, '  I  vould  prove  with  the  BWord  that  you  are  the  liar.' 

'Tfaat  ÌH  a  capital  pretext  for  dispensing  with  the 
trouble  of  maintaining  the  ingolence  of  your  worda  by 
your  deeda.' 

'Tbrow  thia  raacal  in  the  mud,'  said  the  Signor,  turn- 
ing  to  his  followers. 

>  We  shall  Ree,*  aaid  Ludorico,  immediately  letiring  a 
sten,  and  laying  his  band  on  bia  Bword. 

'  Baab  man  !  cried  tbe  other,  drawing  hit  ovn,  '  I  wìll 
break  this  wben  it  ia  Btained  with  your  TÌle  blood.' 

At  tlieae  words  they  flew  upon  one  another,  tbe  attend- 
anta  of  tbe  two  partieB  fighting  in  defeace  of  tfaeir  maaterg. 
The  combat  waa  unequal,  both  in  number,  and  because 
Ludovico  aimed  rather  at  parrying  the  blowa  o^  and  dia- 
arming,  bis  enemy  than  killing  him,  while  tbe  Signor  waa 
reBolved  upon  ha  foe'B  death  at  any  coBt.  Ludovico  had 
already  received  a  blow  from  the  dagger  of  one  of  tue 
bravoes  in  bia  left  arm,  and  a  alight  vound  on  hie  cheek, 
and  bis  princìpal  enemy  waa  preaBÌng  on  to  make  an  end 
of  him,  when  Criatoforo,  Beein^  bia  master  in  estreme 
perii,  went  bebind  tbe  Signor  with  bia  dagger,  who,  tum- 
ing  ali  bia  fury  upon  bia  new  enemy,  rau  him  through 
with  hia  Bword.  At  thia  aight  Ludovica,  aa  if  beaide 
himaelf,  buried  his  own  in  the  body  of  hia  provoker,  and 
laid  him  at  hia  feet,  almoat  at  tbe  Bame  moment  aa  the 
unfortuoate  Criatoforo.  The  foUowera  of  tbe  Signor,  ree- 
ing  him  on  the  ground,  immediately  betook  themaelvea  to 
flight  :  thoae  of  Ludovico,  wounded  and  beaten,  having 
no  longer  any  one  to  fight  with,  and  not  wisbing  to  be 
mìngled  in  the  rapidly  iucreoaing  multitude,  fled  the  otber 
way,  and  Ludovico  waa  left  uone  in  the  midst  of  the 
crowd,  with  theee  two  ill-ikted  compauionB  lying  at  hia 
feet. 


;dbv  Google 


IV.J  THE    BZTBOTHED.  61 

'"Wh»t's  the  matter? — There's  one. — There  «re  two. 
— They  bave  pierced  bis  body, — Who.  has  been  mur- 
d«red  P — Tbat  tyrant. — Oh,  Holy  Mary,  what  a  coofu- 
BÌoa! — Seek,  and  joxi  ehal)  find. — One  moment  pays 
ali. — So  he  is  gone! — What  a  blow! — It  muat  De  a 
aerious  afiaìr. — And  thia  other  poor  fellow  ! — Meroy  ! 
what  a  sigbt! — Save  him,  aave  nim! — It  wìll  go  hard 
witb  bim  too. — See  bow  be  ia  mangled  !  he  ia  covered 
witb  blood. — Eacape,  poor  fellow,  eacape! — Take  oare 
yaa  are  not  caugbt.' 

Theee  worda  predominatili^  over  the  confuseci  tumult 
of  the  crowd,  expresaed  tbeir  prevailìng  opinion,  wbile 
aasistance  accompanied  the  addice.  The  scene  had  taken 
pbce  near  a  Oapuchin  convent,  an  aBylum  in  tho»e  days, 
ae  every  one  knows,  impenetrable  to  bailiffs,  and  ali  that 
oomplication  of  persona  and  thinga  wbicb  went  by  the 
name  of  juatice.  The  wounded  and  almost  aenseless 
murderer  wae  conducted,  or  rather  cairied  bj  the  crowd, 
aod  delÌTcred  to  the  monka  with  the  rocommendation, 
'  He  is  a  worthy  man  wbo  haa  made  a  proud  tyraut  cold  ; 
be  waa  provoked  to  it,  and  did  it  in  bis  own  defence.' 

Ladovico  had  never  before  shed  btood,  and  altbough 
hoqiìcide  waa  in  tbose  tiine«  so  common  tbat  ever^  one 
waa  aceastomed  to  bear  of  and  witness  it,  jet  tbe  im- 

SreMÌou  made  on  hia  mind  by  tbe  sigbt  afone  man  mur< 
ered  for  him,  and  anotber  by  bim,  was  new  and  inde- 
scribable  ; — a  discloBure  of  sentimente  before  unknown. 
Tbe  &U  of  hia  enemy,  the  audden  alteration  of  tbe  featurea, 
passing  in  a  moment  from  a  threatening  and  furious  ex- 
pressìon  to  tbe  cairn  and  «olemn  stillneae  of  death,  waa  a 
aigbt  that  instanti;  cbanged  the  feelinga  of  the  murderer. 
He  was  dragged  to  the  convent  almoat  without  knowìog 
wh^  he  was,  or  wbat  tber  were  doing  to  him  ;  and  vben 
bÌ8  memory  retumed,  be  fouud  bimaelf  on  a  bed  in  the 
infirmsry,  attended  by  a  surgeon-friar,  (for  tbe  Capucbina 
generally  bad  one  in  each  convent,}  who  waa  applying 
Unt  and  baadages  to  the  two  wounds  be  had  received  in 
the  conteat.  A  fatber,  whote  special  office  it  waa  to 
attond  upon  tbe  d^ing,  and  wbo  had  frequenily  been 
called  upon  to  exerciae  £ib  dntiea  in  tbe  street,  was  quickly 


..notale 


89  I   FBOKBSBI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

anmiDoned  to  the  placa  of  combat.  He  retorned  a  few 
inÌDuteaaft6rwarda,andenterit)gtfaein6rtnai7,  approached 
the  bed  wh^v  Ladorìco  hy.  '  Comfort  yonnelf,'  aaid 
he,  '  he  hai  at  leut  died  calmly,  and  ha«  charged  me  to 
aak  joar  pardm,  and  to  oonvej  his  to  you.'  These  wordi 
arotued  poor  Ladorioo,  and  awakeoéd  more  Tiridlj  and 
diuÌQCtly  the  feelinga  which  confuaedly  crowded  upon  faìa 
mìnd  ;  sonow  for  ma  friend,  consternation  and  remorM 
for  th«  blow  that  had  eacaped  hu  band,  and  at  the  sanie 
time  a  bitterty  painful  compaMion  for  the  man  he  had 
■lain.  '  And  the  other  F  '  anzioiuly  demanded  he  of  the 
firiar. 

'  The  oth^  had  expìred  when  I  arrived.' 
I  In  the  me«n  while,  the  gatee  aad  precìncta  of  the  con* 
vent  awarmed  with  idle  and  inquiaitive  people;  bnt  on 
the  arrivai  of  »  bodr  of  constables,  thej  dupersed  the 
crovd,  aod  plaoed  tnemeeivea  in  ambush  at  a  short  dia- 
tance  from  tbe  doora,  bo  that  none  might  go  out  unob- 
serred.  Abrother  of  the  deceosed,  however,  aocompanied 
bj  two  of  bis  cousiiu  and  an  aged  nncle,  carne,  armed 
cap-à-pii,  with  a  ^owerful  retinue  of  bravoes,  and  began 
to  make  the  circuit  of  the  convent,  watching  with  looks 
and  geitureB  of  threatening  contempt  the  idle  by-atandere, 
wbo  did  not  dare  say.  He  ìb  out  of  your  reach,  though 
ther  had  it  written  on  their  facea. 

AsBoon  aa  Ludovico  could  collect  his  scattered  tboughts, 
heaaked  foraFatherConfÌBeaor,  Bndbeggedtfaathewould 
■eek  the  widow  of  Criatoforo,  aak  forgiveneoa  in  hia  name 
for  hÌB  having  beea  the  iiiTOIuntary  caaae  of  her  desola- 
tion,  and  at  the  aame  time  assure  her  that  he  would 
nndertake  to  provide  for  her  deatitute  family.  In  reflect- 
ins  on  his  own  condition,  the  wiah  to  become  a  friar, 
which  he  had  oflen  before  revolved  in  hia  mind,  revived 
with  doublé  force  and  eameatneaB  ;  it  seemed  aa  if  CK>d 
himaeir,  by  bringinff  bim  to  a  oonvent  just  at  thia  jusc- 
ture,  had  put  it  in  bis  way,  and  giren  him  a  sisn  of  His 
will,  and  nia  reaolutian  was  taken.  He  therefore  called 
the  guardian,  and  l«ld  him  of  his  intention.  Tbe  Buperior 
replied,  that  he  must  beware  of  forming  precipitate  reao- 
lutioQB,  but  that  i^  on  cooelderation,  he  p«>rBÌsted  in  hia 


,»OglC 


IT.]  TEi  BZTBOTHID,  03 

denra,  he  wooJd  not  be  nfused.  He  then  sent  for  a 
uotuT-,  aod  made  aa  u^ninent  of  tbe  whole  of  bis  pro- 
per^  (which  vas  no  iungnifioaiit  amoimt)  to  the  family 
of  Cràtoforo,  a  certain  sum  to  the  vidow,  aa  ìf  it  were 
an  entailed  dovn^,  and  the  remamder  to  the  children. 

The  reaolation  of  Ludovico  carne  rerj  i^ropo»  for  bit 
bosta,  who  were  in  a  sad  dilemma  on  hìa  account.  To 
•end  him  awa^  from  the  oonvent,  and  thos  expose  him  to 
joBtice,  that  ia  to  sa;,  to  the  vengeoiice  of  his  enemiee, 
wu  a  couTse  on  which  thev  would  not  for  a  moment 
beatow  a  thought.  It  wDuld  have  been  to  give  up  theii 
proper  privileges,  disgrace  tbe  convent  in  the  eyei  of  the 
people,  draw  upon  tbemselTM  the  animadvemon  of  ali 
the  Capuchina  m  the  unÌTeree  for  Buffering  their  common 
righta  to  be  infringed  upon,  and  arouse  ali  the  eccleeiaati- 
cu  authoritiei,  vbo  at  that  tùne  coDBÌdered  themselv ea 
the  lawf  ni  guardiane  of  these  righta.  On  the  otber  band, 
the  kindred  of  the  slain,  power^l  themseltee,  and  Btrong 
in  adberente,  were  prepared  to  take  vengeance,  and  de- 
nonnced  aa  their  ^'oemy  any  one  who  should  put  an  ob- 
Btade  in  their  way.  The  hiattny  doea  not  teli  ub  that 
much  grief  waa  Jelt  for  the  loes  of  the  deceaaed,  nor 
even  tbat  a  silvie  tear  waa  shed  orer  him  bv  any  of  hia 
relationa:  it  meiely  sayB  tbat  tbey  were  ali  on  fire  to 
have  the  murderer,  dead  or  1ÌTÌIU[,  in  their  power.  But 
Ludorìco's  asauming  the  habit  of  a  Capuchm  aettled  ali 
tìiese  difficultiefl  ;  he  Diade  atonement  in  a  manner,  im- 
poaed  a  penanoe  on  himeelf,  tacitly  confeseed  bimself  in 
fault,  and  witbdrew  &om  the  contest;  hewas,  in  fact,  an 
enemy  (ayin^  down  bis  arma.  The  relatives  of  the  dead 
could  alao,  if  thay  pleased,  beliere  and  mahe  it  their 
boaet  that  he  had  tumed  fri»  in  despair,  and  through 
dread  of  their  vengeance.  But  in  any  caBC,  to  oblige  a 
man  to  relinquiBfa  his  property,  shave  bis  head,  and  walk 
barefoot,  to  eleep  on  Straw,  and  to  live  upon  aims,  wag 
surely  a  puniahment  fully  equivalent  to  tbe  most  beinoua 
offence. 

The  Superìor  preeented  hìmself  with  an  easy  bumility 
to  tbe  brotber  oi  the  deceaaed,  and  after  a  thousand  prò- 
testatione  of  respect  for  bis  most  iiluBtriouB  house,  and 


,c,oglc 


64  I   PBOMESSl   8FOSt.  [CR. 

of  desire  to  comply  with  his  visbes  as  far  an  wm  possi- 
ble,  he  apoke  of  Ludovico's  penìtence,  and  tbe  determin- 
ation  he  bad  made,  politel^  making  it  appear  that  bis 
family  ougbt  to  be  ttieremtb  eatisSed,  and  insinustiiig, 
yet  more  courteouBly,  and  witb  stili  greater  dexterity, 
that  whether  he  were  pleased  or  not,  ao  ìt  would  be.  Tbe 
brotber  fell  into  a  rage,  which  the  Capuchin  patientlf  al- 
lowed  to  evaporate,  occasianally  remarkiag  that  he  h&d 
too  just  cause  of  sorraw.  The  Signor  aleo  gave  him  to 
underatand,  that  in  an;  case  his  famil^  had  it  in  their 
power  to  enforce  aatiafaction,  to  which  the  Capuchin, 
whatever  he  might  think,  did  not  say  no  ;  and  finally  he 
Bsked,  or  rather  required  as  a  condition,  that  the  mur- 
derer  of  bis  brother  flhould  inunediatelj  quit  the  city. 
Tbe  Capuchin,  who  bad  already  detenuined  upoa  such  a 
course,  replied  that  it  shouid  be  os  he  wished,  leaving  tbe 
Dobleman  to  believe,  if  be  choBe,  that  hia  compliance  was 
an  act  of  obedience  ;  and  thua  the  matter  cancluded  to 
the  satiafaction  of  ali  parties.  Tbe  iàmily  vere  releaaed 
from  their  obligation  ;  tbe  frian  had  reecued  a  fellow- 
ereature,  and  «ecured  their  own  prÌTÌlege«,  without 
making  themaelvea  enemiea  ;  the  diìettanli  in  cbivalry 
gladly  aaw  the  affair  terminated  in  so  laudable  a  manner  ; 
the  populace  rejotced  at  a  worthy  man'a  eecaping  from 
danger,  and  at  the  aame  time  marrelled  at  hia  converaion  ; 
finally,  and  above  ali,  in  the  midat  of  his  sorrow,  it  waa 
a  conaolation  to  poor  Ludorico  himself,  to  enter  upon  a 
life  of  erpiation,  and  devote  himaelf  to  services,  which, 
tbough  they  could  not  remedy,  might  at  least  make  some 
atonetnent,  for  bis  unhappy  deed,  and  alleviate  the  in- 
tolerable  panga  of  remone.  Tbe  idea  that  bis  reeolu- 
tion  might  beattributed  to  fearpained  him  foramoment, 
but  he  ^uickly  oonaoled  himaelf  by  the  remembrance  that 
even  tbia  unjnst  imputation  wonld  be  a  puniehment  fbr 
him,  and  a  meana  of  eipiation.  Thua,  at  the  age  of 
thirty,  Ludovico  took  the  monastic  habit,  and  being  re- 
quired, accordiQg  to  custom,  to  change  his  name,  he  chose 
one  that  would  continually  remind  htm  of  the  fault  he  had 
to  atone  for — the  name  of  friar  Cristoforo. 
Scarcely  waa  the  ceremony  of  taklng  the  religious 


,»Ogk' 


IT.]  THB   BBTBOraKD.  69 

hftbit  coinpleted,  wben  the  guardiaa  told  him  that  he 
móat  keep  bis  aorìtìate  at  *  *  *,  sizty  mitea  dintant,  and 
that  he  must  leare  tbe  neit  da;^.  The  novice  bowed  re- 
spectfullf,  and  requested  a  favour  of  him.  '  Allow  me, 
Father,'  aaid  he,  '  before  I  quit  tbe  city  where  I  have  shed 
the  blood  of  a  fellow -creature,  and  leare  a  family  justly 
offended  with  me,  to  make  what  satiafactioa  I  can  by  at 
leaat  confeasing  my  eorrow,  begging  forgiveness  of  the 
brotber  of  the  deceased,  aad  no  removing,  pleose  God, 
the  eiimity  he  feela  towards  me.'  The  guardian,  tbinking 
that  Buch  an  act,  beeidea  being  good  io  iteelf,  would  also 
■erre  atìU  more  to  reconcile  the  family  to  the  conreat, 
mst&ntly  repaired  to  the  offended  Signor's  house,  and 
commnmcated  to  him  Friar  Cristoforo's  request.  The 
Signor,  greatly  eurpriaed  at  so  uneipected  a  proposal,  felt 
&  rising  of  anger,  mingied  perhaps  with  complacency, 
and  after  thinking  a  moment, 'Let  him  come  to-morrow,' 
raid  he,  mentioning  the  hour,  and  the  Siiperìor  returaed 
to  the  monastery  to  acquaint  the  novice  with  the  deaired 
permission. 

The  gentleman  soon  remembered  that  the  more  aolamn 
and  notorioua  the  eubmisaion  nas.the  more  hia  influence 
and  importonce  would  be  increaaed  among  bis  frienda 
and  tbe  public  ;  and  it  would  alao,  (to  uae  a  faabionable 
modem  eipreMÌoo,)  make  a  fine  page  in  tbe  bistory  of 
the  family.  He  therefore  bastily  sent  to  inform  ali  bia 
relatives,  that  tbe  nezt  day  at  noon  they  must  hold  them-. 
■elves  engaged  to  come  to  him,  for  the  purpoae  of  receiving 
a  common  aatisfaction.  At  midday  the  palace  awarmed 
with  the  nobility  of  both  seiea  and  of  every  age;  acca- 
aioning  a  confused  intermingling  of  large  cloaka,  lofty 
plnmea,  and  pendent  ìewels  ;  a  vibrating  movement  of 
atiffèned  and  curled  ribbona,  an  impeded  trailing  of  em- 
broidered  traina.  Tbe  aute-rooms,  court-yards,  and  roada 
overflowed  with  aervanta,  pages,  bravoes,  and  inquisitive 
gaiere.  On  aeeing  ali  thìa  preparation,  Friar  Cristoforo 
gneased  tbe  motive,  and  felt  a  momentary  perturbatioa  ; 
bat  he  aoon  recorered  himaelf,  and  said  :— '  Be  it  so  ;  I 
committed  the  murder  publicly,  in  the  preaence  of  many 
of  bis  enemies  ;  that  was  an  injury  ;  thia  is  reparation.' 


,c,oglc 


66  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

— So,  with  tbe  Father,  bis  companìoa,  at  hig  aìàe,  and  hìa 
ejea  bent  on  the  ground,  be  psased  the  threshold,  tr&- 
vereed  the  caurt>j'Brd  among  a  crowd  vho  eyed  hìm  irith 
very  lUcereiDoniouB  curìoaity,  asaeaded  the  stsin,  and  in 
the  midst  of  another  crowd  of  nobleo,  who  gare  way  at 
hU  approach,  was  luhered,  with  a  thousand  eyes  upon 
him,  iDto  the  preeence  of  the  master  of  the  manaion,  who, 
Burrounded  hy  his  nearest  relativea,  etood  in  the  centro 
of  the  room  with  a  downcast  look,  graaping  in  hia  left 
hand  the  hilt  of  his  Bword,  whiie  vith  the  right  he  fotded 
the  coUar  of  hia  cloak  over  hia  breast. 

Thera  is  Bometimes  in  the  face  and  behaviour  of  a 
person  so  direct  an  ezpression,  Buch  an  effusion,  so  to 
y'Bpeak,  of  the  internai  soul,  that  in  a  crowd  of  spectatora 
toere  will  be  but  one  judgment  and  opinion  of  him.  Sa 
waa  it  with  Friar  Griatoforo  ;  hia  face  and  behaviour 
plainly  expreaeed  to  the  by-standen  that  be  bad  not 
Decome  a  friar,  nor  eubraitted  to  that  humiliation,  from 
the  fear  of  man  ;  and  tbe  diacovery  immedìately  conci- 
liatedall  hearta.     Oo  perceìvìug  tbe  oSended  Signor,  he 

guickened  hia  ateps,  fell  on  hia  kneea  at  hia  feet,  croaaed 
is  banda  on  hia  breast,  and  bendiug  hìa  abaved  head, 
eud,  '  I  am  tbe  murderer  of  your  brother:  God  knowe 
how  gladly  I  would  reatore  bim  to  you  at  the  prìce  of 
mj  own  blood,  bat  it  cannot  be  :  1  can  only  make  ìn- 
efficaciouB  and  tardy  excuaes,  and  implora  jou  to  accept 
them  for  God'a  eake.'  Ali  eyea  wcpe  immoveablv  fixed 
upoa  the  novice  and  the  itluatriona  peraonage  ne  waa 
addreaaiug  ;  ali  eara  were  attentively  liatening  ;  and  when 
Friar  Cristoforo  ceased,  there  was  a  murmur  of  compaa- 
aion  and  reapect  throughout  tbe  room.  The  gentleman, 
wbo  atood  in  an  attitude  of  forced  condeacension  and  re- 
■traiaed  anger,  waa  much  moved  at  theae  worda,  and  bend- 
ing  towarda  the  eupplicant,  '  Biae,'  Boid  he,  in  an  altered 
tone.  'The  ofience — the  act  certainly — but  the  habit 
you  bear — not  only  eo,  but  alao  youraelf — Biae,  Father 
— My  brother — ^I  cannot  deny  it — waa  a  cavalier — waa 
rather  a— precipitate  man — rather  haaty.  But  ali  hap- 
pena  by  Clod'e  appointment.  Speak  of  it  no  more  .... 
But,  Father,  you  mnat  aot  remaia  in  thie  poature.'  And 


,»oglc 


ir.]  THE    BETROTHED.  67 

taking  him  hj  tbe  arm,  he  compelled  him  to  riae.  Hie 
friar,  standing  with  bis  head  bowed,  and  hìsejea  fixed  oq 
tbe  ground,  replied,  'I  maj'  bope  thea  tbat  I  bare  your 
forgiveneae  ?  And  if  I  obtain  it  from  i/ou,  from  whoia 
may  I  not  hope  it  ?  Oh  !  if  I  migbt  bear  from  your  lipa 
that  one  word — pardon  1  ' 

'  Pardon  !  '  saia  the  gentleman.  '  You  no  longer  need 
it  But  aince  toh  destre  it,  certainly  ....  certainly,  I 
pardon  jou  with  my  whole  heart,  and  ali ... .' 

'  Ali  !  ali!  '  excUumed  tbe  byetanders,  witb  one  voice. 
The  countenance  of  tbe  friar  eipanded  with  grateful  joy, 
under  which,  bowerer,  migbt  be  traced  an  humble  and 
deep  compunction  for  tbe  enl  which  tbe  forgiveoese  of 
men  conia  not  repair.  The  gentleman,  oTercome  by  thia 
deportment,  and  urged  forminl  hy  tbe  general  feeling, 
threw  bis  arma  round  Cristoforo's  neck,  and  gave  and 
receired  tbe  kìaa  of  peace. 

'  Bravo  !  weU  done  !  '  burst  forth  from  ali  parta  of  tbe 
room  :  there  was  a  general  movement,  and  ali  gatbered 
round  the  frìar.  Servanta  immediately  entered,  Dringing 
abundance  of  refresbment.  The  Signor,  again  addreaaing 
Crìgtoforo,  Ttho  was  prepuring  to  retile,  eaid,  '  Fatber, 
let  me  give  you  some  of  theae  trifles;  afford  me  tbia 
proof  of  your  friendahip  ;  '  and  waa  on  the  point  of  help- 
in^  him  before  any  of  tbe  othe»  ;  but  b^,  draiving  back 
with  a  kind  of  fnendly  resistance,  '  Theae  thìngs,'  said 
be,  '  are  no  longer  far  me  ;  but  God  forbid  that  I  ebould 
refuso  your  gifta.  I  am  about  to  start  on  my  jouroey  ; 
alJow  me  to  take  a  loaf  of  bread,  that  I  may  be  able  to 
Bay  I  bave  ahared  your  charìty,  eaten  of  your  bread, 
and  received  a  token  of  your  forgi venesH.'  The  noble- 
man,  much  affected,  ordered  it  to  be  brought,  and 
shortly  a  waiter  entered  in  full  dress,  hearing  the  loaf 
on  a  Silver  diah,  and  presented  it  to  tbe  Fatber,  wbo 
took  it  witb  many  tbaaka,  and  put  it  in  bia  basket.  Tben, 
obtaining  permiaaion  to  depart,  be  bade  farewell  to  the 
master  of  tbe  house  and  tboae  wbo  atood  neareet  to  bim, 
and  witb  difficult^  mode  bis  eacape  as  tbey  endeavoured 
for  a  moment  to  impede  bis  progresa  ;  white,  in  tbe  ante- 
rooDU,  be  had  to  struggle  to  free  himself  from  the 


I   FB0MES5I    SPOSI. 


'[ce 


serrantB,  and  eyen  from  tlie  bra»oee,  who  kisaed  tbe  hem 
of  hÌB  garment,  hìs  rope,  and  hìa  bood.  At  k-t  he  reached 
the  Street,  borne  along  as  in  triiimph,  and  accompanied 
hj  a  crowd  af  people  aa  far  aa  tfae  gate  of  the  city,  froni 
whence  he  commeoced  bis  pedeatrian  Jaurney  towards  the 
place  of  his  novitìate. 

The  brotber  and  other  relatives  of  the  deceased,  who 
had  been  preoared  in  the  moming  to  enjoy  the  aad 
triumph  of  pride,  were  lefb  inatead  full  of  tbe  aerene  jo}r 
of  a  forgiving  and  benevotent  diaposition.  The  company 
entertained  tliemaelvea  aome  time  longer,  witb  feelinga 
of  UQuaiial  kindaees  and  cordialitj,  in  diacuaaìoua  of  a 
very  different  character  to  wbat  they  had  anticipated  on 
asaemblìng.  Instead  of  aatiafaction  enforced,  iusulta 
arenged,  and  obligatione  diecharged,  praises  of  tbenovice, 
reoonciliatioD,  aud  meekneas,  were  the  topica  of  conversa- 
tìoD.  And  he  who,  for  tbe  fifcietb  time,  would  bave  re- 
coonted  how  Count  Muzio,  bis  father,  bad  aerved  the 
Marquis  Stanislao,  (a  violent,  boastful  man,  as  every  one 
is  avare,)  in  a  well-knowa  eacounter  of  tbe  same  kiud, 
related,  instead,  tbe  peoitence  and  wonderful  patience  of 
one  l>iar  Simone,  wbo  had  died  many  yeara  before.  When 
tbe  party  had  diaperaed,  the  Signor,  etili  coneiderably 
agitated,  reconaidered  witb  surpriae  what  he  bad  beard 
end  bad  himself  expresaed,  and  muttered  between  bis 
teeth,  '  The  devil  of  a  friar  !  '  (we  muat  record  bis  ezact 
worda)  'The  devil  of  a  friar  ! — if  he  had  knelt  tbere  a  few 
momeats  longer,  I  ahould  almost  bare  begged  hi»  pardon 
fòr  big  hayìng  murdered  my  brotber.' — Our  atory  ex- 

firesaly  notes  tbat  from  that  day  forward  he  became  a 
ittle  lesa  impetuoua,  and  rather  more  tractable. 

Father  Criatoforo  pursued  his  way  with  a  peace  of 
mind  sucb  as  he  bad  never  eiperienced  since  tbat  terrible 
eveut,  to  make  atonement  for  which  hia  wbole  life  waa 
henceforth  to  he  coneecrated.  He  maintained  the  ailence 
uanallr  imposed  upon  uovicea  without  difficulty,  being 
entirely  abaorbed  m  the  thought  of  the  laboura,  prìva- 
tions,  and  bumiliationa  he  wouTd  bave  to  undergo  for  the 
expiatìon  of  bÌB  fault.  At  tbe  uaual  bour  of  refreahment, 
be  Btopped  at  tbe  house  of  a  patron,  and  partook  almost 


,l)OglC 


IV.]  THE   BETROTHED.  69 

Toracionaly  of  the  bread  of  forgiveneaa,  reMiring,  how- 
ever,  a  email  piece,  which  he  kept  in  hia  basket  aa  a  per- 
petiul  remembrancer. 

It  ie  not  our  intentiou  to  write  the  histoiy  of  bis 
cloistral  life  :  it  will  Bu&ice  to  aaj,  that  while  be  willingly 
and  carefuU^  fulfilled  the  duties  cagtomanlj  aseigned  to 
biro,  to  preach  and  to  att«nd  upon  the  dying,  he  nerer 
suffered  an  opportunità  to  paas  of  executìag  two  otbef 
offices  wbìch  be  bad  impoBod  upon  bimeelf — the  compoa- 
ing  of  diSérencea,  and  the  protection  of  the  oppresaed, 
w  ithout  being  aware  of  it,  he  entered  upon  these  under- 
takings  nitb  Home  portiou  of  bis  former  zeal,  and  a  alight 
remnant  of  that  courageoua  spìrit  nhicb  bumiliation  and 
mortificati  OD  B  hod  not  been  able  entirely  to  aubdue.  His 
monner  of  speakiog  was  babitusll^  meek  and  humble; 
but  when  trutb  and  juatice  were  at  atake,  be  vas  imme- 
diately  animated  with  hia  former  woroitb,  which,  mingled 
with  and  modiSed  by  a  solemn  emphasis  ocquired  in 
preaching,  imparted  io  bis  language  a  very  marked  cha- 
racter.  Hia  nhole  countenance  and  deportment  indicated 
a  long-contìnued  atniggte  between  a  uaturally  haaty, 
paasiouate  temper,  and  an  opposing  and  hàbituallj  vic-_^ 
torìouB  will,  ever  oq  the  watch,  and  dtrected  bv  tbe  highest 
principlea  and  motivea.  One  of  the  brotherhood,  his 
friend,  wbo  knew  himwell,  likcned  hico,  on  one  occasion, 
to  thoae  too-ezpressive  worda — too  ezpreasìve,  that  ia,  in 
tbeir  naturai  etate,  which  eome  persona,  well-behaved 
enough  on  ordinary  ocjaaions,  pronounee,  when  over- 
come  by  anger,  in  a  half-and-half  aort  of  way,  with  a 
alight  change  of  lettera — words  which  even  thus  trana- 
formed  bear  about  them  niucb  of  tbeir  primitive  energy. 

If  one  unknown  to  him,  in  Lucia'a  sad  condition,  had 
implored  tbe  aid  of  Father  Cristoforo,  he  would  immedi- 
ately  bave  attended  tu  the  requeat;  when  it  concerned 
Lucia,  bowever,  be  hastened  to  her  with  doublé  solicitude, 
since  he  knew  and  admired  her  innocence.  He  had 
already  trembled  for  ber  danger,  and  felt  a  lively  indigna- 
tion  at  the  base  peraecution  of  wbicb  she  was  the  object. 
Besidea  thia,  he  leared  that  by  advising  ber  to  say  notning 
about  it,and  keep  quiet,  he  mìght  bave  been  tbe  cause  oT 


,CK,glc 


70  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

some  ead  consequetices  ;  so  that  in  thia  case  there  vas 
added  to  the  kind  Bolicttude,  which  was,  ae  it  were,  na- 
turai to  Um,  tbat  scrupulona  perplexity  which  ofteu  tor- 
menta the  innocent. 

But  while  we  bave  b«eQ  relatinfr  the  early  bistoiy  of 
Father  Crìatoforo,  he  has  arrìved  at  the  villaee,  and 
reached  the  door  ;  and  the  women,  leaTing  the  harsh-toned 
epinning-wheel  at  which  they  were  engaged,  have  risen  and 
exclaimed  with  ooe  voice,  '  Oh,  Father  Cristoforo  !  God 
reward  you  !  ' 


bv  Google 


T,]  IHB   BBTEOTHED. 


CHAPTER  V 

lATHER  CEISTOFOBO  atopped  on  the 
n  threahold,  Bud  quìckly  perceìfeo,  by  a  glance 
at  the  women,  that  his  preeentimeiits  had  not 
been  unfounded.  While  raising  hiB  beard, 
by  a  slight  movement  of  the  head  backwarda, 
ne  aaia,  m  that  interrogative  tone  which  anticìpatea  a 
moumful  reply,  '  Well  P  '  Lucia  answered  by  a  flood  of 
teare.  Her  mother  began  to  apologize  for  havìng  dared 
....  but  ha  advanced  and  seated  himaelf  on  a  three-legged 
■tool,  and  cut  short  ali  her  excusea,  by  eaying  to  Lucia, 
'  Caini  j^ouraelf,  my  poor  daughter.  And  you,'  continued 
he,  tuming  to  Agnese,  'teli  me  what  ha§  happened.*  The 
good  woman  related  the  melancboly  story  as  well  as  she 
could,  while  the  firiar  cbanged  colour  a  thousand  timea,  at 
eoe  moment  raising  his  eyes  to  heaven,  the  neit,  kickiiw 
bis  heeU  on  the  ground.  At  the  coaclusion  of  the  recital, 
he  corered  his  face  with  bis  haads, andeiclaimed,  'Oh, 
bteased  Lord!  hov  long!  .  .  .  .'     But,  without  finiahìng 


7S  I   PROUESei   SPOSI.  [CH. 

the  aentence,  he  tumed  agaia  to  the  women.  '  Poor 
thingB  !  '  Bftid  he,  '  Q^d  haa  indeed  visited  you.  Poor 
Lucìa  !  ' 

'  You  wìll  not  foTsake  ita,  Father  P  '  aobbed  Lucia. 

'  Foreake  you  !  '  replied  he.  '  Qreat  Ckid  !  with  what 
lace  could  I  again  malte  request  to  Him,  if  I  shoiild  for- 
eake you  F  Tou  in  tfaìa  state  !  Ton  whom  He  confides 
to  me  !  Don't  despair  :  He  will  hetp  you.  He  sees  alt  : 
He  can  make  use  even  of  Buch  an  unworthy  instrumeut  aa 
I  am  to  confound  a  . .  . .  Let  us  see  :  let  me  think  what 
I  can  do  for  you.' 

So  saying,  he  leaned  hia  left  elbow  on  hie  knee,  laid  hie 
forehead  on  bis  hand,  and  with  the  right  graeped  his 
beard  and  chiù,  ad  if  to  concentrate  aud  hold  fast  ali  the 
powen  of  hismind.  But  themoatattentive  coneideration 
only  serred  to  show  more  distinctly  the  urgeucy  and  in- 
trìcacy  of  the  case,  and  how  few,  how  uncertain,  and  bow 
dangerouB  were  the  wave  of  meeting  it.  '  Inatil  ahame 
into  Don  Abbondio,  and  make  him  aensible  of  how  much 
he  is  failiuginhisdutyp  Shame  and  duty  are  nothing  to 
bim,  when  overwlietmed  with  fear.  Inspire  him  with  fears  ? 
How  can  I  auggest  one  that  would  overbalance  the 
dread  he  abeady  haa  of  a  musket  P  Inform  the  Cardinal- 
Archbiahop  of  ali,  and  iavoke  hia  authority  ?     Thia  re- 

r'res  time,  and  in  the  mean  while  wbat  might  not  happen  ' 
d  afterwarda,  aupposing  even  thìe  unnappy  innocen 
were  married,  would  tUat  be  a  curb  to  such  a  man  ?  . .  . 
Who  knowB  to  wbat  tength  he  might  proceed  F  And  re- 
Bist  him  p  How  P  Ah  !  if  I  could,'  thought  the  poor 
friar  :  '  if  I  could  but  engagé  in  thia  canee  my  bretbren 
bere  and  at  Milan  I  But  ìt  ia  not  a  common  affair,  and  I 
ahould  be  abaudoned.  Don  Bodrìgo  pretenda  to  be  a 
friend  to  the  convont,  and  profeasea  bimself  a  favourer  of 
the  Capuchioa  ;  and  hia  followera  bave  more  thàa  once 
takea  refuge  with  na.  I  ahould  find  myself  alone  in  the 
undertaking;  I  ahould  be  opposed  by  meddling,  quarrel- 
eome  peraoua  ;  and,  what  ia  worae,  I  sbould,  perhapa,  by 
ao  ill-timed  endeavour,  only  render  the  condìtion  of  tbìs 
poor  girl  more  hopeleaa.'  Having  coasidered  every  view 
of  the  queation,  the  beat  course  aeemed  to  be  to  confront 


,»oglc 


V.]  THE   BETROTHED.  73 

Don  Bodrigo  himself,  and  trr,  by  entre&ties,  the  terrori  of 
the  life  to  come,  and  ereii  of  tbis  world,  if  tbat  were  pos* 
BÌble,  to  dissuade  bim  fìram  hia  iufamoiia  parpoae.  At 
leaat,  be  could  by  tbia  means  ascertain  whetber  he  con- 
tinned  obatinately  bent  on  bis  wicked  deaign,  dÌBcover 
■ometbing  more  of  hia  intentions,  and  act  accordingtj. 
"While  the  friar  wm  thua  engaged,  Benzo,  who  for  rea- 
sona  tbat  every  one  can  divine,  could  not  long  absent 
himaelf,  m&de  bis  appesraDce  at  the  door;  but  seeing  the 
Fatber  absorbed  in  thought,  and  tbe  women  beckoningto 
bitn  not  to  interrupt  him,  be  stood  silent  on  the  threehold. 
Baiaing  bis  head  to  communicate  hia  deaign  to  the  women, 
the  &iar  perceived  Benzo,  and  saluted  bim  witb  his  usuai 
afféction,  increased  and  rendered  more  mtenae  by  com- 
passi on. 

'  Have  they  told  yen  ....  Fatber  P  '  aaked  Benzo,  io 
in  agitated  tone. 

'  Onlj  too  mach  :  and  for  tbatreaaon  I  am  ben.' 

'  What  do  you  say  to  tbe  raacal  ?  ' 

'  What  do  you  wtab  me  to  aay  of  him  P  He  ìs  far 
awar,  and  my  worda  would  be  of  no  use.  But  I  say  to  yon, 
my  Benzo,  trust  in  Ood,  and  He  irill  not  for«ake  you.' 

'  What  bleased  vords  !  '  eictaimed  the  youtb.  '  Yoa  are 
not  one  of  thoM  vbo  always  wrong  tbe  poor.  But  tbe 
Signor  Curate,  and  tbat  Signor  Doctor  .  .  .  .  ' 

'  Don't  recali  tboae  acenea,  Benzo,  which  only  aerre  to 
irritate  yon  useleuly.  I  am  a  poor  frìar  ;  but  I  repeat 
what  I  have  aaid  to  these  poor  wotnen  :  poor  as  I  am,  I 
TÌI1  not  forsake  you.' 

*  Ah  !  you  are  not  like  the  vorld's  friends  !  Good-for- 
nothing  creaturea  tbat  they  are  !  Tou  would  not  believe 
the  protestatious  they  made  me  in  proaperity.  Ha  !  ha  1 
They  were  ready  to  give  their  lives  for  me  ;  they  would 
bare  defended  me  against  tbe  devil.  If  I  had  had  an 
enemv  ■  ...  I  had  only  to  let  them  know  it,  and  I  should 
have  been  quickly  rid  of  him  I  And  now,  if  you  were  to 
see  how  they  draw  back  .  .  .  .'  At  tbis  moment  BeuEO 
pereeived,  on  raising  bis  eyea  to  tbose  of  bis  auditor,  tbat 
the  good  frìar's  face  waa  clouded,  and  he  felt  tbat  he  had 
uttered  Bomethìng  wrong.    He  only  added  to  hia  per- 


74  I   PBOHE68:   BP03I.  [cH. 

pleziHeB,  however,  and  made  matterà  worse,  hy  trvmg  to 
remedf  tbem  :  '  I  meant  to  u,j  ....  I  don't  at  ali  meaa 
....  that  is,  I  meant  to  m.j  .  .  .  .' 

'  What  did  joxl  mean  to  sav  F  Have  you,  then,  begua 
to  spoil  my  work  before  I  iiaTe  undertaken  itP  It  is 
well  for  you  that  yùu  have  been  undeceived  in  tiine. 
"Wbat!  70U  weat  in  search  of  friends  ....  and  aneti 
iriendB  !  .  .  .  .  who  could  not  bave  belped  you,  bad  tbey 
been  willing  ;  and  you  foKot  to  aeek  tbe  oiily  One  vbo 
CBO  and  wiQ  uaiat  you  I  Do  you  not  know  that  6od  is 
tbe  frìead  of  the  afflicted  irho  put  their  trust  in  Kim  P 
So  you  not  know  that  tbreatening  and  contention  gaio 
Dothing  for  the  weak  ?  And  even  if  ,  . .  .'  Here  he 
forcibly  grasped  Benzo'a  arni  :  bis  countenance,  vithoat 
losing  anjr  ofits  autboritj,  eipressed  a  aolemn  contrition  ; 
he  cast  bis  eyes  on  tbe  ground,  and  bis  voice  became  slow 
and  alrooet  sepulchral  :  '  Eren  if  they  did,  it  ia  a  terrìble 
gainl  Benzo  I  will  you  trust  to  mer  To  me,  did  I  aay 
— a  feeble  mortai,  a  poor  fri&r  P  No  ;  but  wiU  you  trust 
in  Qodf 

'  Oh  yea  !  '  replied  Benso  ;  '  He  ia  in  truth  the  Lord.' 

'Tery  well;  promise  me  that  you  wiU  not  attack — 
that  yen  will  not  provoke — any  one  ;  that  you  wiU  be 
guided  by  me.' 

'  I  promise  you.' 

Lucia  drew  a  long  brestb,  aa  if  sbe  were  relieved  irom 
ft  great  weight  ;  and  Agnese  ezcUimed,  '  Bravo,  my  son  !  * 

'  Listen,  my  cbildren,'  continued  Fhar  Cristoforo  ;  '  I 
will  go  to-day  and  spe^  to  tbis  mas.  If  it  pleaae  Qod 
to  touch  bis  heort,  and  gire  force  to  my  words,  well  ;  but, 
if  not.  He  will  show  us  some  otber  remedy.  Yuu,  in  tbe 
mean  while,  be  quiet  and  letired  ;  svoid  gossip,  and  don't 
show  yourselves.  To-nìght,  o^  to-morrow  moming,  at 
the  latest,  you  shall  aee  me  again.'  80  saying,  he  cut 
short  ali  their  thanks  and  benedictions,  and  departed. 
He  retumed  first  to  tbe  convent,  where  he  arrived  in  time 
to  join  tbe  choras  in  chanting,  dined,  and  tben  set  off  on 
bis  way  towards  the  den  of  tbe  wild  beast  he  bsd  imder- 
taken  to  tame. 

Tbe  amali  but  elegant  palace  of  Son  Eodrìgo  stood 


,»oglc 


V.J  THB    BSTBOTHED.  75 

br  itwlf,  risiog  like  a  castle  from  the  summit  of  one  of 
tnfl  abrupt  cliffa  bj  wbich  the  shore  of  the  loke  was 
broken  and  divereified.  Ouf  anonymoiu  author  onlj 
adda  to  this  ìndicatioa,  that  the  site  (it  vould  hare  been 
better  to  have  gÌTen  the  name  in  full)  was  rather  on  the 
side  adjoiaing  tne  country  of  the  Betrothed,  about  three 
miles  distant  fram  them,  and  four  from  the  convent.  At 
the  ba»e  of  the  cliff,  on  the  side  looking  towarde  the  lake, 
laj  a  group  of  cottages,  inhabited  bj  the  peasantiy  in  the 
Becrice  of  Don  Bodrìgo,  the  diminutive  capital  of  hia  little 
kÌDgdom.  It  waa  quite  sufficient  to  pass  through  it  to 
be  assured  of  the  character  and  customa  of  the  country. 
Casting  a  glance  into  tbe  lower  rooms,  should  a  door 
happeu  to  be  open,  one  saw  hanging  on  the  wall,  fowling- 
piecee,  apadea,  rakes,  atraw  hata,  neta,  and  powder-flaska, 
in  admired  confusion.  ETerrwhere  might  be  seen  power- 
ful,  fierce-Iooking  men,  veannz  a  large  lock,  turned  back 
upon  thèir  head,  tmd  encloaea  in  a  net;  old  meo,  vbo, 
having  loat  their  teeth,  appsared  ready,  at  the  alightest 
provocation,  to  show  their  gums  ;  women,  of  maaculìoe 
appearance,  with  atroug,  ainewy  arma,  prepared  to  come 
in  to  the  aid  of  their  tonaues  on  every  occaaion.  £Tea 
the  Tery  children,  playìn^  m  the  road,  dìeplayed  in  their 
countenances  and  behaviour  a  certain  air  of  provocation 
and  deflance. 

Father  Criatoforo  paaaed  tbrough  thia  hamlet,  uid 
aacended  a  «inding  foot-pstb  to  a  amali  level  plot  of 
ground,  in  front  ot  the  paLace.  The  door  was  shut — a 
iign  that  the  master  of  the  mansion  was  dining,  and 
would  not  be  diaturbed.  The  few  email  windowi  that 
looked  into  the  road,  the  frame-works  of  which  wers  dia- 
jointed,  and  decayed  with  age,  were  defecded  by  large 
iron  bara  ;  and  thoae  of  the  ground-floor  were  so  higb, 
that  a  man  could  acaroely  reach  them  by  standing  on  the 
ahoulders  of  another.  Ferfect  aileuce  reigned  around; 
and  apaaeer-bymight  have  deemed  it  adeserted  manaion, 
had  not  four  creaturea,  two  fuiimate,  and  two  inanimate, 
dispoaed  opposite  each  other,  outaide,  given  some  indica- 
tion  of  inhabitants.  Two  great  vultures,  witb  eitended 
winga  and  pendant  heads— one  atripped  of  ita  feathers, 


,c,oglc 


76  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [cn. 

and  hall  conBumed  by  time;  the  other  stili  featbered,  and 
in  a  state  of  preBervation,  were  nailed,  one  oa  eacb  post 
of  the  maaaive  door-way  ;  and  two  bravoes,  Btretched  at 
futi  leDgth  on  the  benchee  to  the  right  and  left,  were  on 
guard,  aiid  expectiog  their  caU  to  partake  of  the  remaina 
of  the  Siffnor's  table.  The  Father  gtood  Btill,  in  the 
attitude  of  oue  who  was  prepared  to  waìt;  but  one  of  the 
bravoes  rose,  and  called  to  nim  :  '  Father,  Father,  come 
fortrard,  we  don't  make  Capuchins  wait  bere  ;  we  are 
frienda  of  the  coarent  ;  and  I  bave  sometimee  been  witbin 
it  when  tbe  air  outside  was  not  very  good  for  me,  and 
wben,  if  the  door  bad  been  cloeed  upon  me,  I  sbould  bave 
fared  badly.'  So  aaying,  he  gave  tvo  strokee  of  tbe 
knooker,  «bicfa  were  aaawered  immediately  from  irìtbin, 
by  tbe  bowling  and  yelling  of  mastifià,  and  cura,  and  in  a 
few  momenta  by  an  old  grumbling  aervant  ;  but  seeing 
tbe  Father,  he  made  him  a  low  bow,  quieted  tbe  animala 
witb  band  and  voice,  introduced  the  Tiaitor  into  a  narrow 
Tfasaage,  and  closed  tbe  door  again.  He  then  conducted 
nim  into  a  amali  apartmeat,  and,  regarding  him  witb  a 
Burpriacd  and  reapectful  look,  aaid,  'Are  you  not .... 
Fatner  Cristoforo  of  Peacarenìco  t  ' 
I  am.' 

'  Tou  bere  ?  ' 

'  Ab  you  see,  my  good  man.' 

'  It  muet  be  to  do  good,  then.  Good,'  continued  he, 
muttering  between  bis  teeth,  aa  be  stili  led  the  way  ; 
'  good  may  be  done  anywbere.' 

Having  paaaed  tbrough  two  or  tbree  dark  apartmenta, 
tbey  at  last  reaohed  the  door  of  the  dining-room,  where 
tbey  were  greeted  with  a  loud  and  confuaed  noise  of 
knivea,  forks,  glaeaoB,  peirter  diahes,  and,  above  ali,  of 
diacordant  voices  altemately  endeavouring  to  take  the 
lead  in  conversation.  Tbe  fnar  wiahed  to  wìthdraw,  and 
was  debating  at  the  door  with  the  aervant,  and  begging 
permission  to  wait  in  some  corner  of  tbe  house  till  dinner 
waa  over,  wben  the  door  opened.  A  certain  Coont  At- 
tilio, wbo  waa  aitting  oppoaite,  (he  was  a  cousin  of  Don 
Bodrigo,  and  we  bave  already  mentioned  bim  witbout 
^ving  bis  name,)  aeeing  a  ahaved  head  aud  monk's  babit, 


,»Ogk' 


y.]  TRE   BBTROTHBD.  77 

and  perceinng  the  modest  iutentions  of  the  good  friar, 
ezclBimed,  'i^&!  nha!  Tou  ehan't  make  four  escape, 
reverend  Father  ;  forward,  forward  !  '  Don  Eódrigo,  with- 
out  precisely  divining  the  object  of  this  TÌaìt,  hod  a  aort 
of  preBentìment  of  what  awaited  bini,  and  would  bare 
been  glad  to  avoid  it;  but  aiuce  Attilio  had  tfaotightleesly 
given  thÌB  blunt  invitation,  he  was  obliged  to  aecond  it, 
and  said,  *  Come  in,  Father,  come  in.'  The  friar  advanced, 
making  a  low  bow  to  the  host,  and  reapectfolly  respond- 
ing  to  the  aalutations  of  the  gueets. 

It  ia  uBual  (I  do  oot  eay  inTariable)  to  repreeent  the 
innocent  in  the  preaence  of  the  wicked  witb  an  open 
countenance,  an  air  of  aecurity,  an  undaunted  heart,  and 
a  ready  facility  of  ezpression.  le  reality,  however,  many 
circumatancea  are  requìred  to  produce  this  behaviour, 
vhich  are  rarely  met  with  in  combination.  It  will  not, 
therefore,he  wondered  at,  that  Priar  Cristoforo,  with  the 
teatimony  of  a  good  conecience,  and  a  finn  pereuaaion  of 
the  juatice  of  the  cause  he  had  come  to  advocate,  together 
with  a  mingied  feeling  of  horror  and  compaasion  for  Don 
Bodrìgo,  Btood,  nevertheleu,  witb  a  certain  air  of  tiro  idi ty 
and  BubmissiTeneiB,  in  the  presence  of  this  aame  Don 
Bodrìgo,  who  waa  seated  before  him  in  an  arm-chair,  in 
bis  own  house,  on  hÌ8  own  estate,  Burrounded  hy  hia 
friends,  and  many  indicationa  of  his  power,  with  every 
bomage  paid  to  hira,  and  with  an  expreaBion  of  counten* 
ance  tbat  would  at  once  prohibit  the  making  a  request, 
much  more  the  giving  advice,  correctìon,  or  reproof.  On 
bis  rìgbt,  Bat  Count  Attilio,  bis  cousin,  and,  it  ia  needlesB 
to  aay,  hia  companion  in  libertinism  and  oppresBion,  who 
had  come  from  Milan  to  spend  a  few  days  with  him.  To 
bis  lefl,  and  on  the  other  side  of  the  table,  was  eeated, 
with  a  profound  reapect,  tempered,  howerer,  witL  a  cer- 
tain  air  of  aecurity,  and  even  arro^nce,  the  Signor 
Podestà;  *  the  peraon  whoae  buBiness  it  waa,  profeaeedly, 
to  administer  justice  to  Benzo  Tramaglino,  and  inflict 
npon  Don  Bo<Aigo  one  of  the  appointed  pemdtiea.    Op- 

■  Tha  fOTcrnoT,  or  mis[iitnte  of  the  pUce— ■  di^itary  coimpondiDg 
to  tbe  nu^or  of  an  Engliih  toirii  ;  but  Imi  dipiiSed  in  thia  initaoee, 
bMuiM  «Hniùag  poitet  io  ■  imallsr  tenìUKj, 


,c,oglc 


76  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

posite  the  Podestà,  in  an  attitude  of  tbe  purest,  mostt 
nnbounded  aervility,  aat  our  Doctor,  Atxeeca-garhugli, 
with  his  black  cap,  and  mare  than  usuallj  red  noee  ;  and 
facing  tbe  coiuine  were  two  obscure  guesta,  of  whora  our 
Btaiy  merelf  records  that  the;f  did  aothing  but  eat,  bow 
tbeir  heads,  and  Binile  approvai  at  everythmg  uttered  by 
a  fellow-^est,  provided  another  did  not  contradict  it. 

'  Gire  the  Father  a  seat,'  aaid  Don  Bodrigo.  A  serv- 
ant  preaented  a  chaìr,  and  Father  Cristoforo  sat  down, 
making  some  excuse  to  tbe  Signor  for  coming  at  an 
inopportune  an  hour. 

'Iwish  to  speak  with  you  alone,  on  a  matter  of  im- 
portance,'  added  the  frìar,  in  a  lower  voice,  in  Don  Bod- 
rigo's  ear. 

'  Very  well,  I  will  attend  you,'  renlied  he  ;  '  but  in  the 
mean  while,  bring  the  Father  sometiiing  to  drink.' 

The  Father  trled  to  «zcuae  himself  ;  but  Don  Bodrìgo, 
raising  bis  voice  above  the  re-commencing  tumult,  crìed, 
'  No,  no,  you  aliali  not  do  me  tbia  wrong  ;  it  ahall  never 
he  aaid  that  a  Capuchin  left  thia  houae  without  tasting 
niy  wine,  noT  an  insolent  creditor  the  wood  of  my  foresta? 
These  worda  were  followed  by  a  general  laugh,  and,  for  a 
moment,  inteirupted  the  queition  that  waa  beingwarmly 
agitated  among  tbe  guesta.  A  serrant  then  brougbt  in 
a  botile  of  wine,  ou  a  tray,  and  a  tali  glasa,  in  tbe  shape 
of  a  chalice,  and  preaented  them  to  the  Father,  who, 
unwilling  to  refuse  the  preasing  inritation  of  one  he  so 
much  wiahed  to  propitiate,  did  not  heaìtate  to  pour  some 
cut,  and  began  alowly  to  aip  the  wine. 

'  The  authority  of  Tbbbo  will  not  serve  your  purpoee, 
respected  Signor  Podestà  ;  it  even  militatea  against  you,' 
reaumed  Count  Attilio,  in  a  thundering  voice  ;  '  for  that 
leamed,  that  great  man,  who  perfectly  undentood  ali  the 
Tulea  of  chivury,  has  made  the  messenger  of  Argante  aak 
leave  of  tbe  pious  Buglione,  before  delirering  the  cbal- 
lenge  to  the  Cbrìatian  snighta  .  .  .  .' 

'  But  this,'  replied  the  Fodeatà,  vociferating  no  leu 
vehemently,  '  thia  is  a  liberty,  a  mere  liberty,  a  poetica! 
omament  ;  aince  an  ambasaador  is,  in  hia  nature,  inviol- 
able  by  the  law  of  natious,  j'ure  gentium.    But,  without 


,l)OglC 


V.]  THK   BETROTHED. 

aeekìng  io  fw,  the  proverb  saje,  Amitueiator  Htm  porta 
pena  ;  and  proTerbs,  you  know,  contaìn  the  wisdom  of 
the  human  race.  Besidea,  the  mesBenger  having  uttered 
nothing  in  hia  own  name,  bat  only  preoented  the  chal* 
lenge  in  writing  .  .  .  .' 

'  But  when  will  yon  undentand  that  thia  meaaenger 
was  an  inconsiderate  ass,  who  didn't  know  the  first?  . . ,' 

'  With  your  leare,  gentlemen,'  interrupted  Don  £od- 
rigo,  who  was  a&aid  of  the  question  being  cttrrìed  too 
far,  '  we  wiU  refer  ìt  to  Father  Cristoforo,  and  abide  by 
bis  senteoce.' 

'  Well — very  well,'  said  Count  Attilio,  highly  pleaeed 
at  the  idea  of  referrìng  a  question  of  chiralry  to  a  Capii- 
chin  :  while  the  more  eager  Podestà  with  difficulty  re- 
Btrained  hia  excited  feelìugs,  and  a  shrug  of  contempt, 
which  seemed  to  say — AbBurditv  I 

'  But,  from  what  X  bave  beard,'  said  the  Fatfaer,  '  tbese 
are  mattere  I  know  nothing  of.' 

'  As  usua],  the  tuodest  eicuses  of  the  Fathere,'  said 
Don  Bodrigo;  'but  you  abalt  not  get  off  so  easily. 
Come,  now,  we  know  well  eaough  you  did  not  come  into 
the  world  with  a  cowl  on  your  head,  and  that  you  are 
no  Btranger  to  ita  ways.  See  bere  ;  this  is  the  ques- 
tion . . .  .' 

'  The  case  is  this,'  began  Count  Attilio. 

'  Let  me  teli  it,  who  am  neutral,  cousin,'  replìed  Dod 
Bodrigo.  'This  is  the  story.  A  Spaoish  cavaliersent 
a  chalEenge  to  a  Milanese  cavalier  ;  the  bearer,  not  Sud- 
ÌQg  bini  at  home,  delivered  the  aummons  to  bis  brotber, 
wbo,  after  reading  ìt,  gave  the  bearer  in  reply  a  good 
thraehing.    The  luapute  is ' 

'  One  good  tum  deserres  another,'  cried  Count  Attilio. 
*  It  was  really  inapiration ' 

'  Of  the  deril,'  added  the  PodeatA.  '  To  beat  an  am- 
bassador! — a  man  whose  peraon  ia  sacredl  Even  yon, 
Father,  will  say  whether  tbia  waa  a  knightly  deed.' 

'Tea,  Signor,  knightly,'  cried  the  Count,  'and  yoa 
iriU  allow  flu  to  say  so,  who  ought  to  understand  wbat 
relates  to  a  cavalier.  Oh,  if  they  had  been  blowa,  it 
would  be  another  matter;  but  a  cudgel  defiles  nobody'a 


,c,oglc 


80  t   PB0HB8SI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

fauids.  Wbat  puzzlea  me  ìb,  why  you  thìni  bo  miich  of 
the  BhouJderB  ola  mean  scoundrel.' 

'  Who  said  an^thing  about  bis  ahoulden,  Signor 
CountP  You  would  make  ont  I  had  talked  nonBenee 
Buch  aa  never  entered  my  tnind.  I  epoke  of  hia  office, 
not  of  bis  Bhoulden  ;  and  am  now  conBÌdering  the  lana 
of  chivalrif.  B©  ao  good  bb  to  teli  me  whether  the 
heralds  that  tbe  ancient  BomanB  Bent  to  hid  defiance  to 
other  natioDB  aaked  leave  to  announce  their  meaeage  ; 
and  find  me  one  writ«r  who  mentiona  tbat  a  berald  vaa 
over  beaten.' 

'  What  bave  tbe  officerà  of  tbe  ancient  Romana  to  do 
witb  US — a  simple  nation,  and  in  theae  things  far,  far 
behind  )u  ?  But,  according  to  the  lawa  of  modem  cbi- 
Talry,  wbich  are  tbe  only  right  ooes,  I  affirm  and  rnain- 
tain  that  a  meaBenger  who  dared  to  place  a  cballenge  in 
the  band  of  a  knight  without  having  aaked  bis  permìa* 
BÌon,  ÌB  an  incnutioua  fool,  who  may  be  beaten,  and  who 
ricbly  deeerveB  It.' 

'Answer  me  thia  ayllogiam ' 

'  No,  no,  nothiog.' 

'  But  liBten,  lÌBten,  To  strike  an  unarmed  peraon  ia 
a  treacberoue  aet.  Afqui  tbe  meBsenger  de  quo  waa 
vitbout  arms.     Ergo ' 

'  Qently,  gently.  Signor  Podeatà.' 

'Why  gently  P' 

'  Gently,  I  Bay  :  wbat  are  you  talking  about  P  It  ìb 
an  act  of  treachery  to  gire  a  man  a  blow  witb  a  aword 
behind  hìm,  or  to  shoot  him  in  tbe  back  ;  and  to  tbia 
eveo  there  are  certain  exceptions  ....  but  we  will  keep 
to  the  poiut.  I  allow  tbat  thia  may  generally  be  called 
an  act  of  treachery;  but  to  beatow  four  blows  on  a 
paltry  fellow  like  him!  It  would  bave  been  a  likely 
thing  to  say  :  Take  care  I  don't  beat  you,  aa  one  aaya 
to  a  gentleman  :  Draw  your  Bword.  And  you,  reapected 
Signor  Doctor,  inatead  of  amiling  at  me  there,  and  giving 
me  to  underatand  you  are  of  my  opinion,  why  don't  you 
Bupport  my  poaitjon  with  your  capital  powera  of  argu- 
ment,  and  belp  me  to  drire  some  reaaon  into  the  beaa  of 
thia  Signor?' 


;dbv  Google 


T.]  THE  BSTBOIHSD.  81 

'I , . ,'  Teplied  the  Soctor,  in  confiiBioii.  'I  enjoy 
ibis  leamed  dispute,  and  &111  glad  of  the  accident  tb^ 
haa  giren  occaaion  to  so  agreeabla  a  war  of  genius. 
But  it  doBB  not  beloiig  to  me  to  give  sentence  :  hia  illus- 
trìouB  lordship  bas  already  delegated  a  judge  . .  .  the 
father  bere  .  -  .' 

"True,*  aaid  Don  Bodrigo;  'but  how  Ì9  tbejudge  to 
«peak  when  the  diaputants  vili  not  be  aileotP  ' 

'  I  am  dumb,'  aaid  Count  Attilio.  The  Podestà  modo 
a  aign  that  he  would  uot  speab. 

'  Ah,  at  last  1  Wbat  do  you  e&y,  Father  ?  '  asked  Don 
Bodrigo  with  balf-jesting  gravity. 

'  I  nave  already  ezcuaed  nyBelf  by  aaying  I  don't 
nnderatand  the  matter,'  replied  Friar  Cristoforo,  retum- 
ing  the  wine-glass  to  a  seirant. 

'  Foor  eicuBes,'  cried  the  two  couaine.  '  We  muat 
bave  yaur  aentence.' 

'  Since  you  wisb  it,  my  humble  opinion  Ìb  that  tbere  ^ 
■hoold  be  neither  challengeB,  bearera,  nor  blowa.' 

Tbe  guesta  intercbanged  looka  of  ùnfeigned  aetoniah- 
ment. 

'  Oh  thia  ia  too  bad  !  '  ezclaimed  Count  Attilio. 
*  Pardon  me,  Father,  but  this  ii  too  bad.  It  ia  easy  to 
■ee  you  know  notbing  of  the  world.' 

'  He  F  '  aaid  Don  Sodri^.  '  Ha  I  ha  I  he  knovs  it, 
couain,  as  well  aa  you  do  :  isn't  it  true,  Father  f  ' 

luatead  of  replying  to  tbia  coarteous  inteirogation, 
the  Father  aaid  to  bimself  : — Tbis  Ìb  aimed  at  you  ;  but 
remember,  fiiar,  that  you  are  not  bere  for  yourself  i  and 
that  which  afiecta  you  only  ia  not  to  be  taken  into  the 
account. 

'  It  may  be,'  aaid  the  couain  :  '  but  the  Father .... 
vhat  is  bla  name  F  ' 

'  Father  Criatoforo,'  replied  more  tbaa  one. 

'But,  Father  Cristoforo,  moatreverend  Father,  with 
your  pHncipìes  you  would  tum  tbe  world  upaide  down. 
Without  challenges  !  Without  blowa  I  Farewell  to  the 
point  of  honour  1  impunity  for  ali  vìllaìns.  Fortunately, 
Dowerer,  tbe  suppoaition  ia  impoaaible.' 

'  Up,  Doctor,  up,'  broke  in  Don  Bodiigo,  who  alwaya 


8s  I  nunnosn  sposi.  [cr. 

triod  to  iìrert  the  Brgmment  from  the  originai  dìSputanta. 
'  Tou  are  the  nun  to  argue  on  an;  matter.  Let  na  ma 
iriiat  you  will  do  in  dincìiiwiiig  thia  queation  wìth  Father 
Oristoforo.' 

'  Beally,'  replied  the  Doctor,  brandiahing  hii  totk  in 
the  air,  and  tumine  to  the  Father,  'reBi];  I  cannot 
vDdentand  how  Fatoer  Criatoforo,  who  ia  at  once  tbe 
perfect  derotee,  uid  a.  man  of  the  world,  ahould  aot  re- 
member  that  hia  sentence,  good,  excellent,  and  of  jaet 
weight,  aa  it  ìb  in  the  pulpit,  ia  of  no  vaine  (with  due 
reepeot  he  it  apoken)  in  a  queation  of  cfaiTsìry.  But 
the  Father  knowe,  batter  than  I,  that  everything  ia  good 
in  ita  place  ;  and  I  think  that  thia  time  he  haa  onlv  en- 
daav'oured  to  eacape  bjajeat  &om  the  difficulty  of  giving 
aentence.' 

What  cflo  one  rapi;  to  reasoninga  dednced  from  wia- 
dom  Bo  ancient,  yet  ao  new  P  Nothing  ;  and  eo  tbonght 
Dur  friar.  ' 

r~  But  Don  Bodrigo,  wiahing  to  cut  ahort  thia  dispute, 
Biooeeded  to  anggeat  aaother.  'Apropoe,'  aaid  he;  'I 
tkear  there  are  rumoura  of  an  accommodation  at  Mìlan.' 

The  reader  muat  know  tbat,  at  thia  time,  there  was  a 
oonteat  for  the  snooeaaion  to  the  Duchj  of  Uaatua, 
which,  OH  the  death  of  Vincenio  GKiniaga,  who  teft  no 
male  iaiue,  had  fUlen  into  the  poaeaaaion  of  the  Duke 
of  Xerera,  GhmsaM'a  neareat  relation.  Louia  XIII.,  or 
rather  Cardinal  BicheUeu,  wiahed  to  anpport  him  oa 
account  of  hia  being  well-diapoaed  towarda  the  Freneh. 
FbiLp  IV.,  or  rather  the  Count  D'Olivares,  commonly 
oalled  the  Count  Duke,  oppoaed  him  for  the  aame  rea* 
Bon,  and  had  decl&red  war  against  him.  At  the  Duchy 
waa  a  fief  of  the  empire,  the  two  partiee  made  intereet, 
br  intrigue,  threata,  and  aolicitationa,  at  the  Court  of 
the  Emperor  Ferdinand  II.  ;  the  former  ursing  him  to 
grant  the  ìnveatiture  to  the  new  Duke,  the  latter  to 
refuaa  it,  and  erea  aaaiet  in  bauiahiag  him  &om  the 
Sute. 

'  I  am  inchned  to  think,'  aaid  Count  Attilio,  '  that 
matterà  may  be  adjuated.    I  bave  certain  reaaona .  . .  .  ' 

'Don't  beliere  it.  Signor  Count,  don't  believe  it,' 


T.j  IHB  BSTBOTHID.  83 

inteiTupted  tbe  Podestà  ;  '  evea  in  tliii  coroer  of  th» 
wortd  I  bave  means  of  ucertaining  tbe  state  of  thingi  ; 
for  the  Spsniih  goreraoT  of  the  c»tle,  vho  condeBcendt 
to  make  mo  hia  firìend,  ani  who  beine  tbe  ton  of  one  o£ 
thfl  Count  Dnìe'B  dependenta,   is  informed  of  overy- 

'  I  teli  yoa,  I  bare  opportumtr  ereiy  à^j  at  MiUa 
of  talking  with  great  meri  ;  and  I  knov,  oa  g^ood  author- 
itr,  that  the  Pope  ia  highly  intereated  in  the  leatoratìon 
m  peace,  and  haa  made  propoeitions  .  .  .  .  ' 

'  So  it  ought  to  be,  the  thing  ia  according  to  mie,  and 
bis  HolinesB  does  hts  duty;  a  Pope  ought  alvaja  to 
mediate  between  Chrietiaii  princes  ;  Dot  the  Count  Doke 
fama  his  own  policj,  and  .  .  .  .  ' 

'  And,  and,  and— -do  yon  knov,  mj  good  Signor,  irbat 
tbe  Emperor  tbinke  ot  it  at  thig  moment?  Do  Toa 
think  tbere  ia  no  otber  plaee  in  tbe  vorld  beside* 
Uantua  ?  Tbere  are  many  tbings  to  be  looked  after, 
mj  good  Signor.  Do  70U  know,  for  example,  how  far 
the  Emperor  can,  at  tbia  moment,  conflde  in  that  Frìnce 
Vatdiatano,  or  Valleatai,  or  whaterer  tbej  cali  him  ;  and 
wfaether . . . .  ' 

'  Hia  ri|^t  name  in  Gerniaa,'  leain  intermpted  tbe 
Podestà,  'is  Yaglieneteino,  as  I  bave  often  board  it 
pronounced  by  our  Spaniab  Signor,  the  goYemor  of  the 
caatle.     Bnt  he  of  good  courage,  for  .  . .  .  ' 

'Win  Tou  teach  me?'  exclaimed  the  Connt,  angrily^; 
bnt  Don  Sodrigo  mottoned  to  him  with  bia  knee,  for  bis 
aake,  to  cesse  contradiction.  He  therefore  remained 
iileiit  ;  and  the  Podestà,  like  a  vessel  disensoged  from 
»  sand-bank,  continned,  wìtb  wide-spread  saila,  tbe 
coaree  of  bis  eloquence.  '  Vsgliensteino  gives  me  little 
concem,  because  the  Count  Duke  haa  bia  eyes  on  every- 
thing,  and  in  evety  place  ;  and  if  Tagliensteino  eboases 
to  play  any  tricks,  he  «ili  set  him  rigbt  with  fair  worda 
or  foni.  He  hss  bis  eye  everywbere,  I  aay,  and  long 
arma  ;  and  if  be  baa  reoolved,  as  be  juatlr  haa,  like  a 
good  politician,  tbat  tbe  Signor  Duke  of  Nerera  aball 
not  take  root  in  Mantoa,  tìie  Signor  Duke  of  Neven 
will  not  take  root  tbere,  and  the  Cardinal  Kicbelien  will 


S4  I   PB0MBS8I    SPOSI.  [CH 

sink  in  the  water.  It  makes  me  emile  to  8ee  thÌB 
vortb;  Signor  Cardinal  contending  with  a  Count  Duke — 
witb  an  Olirarea.  I  ehould  like  to  rise  again,  after  a  lapBS 
of  two  hundred  yeara,  to  bear  what  poateritj  will  Bay  of 
theae  fine  preteneions.  It  requires  somethìng  mofe  than 
enry  :  there  must  be  a  head  ;  and  of  heads  like  that  of 
a  CouQt  Duke,  there  is  but  one  in  tbe  vorld.  [Fhe  Count 
Duke,  my  good  Signore,'  continued  the  Podestà,  Baìling 
beforo  the  wind,  and  a  little  surprised  at  not  encoun- 
tering  one  shoal,  'the  Count  Duke  is  an  aged  foz, 
(ape^ing  with  oli  respect,)  who  con  moke  anybody  lose 
hifl  track  ;  when  he  aima  at  the  right,  we  may  be  aure 
he  will  take  tbe  left  ;  so  that  no  one  can  boast  of  know- 
ing  hÌB  intentiouB  ;  aud  eren  they  vho  ezecute  them, 
and  they  wbo  write  bis  despatcbes,  underatand  nothing 
of  tbem.  I  can  epeak  with  some  knowledge  of  the  cir- 
cumatances  ;  for  tnat  worthy  man,  the  Q-ovemor  of  the 
Castle,  deigoa  to  place  some  confidence  in  me.  The 
Count  Duke,  on  the  otber  band,  knowa  ezactly  wbat  ìb 
going  forward  in  ali  the  other  Court»,  and  their  great  poti- 
ticiane — many  of  wbom,  it  cannot  be  denied,  are  very 
upright  men — bave  acarcely  imagined  a  design  before  the 
Count  Duke  haa  discoTered  it,  with  that  cfever  head  of 
bis,  bis  underhand  wayB,and  bis  neta  everywhere  apread. 
That  poor  man,  the  Cardinal  Bichelieu,  makea  an  attempi 
here,  buaiea  himseif  Ikere  ;  he  toils,  he  Btrìves  ;  and  wfaat 
for  ?  When  he  haa  aucceeded  in  digging  a  mine,  be 
finds  a  countermine  already  completed  by  the  Count 
Duke ' 

No  one  knows  vhen  tbe  Podestà  would  bave  come 
aabore,  bad  not  Don  Bodrigo,  urged  by  tbe  auggestions 
of  bis  cousin,  ordered  a  servant  to  bring  him  a  certain 
bottle  of  wins. 

'Signor  Podeatà,'  aaid  he,  'and  gentlemen;  a  toast 
to  tbe  Count  Duke  j  and  you  will  then  teli  me  whether 
tbe  wine  ia  worthy  of  the  peraon.'  Tbe  Podestà  replied 
by  a  how,  in  which  migbt  ne  discerned  an  ezpreasion  of 
particular^cknowledgment  ;  foF  ali  that  was  said  or  done 
in  honour  of  the  Duke,  he  receired,  in  part,  as  done  to 
himaelf. 


byClOO'^IC 


T.J  THK    BETEOTHED,  8fi 

*  Long  1ÌT«  Don  OaBpxro  Guzman,  Couat  of  Olivarea, 
Duke  of  San  Lucar,  grand  Private  of  tho  King,  Don 
Philip  the  G-reat,  our  Eìorereigii  1  '  eiclaimed  Don  Bod- 
z^o,  raising  his  glam. 

Private  (tot  the  infonnatioD  of  thoae  vho  know  it  not) 
ma  the  title  uted  in  thoae  daya  to  aignify  the  favourite 
of  a  prìnce. 

'  Long  lire  the  Coimt  !  '  replied  ali. 

'  Help  the  Fstber,'  said  Don  Bodrigo. 

'EicuBo  me,'  replied  the  Father;  'bnt  I  have 
alread;  been  guilty  of  a  breach  of  discipline,  and  I  cbd- 
not . .  . .  ' 

'  What  !  '  said  Don  Bodrigo  ;  it  ìb  a  toast  to  the 
Count  Duke.  Will  you  make  us  believe  that  you  hold 
with  the  NaTarrineB?' 

Thua  they  contemptaouely  stjled  the  French  Frìnces 
of  Navarro,  who  had  begun  to  reign  over  them  in  the 
time  of  Henry  IV, 

On  tnch  an  adjniatiaD,  he  was  obliged  to  taste  the  wine. 
Ali  the  guests  broke  ont  in  exclamations  and  encomiunu 
npon  it,  ezcept  the  Doctor,  who,  by  the  gesture  of  bis 
head,  the  gl^ce  of  hia  eyea,  and  the  compression  of  bis 
lips,  eipteeied  mucU  more  tban  he  could  bave  done  by 
worda. 

'  What  do  ifou  Bay  of  it,  eh,  Doctor  ?  '  aakoA  Don 
Bodrigo. 

Withdrawing  from  the  wine-glaai  a  nose  more  mddy 
and  brìght  tbon  itaelf,  the  Doctor  replied,  with  marked 
emphaaiB  upon  every  syllable  :  *  I  aay,  pronounce,  and 
affirm  tbat  tliia  ia  the  Olivarea  of  winea  ;  cetuui,  et  in  eam 
ivi  tententiam,  that  ita  equal  cannot  be  foond  in  tbe 
twenty-two  kingdotnB  of  the  King,  our  Sovereign,  whom 
6od  defend  I  I  declare  and  determine  that  tbe  dinners 
of  tbe  moat  noble  Signor  Don  Bodrigo  excel  the  suppera 
of  HeliogabaluB,  and  that  famioe  ie  pcrpetually  banished 
and  ezcluded  from  thia  place,  wbere  aplendour  reigna 
and  baa  ita  abode.' 

'  Well  eaid  !  well  defined  I  '  oried  the  guests,  witb  one 
Toice  ;  but  the  word  /amine,  whicfa  he  oad  uttered  by 
chance,  at  once  dìrected  the  minda  of  ali  to  this  mouro- 


,»OglC 


86  I  PBOUXSBt  BPOSt.  [CH. 

fu)  tubject,  ud  erer^  on«  apoke  of  the  fiunine^  In  thii 
matter  thej  were  ■11  ogreed,  at  least  On  the  msin  point  ; 
bui  the  uprou  wu  ^reater,  perhapB,  tbui  i£  there  had 
been  t,  diversità  of  opinion.  Ali  epoke  at  once.  '  Tbere 
ia  no  {amine,'  aaid  one  ;  '  it  ia  the  moaopoìieta  ....  * 

'And  the  bakera,' said  tmotber,  'who  bidè  the  graia. 
Hang  them,  mj  I.' 

'  Tee,  jea,  hang  them  witbout  mercy.' 

'  TJpoD  fair  triu,'  cried  the  Podestà. 

'  Tnal  ?  '  cried  Count  Attilio,  more  louCllf .  '  Summaiy 
jufltice,  I  w.  Take  thi«e  or  four,  or  fi?e  or  bìz,  of  thoao' 
who  are  acknowledged  hj  the  common  voice  to  be  tbo 
richeat  and  moat  avsriciouB,  aud  bang  tbem.' 

'  Examples  I  examples  1 — without  ezamplea,  nothing 
can  be  done.' 

'  Hang  tbem  1  bang  tbem  I  and  gt«ÌQ  vili  floir  out  in 
abnndftiue.' 

Wboerer,  in  passine  tbrougb  a  fiùr,  has  bad  the  plea- 
sore  <^  betfing  the  hannon^  pioduóed  by  a  party  of 
fiddlers,  wbm,  between  one  air  and  anotber,  eadi  imo 
tuuea  bu  Instmment,  making  it  sound  aa  loud  aa  poaaible, 
that  be  may  the  more  diatinctly  bear  it  in  the  midst  ot, 
and  above,  the  aurrounding  uproar,  may  imagine  wh^ 
Tould  be  tbe  harmony  of  theae  (if  one  may  so  aay)  di»- 
counea.  The  party  continued  pouring  out  and  dnnking 
the  wine,  while  tbe  praisea  of  it  were  mingted,  aa  waa 
but  just,  wtth  sentencee  of  economica)  iurisprudence  ;  so 
tbat  the  loudest,  and  most  frequently-'neara,  words  ver« 
— neelar,  and  haiig  them. 

Don  Bodrigo,  iu  the  mean  wbile,  glanced  ftom  time  to 
time  towarda  the  &iar,  and  altrays  brv  him  in  tbe  «une 
■tation,  giving  no  aigns  of  impatience  or  burry,  iritbout  a 
movemeot  tendin^  to  remind  him  that  be  vraa  wsiting 
'  bis  leiaure,  but  vitb  the  air  of  one  who  wm  determined 
not  to  depart  till  he  had  bad  a  hearing.  He  would  gladly 
bave  aent  him  away,  and  escaped  the  intervtew  ;  but  to 
dismisB  a  Capuchin  without  havinc:  giren  him  audience, 
waa  not  according  to  tbe  rulea  of  nia  poiicy.  However, 
since  the  annoyii^  duty  couid  not  be  avoided,  be  reaolved 
to  diachai^e  it  at  once,  aad  Iree  bimaelf  &om  the  obliga- 


,»Ogk' 


T.]  THB  *mattmo.  a? 

tion.  He  therefore  rose  &om  the  tnble,  Knd  wìtb  him  ali 
the  ezcìted  party,  wìthout  eeaaiiig  their  clamour.  HaTÌng 
asked  lesve  of  lus  guasta,  he  advosoed  in  a  banghty  nuui- 
ner  towarda  the  friar,  wbo  had  immediatelr  riaen  wìth  tbe 
reat  ;  and  aa^ing  to  faim,  '  Afe  your  cominand,  Father,*  eoa* 
docted  him  into  «aother  apartmM^t. 


;dbv  Google 


I  PROICESSI   BFOSI.  [CH. 


CHAPTEB  VI 

^OW  can  1  obey  you?'  said  Don  Bodrigo, 
1  etaoding  ìd  the  middle  of  the  rooro.  Uia 
I  wordB  were  these;  but  the  tone  in  vhich 
I  they  vere  pronounced,  clearly  meant  t^i  say, 
reniember  before  whom  you  are  ataudin^, 
take  heed  to  youF  words,  aud  he  eipeditioue. 

There  was  no  surer  or  quicker  way  of  inspiring  Friar 
Cristoforo  with  cour^e,than  to  addrésB  him  with  haugh- 
tineBS.  He  had  atood  waTeringly,  and  at  a  loaa  for  vorda, 
paBBing  through  hìa  fingerà  the  beads  of  the  rosaiy  that 
hiing  at  bis  girdle,  aB  ii  he  hoped  to  find  in  some  of  tfaem 
an  introducttoD  to  hia  apeech  ;  but  at  this  behaTiour  of 
Don  Bodrigo's,  there  instantly  roae  to  hiB  mind  more  to 
aay  than  he  had  want  of.  Immediately,  bowever,  recol- 
lecting  how  irapórtant  it  waa  uot  to  spoil  hia  work,  or, 
what  waa  far  worae,  the  vork  he  had  undertaken  for 
others,  he  corrected  and  tempered  tbe  language  that  b&d 
preaent^d  itaelf  to  bis  mind,  and  said,  vitn  cautìous  hu- 


,»Ogk' 


"TI.]  THB   BBTBOTHED.  89 

mili^  ;  '  I  come  ta  propose  to  you  &q  act  of  justice,  to 
Bupplicate  a  deed  of  mercy.  Some  men  of  I)ad  character 
Iure  mode  ose  of  the  name  of  your  illuetrious  lordsbip, 
to  alami  a  poor  curate,  and  dissuade  him  from  perform* 
ìng  bis  duty,  and  to  opprera  two  iaaoceot  peroons.  Tou 
can  confound  them  by  a  word,  restore  ali  to  order,  and 
reliere  thoae  who  are  so  ebamefully  wroDged.  Tou  are 
able  to  do  it  ;  and  being  able ....  conscìence,  honour . . . .' 

'You  will  be  good  enough  to  talk  of  jnj  conadenca 
when  I  ask  jovi  advice  about  it.  Ab  to  my  honour,  I 
b^  to  inform  you,  I  am  the  guardiau  of  it,  and  I  onlv  ; 
and  that  whoefer  darea  intrude  bìmeelf  to  ahare  tbe 
guardianship  with  me,  I  regard  as  a  raah  man,  who 
offenda  egaiuBt  ìt.' 

Friar  Cristoforo,  perceiving  &om  tbese  worda  that  the 
Signor  Bought  to  put  a  wrong  construction  on  ali  he  said, 
and  to  tura  tbe  discouree  into  a  dispute,  so  ae  to  prevent 
bis  coming  to  the  main  point,  bound  himself  stili  more 
ngidly  to  be  patieat,  and  to  awallow  every  insult  he  might 
p^aae  to  offer.  He  tberefore  replìed,  in  a  subdued  tono, 
'  If  I  bave  said  anything  to  offend  you,  I  certaìnly  did 
not  ÌDtend  it.  Gorrect  me,  reprobe  me,  if  I  do  net  speak 
becomingl;,  but  deign  to  listeu  to  me.  For  Heaven's 
aake— for  the  sake  of  that  God  in  wboge  presence  we 
must  ali  appear  . .  .  .'  and  in  saying  tbis,  he  took  between 
his  banda  the  httle  croea  of  wood  ap^nded  to  bis  rosary, 
and  held  it  up  before  the  eyes  of  uib  browning  auditor;. 
*  be  not  obstinately  resolved  to  refuse  an  act  of  justice  so 
easy  and  so  due  to  the  poor,  Bemember  that  &od's  eye 
ia  ever  over  them,  and  that  their  imprecations  are  beard 
tboxe.    Inaocence  la  powerful  in  His  . . .  .' 

'Aba!  lather!'  sbarply  interrupted  Don  Bodrigo; 
'  the  respect  I  bear  to  your  habit  is  great  ;  but  if  any- 
thiog  could  make  me  forget  it,  it  would  be  to  see  it  on  one 
who  darea  to  come  as  a  spy  iuto  my  house.' 

Tbese  wortb  brougbt  a  crimaon  glow  upon  the  cheeks  of 
tbe  friar  ;  but  with  the  countenance  of  one  who  anallows 
a  Tery  bitter  medicine,  he  replied,  '  You  do  not  think  I 
deser?e  sucb  a  title.  You  feei  in  your  beart  that  the  act 
I  am  now  performing  ie  neither  wicked  nor  contemptible. 


,c,oglc 


a.  [cH, 

Iiisteo  to  me,  lignor  Don  Bodrigo  ;  and  HetTcn  gmst  • 
tìay  may  not  come  in  which  jou  will  bave  to  repent  of  not 
kaving  liatened  to  me  !  I  will  not  leueu  yottr  honour'— 
What  hououF,  Signor  Don  Bodrigo  !  what  honour  in  thff 
BigbtofmoDl  what  hnnour  in  the  aight  of  God  I  TouhaT» 
Biuch  in  your  power,  but . .  ,  .' 

'  Don't  you  know,'  aaid  Don  Bodrigo,  interrapting  hht 
in  an  agitatod  tona,  tb«  mingled  efl^t  oT  anger  and  renione, 
'  don't  you  knov  that  when  the  fÈney  teua  me  to  hoar  a 
Bermoa,  I  can  go  to  church  like  other  people  ?  But  in  mj 
own  house  !  Oh  !  '  eontinued  he,  with  a  forced  amile  òt 
Biock«ry  :  '  You  treat  me  ai  thongh  I  were  of  higber  rank 
than  I  am.  It  b  ouly  priacea  who  ìatie  a  preacher  in  their 
own  hooaes.' 

*And  that  Ood  who  requir»  pnnoee  to  render  aa 
account  of  tìie  word  preached  to  them  in  tbeir  palaees, 
that  (}od  wbe  now  beitowa  upoQ  you  a  token  of  Hia  wertsj, 
bysMidiiig  Hit  minister,  Uiough  indeed  a  poor  and  un<- 
wortfay  one,  to  intercede  for  an  innocent  .  .  .  .' 

'  In  short,  fatfaer,'  aaid  Don  Bodrigo,  prepariog  to  go,  '  I 
don't  know  what  you  meui:  I  oan  ooly  aumose  thers 
muet  be  aome  young  girl  you  are  ooncemed  about.  Uake 
eonfidants  of  whom  you  pleaae,  biit  don't  bara  the  aaauD* 
ance  to  onnoy  a  gentleman  any  longer.' 

Oo  the  movement  of  Don  Bodrigo,  the  fidar  alao  ad> 
Tanoed,  revereaUy  plaoed  bimaelf  in  bii  way,  raiaed  bia 
4ianda,  both  in  an  attìtude  of  supplication,  and  alao  to  de- 
tain  him,  and  agaio  replied,  '  I  am  conoemed  for  ber,  it  ia 
trae,  btit  not  more  than  for  yourself  :  there  are  two  persona 
who  eoBcenì  me  more  than  my  own  life.  Don  Bodrigo  ! 
I  can  only  pray  for  you  ;  but  this  I  will  do  with  my  wbole 
heart.  Do  notsay''Do"  to  me;  do  not  keep  a  poor  inno- 
cent  m  anguish  and  terror.  One  word  from  you  will  do 
alL' 

'  Well,'  satd  Don  Rodrigo,  '  sincs  you  seem  to  think 
I  CSD  do  IO  much  for  this  perton  ;  slnoe  you  are  ao  mucb 
interested  fw  ber  .  .  ,  .' 

'WellP'  aaid  Fatber  Cristoforo,  anxioudy,  while  the 
behaviour  and  eouBtenanoe  of  Don  Bodrigo  forl»de  bis 
indulging  in  the  ho^  which  the  worda  appeued  to  warrant. 


,»Ogk' 


VI.]  Txn  BBTROTHCD,  91 

'  Wcll  ;  tante  bar  te  oome  and  pat  henelf  undar  mv 
protection.  She  thall  waat  for  nothing,  and  no  ooe  ibaU 
dare  moleit  ber,  u  I  am  a  gentletnan-' 

At  TOch  a  pro[KiMU,  the  iodignatioD  of  the  friar,  bitherto 
wìth  difBculh'confinédwitbiiiDouiids.bimt  forth  without 
Teetraìnt.  àJl  bis  good  resolutioos  of  prudence  ajjd  pa- 
tìenoe  foraook  btm,  the  <^d  nature  usurped  the  ^lace  of  th« 
new;  and  in  theae  eaaea  Father  Criatoforo  waa  inde«d  lika 
two  different  meo.  '  Tour  protection  !  '  eiciaìmed  he, 
Betiring  a  «tep  or  two,  and  fiercely  resting  od  bis  righi 
foot,  fall  right  band  plaeedonhù  hip,hÌB]efl;  held  up,  point* 
ing  vith  hÌB  toT6'6ager  towarda  Don  Bodrigo,  and  two 
fiOTT'glancìng  erea  piovingl}'  ftzed  upon  him  :  '  your  pro> 
tection  !  Woe  oe  to  you  that  yòu  bave  thu»  spoken,  that 
you  bare  piade  me  auch  a  propoaai,  Tou  bare  fillad  up 
tìw  mBaaura  of  yonr  iniquJty,  and  I  no  loQger  fear  yen. 

'  How  are  yon  apeaking  to  me,  &iar  f  ' 

'  I  apeak  aa  to  one  who  i«  foraakeD  by  Glod,  and  who  oan 
Bolongeresciteféar.  I  knew  that  tbia  ìnnooeut  ma  under 
Ood'fl  protection  ;  bat  yon,  yoa  bave  now  made  me  ièri  it 
with  Bo  much  oertaìn^,  that  I  bare  no  looger  need  to  aak 
protection  of  yon.  Lucia,  I  aay — aes  how  I  pronoaocs 
tfaia  name  with  a  bold  fiu»  and  uamoved  ezpresaioli.' 

'  What  I  in  tbia  house  I' 

'  I  pity  tìna  hooee  ;  a  curae  is  auBpendod  over  it.  Toa 
wìU  eee  whetber  tìie  justice  of  Qoa  can  he  resisted  bj 
foor  walla,  and  bar  navoea  at  your  ^tee.  Thought  you 
that  God  had  made  a  oreature  in  hia  image,  to  gire  you 
the  deligfat  of  tonaenting  ber  p  Thought  you  tbat  He 
would  not  defeod  ber  P  You  bare  despiaed  Hia  couueel, 
aod  yon  will  be  judged  Ebr  it  !  The  heart  of  Fharaoh  waa 
hardened,  hke  youn,  but  Ghid  knew  how  to  break  it 
Lucia  ieaafe  fromyou;  I  donot  heaitatetoaayao,  though 
a  poor  friar  :  and  aa  to  you,  liaten  what  I  predict  to  you. 
A  day  will  oome  .  .  .  .' 

Dan  Bodrigo  had  atood  till  now  with  a  miiu;led  feeling 
ef  rage  and  mute  astoniahmeot  ;  but  on  hearing  the  be- 
rioning  of  this  prediction,  au  undefioed  and  mysterioui 
leu  waa  added  to  hia  anger.  Hastily  seiEiag  the  TatheT'a 
outatMtdied  ann,  and  raiaing  hia  voice  to  drown  tJiat  of 


,CK,glc 


93  I   PROMESSI   BPOSI.  [CH. 

the  inauapicious  prophet,  he  ezcl^med,  '  Get  out  of  my 

sigbt,  raan  villain— -cowied  rascal  !  ' 

Theae  definite  appellations  calrned  Father  Cristoforo 
in  a  moment.  Tbe  idea  of  Bubmisaion  and  eilence  bad 
been  so  long  asaociated  in  bis  mind  witb  that  of  contempi: 
and  injury,  tfaat  at  thia  compliment  every  feeling  of 
warmth  and  entbusiaam  ìnHtantly  subaided,  and  be  only 
reeolved  to  liaten  patientl^  to  whatever  Don  Bodrigo 
might  be  pleased  toeubjoin.  Quietlj,  tben,  withdrawiug 
bis  band  Irom  tbe  Signor'e  grasp,  ne  stood  motìonleas, 
vith  bis  head  bent  downwsrds,  aa  an  aged  trae,  in  the 
sudden  lulling  of  an  oTerbearing  storm,  reaumes  ita  naturai 

Eosition,  and  receirea  on  ita  drooping  branchea  the  hail  as 
[eaven  aenda  it. 
•4^  Vile  upatart  !  '  contìnued  Don  Sodrigo  ;  '  you  treat 
me  like  an  equal  :  but  thank  the  casaock  that  coverà  jour 
cowardly  ahoddera  for  eaving  ytm  from  the  caresaea  tbat 
Buch  scoundrela  aa  yen  ahould  receive,  to  teach  tbem  how 
to  tiUk  to  a  gentieman.  Depart  witb  sound  limbs  for 
thia  once,  or  we  aball  aee.' 

So  aaying,  be  poiuted  witb  imperious  acom  to  a  door 
oppoeite  the  one  ther  had  entered  ;  and  Fatber  CrtGtororo 
bowed  hia  head  and  departed,  leavin^  Don  Ra  Wgo  to 
meaaure,  witb  excited  atepa,  the  lìeld  of  battle. 

Wben  tbe  friar  had  cfosed  the  door  behind  bim,  he 
perceived  some  one  in  the  apartmeut  be  had  entered, 
atealing  sofcly  along  the  w&ll,  that  be  migbt  not  be  aeen 
•  from  the  room  of  cxtnfeience  ;  and  he  inatantly  recognized 
the  aged  aervant  who  had  received  bim  at  the  door  on  hia 
arrÌTaL  Thia  man  bad  lived  in  the  femily  for  forty  yeara, 
that  is,  aince  before  Don  Badrìgo'a  birtb,  bariiig  been  in 
the  service  of  bis  &ther,  who  was  a  very  difierent  kind  of 
man.  On  bia  death,  the  uew  miieter  diamiaaed  ali  tbs 
bouaebold,  and  hired  a  freah  set  of  attendants,  retaining, 
bowerer,  thia  one  aervant,  both  becauae  be  was  old,  and 
becauae,  althougb  of  a  temper  and  babita  widely  difierent 
from  hia  own,  he  made  amenda  for  thia  defect  by  two 
qualificatìoDS — a  lotty  idea  of  the  dignity  of  tbe  housey 
and  long  eiperience  in  ita  ceremonialB  ;  witb  tbe  moat 
ancient  traditioos  ned  minute  puiicuUni  of  wbicb  he 


TI.]  THB   BETKOTBED.  93 

Wu  better  acqiuinted  tban  tnj  one  else.  In  the  preBence 
of  bis  master,  the  poor  old  man  aerei  ventured  a  aiga, 
stili  lesa  &n  expression,  of  bis  disapprobation  of  what  he 
Baw  around  him  every  day  ;  but  at  times  he  could  scarcely 
refrain  from  some  exctamatioQ — some  reproof  murmured 
between  bis  llps  to  bis  fellow-seiranta,  They,  bigbly 
diverted  at  bis  remarke,  wouid  sometimeB  urge  him  to 
coQTersation,  prorokìng  him  to  Gnd  fault  witb  the  present 
state  of  tbings,  and  to  sound  the  pmiaeB  of  tbe  ancìent 
vay  of  liring  in  tbe  family.  His  cenaurea  only  oame  to 
hiB  maater'a  eare  accompanied  by  a  relation  of  the  rìdicule 
beatowed  upon  them,  ao  that  they  merely  succeeded  in 
making  him  an  object  of  contempt  without  resentment, 
On  dajB  of  ceremony  and  entertainment,  however,  tbe 
old  man  became  a  person  of  aerious  importance. 

Fatber  Cristoforo  looked  at  him  as  he  paased,  saluted 
him,  and  waa  about  to  go  fonrard  ;  but  the  old  man  ap- 
proBcbed  with  a  myiiteriouB  air,  put  his  fore-finger  on  bia 
lìpe,  and  then  beckoned  to  him,  with  the  saìd  fore-finger, 
to accompany  him  intaadark  paasage,  where,  ìn  an  under 
tone,  he  sud,  '  Fatber,  I  bare  he&rd  ali,  and  I  want  to 
Bpeak  to  you.' 

'Speak  up,  tben,  at  once,  my  good  man.' 
Not  bere  !  woe  to  us  if  tbe  master  saw  us  !    But  I 
can  learn  much,  and  will  try  to  come  to-morrow  to  tbe 
conrent.' 

'  Io  there  some  project  ?  ' 

'  Something's  in  the  wind,  tbat's  certain  :  I  had  already 
Buspected  ìt  ;  but  now  I  will  be  on  the  watch,  and  wifi 
fina  ont  ali.  Leare  it  to  mie.  I  bappen  to  see  and  bear 
tbings  ....  strange  thingi  !  I  am  in  a  house  !  ...  -  But 
I  wish  to  Bave  my  bouI.' 

'  Qod  blcBB  you  !  '  said  thefriar,  Boftir  pronouncing  tbe 
benediction,  as  he  laid  hia  band  on  the  servant's  nead, 
wbo,  tbough  much  older  than  himself,  bent  before  bim 
with  the  respect  of  a  son.  '  God  will  reward  you,'  con- 
tinaed  the  friar  ;  '  don't  fail  to  come  to  me  to-morrow.' 

'  I  will  be  aure  to  come,'  replied  the  servant  :  '  but  do 
TOu  go  quickly,  and  ....  for  Heaven's  sake  ....  don't 
oetray  me.'    So  saying,  and  looking  cautiously  around, 

lì   . .:  A-iooi^lc 


M  I  rBOHSBSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

lie  went  ont,  at  the  other  end  of  the  paauge,  into  a  hall 
that  led  to  the  court-^ard  ;  and  »eeing  the  cout  clear, 
beckoned  to  the  good  &i&r,  whose  face  responded  to  the 
last  injanction  more  pUiuly  than  anj  proteetatioos  could 
haTe  dona  The  old  man  poiated  to  the  door,  and  the 
Mar  departed  wJthout  further  dela^. 

ThÌB  Berrant  had  been  lintening  at  his  mnater'e  door. 
Had  he  done  right?  And  was  Father  Cristoforo  right 
in  praÌBing  him  for  it  P  According  to  the  commonest 
and  moet  generally  received  rulei,  it  was  a  very  dishoneet 
act  ;  but  might  uot  this  caso  he  regarded  as  an  exception  ? 
Ani  are  there  not  eioeptions  to  the  moat-generallf-re- 
c6ÌTed  ruleB  ? 

I  Tbese  are  questiona  which  we  leave  the  reader  to  resolve 
/at  hia  pleasure.  We  do  not  pretend  to  gire  judgment  : 
'  it  ÌB  enough  tbat  we  relato  factB. 

Haring  reached  the  road,  and  tumed  hia  back  npon 
this  wild  beast'B  dea,  Father  Cristoforo  breatbed  more 
freelf ,  ai  he  haetened  down  the  deaoent,  hia  face  flushed. 


and  bis  mind,  as  every  one  may  imagine,  agitited  and 
cooTiued  hj  what  he  had  recenti^  heard  and  saìd.     But 


;dbv  Google 


Tt.]  THB  BXTROTHBD.  96 

the  nnexpected  profTar  of  tha  old  man  k«d  b«en  a  gre%t 
nlief  to  him  ;  it  Memed  as  if  Hearea  bad  given  him  « 
Tùibte  token  of  ita  protectìon.  Here  ia  a  due,  thought 
be,  that  ProTidenoe  baa  put  into  mr  banda.  In  tbia 
terj  honae,  too  !  and  without  mj  eren  dreamiog  of  lookiog 
fbr  one  !  Engaged  in  such  tboughta,  he  rtùeed  bis  ejea 
towards  the  west,  aod  aeeìng  tbe  aetting  aun  olread;  toucb- 
hig  tbe  summit  of  the  mountain,  was  reminded  that  the 
àay  WBB  faat  drawing  to  a  dose.  He  therefore  quickened 
hÌB  atepa,  tbougb  weavy  and  weak,  after  tbe  many  anno/- 
Mlcea  of  the  da;',  tbat  be  migbt  bave  time  to  carry  back 
his  intelligence,  sucb  aa  it  was,  to  hia  protégée,  and  arrivo 
st  tbe  convent  before  night  ;  for  thia  was  one  of  the  moat 
■bsolute  and  atrictl^-enforoéd  rnlea  of  tbe  Capuebin  di«- 
dpline. 

In  tbe  mean  time,  there  bad  been  plana  propoeed  and 
debated  in  Lncia'a  cottage,  witb  which  it  la  necesearr  to 
Bcquaint  tbe  reader.  An«r  the  deporture  of  the  frior, 
the  three  Menda  remained  some  time  ailent  ;  Lacia,  with 
a  Bcvrowfut  heart,  preparing  the  dinner  ;  Benzo  irreaiv 
Iute,  and  cbanging  nia  poBÌtion  every  moment,  to  avoid 
tìie  sight  of  ber  mournful  face,  yet  witbout  beut  to  learo 
ber  ;  Agnese,  apparently  ìntent  npon  tbe  reel  abe  was 
irinding,  tbougb,  in  fact,  aha  waa  deliberating  upon  a 
pian  ;  and  wben  abe  thoaght  it  saffidently  matured,  ai» 
broke  the  silence  with  these  worde  : — 

'  Liaten,  my  childmi.  If  joix  bave  aa  mucb  courage 
and dexterity aa  iarequired;  ifyou wiUtruatrourmothM-, 
(tbii  vovr  notier,  addreaaed  to  both,  made  Luoia'e  beart 
bound  withinber,)  Iwillundertaketo^t  vou  out  of  thia 
dìffioulty,  better,  perhapa,  and  more  quìckly  than  Fatber 
Criatoforo,  though  he  ia  such  a  man.'  Lucia  atopped  and 
looked  at  ber  motber  with  a  foce  more  expreeaive  of 
«onder  than  of  confidence  in  ao  maguiScent  a  promise  ; 
knd  Benio  hastily  eielaimed,  '  Courage  ì  dexterity  ? — teli 
me,  teli  me  what  can  we  do  p  ' 

'  If  you  vere  matried,'  continned  Agnese,  '  it  wonld 
be  the  great  dtfflculty  out  of  the  way — wouldn't  it  F  and 
eouldn't  we  eaaily  find  a  remedy  for  ali  tbe  rest  ?  ' 

'  la  tben  any  d«ubt  F  '  aaid  Benzo  ;  '  if  we  were  mai> 


,c,oglc 


96  1    FHOMESSI    SPOSI,  [cH. 

ned.  .  .  .  One  maj  live  an^here  ;  and,  at  Bergamo,  not 
fep  from  here,  a  Bilt-weaver  would  be  received  with  open 
arme.  You  know  bow  often  my  coubìq  Bortolo  boa 
wanted  me  to  go  and  Uve  with  him,  that  I  might  make  a 
fortune,  aa  he  nae  done  ;  and  if  I  bave  never  listened  to 
bim,  it  ÌB  .  .  .  .  you  know,  because  mj  heart  was  bere. 
Once  married,  we  would  ali  go  thither  togetber,  and  live 
in  blessed  peace,  out  of  tbia  vìllain's  reacn,  and  far  from 
the  temptationto  do  a  rauh  deed.     lan't  it  true.  Lucia  P  ' 

'  Tea,'  aaid  Lucia  ;  '  but  how  ?....' 

'  Ab  I  bave  told  you,'  replied  Agnese,  '  Be  bold  and 
export,  and  the  thing  ie  easj.' 

'  Easy  !  '  at  tbo  same  moment  excloimed  the  two  lovers, 
to  wbom  it  had  become  ao  atrangely  and  aadly  difficult. 

'  Easy,  if  you  know  how  to  go  about  it,'  replied  Agnese. 
*  Lìeten  attentively  to  me,  and  I  vili  try  and  make  you 
underatand  it.  1  bave  heard  say,  by  peopte  vho  ought 
to  know,  tmd  I  bave  aeeu  it  myeelf  in  one  case,  that  to 
Bolemnize  a  marriage,  a  curate,  of  coune,  is  neceBaary, 
but  Dot  hia  good-will  or  cooaent  ;  it  ia  enough  if  he  ia 
present.' 

'  How  can  tbia  be  P  '  aaked  Benso. 

'  Iiiaten,  and  you  ahaU  bear.  There  must  be  two  wit- 
neeaea,  nitnble  and  well  agreed.  Tbey  muat  go  to  the 
prieBt  ;  the  point  ia  to  take  bim  by  aurprise,  that  he 
mayn't  bave  timo  to  escape.  The  man  saya,  "  Signor 
Curate,  thia ìb  my  wife;  "  the  woman  eaye,  "  Signor  Curate, 
tbia  ia  my  huaband."  It  ia  necesaary  that  the  curate  and 
tbe  witneBBea  bear  it,  and  then  tbe  marriage  ia  just  al 
valid  and  eacred  aa  if  the  Pope  bad  bleaaed  it.  Wben 
once  the  worda  are  apoken,  tbe  curate  mayfret,  and  fumé, 
and  Btorm,  but  it  will  do  no  good  ;  you  are  man  and  wife.' 

'  Is  it  poasible  P  '  ezclaimed  Lucìa. 

'  What!  '  aaid  Agneae,  'do  you  tbink  I  bave  leamt 
nothing  in  the  thirty  years  I  waa  in  the  world  before 
you  F  The  tbing  is  just  aa  I  told  you  ;  and  a  friend  of 
mine  is  a  proof  of  it,  who,  wiehing  to  be  married  against 
the  will  01  ber  parente,  did  aa  I  was  sayiug,  and  gained 
ber  end.  The  curate  auapected  it,  and  was  on  the  watcb  ; 
but  they  knew  so  well  bow  to  go  about  it,  that  tbey 


TI.]  THB   BETBOTHED.  fl7 

uTÌved  just  at  the  rìglit  moment,  uid  the  words,  utd 
became  man  and  wife  ;  though  she,  poor  thing  !  repented 
of  it  before  three  daya  were  orer.' 

It  waa,  in  fact,  as  Agnese  had  repreaented  it  ;  marriages 
contracted  in  thìa  manner  were  then,  and  are  eveu  to  this 
day,  acknowledged  valid.  Aa,  howerer,  thia  expedient 
was  never  resorted  to  but  by  those  who  had  met  witb 
some  obstaele  or  refusai  in  the  ordinary  methad,  the 
priest  took  great  care  to  aroid  such  forced  co-operation  ; 
and  if  one  of  them  happened  to  be  surprised  by  a  couple, 
sccompanied  with  witnesses,  he  tried  every  means  of 
escape,  like  Froteiis  in  the  bands  of  those  who  would 
bave  made  bim  propheay  by  force. 

'  If  it  were  true,  Lucia  !  '  aaid  Benzo,  fixing  bis  eyei 
upon  ber  witb  a  look  of  implorìng  expectation. 

'  What  !  if  it  were  true  P  '  replied  Agueae,  '  Tou 
think,  then,  I  teli  lìen.  I  do  my  beat  for  you,  and  am 
Hot  believed  :  veir  well  ;  get  out  of  the  difficulty  as  yoa 
can  :  I  wash  my  banda  of  it.' 

'Ah,  noi  don't  forsake  iis,'  crìed  Benzo.  'I  aaid  so 
because  it  appeared  too  good  a  thing.  I  pUce  myself  in 
your  bands,  and  will  conaider  you  aa  if  you  were  really 
my  mother.' 

These  worda  instantly  dispelled  the  momentary  indig- 
nation  of  Agnese,  and  made  nerforget  areBolutionwhicQ, 
in  realìty,  bad  only  been  in  nord. 

'But  why,  then,  mother,'  said  Lucia,  in  her  usuai 
gentle  manner,  '  wby  didn't  tbis  pian  come  into  Father 
Criatoforo's  mind  F  * 

'  Into  bis  mind  F  '  replied  Agnese  ;  '  do  you  tbink  it 
didn't  come  into  bis  mind  P     But  he  wouldn't  apeak  of  it.* 

'  Why  ?  '  demanded  they  both  at  once. 

'  Because  ....  because,  if  you  must  know  it,  the  friara 
think  tbat  it  is  aot  ezactty  a  proper  thing.' 

'  How  can  it  belp  standing  finn,  and  being  well  done, 
when  it  m  done  I  '  said  Benzo. 

'  How  can  I  teli  you  ?  '  replied  Agnese.  '  Other  people 
bare  made  the  law  as  tbey  pleaaed,  and  we  poor  people 
can't  understand  ali.  And  then,  how  many  things  .... 
See  j  it  is  like  giving  a  Christian  a  blow.    It  isn't  rìgbt. 


,c,oglc 


»3I.  [CH. 

tmt  when  it  ìs  oncis  gìren,  not  even  the  P<^  can  tcoII 


'  If  it  ù 


in't  mht,'  BBÌd  Lucia,  '  we  ought  not  to  do  it.' 

'  What  !  '  saia  AgDeae,  '  would  I  give  you  advice  con- 
trar^r  to  the  fear  of  Gk>d  ?  If  it  were  againat  the  irill  of 
your  parents,  and  to  marry  a  rogue  ....  but  wben  I 
am  satiefied,  and  it  ia  to  ired  thia  youtb,  and  he  who 
makes  ali  thia  disturbance  ia  a  viUàin,  and  the  Signor 
Curate . . . .' 

'  It  ìs  aa  clear  aa  tbe  sun,'  aaid  Senzo. 

*  One  need  not  speak  to  Éather  Cristoforo,  before  doing 
it,'  cODtinued  Agnese  ;  '  but  irhen  it  ìb  once  done,  and 
bas  well  eucceeded,  what  do  you  think  the  Father  will 
Bay  to  you  ? — Ah,  daughter  !  it  waa  a  aad  error,  but  it  ia 
doae.  Tbe  friars,  you  kuow,  niuBt  talk  bo.  But  trust 
me,  in  hia  beart  he  will  be  very  well  satiefied.' 

Without  being  able  to  anawer  auch  reaaonìng.  Lucia 
did  not  think  it  eppeared  rery  convincing  ;  but  Benzo, 
quite  encouraged,  aaid,  '  Since  it  ia  thua,  tbe  thing  ia 

'  Qently,'  said  Agnese.  '  The  wìtnesaes,  where  are 
they  to  be  found  ?  Then,  how  wiil  you  manage  to  get 
at  tbe  Signor  Curate,  who  bae  been  shut  up  in  bis  house 
two  days?  And  how  make  him  stand  when.  you  do  get 
at  him  P  for  though  he  ia  weighty  enough  uaturally,  I 
'  dare  venture  to  aay,  when  he  seea  you  make  your  appear- 
ance  in  such  a  guise,  he  will  hecome  as  nùnble  aa  a  cat, 
and  flee  like  the  devil  from  holy  water.' 

'  I  bare  found  a  way — l've  found  one,'  cried  Benzo, 
striking  tbe  tabte  with  bis  clencbed  band,  till  be  made 
tbe  dinner-things  quiTcr  and  r&ttle  with  the  hlow  ;  and 
be  proceeded  to  remte  hia  design,  which  Agnèae  entirely 
approved. 

'  It  ÌB  ali  confusion,'  said  Lucia  ;  '  it  ia  not  perfectly 
bonest.  Till  now  we  bave  always  acted  sincerely  ;  let 
US  go  on  in  faith,  and  Crod  will  help  us  ;  Father  Criato- 
foro  said  so.    Bo  listen  to  bis  advice.' 

'  Be  guided  by  those  who  know  better  than  you,' 
said  Agnese,  gravely.  '  What  need  ia  there  to  aak 
advice  ?    God  bids  uà  help  ourBelves,  and  then  He  will 


,»OglC 


VI.]  IHB   BSTROTHED.  99 

help  nx.  Wb  nill  teli  tke  Futher  ali  fibont.it  wtea  it  ìb 
aver.' 

'Lucio,'  Baid  Benzo,  'will  you  fui  me  now?  Have 
ve  not  done  ali  like  good  CbriatianB?  Ooght  we  not 
now  to  have  beea  man  and  wifeP  Didc't  the  Curato 
bimself  fix  the  day  and  hour  P  And  whoee  fault  ù  it,  if 
we  are  now  obliged  to  use  a  little  ounning  ?  No,  no  ; 
you  won't  fail  me.  I  am  goìng,  and  will  come  back  with- 
an  onaver.*  So  tayìng,  ne  gave  Lucìa  an  imploring 
look,  and  Agnese  a  Tery  kaowing  glauco,  and  haatily 
took  bis  dep&rture. 

Xt  ÌB  Baia  that  trouble  aharpeuB  the  wit  ;  and  Benzo, 
who,  in  the  upright  and  etraiehtforward  path  he  bad 
hitherto  followed,  bad  never  bad  occaeìon  to  sharpen  bis 
in  any  eniit  degree,  bad,  in  tbÌB  ìnetance,  planned  a 
design  that  would  hare  done  hoaour  to  a  lawyer.  He 
Went  direatly,  as  he  bad  purposed,  to  a  cottage  uear  at 
faand,  helouging  to  a  certaìn  Tonio,  whom  he  found 
busy  in  the  Kitchen,  with  one  knee  reating  on  the  atand 
of  a  obaflng-djafa,  holding  in  bis  right  band  the  handle 
of  a  Baucepan,  that  etood  on  the  bumìng  embera,  and 
atirring  with  a  hroken  roUìng-pin,  a  little  grej  polenta,' 
of  Turkey  àoar.  The  mother,  brother,  and  wi£e  of 
Tonio,  were  Beated  at  the  table  ;  and  three  or  four  little 
children  atood  around,  waiting,  with  eyes  eagerly  fized 
on  the  Baucepan,  tìU  the  gmel  abould  be  ready  to  pour 
out.  But  the  pleasure  was  wanting  which  the  eight  of 
dinner  nsually  givea  to  thoee  who  have  earned  it  by 
hard  labour.  The  quantity  of  the  polenta  waa  rather  in 
proportìon  to  the  timeB  than  to  the  number  and  in- 
clinationa  of  the  bouBehold  ;  and  each  one  eyeing  the 
common  food  with  envious  looka  of  Btrong  desìre,  seemed 
to  be  meaanring  the  extent  of  appetite  likely  to  surviva 
it.  Wbile  Bonzo  wa>  eicbaoging  ealutationa  with  the 
ftmily,  Tooio  poured  out  the  polenta  iato  the  wooden 
trenober  that  atood  ready  to  receive  it,  and  it  looked  like 
A  little  moon  in  a  largo  circle  ofvapour.  Keverthelees, 
the  women  courteouuy  said  to  Bonzo,  '  Will  jou  take 
some  with  US?' — acomplìmentthat  theliombard  peaaant 
*  A  (hiek  gnet,  made  ol  flour  tnd  water,  twil«d  Cogetlier. 


,c,oglc 


100  I   FB0HES8I    BP06I.  [CH. 

nerer  faUa  to  pa^  to  any  one  who  finds  him  &t  a  meal, 
eren  though  tlie  vieitor  were  a  rich  glatton  just  riaea 
from  tftble,  and  he  were  at  the  last  mouthfuL 

'Thank  you,'  replied  Beuzo;  'I  only  carne  to  say 
a  word  or  two  to  Tonio  ;  and  if  jou  like,  Tonio,  Dot  to 
dìsturb  jour  famìly ,  we  caa  go  dine  at  the  iim,  and  talk 
there.'  Thia  propesa!  waa  as  acceptable  to  Tonio  as  it 
was  uneipected  ;  and  the  womeo,  net  anwillingly,  b&w 
one  competitor  for  the  polenta  removed,  and  that  the 
most  formidable.  Tonio  old  aot  require  a  aecoad  asking, 
and  tbey  set  offtogether. 

Arrìved  at  the  village  inn,  they  sat  down  at  their  ease, 
perfectly  alone,  siuce  tiie  prevailiog  poverty  had  banished 
ali  the  UBual  frequenterà  of  thia  scene  of  mirth  and 
joviality.  They  called  for  the  little  that  was  to  he  had, 
and  haTÌug  emptied  a  glase  of  wine,  Benzo  addreased 
Tonio  with  an  air  of  mystery  ;  '  If  you  wiii  do  me  a 
■mail  favour,  I  will  do  you  a  great  one.' 

'  What  ìb  it  ? — ^tell  me  !  l'm  at  your  aervice,'  replied 
Tonio,  ponring  out  another  glass  ;  '  l'm  ready  to  go  into 
the  fire  fot  you  to-day.' 

'You  are  in  debt  twenty-fire  livree  to  the  Signor 
Curate  for  the  rent  of  hia  field  that  you  worked  laat 
year.' 

'  Ah,  Benzo,  Benzo  !  you're  epoiled  your  kindneas. 
Wby  did  you  remind  me  of  it  now?  Ton've  put  to 
flight  ali  my  good  will  towarda  you.' 

'  If  I  reminded  you  of  your  debt,'  aaid  Beszo,  '  it  is 
becauae  I  iatend,  if  you  like,  to  give  you  the  meana  of 
paying  it.' 

'  Do  you  really  mean  so  9  ' 

'  I  do  really.     Well,  are  ^ou  content  P  ' 

'  Content  P  I  should  think  so,  ìndeed  I  if  it  were  for 
no  other  reason  than  to  get  rid  of  those  tormenting 
looks  and  shakea  of  the  head  the  Signor  Curate  givea 
me  every  tJme  I  meet  him.  Aod  then  it  ia  always — 
"Tonio,  remember  :  Tonio,  wben  ahalt  I  see  you  to  aettle 
this  bneineBa  P  "  He  goes  so  far,  that,  wben  he  fizea  his 
eyea  upon  me  in  preaching,  l'm  balf  afraid  he  will  aay 
public^  :  Thoae  twecty-five  livrea  I   I  wiah  the  fcwenty- 


hXioot^lc 


VI.]  TUE   BETBOTHED.  IQI 

five  livrea  were  far  awa;  !  And  thea  Iie  will  have  to 
giva  me  back  mj  wife'a  gold  neckloce,  and  I  could  change 
it  into  so  laixahpùlenta.     But  .  .  . .  ' 

'  But,  if  yau'U  do  me  a  little  service,  the  tweiity-five 
livrea  are  ready.' 

'  With  ali  my  heart  ;  go  on.' 

'But! ....  said  Beozo,  laying  bis  finger  acroas  hia 
lips. 

'  Need  you  teU  me  that  ?     Tou  know  me.' 

"The  Signor  Curate  has  been  atarting  iome  abaurd 
objectiona,  to  delay  my  marriage.  They  teli  me  for 
certain,  that  if  we  go  before  him  with  two  witnessea,  and' 
J  Bay,  This  is  my  wife  ;  and  Lucia,  Thia  ia  my  buaband  j 
the  marriage  ia  valid.     Do  you  underatand  me  P  ' 

'  You  want  me  to  go  aa  a  witneaa  ?  ' 

•  Tea.' 

'  And  jrou'll  pay  the  twenty-five  livrea  for  mei" 

'  That  is  vrbat  I  mean.' 

'He'a  a  goose  that  wouldfail.' 

'  But  we  muat  find  another  nitueae.' 

'  I  have  bim  !  That  youog  clownieb  brotber  of  mine, 
GervBse,  will  do  anytbing  I  bid  him.  You'll  pay  bim 
with  something  to  drink  F  ' 

'  And  to  eat,  too,'  replied  Setizo.  '  We'XÌ  bring  him 
here  to  make  merry  with  ub.  But  will  he  know  what  to 
do?" 

'l'il  teach  bim.  Tou  know  I  have  gotbia  Bbare  of 
braiuB.' 

'  To-morrow  .  .  . .  ' 

*  Well.' 

'  Towarda  evening  . . . .  ' 

'  Very  well.' 

'  But! . .  ■ .  '  aaid  Benzo,  ^in  putting  hia  finger  ou 
hia  lipa. 

'  Poh  I  '  replied  Tonio,  bendine  hia  head  on  hia  right 
aboulder,  and  raiaing  bis  left  band,  witb  a  look  that 
seemed  to  aay.  Do  you  doubt  meP 

'  But  if  your  wlfe  queetions  you,  aa  without  doubt  ehe 
will . . . .' 

'  I  owe  my  wife  some  liea,  and  so  mony,  that  I  don't 


"t  .notale 


lOS  I   FHOMSBSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

hnow  if  I  shall  erer  manage  to  balance  tbe  accoont.  Ut 
find  aome  idle  etorj  to  put  ber  beart  at  rest,  I  werraab 
you.' 

'  To-moiTOW,'  Baia  Benso,  '  we  wìll  make  arrangemeotB, 
that  ever^hÌDg  msy  go  on  smootbly.' 

So  Bajmg,  tbey  left  the  inn,  Tonio  tending  his  stops 
bomewards,  axà  oontriving  aome  tale  to  relate  to  toe 
vomen,  and  Benio  to  gire  an  account  of  the  conceited 
arraDgemente^ 

In  tbe  mean  whQe,  Agnese  had  been  vainly  endeavour- 
ing  to  eonvince  ber  danghter.  To  ereir  argument,  Lucia 
oppoaed  one  side  or  other  of  ber  dilemma  ;  eitber  tbe 
tEiDg  ia  wrong,  and  we  ougbt  not  to  do  it,  or  it  ìb  not 
wTong,  and  why  not  teli  it  to  Father  Cristoforo  ?  ' 

E#nzo  arrived  quito  triumphant,  and  reported  hia  buc- 
COBB,  finishing  with  a  ahn  ì — a  Milanese  intenectioB  which 
eignifies — Am  I  a  man  or  not  F  can  yòu  find  a  bett«r 
pian?  would  it  ever  bare  entered  your  head?  and'  a 
nundred  other  Bucb  thinge. 

Lucia  ahook  her  head,  donbtfUlly;  but  the  two  entbu- 
naata  paid  little  attention  to  it,  m  one  doee  to  a  ohild 
when  one  deepairs  of  making  it  undeiatand  ali  tbe  reasons 
of  a  thing,  aud  detennines  to  induce  it  by  entreatìoB  or 
anthority  to  do  ae  it  ìs  required. 

'  It  goes  on  well,'  said  Agnese,  '  TWy  w^  ;  but .... 
yoa  baven't  thougbt  of  eTerytluDg.' 

'  Wbat  is  wanting  F  *  replied  Reneo. 

'  Perpetua  ! — jou  baven't  thougbt  of  Perpetua  !  8he 
will  odmìt  Tonio  and  bis  brother  well  enougb,  but  you — 
you  two — just  tbink  1  You  will  bave  to  keep  ber  at  a 
distance,  as  one  keepa  a  boy  fron  a  pear-tree  full  of  ripe 
firuit.' 

'How  efatU  Te  manage?'  said  Benso,  begìoning  to 
think. 

'  See,  now  I  /  bave  tbought  of  that,  too  ;  X  will  go 
with  you;  and  I  bave  a  secret  that  will  draw  ber  away, 
and  engagé  ber,  so  that  she  sba'n't  see  yon,  and  yen  con 

?>  in.    1 11  cali  hw  out,  and  will  touch  a  chord  .... 
ou  shall  Boe.' 


;dbv  Google 


VI.]  THE   BETBOTHED.  103 

'  BlesB  yon  !  '  esclaimed  Seaxo  ;  '  I  alwaji  uid  jou  ara 
our  help  ia  everrthiog.' 

'  But  bU  thÌ8  iB  of  no  use,'  eaid  A^ese,  '  uulen  we  c&n 
penuade  Lucio,  wbo  persiata  in  sayiuj;  ìb  ìb  a  sin.' 

Benzo  brought  in  «11  bis  eloquence  to  bis  aìd,  but 
Lucia  contÌDued  immoveable. 

'  I  cuinot  anawer  ali  your  arguments,'  said  Ae  ;  '  but 
I  aee  that,  to  do  what  you  w&nt,  we  sball  be  obliged  to 
nae  a  great  deal  of  dÌB^uise,  l'alsebood,  aod  deceit.  Ah, 
Itenzo  !  we  didn't  begm  so.  I  wit>b  to  be  joor  wife  ' — 
and  sbe  could  oever  pronounce  tbÌB  word,  or  gire  ei- 
preteioii  to  tbia  desire,  witbout  a  deep  fliuh  o^-erspreading 
ner  cheek — '  I  wiab  to  be  your  wife,but  in  the  ngbt  way 
— ia  tbe  fear  of  G-od,  at  tbe  aitar.  Let  uit  leave  ali  to 
Him  wbo  ìb  above.  Do  yoatbink  H«  canuot  find  meana 
to  help  US  better  tban  we,  witb  ali  tbeae  deceitful  ways  ? 
And  why  make  a  mystery  of  it  to  Patber  CriBtoforo  f  ' 

The  dispute  was  etili  prolonged,  and  Beemed  not  likely  ' 
to  come  to  a  Bpeedy  coucIubìou,  when  the  haBty  trend  of 
aandalH,  and  tbe  sound  of  a  ruatling  casBock,  resembling 
the  noìse  produced  by  repeated  gusta  of  wind  in  a  slack- 
ened  «oil,  announced  tbe  approach  of  Father  Cristoforo.  ' 
Tfaere  was  instant  ailence,  and  Agnese  had  acarcely  time 
to  whisper  in  Lucia'B  ear,  'Be  aure  yoii  Bay  nothing 
about  it. 


;dbv  Google 


I    PROMESSI   SFOSI.  [CH. 


CHAPTEE  TU. 

ATHEB  CBISTOFOBO  arri?ed  with  tbe  air 
of  agood  general,  nhohaving  logt  an  itnport- 
ant  battle,  without  any  &ult  on  hii  part, — 
diatresaed,  but  not  discouraged  ;  tboughtful, 
but  Dot  confoimded  ;  retreatìng,  but  uot  put 
to  flight  ;  turos  hÌ8  atepa  where  necessity  calla  for  hia 
preeence,  fortifjiiig  threatened  quarters,  regulating  bla 
troqpB,  and  givmg  new  ordere. 

'  Peace  be  witb  you  !  '  aaid  he,  aa  he  entered.  '  There 
is  notbtng  to  bope  from  man  ;  you  have  therefbre  more 
need  to  trust  in  God,  and  1  have  alreadj  had  a  pledge  of 
Hia  protectìon.' 

Althougb  noue  of  tbe  party  had  anticipated  much  from 
Fatber  Crìstofora'a  attempt,  (aince,  to  see  a  powerful 
nobleman  desist  from  an  act  of  oppreBsion,  unlesa  hewere 
orercome  by  a  superior  power,  from  regard  to  the  en- 
treaties  of  a  dÌBarmed  auppliant,  was  rather  an  unheard- 
of,  than  a  rare,  occurrence,)  yet  the  melancholy  certainty 
carne  aa  a  blow  upon  them  ali.    Their  heada  ìuvoluntarily 


,»OglC 


ni.]  THK    BBTBOTHBD.  lOS 

drooped,  but  anger  quicklf  prerailed  over  depreaeion  in 
Henzo'g  mind.  The  announcement  found  him  aìready 
wounded  And  ìrritated  hj  a  BuccesBioa  of  paiuful  eur- 
prisee,  fallacious  attempts,  and  dÌBa|jpointed  hopes,  and, 
above  ali,  exasperated  at  this  moment  bj  the  repulaes  of 
Lucia. 

'  I  ahould  like  to  kaow,'  aaid  he,  gnashing  hÌB  teeth 
and  raising  hia  voice  as  he  had  never  Defore  none  in  the 
presence  of  Fatber  Cristoforo  ;  '  I  should  like  to  know 
wbat  reasona  thia  dog  givea  for  aaserting  ....  for  aasert- 
ing  that  my  bride  sho^d  aot  be  mj  bride.' 

'PoorBenio!'  replied  the  friar,  with  a  look  andacoent 
of  pity  that  kindly  recommended  peacesblenoBa  ;  '  if  the 
powenul,  wbo  da  auch  deeda  of  injuetice,  were  alwaya 
obliged  to  gire  tbeir  reasona,  thinge  would  not  be  as 
tbey  are.' 

'  Did  the  dog  then  say  that  he  would  not,  beeama  he 
would  not  ?  ' 

*  He  dìdu't  even  Bay  that,  my  poor  fellow  !  It  would 
be  eomething,  if,  to  commit  iuiqiùty,  tbey  were  obliged 
openly  to  confèas  it.' 

'  But  he  must  bave  told  you  aomething  ;  wbat  did  tbia 
infemal  firebrand  Bay  ?  ' 

'  I  beard  his  woriu,  but  I  cannot  repeat  tbem  to  you. 
Tbe  words  of  a  powerful  wicked  man  are  violent,  but 
contradictory.  He  can  be  angry  tbat  you  are  suapicious 
of  him,  and  at  the  sanie  time  make  you  feel  that  your 
auspicioDs  are  well-founded  ;  bo  can  insult  you,  and  cali 
bimself  offended  ì  ridicule  you,  and  ask  your  opinion  ; 
tbreaten,  and  compkin  ;  be  insolent,  and  irreprebensible. 
Aak  no  more.  He  neitber  mentioned  the  name  of  thia 
innocent,  sor  your  own;  he  did  not  eren  appear  to  know 
Tou,  nor  did  he  say  he  designed  anjthing  ;  but ....  but 
I  undenrtood  too  well  tbat  he  is  immoveable.  However, 
conGdence  in  God,  you  poor  creatures  !  '  turaiag  to  Agnese 
and  Lucia,  '  don't  givo  up  in  dcapair  !  And  you,  Beuzo 
....  oh  I  believe  me,  I  can  put  myself  in  your  place  j  I 
can  feel  wbat  passea  in  your  heart.  But,  patìence  ;  it  ia 
a  poor  word,  a  bitter  one  to  thoae  who  bave  no  faith  ;  but 
you — ^wiU  you  not  allow  Giod  one  day,  two  days,  or  wbat- 


,»OglC 


106  1  rsousasi  sposi.  [oa. 

erop  tìme  He  tdaj  pleue  to  take  to  olear  toh  and  gire  jou 
juitice  F  The  time  k  His  ;  and  He  nas  promised  uà 
mach.  Lsave  Hìm  to  work,  Bbdio;  and  ....  beliere 
me,  I  alreadj  have  a  clue  that  may  lead  to  tomathing  fot 
fyaw  belp.  I  canaot  teli  y ou  more  at  preeeot  To-mor- 
row  I  sball  not  come  here  ;  I  must  be  at  the  eonrent  ali 
day,  for  you.  Tou,  Braso,  try  to  come  to  me  ;  or  if ,  by 
Boy  uaforeBeen  acoidwit,  you  cannot,  Bend  a  trustworthy 
man,  or  a  lad  of  diaoretion,  by  whom  I  may  let  you  know 
irhat  may  happen.  li  grows  dark  ;  I  shall  bave  to  make 
baste  to  leacb  the  coaveiit.  Faith,  couiage,  and  good 
night.' 

Havioe  eaid  thiB,  he  haetity  ìett  them,  and  made  bii 
way  rapidly  aloiig  a  crooked,  stony  by-patb,  that  he  mìgbt 
sot  be  late  at  the  convent,  and  run  the  risk  of  a  severe 
reprimand,  or,  vhat  would  bave  grieved  him  more,  the 
ianictioa  of  a  peoance,  which  might  have  disabled  bim 
on  the  morrow  tbr  any  undertaking  which  the  aecrìce  of 
hi5  protégés  migbt  require. 

'  Did  you  bear  what  he  aaid  about ....  I  don't  know 
vhat ....  about  a  due  that  he  beld  in  bis  band  to  help 
UB  ?  '  said  Lucia.  '  It  ia  beat  to  trust  in  him  ;  be  ia  a 
man  vho,  if  he  promises  tea  . . . .' 

'  I  know  there  is  not  bis  like,'  interrupted  Agnese  ; 
'  bnt  he  ought  to  bave  ^token  more  clearly,  or,  at  least, 
taken  me  aside  and  told  me  what  it  was.' 

'  Idle  prating!  l'U  put  an  end  to  it,  that  I  will!' 
iuterruptod  Beuio,  in  hw  turo,  as  he  paced  fìiriously  up 
and  down  the  room,  witb  a  look  and  tona  that  left  no 
doubt  BB  to  the  meaning  of  bis  words. 

'  Oh,  Benso  1  '  eidaimed  Lucia. 

'  What  do  you  mean  f  '  cried  Agnese. 

'  Whyneed  Iteli  you  P  l'U  put  an  end  to  it  !  ntong^ 
he  bas  a  bundred,  a  thousand  devila  in  bis  soul,  he's  flesh 
and  hlood,  after  ali.' 

'  ìfo,  no  !  far  Heaven'i  sake  1  .  . .  .'  hegan  Lucia,  but 
(ears  choked  ber  utteranoe. 

'  This  is  not  proper  language,  even  in  jeet,'  replied 
Agnese. 

'  la  jeet  !  '  med  Benso,  planting  himself  directly  before 


,»oglc 


■   TTl.]  THB   BKTWJTHKD.  107 

Agnese,  m  alte  mt,  aod  fixing  on  h»  tvo  feftrful-IbokiBg 
eyefl.  '  In  jeat  [  jou  ehall  eee  whether  I  un  in  JMt  or 
not.' 

'  Ah,  S«nn>  I  '  HÙd  Liicift,  acucelT  ttii»  to  •rticulste 
fbr  Bobs,  '  1  nevop  saw  you  bo  before. 

'Don't  talk  ao,  for  Heaven's  aake  I  '  replìed  Agnese, 
luatily,  loweriug  ber  voice.  '  Don't  you  remember  how 
manj  arma  he  faas  ai  his  biddìngp  And  then,  there  is 
always  justice  tal  be  had  againat  the  poor  ....  Qod  de- 
fend  tbem  !  ' 

'  1  will  get  joatÌGe  for  myselC  I  will  I  It  ìb  time  now. 
The  thing  isn't  etuy,  I  kiiow.  Th«  ruffiaa  is  veli  de- 
fended,  iog  that  be  »  I  I  knov  how  it  is  ;  but  nerer 
mind.  Fatience  tnà  reBolution  ....  and  the  time  «ili 
•oon  anrive.  Tee,  I  niU  get  jostice.  l'il  &ee  the 
country,  and  people  will  blras  mei  And  thea  in  toni 
boonds  .  . . .' 

"Ri»  ìiomyr  ot  Lucia  st  these  eiplicit  declaratìons 
repreased  ber  Bobs,  and  inspired  ber  wìth  courage  to. 
■peak.  Baising  from  her  bands  ber  &ce  bathed  in  teais, 
■ne  addressed  Benzo  in  a  mouratul,  but  resolute  toce  : 
^Ton  no  longer  care,  then,  about  bavine  me  for  your 
wìié  ?  I  proiniied  myself  to  a  youth  who  bad  the  fear  of 
Ood  1  but  a  man  wbo  hai  ....  were  he  safe  from  ali 
juBtrca  and  Teneeanc»,  were  he  the  son  of  a  king .  . . .' 

'Very  well!  cried  Benso,  bis  face  more  than  ever 
eonTulaed  wìth  fur^  ;  '  l  won't  bave  you,  then  ;  but  be 
sha'n't  eìther.  I  will  be  bere  witbout  you,  and  he  in  the 
ibode  of . . . .' 

'  Ah,  no,  for  jàty's  nke,  don't  say  so  ;  4on't  look  ao 
fiirìouB  t  No,  so,  I  eannot  bear  to  see  you  thus,'  ex* 
claimed  Lucia,  weeping,  aud  joìniug  ber  binda  in  an 
attitude  of  earoeat  suppUcatioa  ;  woile  Agnese  repeat- 
edly  called  bin  by  name,  and  Beiaed  bold  of  bis  ahouldere, 
bis  arma,  and  bis  banda,  to  pacify  him,  He  etood  im- 
BOTMble,  thougbtful,  almoat  orercome  at  the  aight  of 
Luda's  imploring  count«naace  i  then  suddeuly  gazed  at 
htr  stenaly,  drev  back,  atretched  out  bis  arm,  and  point- 
ìng  with  hii  finger  towarda  her,  burst  forth  :  '  Ue^l  yes, 
he  wanta  kerJ    He  must  die  I  ' 


;dbv  Google 


108  1   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  And  I,  nhftt  hsrm  bave  I  done  7011,  tbat  rou  shonld 
kill  mef  '  said  Lucia,  throwiiig  herself  ou  her  knees. 

'You!'  said  he,  with  a  voice  expreesive  of  anger, 
though  of  a  far  difierent  nature;  'youl  «hat  good  do 

fouwiBhmeP  Wtatproof  haveyougiven  meP  Hayen't 
begged,  and  begged,  and  begged  r  . . . .  Have  I  been 
able  to  obtain  .  .  .  .' 

'  Yes,  yes,'  repHed  ihe,  precipitatela  ;  '  I  will  go  to  the 
Curate'a  to-morrow  ;  1  wUl  go  now,  if  you  libe.  Only 
be  youreelt' again,  I  will  go.' 

*  You  promise  me  P  '  said  Senzo,  bia  voice  and  ezpreB- 
BÌon  rendered  in  an  inetant  more  human. 

'  I  pFomuie  you.' 

'  You  bave  promlaed  me  P  ' 

'  Thanks  be  to  Tbee,  0  Lord  !  '  ezclaimed  Agnese, 
doubly  BBtisfied. 

Did  Benso,  in  the  midst  of  bla  anger,  diBcem  the 
advantoge  that  might  be  taken  of  Lucia  s  terrorP  And 
did  he  not  practise  a  little  artifice  to  increaae  it,  that  he 
.  might  use  this  advantage  p  Our  author  proteste  he 
-/  knowB  nothing  about  the  matter  1  nor,  I  thinli,  did  even 
Uenzo  himself  knov  very  veli.  At  anj  rate,  he  waa  un- 
doubtedly  enraged  beyond  meaaure  with  Don  Bodrigo, 
and  ardently  desired  Lucia'a  conaent  ;  and  wben  two 
powerful  paseions  atruggle  together  in  a  man'a  mind,  no 
one,  not  even  the  most  patient,  can  alwaya  clearly  discem 
one  voice  from  the  other,  or  gay,  with  certainty,  which  of 
them  predo  minates. 

'I  naoe  promìsed  you,*  replied  Lucìa,  with  an  accent 
of  timid  and  affectionate  reproof  ;  '  bui  you  bave  also 
promìaed  not  to  make  any  disturbance — to  aubmit  your- 
aelf  to  Father ' 

'  Come,  now,  for  whose  sake  did  I  get  into  a  paeaion  P 
Do  you  want  to  draw  back  ?  And  will  you  oblige  me  to 
do  a  rash  thing  P  ' 

'  No,  no,'  aaid  Lucia,  ready  to  relapae  into  her  former 
feera.  '  I  bave  promieed,  and  I  will  not  draw  back. 
But  see  how  you  bave  made  me  promise;  Qod  forbid 


;dbv  Google 


Tn.]  THE  BETKOTHED.  109 

'  Whj  wfll  yow  propheey  evi],  Lucia  ?  God  know»  we 
do  DO  wrong  to  anybody.' 

'  Fromise  me,  at  least,  thia  sball  be  the  laat  time.' 

'  I  promise  jou,  upon  my  word.' 

'  But  thie  once  you  wiU  stand  by  him,'  eaid  Agnese. 

Here  the  author  confesees  hia  ignorance  of  another 
matter,  and  that  ia,  wbether  Lucia  was  absolutely,  and      y 
OH  erery  account,  disBatisEed  at  being  obliged  to  give  ber  t^ 
consent.     We  foUow  bis  example,  and  leave  tbe  poiut 
undecìded. 

Beozo  would  vìllingly  haTe  prolonged  tbe  converaation, 
and  allotted  their  Beveral  parta  in  tbe  proceedinga  of  tbe 
morrow  ;  but  it  wae  already  dark,  and  the  women  wished 
him  good  night,  as  tbey  tbought  it  ecarcely  decorouB  th&t 
he  ebould  remain  any  longer  witb  tbem  at  ho  late  an  honr. 

Tbe  nigbt  waa  paaaed  by  ali  tbree  as  well  as  coald  be 
expected,  conaidering  that  it  foUowed  a  day  of  aucb  ex- 
citement  and  miafortune,  and  preceded  one  fixed  upon 
for  an  important  undertaking  of  doubtful  iasue.  Benzo 
made  bis  appearance  early  neit  moming,  and  concerted 
with  tho  women,  or  ratber  witb  Agnese,  the  grand  opera- 
tions  of  the  OTening,  alternately  auggesting  and  removing 
difficulties,  foreseeing  obatacLes,  and  both  beginniog,  by 
turns,  to  describe  the  scene  aa  if  tbey  were  relating  a 
past  event.  Lucia  listened  ;  and,  without  approving  in 
vords  nbat  she  could  not  agree  to  in  her  heart,  promÌBed 
to  do  aa  well  as  she  was  able. 

'  Are  you  goiog  down  to  the  convent  to  see  Fatber 
Cristoforo,  as  he  bid  you,  laat  night  ?  '  said  Agnese  to 
Senzo. 

'  fiot  I,'  replied  he  ;  '  you  know  wbat  dìseeraing  eyea 
the  Fatber  has  ;  he  will  read  in  my  looks,  as  if  it  were 
written  in  a  book,  that  tbere's  sometbing  in  tbe  wind  ; 
and  if  he  begins  to  queation  me,  I  con't  get  off  it  easily. 
And,  besides,  I  must  stay  here  to  arrange  matters.  It 
will  be  better  for  you  to  send  somehody.' 

'  I  will  send  Menico.' 

'  Very  well,'  replied  Benzo  ;  and  he  set  off  to  arrange 
matte»,  as  he  had  said. 


;dbv  Google 


110  I  PBOttBSSI   SFOei.  [CB. 

A^eee  went  to  a  neighbauring  oottaee  to  aak  for 
Menico,  a  eprightly  and  veir  Bensible  liB  for  his  age^ 
who,  tlkrouga  the  medium  ot  cousins  and  sisteta-in-law, 
carne  to  be  a  Bort  of  nephew  to  the  dame.  She  asked  his 
paranta  fbr  him,  aa  for  a  loan,  and  begged  ihe  might 
keep  him  the  wliole  day,  '  for  a  particuìar  sernce,'  aaid 
she.  HaviDg  obtaìned  permiseion,  she  led  him  to  her 
kitchea,  gnve  him  bis  breakfast,  and  bid  him  go  to  Pes- 
carenico, and  present  himself  to  Father  Cristoforo,  vìut 
would  aend  bim  back  with  a  message  at  the  right  timo. 
'  Father  Cristoforo,  that  fine  old  man,  joa  know,  with  a 
vbite  beard,  who  is  called  tlte  Siùnt . . .  .' 

'I  understand,'  sald  Menico j  'he  who  speaks  so 
kindly  to  the  children,  and  sometimes  gives  them  pie- 

'  Just  »o,  Menico.  And  if  be  bids  you  wait  eome  time 
at  tbe  conveiit,  don't  wander  away  ;  and  be  sure  you 
don't  go  with  other  boys  to  the  lake  to  throw  stones  into 
the  water,  nor  to  watch  them  fish,  nor  to  play  with  the 
uets  huDg  up  to  dry,  nor  .  .  .  .' 

'  Poh,  aunt;  t  am  oo  longer  a  child.' 

'  Well,  he  prudent  ;  and  when  you  come  back  with  the 
aoBwer  ....  look  ;  these  two  fine  new  parpf^liole  are  for 
you.' 

'  dive  me  them  now,  tbat .... 

'  No,  no,  you  will  play  with  them.  Go,  and  bebave 
weU,  that  you  may  bave  some  more.' 

In  the  course  of  thia  long  morning  many  strange 
things  happened,  wbich  roiised  not  a  little  suspicioD  m. 
the  already-disturbed  minds  of  Agnese  and  Lucìa.  A 
beggar,  neitber  thin  nor  ragged,  as  they  generaUy  were, 
and  of  Bomewhat  dark  and  sinister  aspect,  carne  and 
asked  alms,  in  Ood's  name,  at  the  same  timo  looking 
uarrowly  around.  A  piece  of  bread  was  given  him, 
which  he  received,  and  placed  in  his  basliet,  with  ill- 
dissembled  iadifference.  He  thea  loìtered,  and  mada 
many  inquiries,  with  a  miied  air  of  impudence  and  hesi- 
tatioD,  to  wbìch  Agnese  endeavoured  to  make  replìes 
eiactly  contrary  to  the  truth.  When  about  to  depart, 
he  pretended  to  miatake  the  door,  and  went  to  that  at 


b,Coot^lc 


TlI.]  THB   iteTROI^ED.  Ili 

the  foot  of  the  stsira,  glaociDg  bast^  npwards,  as  wetl 
•8  he  coold.  On  their  callìi^  him  bnck — '  H^  !  hev  1 
whera  are  you  goiag,  my  good  man? — this  wayl'  ha 
tumed  and  went  out  by  the  door  tbat  vas  pointed  out 
to  him,  excuBÌng  himself  with  a  eubmÌBaion,  and  an 
affected  humìlity,  that  ili  acoorded  with  the  fieroe  and 
hard  featarea  of  his  face.  After  hia  departure,  they  con- 
tinaed  to  mark,  &om  time  to  time,  other  BuapicioUB  and 
Btnmge  %ureB.  It  waa  not  eaay  to  diacem  what  kind 
of  men  they  vere  ;  ^et  stili  they  could  not  belìere  them 
to  be  the  unpretending  passere-by  thOT  wiahed  to  appear. 
One  would  enter  under  pretence  of  asking  the  way  ; 
otben,  arriving  at  the  door,  slaokened  their  pace,  and 
peeped  througb  the  little  yard  iato  the  roora,  ae  if  wiah- 
mg  to  see  without  exdting  auspicion.  At  laat,  towarda 
noon,  tbese  annoying  and  alarming  appearancea  ceoaed. 
Agnese  got  up  occaHionally,  and  crossea  the  little  yard 
to  the  atreet-door,  to  reconnoitre;  and  after  looking 
anziouely  around  on  either  side,  returned  with  the  in- 
telligence, "There'a  nobody;'  words  which  she  uttered 
with  pleaaure,  and  Lucia  heard  with  eatiaiaction,  neithér 
one  nor  the  other  knowing  exactlv  the  reason  why.  But 
an  undefined  dls^uietude  haunted  tbeir  atepa,  and,  with 
Lucia  eapecially,  in  some  degree  cooled  the  courage  they 
had  Bummoned  up  for  the  prooeedinga  of  the  evening. 

The  reader,  bowever,  must  he  told  aomething  more 
definite  about  these  mysterions  wanderera  ;  and  to  relata 
it  in  order,  we  must  tum  back  a  step  or  two,  and  find  V 
Don  Bodrìgo,  wbom  we  left  yeaterday  after  dinner  by 
himself,  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  bis  palaoe,  after  tbe 
departnre  of  Father  Cristoforo. 

Don  Bodrìgo,  oe  we  bave  aaid,  paced  backwarda  and 
forwarda  with  long  atridea  in  tbis  epacious  apartment, 
Burrounded  od  ali  sidea  by  the  famUy  portraita  of  many 
generatioDS.  When  he  reacbed  the  wall  and  tumea 
round,  bis  eye  rested  upon  tha  figure  of  one  of  his  war- 
like  anc^tors,  tbe  terror  of  bis  enemies,  and  of  hia  own 
loldieni  who,  witb  a  stem  grìm  countenance,  hia  short 
haìr  stendìng  erect  from  bis  forehead,  bis  large  sbarp 
whiskera  covering  hia  cheeka,  and  hia  hooked  ehm,  atood 


I.,  Cioot^lc 


US  I  FBOHBeSI  SF08L  [cH. 

like  a  warrìor,  clothed  in  a  complete  auit  of  steel  armoor, 
vith  hìs  righi:  band  pressing  bis  side,  and  the  leh  grasp 
ing  the  hUt  of  bis  sword.  Don  Rodrigo  s;azed  upon  it, 
and  when  he  amved  beneath  it,  and  turnea  back,  beheld 
before  him  another  of  bìe  forefatbera,  a  magistrate,  and 
the  terror  of  litiganta,  seated  in  a  high  chair,  cOTered 
with  crimaon  Telyet,  enveloped  in  an  ampie  black  robe, 
so  tbat  he  waa  eutireij  black,  excepting  for  a  white  celiar, 
witb  two  large  bande,  and  a  lining  of  sable,  tnrned  wrong 
side  outwards,  (tbis  was  the  distinctive  mark  of  senators, 
but  only  wom  in  winter  ;  for  whicb  reason  tbe  picture  of 
a  senator  in  summer-clothing  is  never  met  with,)  squalid, 
and  trowning  ;  he  held  in  bis  band  a  memorial,  and  seemed 
to  be  saying,  '  We  sball  see.'  On  the  one  band  was  a 
matron,  the  terror  of  ber  maids  ;  on  the  other,  an  abbot, 
the  terror  of  bis  monks  ;  ìn  short,  they  were  ali  persona 
who  had  been  objeeta  of  terror  viale  alire,  and  who  now 
iuBpired  dread  by  their  likenesses.  In  tbe  presence  of 
BUCD  remembrancers.  Don  Rodrigo  became  enraged  and 
aabamed,  as  he  re&octed  that  a  friar  had  dared  to  come  to 
him  with  tbe  parable  of  Nathan;  and  bis  mind  couìd 
find  no  peace.  He  would  form  a  pian  of  revenge,  and 
thenabandon  it;  seek  how,  at  tbe  same  time,  to  satisfj 
bis  passion,  and  what  be  calied  bis  honour;  and  some* 
times,  hearing  the  begianing  of  the  prophecy  resounding 
in  bis  ears,  be  nould  mvoluntarilj  ahudder,  and  be  almost 
inclined  to  give  up  the  idea  of  the  two  aatisfoctions.  At 
last,  for  tbe  sake  of  doing  something,  he  called  a  serrant, 
and  desired  him  to  make  an  apologe  for  him  to  the  com- 

Saj,  and  to  eaj  that  be  wae  detained  by  urgent  businesa. 
le  servant  returned  with  the  intelligence  tbat  thegentle- 
men,  haring  lefb  their  compliments,  had  taken  tbeìr 
leave.   ■ 

'  And  Connt  AttUio  P  '  aaked  Don  Bodrigo,  stili  pacing 
theroom. 

'  He  left  with  the  gentlemen,  illuetrious  Signor.' 

'  Yery  well  ;  aiz  followers  to  accompany  me — quìckly  ! 
my  aword,  cloak,  and  hat,  Immedìntelj  1  ' 

The  servant  replied  hj  a  bow,  and  withdrew,  retuming 
shortlf  with  a  lich  sword,  whicb  his  master  buckled  on,  a 


;dbv  Google 


T!I.]  THB   BItTBOTHED.  113 

cloak  vhich  he  threw  over  Uà  Bhouidera,  and  a  bat,  orna- 
mented  with  lofty  plutnea,  which  he  ploced  on  bis  head, 
and  futened  with  a  haughty  air.  He  taen  moTed  forward, 
and  found  the  sii  bravoes  at  tbe  door,  completely  armed, 
who,  roakÌDg  way  for  him,  with  a  low  bow,  followed  aa 
hid  trsÌD.  More  eurly,  more  haughty,  and  more  auper- 
ciliouB  than  uaual,  he  left  hiii  palace,  and  took  the  way 
towarda  Lecco,  amidat  the  ealutatìoDB  and  profound  bowa 
of  the  peaaanta  he  happeaed  to  meet  ;  and  the  ìll-man- 
nered  wiglit  who  woiild  have  ventured  to  pass  without 
takiiig  off  hia  hat,  tnight  conaider  he  had  purchased  the 
exemption  at  a  cheap  rate,  had  the  bravoea  in  the  train 
been  contented  merely  to  enforce  reepect  by  a  blow  on 
tbe  head.  To  these  salutations  Don  Bodrigo  made  no 
BcknowledgnieDt  ;  but  to  meo  of  bigher  rank,  thougb  atill 
indisputably  ioferior  to  hia  own,  he  replied  with  con- 
etraìned  courteay.  He  did  not  chance  thie  time,  but 
when  be  did  happea  to  meet  with  the  Spanish  Signor,  the 
Qovemor  of  the  Caetle,  the  salutationa  were  equally 
profound  on  both  eìdes  ;  it  waa  lìke  the  meeting  of  two 
potentates,  who  have  notbing  to  abare  between  them,  yet, 
lOF  convenieace  sake,  pay  respect  to  each  other'a  rank. 
To  pass  atvay  the  time,  and,  by  tbe  sight  of  far  ditferent 
facea  and  bebaviour,  to  baniab  the  image  of  the  friar, 
which  continuallybaunted  bis  mind,  Don  Bodrigo  entered 
a  house  where  a  largo  party  waa  asaembled,  and  where  be 
woa  received  with  that  afficioua  and  reapectful  cordiality 
reaerred  for  those  who  are  greatly  courted,  and  greatly 
feared.    Late  at  night  he  returued  to  bis  own  palace,  and 


found  that  Count  Attilio  had  juat  arrived  ;  and  they  aat 

down  to  aiipper  together,  Don  Aodi 

and  very  sUent. 


down  to  aiipper  together,  Don  Aodrigo  buried  in  thought. 


'  Couain,  wben  will  yoa  pay  your  wager  ì  '  aaked  Connt 
Attilio,  in  a  malicìoua,  and  at  the  same  time  raltying, 
tane,  aa  aoon  aa  the  table  was  cleared,  and  tbe  serranta 
had  departed. 

'  St  Martin  haanot  yet  paaoed.' 

'  Well,  reinember  you  will  bare  to  pay  it  aoon  ;  for  ali 
the  aainta  in  the  calendar  will  paaa  before . . . .' 

'TluBhastobeeeenyet.' 


b,C,oo'^lc 


114  I   FROHESSI  8FOSI.  [cH. 

'  Confim,  you  wsat  to  play  the  politi'dan  ;  but  I  under- 
Btand  ali  ;  and  I  am  io  certain  of  having  wod  my  wager, 
thst  I  am  ready  to  Uy  auother.' 

'What?' 

'  That  the  Father ....  the  Fatber ....  I  mean,  in 
flbort,  that  this  friar  haa  conrerted  yon.' 

'  It  ìb  a  mere  faiicy  of  your  own.' 

'  Conyerted,  cousin  ;  converted,  I  say.  I,  for  my  part, 
am  deli^hted  at  it.  Wbat  a  fine  sigbt  it  wìll  be  to  see 
you  quite  penitent,  with  downcast  eyes  1  And  what 
triumph  for  thU  Father!  Howproudly  he  must  hare  re- 
tumed  to  the  convent  !  Tou  are  not  such  fish  aa  they 
catch  every  day,  nor  in  every  net.  Tou  may  be  aure  they 
will  bring  you  forward  as  an  eiampie  ;  and  when  they  go 
on  a  misaion  to  aome  little  diatauce,  they  will  talk  of  your 
acta.  I  ean  fancy  I  hear  tbem.'  And,  speaking  tbrough 
his  aoee,  accompanying  the  words  with  carìcatured  gee- 
tures,  he  contiuued,  in  asermon-like  tone,  '"In  a  certain 
pare  of  the  world,  which  frorn'  motives  of  high  reepect  we 
forbear  to  naiue,  there  lived,  my  dear  hearers,  and  there 
Itili  lives,  a  dissolute  gentleman,  the  friend  of  womon 
rather  than  of  good  tnen,  who,  accuatomed  to  make  no 
distinctiona,  had  set  hÌ8  eyes  upon  ...."' 

'That  will  do  ...  .  enough,'  interrupted  Don  Bodrìgo, 
half  amused  and  half  annoyed  :  '  If  you  wiih  to  repeat 
the  wager,  I  am  ready,  too.' 

'Indeedl  perbaps,  tben,  you  bave  convert«d  the 
Father  ?  ' 

'  Don't  talk  to  me  about  him  :  and  aa  to  the  bet,  Saint 
Martin  wìll  decide.'  The  curioaity  of  the  Count  waa 
arouaed  ;  he  put  numberlese  questiona,  but  Don  Rodrigo 
contrived  to  evade  tbem  ali,  referring  ererything  to  the 
day  of  decision,  and  unwilling  to  communicat«  designa 
which  were  neither  begun  nor  absolutely  determined 
npon. 

Kext  moming,  Don  Bodrigo  waa  bimself  again.  The 
alight  compunction  that  '  a  day  will  coma'  had  awakened 
in  nia  mina,  bad  vaniahed  with  the  dreama  of  the  night  ; 
and  nothing  remained  but  a  feeling  of  deep  indignation, 
rendered  more  vivid  by  remorae  for  hiapaasing  weakneaa. 


,»oglc 


til]  THB  BBTBOTHED.  US 

The  remembrance  of  liù  late  Bltnost-triumphant  walk,  of 
the  profound  aalutatìoiu,  aod  the  receptions  he  bad  mefe 
with,  together  with  the  rallying  of  hÌB  coubìd,  bad  con- 
tributed  not  a  little  to  renew  bis  former  spirit.  Hardl; 
riaen,  he  eent  for  Griso. — SomethiDg  importfuit, — tbought 
the  Berrant  to  whom  the  order  vaa  given  ;  for  the  man 
who  bore  tbis  aaaumed  carne  was  bo  lesa  aperaonage  thaa 
the  head  of  the  braTOes,  to  wbom  the  boldeet  and  nioet 
dangerouB  enterprises  vere  confided,  wbo  waa  the  moet 
tniated  by  bis  master,  and  waa  devoted  to  him,  at  ali  riaka, 
bf  gratitude  and  interest.  &uiltf  of  murder,  be  had 
eought  the  protection  of  Don  Bodrigo,  to  eacape  the  pur- 
Buit  of  iustice  ;  and  he,  bj  taking  him  into  bis  eerrice, 
bad  sheltered  him  from  the  reach  of  peraecution.  Here, 
hy  engaging  in  every  crime  tbat  va»  requìred  of  him,  be 
vaa  aecured  from  tlie  punishment  of  the  first  fault.  To 
Don  Kodrigo  the  acquiaitiou  hod  been  of  no  small  im- 
portance  ;  for  this  Griso,  beeides  being  undoubtedly  the 
most  coorageouB  of  tbe  household,  wos  alao  a  specimen  of 
what  bis  master  had  been  able  to  attempt  with  impunity 
agaiuBt  the  laws  ;  so  that  Don  Bodrigo's  power  was 
sggrandized  both  in  reality  and  in  common  opinion. 

'  Griso  !  '  said  Don  Bodrieo,  '  in  this  emergency  it  vili 
be  seen  what  you  are  worth.  Before  to-morrow,  Lucia 
must  be  in  thia  palace.' 

'It  aball  never  be  said  that  Griso  abrank  from  the 
command  of  hie  noble  protector.' 

'  Take  as  many  men  as  you  want,  dispose  and  order 
them  aa  you  thinh  beat,  only  let  the  thing  suoceed  well. 
fiut,  above  ali,  he  aure  you  do  ber  no  hann.' 

'  Signor,  a  Lttle  frigbt,  that  ahe  may  not  make  too 
much  noise  ....  one  cannot  do  leas.' 

'  Fear  . .  .  .  I  eee  .  .  .  .  is  inevitable.  But  don't  you 
touch  a  hair  of  ber  head  ;  and,  above  ali,  trcat  ber  with 
tbe  ^reatest  jvspect.     Do  you  understand  ?  ' 

'  Signor,  I  could  not  pluck  a  Sower  from  ita  stalk,  and 
brine  it-  to  your  lordship,  wìtbout  touching  it  a  little. 
But  I  will  do  no  more  tban  is  neceaaary.' 

'Beware  Toudonot.  And  ....  how  will  you  manageP' 

'I  was  tninking,  Signor.    It  is  fortunate   that  the 


Ilo  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [ca. 

house  ia  at  the  end  of  the  village.  We  ehall  w&nt  b  placo 
to  coQceal  ouraelvea  in  ;  and  at  a  little  distaoce  there'a 
that  uDÌnhabited  building  in  the  middle  of  the  tields,  tbat 
house  ....  but  jour  lordship  knows  nothing  of  these 
thiugs  ....  a  house  that  was  humt  down  a  few  yeara 
ago  ;  aod  there  bave  been  no  funds  to  rebuild  it,  so  it  is 
foraaken,  and  is  baunted  by  witchea  ;  but  it  is'  not  Satur- 
d&j,  and  I  don't  care  for  them.  Tbe  villagera  are  so 
Buperatitious,  tbey  wouldii't  enter  it  any  night  of  the 
week  for  a  treaaure,  ao  we  rany  anfely  dispose  ourselvea 
there,  without  any  iear  of  being  disturbed  in  our  plans.' 

'  Very  good  :  and  what  then  P  ' 

Here  Griso  weat  ou  to  propose,  and  Don  Bodrigo  to 
discuss,  till  they  bad,  together,  concerted  a  way  to  brìog 
the  enterpriae  to  an  end  without  a  trace  of  ita  authors  re- 
maining.  They  even  contrived  meana  to  tum  ali  the 
suspii:ions,  by  making  false  indications,  npon  another 
quarter;  to  impose  silence  upon  poor  Agnese;  to  inspire 
Kenzo  nitb  sucb  fear  ss  wouJd  orerbalance  bis  grief,  efiace 
the  tbought  of  haviog  reeourse  to  the  law,  and  even  the 
wish  to  coniplain  ;  and  arranged  ali  the  otber  minor  rillft- 
nies  necensary  to  the  success  of  thia  principal  one.  "We 
will  omìt  the  account  of  these  consultati ons,  bowever, 
because,  bs  the  reader  will  perceive,  they  are  not  necessary 
to  the  coiuprehensinn  of  tbe  story,  and  it  will  only  he 
tedious,  botti  tg  hìm  and  uà,  to  eatertain  ouraelves  for 
any  lencth  of  tiine  with  the  discnasions  of  theae  two 
deteatable  vìUains.  It  will  auffice  to  say  that,  as  Qtiao 
was  on  the  point  of  leaving  tbe  room,  to  go  about  tbe 
executiou  of  his  undertaking  at  once,  Don  Bodrigo 
called  bim  back,  and  aaid,  'Liaten:  if  by  any  chance 
this  raah  clown  ahould  moteat  you  to-night,  it  would  not 
be  amissif  you  were  to  give  bim  something  to  remember, 
oa  his  sboulders,  by  way  of  anticipation.  By  this  meana, 
the  command  to  keep  quiet,  whicb  shall  be  ìntimated  to 
liim  to-morrow,  will  more  surely  take  eSect.  But  don't 
go  to  look  for  him,  lest  you  sbould  spoil  what  is  of  more 
importance.     Do  you  understand  mep' 

'  Leave  it  to  me,'  replied  Q^rìso,  bowìng  witb  an  obse* 
quìous  and  ostentatious  air,  as  he  departed. 


ivCoO'^lc 


VII.]  THB    BETROTHED.  117 

The  morning  was  Bpent  ia  reconnoiterìng  the  neigb- 
bourbood.  Tbe  feignea  beggarwho  bad  iatruded  himself 
80  pértiDaciously  into  Agneae's  bumble  cottage,  was  no 
other  than  Orìso,  who  hsd  conieto  get  &n  idea  of  the  plaa 
of  the  house  hj  aight;  thepretendèd  paBBengere  were  bis 
vile  followera,  wbo,  operatinp  under  hia  ordere,  required 
alesa  minute  acquai ntauce  with  the  place.  Their  obaerv- 
atìoDB  being  made,  they  wìthdrew  from  notice,  leat  they^ 
abould  excite  too  much  auapicion. 

When  thej  retumed  to  the  palftce,  Griso  made  bia 
report,  arranged  deHnitelj  the  pian  of  the  enterprìse,  aa- 
■igned  to  each  hig  difierent  part,  and  gave  bia  inetructiooB. 
Ali  tbia  could  not  be  transacted  without  the  old  aervant'a 
observatian,  who,  with  bis  e_rea  snd  eara  constontlj  on 
tbe  alert,  diacovered  that  they  were  piotting  aome  great 
nndertaking.  By  diat  of  vatcbing  and  questioning,  get- 
ting  half  a  hint  bere,  and  another  half  there,  commenting 
in  bia  own  mind  od  ambiguous  iaferencea,  and  interpreting 
myatertouB  departurea,  he  at  length  carne  to  &  pretty  clear 
knovledge  of  ali  the  desigQs  of  the  evening.  But  wben 
be  naa  assured  of  thetn,  it  waa  rery  near  the  time,  and 
already  a  small  detachment  of  bravoee  bad  left  the  palace, 
and  set  olf  to  conceal  tbeineelvea  in  tbe  ruined  building. 
Tbe  poor  old  man,  althoijgb  be  weli  knewwbat  a  danger- 
oua  game  he  was  playiog,  and  feared,  beaides,  that  be 
waa  doing  no  effident  eeirice,  yet  failed  not  to  fulfii  bis 
engagement.  He  went  out,  under  pretence  of  takiug  the 
air,  aud  proceeded  in  great  baste  to  the  convent,  to  give 
Fatber  Criatoforo  the  promised  ioformatioa.  Shortly 
afterwards,  a  aecond  party  of  bravoes  were  aent  out,  one 
or  twu  at  a  time,  that  tbey  migbt  Dot  appear  to  be  one 
eompany.  Griso  made  up  the  rear,  and  tben  nothing  re- 
mained  behind  but  a  Htter,  which  was  to  be  brought  to 
tbe  place  of  rendezvoiia  after  dark.  ■When  tbey  were  alt 
aasemhled  there,  Griso  deepatched  three  of  them  to  tbe 
Ìdd  in  the  village  ;  one  was  to  place  bimself  at  the  door, 
to  watch  the  morementa  in  tbe  Street,  and  to  gire  notice 
wben  ali  the  inhabitanta  had  retired  to  reat  ;  tbe  other 
two  were  to  remain  ioaide,  gaming  and  driuking,  as  if  en- 
joyiog  tbemselvea,  but  were  alao  to  be  on  the  look-out,  ìf 


,c,oglc 


118  I   FBOHKSSI   SPOSI.  [cH. 

tmTthiog  was  to  be  ueo.  Qrìao,  with  the  body  of  the 
troop,  waited  in  ambuscade  tUl  the  tìtne  of  action  should 
«rive. 

The  poor  old  man  was  etili  on  his  way,  the  thres  acoute 
had  arnved  at  tbeir  post,  aad  the  sua  waa  aetting,  wbea 
Benzo  estercd  the  cottage,  and  said  to  the  nomen,  '  Tonio 
and  Gervaae  are  bere  outside  :  I  am  going  with  them  to 
Bup  at  the  inn  ;  and  at  the  sound  of  the  ATe-Maria,  we 
will  come  to  fetch  jou.  Come,  Lucia,  courage  ;  ali  de- 
penda  upon  a  moment.'  Lucia  eighed,  and  reolied,  '  Oh 
yeB,  courage  !  '  with  a  tone  that  belìed  her  words. 

Wben  Renzo  and  hia  two  compauions  reached  the  inn, 
ther  found  the  braro  already  there  ou  the  watch,  leaning 
witQ  hia  back  against  one  of  the  jambe  of  tbe  doorway,  so 
aa  to  occupy  half  ita  width,  his  arms  folded  aerosa  bis 
breast,  and  glancìng  with  a  prjing  look  to  the  right  and 
left,  showing  alternately  the  blacks  and  whitea  of  two 
griffin-like  eyea.  A  fiat  cap  of  crioison  velvet,  put  on 
sideways,  corered  half  the  look  of  bair  which,  parted  on  a 
dark  forehead,  terminated  in  tresses  confined  by  a  comb 
at  the  back  of  the  head.  He  held  in  one  band  a  short 
cudgel;  hisweapons,  properly  speaking,  were  not  visible, 
bue  one  had  only  to  look  at  his  face,  and  even  a  child 
would  bave  gueaaed  tbat  he  had  ss  many  under  hia  clothea 
as  be  could  carry.  Wben  E«niEo,  the  foremost,of  the 
three,  approached  him  and  seemed  prepared  to  enter,  tbe 
bravo  fiied  his  eyea  upon  him,  withont  attempting  to 
make  way  ;  but  the  youth,  intent  on  avoiding  any  ques- 
tiona or  dìsputes,  ae  peopìe  generolly  are  who  bave  an 
intricate  nndertaking  in  huid,  did  not  even  stop  to  sar 
'  make  room  ;  '  but  grazing  tbe  other  door-post,  pushed, 
■ide-foremoat,  througb  tbe  opening  left  by  this  Caryatides. 
Hia  companioua  were  obliged  to  practiae  the  aame  ma- 
noBQTre,  ir  they  wiahed  to  enter.  Wben  they  got  in,  they 
saw  the  others  wbose  voicea  they  had  heard  outside,  aittitig 
at  a  table,  playing  at  Mora,*  both  exclaiming  at  once,  and 
altemately  pouring  out  aomething  to  drink  &om  a  laive 
flosk  placedbetween  tbein.  They  fiied  tjieir  eyea  steadily 
on  the  new  comers  ;  and  one  of  them,  especially,  holding 
■  8m  Note  Kt  sud  of  Ohipt«i. 


b,C,oo'^lc 


TII.]  THE   BKTROTHED.  119 

bis  riglit  hand  extended  in  the  air,  irith  three  enormaiu 
fingera  just  thot  fortfa,  and  his  mouth  fornied  to  utter  the 
word  '  iix,'  which  bunt  forth  at  the  moment,  eyed  Benso 
from  head  to  foot,  and  glanced  &n,t  at  bis  companion,  and 
tìien  at  the  one  at  the  door,  who  replied  witn  a  nod  of 
bis  head.  Henzo,  bubdìcìoub  and  doubtfìil,  Itwked  at  hia 
friends,  as  if  Beeking  in  their  countenancea  an  interpret- 
ation  of  ali  these  geaturea  ;  but  their  countenancea  indi- 
eated  nothing  be^ond  a  good  appetite.  The  landlord 
^proached  to  reoeive  bis  orders,  and  Benso  made  hìm 
aecompan^  hìm  ìnto  an  adjoining  room,  and  ordered  some 
•nppn-. 

'  Who  are  thoM  atrangera  P  '  asked  he,  in  a  low  voice, 
wben  hia  host  retumed  with  a  coane  table-cloth  under 
hia  arm,  and  a  battle  in  hia  band. 

'  I  don't  know  them,'  replied  the  boat,  spreadiug  the 
tabl&«Ioth. 

*  What  !  none  of  tbem  P  ' 

'Tou  know,'  replied  he,  again  amoothiug  the  clotb  on 
tbe  table  with  botb  hia  bande,  '  that  the  first  rule  of  our 
business  is  not  to  pry  into  other  people'a  afiaiis  ;  bo  that 
even  our  women  are  not  inquisitive.  It  would  be  hard 
work,  with  the  multitnde  offolk  thot  come  and  go;  al- 
waja  like  a  harbour — when  the  times  are  good,  Z  mean  ; 
but  let  US  cbeer  up  now,  for  there  may  come  better  dava. 
Ali  we  care  for  is  whether  our  custoraers  are  honest  lel- 
b>we  ;  who  tbey  are  or  are  not,  beyond  that,  is  nothins  to 
ne.  But,  come  !  I  will  brìnj;  jou  a  diah  of  haah,  tbe  like 
of  which  ^ou've  never  tasted.' 

'  How  do  TOU  know ... .  P  '  Benso  was  beginning  ;  but 
tbe  landlord,  alreadj  on  bis  way  to  the  kitcaen,  paid  no 
attention  to  hia  inquiry.  Here,  while  he  waa  taking  up 
tbe  stewing-pan  in  which  wai  the  above-mentioned  haah, 
the  bravo  who  hid  ejed  our  jronth  so  cloself  accosted 
tbe  hoBt,and  aaid,  inan  under-tone,  '  Who  are  those  good 
man  P' 

'  Worthy  people  of  tbe  vitlage,'  replied  he,  pouring  the 
haab  into  tbe  disb. 

'  Yery  well  ;  but  wbat  are  thej  called  P  Wbo  are 
tJiey  'i  '  inaisted  he,  in  a  sharp  tone. 


.dbvGoOQlc 


120  I   PROMESSI   SPOSL  [CH. 

'  One  ìb  called  Benzo,'  replied  the  host,  apeaking  in 
a  low  voice;  'avorth;  youth  reckoned — a  ailk  weaver, 
who  underetands  bis  businees  well.  The  other  is  a 
peasa&t  of  tbe  name  of  Tonio,  a  good  jovial  comribde  ; 
pìtj  be  boa  80  little  ;  he'd  spend  it  ali  bere.  Tbe  tbird 
18  a  sìmpleton,  vbo  eata  willinglj  whatever  ia  set  before 
bim.     By  your  leaTe.' 

Witb  tbese  word»  and  a  elight  bow,  be  paaeed  between 
tbe  Btore  aad  tbe  intfirogator,  and  carried  the  disb  into 
the  next  room.  '  Hov  do  jou  know,' resumed  Benzo, 
whea  he  aaw  bim  reappeor,  '  tbat  tbey  ara  haneat  men, 
if  you  don't  know  tbem  P  ' 

'  By  their  actions,  my  good  fellow — men  are  known 
by  their  actionB.  Those  ^ho  drink  wiae  without  criti- 
Gizing  it  ;  who  show  tbe  face  of  the  King  upou  the 
counter  without  prating  ;  who  don't  quairel  with  otber 
cuatomerB  ;  and  Ù'  they  owe  a  blow  to  any  one,  go  out- 
aide  and  away  from  the  inn  to  give  it,  bo  that  the  poor 
landlord  ieu'tbrought  into  tbe  Bcrape  :— these  are  honest 
men.  However,  if  one  could  know  everybody  to  be 
honeBt,  OS  we  four  know  one  another,  it  wouid  be  better. 
But  why  are  you  bo  inquisitive  on  tbese  matterà,  when 
you  are  a  bridegrootn,  and  ought  to  bave  other  thinga  in 
your  bead?  and  witb  thia  bash  before  you,  enongn  to 
make  the  dead  rise  again?'  So  aaying,  he  retumed  to 
tbe  kitcben. 

Olir  author,  remarkìng  upon  the  different  manner  in 
which  tbe  landlord  Batìefied  tbeae  variouB  inquiries,  aaya 
be  waa  one  wbo  in  words  made  great  profeseìons  of 
friendehip  for  honeat  men  in  general,  but  who  in  practJce 
paid  much  more  attention  to  those  who  bad  the  character 
and  appearance  of  knavea.  He  waa,  as  every  oi-e  must 
perceive,  a  man  of  eingular  character. 

The  Bupper  waa  not  very  blitheeome.  The  two  invit«d 
guesta  would  bave  deliberately  enjoyed  the  unusual 
gratification,  but  tbe  in»iter,  pre-occupied  by — the  reader 
knowa  what — anxioue,  and  uneasy  at  the  Btrange  be- 
haviour  of  theae  incognitos,  waB  impatient  for  the  time  of 
departure.  He  spoke  in  an  under-tone,  out  of  reapect 
to  tbe  Btrangers,  and  in  broken  and  burried  worda. 


,CM,glc 


■VII.]  THE  BFTBOTHBD.  121 

'  What  a  fine  thmg,'  Budd«nly  ezclaimed  Germe, 
'  tbat  Senza  wanta  to  marry,  and  is  oblìged ...,!' 
Benso  gave  bim  a  savage  look,  and  Tonio  eiclaimed, 
'  Hold  your  tongue,  sinipleton  !  '  accorapanying  the 
epithet  «tth  a  knock  of  bis  elbow.  The  converaatioa 
flagged  till  the  end  of  the  meal.  B«azo,  observiog  the 
Btrìctest  sobrìety,  managed  to  help  big  gueets  with  so 
much  discretion  as  to  iuapire  them  with  aufficìent  bold- 
nesB,  without  making  them  giddj  and  bewildered.  Sup- 
per beiiig  over,  and  the  bill  baving  been  paìd  bj  the  one 
who  had  done  the  least  execution,  tbey  bad  again  to 
pass  under  the  Bcrutiaizing  ejoa  of  tbe  tbree  bravoes, 
who  gazed  eameatly  at  Kenzo,  as  they  had  done  on  bis 
entrance.  When  he  bad  proceeded  a  few  paces  fromtbe 
inn,  he  looked  round,  and  eaw  that  be  vaa  fullowed 
W  tbe  two  bntToea  whom  he  bad  left  aitting  io  the 
kitcben;  ao  he  stood  stili  with  bis  companions,  ae  much 
M  to  eay,  '  Let  uà  see  wbat  tbese  feliowa  want  with  me. 
On  perceiving,  however,  that  they  were  observed,  they 
also  atopped  ahort,  and  speaking  to  each  other  in  a  aup- 
presaed  voice,  turned  back  again.  Had  Benso  been  near 
enough  to  bave  heard  their  words,  tbe  foUowing  would 
bave  atFuck  bini  as  very  strange  :  '  It  will  be  a  fine  thing, 
bowever,  without  counting  tbe  drinking-money,'  said  one 
of  tbe  villains,  '  if  we  can  relate,  on  our  return  to  tbe 

ralace,  that  we  made  them  lay  down  their  arma  iù  a 
urry  ;^by  ouraelves,  too..without  Signor  Qriso  bere  to 
give  ordera  1  ' 

'  Ànd  apoil  tbe  principal  businesa  !  *  replied  tbe  other. 
'  See,  tliey've  diacovered  Bometbing  ;  tbey  are  stopping 
to  look  at  UB.  Oh,  I  wish  it  wns  laterl  Let  uà  turn 
back,  or  they'll  surely  suapect  tiB  I  Don't  you  aee  people 
are  coming  in  every  direction  P  Let  uà  wait  till  tbey  ve 
ali  gene  to  bed.' 

There  was,  in  fact,  that  Btìrring — that  confuaed  buzz 
— whicb  is  uaually  heard  in  avillage  on  tbe  approacb  of 
evening,  and  whicb  ahortly  afterwarda  givea  place  to  tbe 
solema  atillncBa  of  night.  Women  arrivea  from  tbe 
fields,  carryìng  their  infante  on  their  backa,  and  holding 
by  tbe  band  the  elder  cbildren,  nhom  tbey  were  hearing 


lA'OOi^lc 


128  1  PBOMBSSt  SPOSI.  [CH. 

repeat  their  eveniug  pra/era  ;  wbile  tbe  inen  bore  oa 
their  shoulders  their  apadas,  and  different  ìmpJetnentB 
of  huBbandr/.  On  the  opening  of  the  cottage  doora,  ft 
bright  gle&m  of  ligbt  sparkled  from  the  firea,  that  were 
kindled  to  prepare  their  humble  eveniug  meal  In  the 
Street  might  be  heard  Batutatìons  exchanged,  together 
with  brief  and  ead  remarhs  on  the  acarcity  of  the  harveat, 
and  the  poverty  of  the  tìmes  ì  while,  above  ali,  reaounded 
the  meaaured  and  sonorous  tolta  of  the  beli,  which 
announced  the  cloae  of  day.  When  Benzo  saw  that  hia 
tno  indiecreet  followera  had  retired,  he  continued  hia 
way  amid  the  increaaing  darkneaa,  occaaionally,  in  a  low 
tono,  refreshing  the  memonea  of  one  or  other  of  tbe 
brothera  on  some  poiut  of  tbeir  dutiea  tbey  migbt  be 
likely  to  forget.  Wben  he  arrired  at  Luoia'a  cottage, 
the  night  had  quite  closed  in. 

'  Bstwaen  the  acting  of  a  dreadftil  thin^;,' 

BajB  a  foreign  writer,  who  waa  not  wanting  in  discem- 
ment, 

'  And  the  6nt  niotioa,  tU  tha  interim  ìt 
Likt  a  phaDluina,  m  a  hideoni  dream.' 

Lucia  had  Buffered  for  eeveral  hours  tbe  horrora  of  anch 
a  dream;  and  Agnese — Agnese  heraelf,  the  autbor  of 
the  design,  was  burìed  in  thought,  and  could  scarcely 
find  words  to  encourage  her  daugbter.  But,  at  the 
moment  of  awaking — at  the  moment  when  one  Ìb  called 
apon  to  begin  the  dreaded  undertaking,  the  mind  is 
instanti/  traneformed.  A  new  terror  and  a  new  courage 
aucceed  those  vhicb  before  struggled  within;  the  en- 
terprise  presenta  itself  to  the  mind  like  a  fresh  appari- 
tion  ;  that  whicb,  at  first  sight,  waa  most  dreaded,  seems 
Bometimea  rendered  easy  in  a  moment  ;  and,  on  the 
other  band,  an  obstacle  whicb,  at  first,  was  sccvcely 
noticed,  becomes  formìdable;  the  imagioation  shrinkB 
back  alarmed,  the  limbs  refuso  to  fulfil  their  office, 
and  the  beart  revokes  the  promises  that  were  made  with 
the  greatest  coafidence.  At  Benzo's  emotbered  knock. 
Lucia  waa  eeiied  with  such  tetror,  that,  «t  the  moment, 


,»Ogk' 


TU.]  THB   BETBOTHED.  123 

■he  resolred  to  Buffer  anytbìng,  to  be  separated  from  him 
for  ever,  rather  tbEua  eiecute  the  reBolationa  sbe  htd 
made  ;  but  when  he  had  stood  before  ber,  and  bad  said, 
*  Here  I  am,  iet  uh  go  ' — when  ali  were  ready  to  accom-  , 
pany  him  wìthout  hesitation,  as  a  fiied  and  ìrrevocable 
thing,  Lucia  had  neither  tìme  nor  beart  to  interpose 
difficnlties;  and,  almoat  dragged  along,  abe  tretnblinglr 
took  one  arm  of  ber  mother,  and  one  of  ber  betrotheiC 
uid  set  off  witb  tbe  ventureacme  partr. 

Very  Boftlr,  in  the  dark,  and  witb  slow  atepa,  tbe^ 
paned  the  threabold,  and  took  tbe  load  tbat  led  out 
of  tbe  Tillage.  The  shorteat  waj  wonld  bave  been  to 
bave  gone  tnrough  it,  to  reacb  Don  Abbondio'a  bonae,  at 
tbe  other  end  ;  but  they  choae  tbe  longer  courae,  aa  being 
tbe  moat  retired.  After  paasinc;  atong  little  narrow  roada 
tbat  ran  between  gardena  ana  fielda,  they  anived  near 
the  bouae,  and  bere  they  divided.  The  two  loven  le- 
nuined  bidden  behind  a  corner  of  tbe  building  ;  Agnese 
was  witb  them,  but  atood  a  little  forwarder,  tbat  ahe 
might  be  able  to  run  iu  time  to  meet  Perpetua,  and  take 

SiBseBsioD  of  ber.  Tonio,  witb  bis  blockbead  of  a  brother, 
ervaae,  wbo  knew  how  to  do  notbing  by  bimaelf,  and 
«ithout  whom  notbing  could  be  done,  bastened  boldly 
forward,  and  knocked  at  tbe  door. 

'  Wbo'a  tbere,  at  auch  an  hour?  '  cried  a  voice  from  a 
irindow,  tbat  waa  thrown  open  at  the  moment  :  it  waa  tbe 
Toice  of  Perpetua.  '  Tbere'a  nobody  ili,  that  I  know  of. 
But,  pterbapa,  some  occident  haa  happened  f  ' 

'  It  ìh  I,'  replied  Tonio,  '  witb  my  brotber;  we  want  to 
■peak  to  tbe  Sienor  Curate.' 

'la  tbis  an  bour  for  Christiana P'  replied  Perpetua, 
abarply.     'Tou've  no  consideration.     Come  again  to- 


'  Liaten  ;  111  come  again,  or  not,  just  aa  you  like  ;  IWe 
■crsped  together  nobody  knowa  how  mucb  money,  and 
carne  to  aettle  tbat  httle  debt  yen  know  of.  Here,  I  bad 
fiTe-and-twent^  fine  new  berlinghe;  but  if  one  cannot 
pay,  never  mind  ;  I  know  well  enough  how  to  apend 
tfaéae,  and  l'I!  come  again,  wben  l've  got  together  aome 


,c,oglc 


124  1   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [cH. 

'  Wait,  vait  !  l'il  go,  aad  be  back  in  a  taomeDt.  But 
why  come  at  Buch  aa  liour  P  ' 

'  If  you  can  change  the  hour,  l've  no  objeetion  ;  as  for 
.  me,  bere  I  am  ;  and  ìf  you  don't  want  me,  l'Il  go.* 

'  No,  no  ;  wait  a  moment  ;  l'il  be  back  witb  the  answer 
directly.' 

So  aaying,  she  shut  the  window  again.  At  thie  instant, 
Agnese  left  the  lovers,  and  sayìng,  in  a  low  Toice,  to 
Lucia,  '  Courage  !  it  ia  but  a  moment  ;  it'e  only  like 
drawing  a  tooth,'  joìned  the  two  brothere  at  the  door,  and 
began  gosBÌpìng  wìth  Tonio,  so  that,  when  Perpetua  ahould 
return  and  aee  her,  she  might  tbink  sbs  was  just  passing 
by,  and  that  Tonio  bad  detaiaed  ber  for  a  moment. 


Gahe  or  MoBA,  p.  I!t3. 


ThÌB  isB  gamo  betwccn  two,  plnred  byone  o(  Clicm  eaddcnl;  eitend- 
ing  anj  namher  af  Bngers  hs  may  choone,  and  colling  ut  the  tunia 
momeiit  for  some  number  under  cleien,  whicli  the  opponent  must  mike 
Up  ut  ance,  by  producine  bucIi  b  numbor  of  flngovs,  that  the  number 
Called  fot  muy  be  aummed  up  eiactly  on  the  eiteodcd  fingerà  of  the 
tour  hnndB.  If  he  saceeed  in  makiiig  up  the  right  number,  he  wina  ; 
if  otherwiae,  the  bpeakor.  The  bystaaderB  keep  count.  This  ìa  a  «ery 
exciting,  Uvely  game,  and  a  great  laiDurìtaamong  the  Kamun  peisaolrj. 


vili.]  THE   BETROrHED. 


CHAPTER  Via. 

1AENEA.DES!  who  wao  he ì"— thought  Don 
Abbondio  to  hìraself,  as  he  sat  in  hie  arm- 
Àr,  in  a  room  up-Btairs,  with  a  amali  volume 
lying  openbefore  him,  just  as  Perpetua  entered 
to  bring  him  the  measage. — Cameadea  !  1  seem 
to  have  heard  or  read  this  name  ;  it  must  he  eoroe  man  of 
leaming — acme  great  achoiar  of  antiquity  ;  it  ia  just  like 
one  of  their  namea  ;  but  whoever  waa  he  P — So  far  waa 
the  poor  man  from  foreseeing  the  atorm  that  was  gather- 
ing  over  bis  head  I 

The  reader  muit  know  tfaat  Don  Abbondio  was  \ery 
fond  of  reading  a  little  everr  day  ;  and  a  neighbouring 
Curate,  who  poaBeased  aometaing  of  a  library,  lent  him 
one  book  after  another,  alwaya  taking  the  Srat.tbat  carne 
to  band.  The  work  with  which  Don  Abbondio  waa  now 
engaged  (being  already  convalescent,  after  hia  fever  and 
feara,  and  èven  more  advauced  in  hia  recovery  from  the 
fever  than  he  wiibed  should  be  believed)  waa  a  panegyrio 


h,  Coot^lc 


129  1    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CB. 

in  hoQour  of  Saa  Carlo,  whìch  hod  hean  delìrered  witb 
mucb  earDestnesfl,  and  listeued  to  with  great  admiration, 
in  the  Cathedral  of  MiLm,  two  yean  before.  The  saint 
had  been  compared,  ou  sccotuit  of  hie  love  of  studv,  to 
Archimedea  ;  and  so  far  Don  Abbondio  hod  met  witb  no 
atumbling-block  ;  because  Archimedea  haa  ezecuted  such 
ereat  worka,  and  has  rendered  bis  name  ho  &mous,  that 
it  required  no  verj  vast  fund  of  erudition  to  know  aome* 
thing  about  Aim.  But  after  Archimedea,  the  orator  alao 
comparea  hia  saint  to  Carneadea,  and  bere  the  reader  met 
witb  a  check.  At  this  point,  Perpetua  aonounced  tbe 
TÌsit  of  Tonio. 

'  At  this  hour  !  '  ezcbiimed  Don  Abbondio,  alao,  natur-  * 
ali;  enougb. 

'  What  would  you  bave,  air  f  The^  bave  no  conaidera- 
tion,  indeed  ;  but  if  you  don't  take  him  when  you  can  get 
him  . .  . .' 

'  If  I  don't  take  him  now,  wbo  knowe  when  I  can  P 
Let  him  come  in  ... .  Hey  !  bey  ! — Perpetua,  are  you 
quite  aure  it  ù  Tonio  P  ' 

'Diavolo!'  replied  Perpetua;  and  going  down-stairs, 
sbe  opened  the  door,  and  aaid,  '  Where  are  you  P  '  Tonio 
advanced,  and,  at  the  aame  moment,  Agneae  also  showed 
berself,  and  aaluted  Perpetua  b^  name. 

'Good  erening,  Aenese,'  aaid  Perpetua;  'vbere  are 
you  coming  from  at  thia  hour  P  ' 

'  I  am  cobing  from  .  .  ,  .'  mentioning  a  neighbouring 
vilUge.  '  And  if  you  knew  . . .  .'  continued  &e  ;  '  l've 
been  kept  late  just  for  your  aake.' 

'  What  for?  '  aaked  Perpetua;  and  tuming  to  the  two 
brothers,  '  Go  in,'  aaid  ahe,  '  and  l'U  follow.* 

*  Because,'  replied  Agnese,  '  a  gosaìpÌDg  woman,  who 
knowa  nothing  obout  the  mattor  ....  would  you  beliere 
it  P  persista  in  saying  tbat  you  were  not  married  to  Beppo 
Suolavecchia,  nor  to  Anselmo  Lunghigna,  because  tbey 
wouldn't  bave  you  I  I  maintained  that  you  bad  refuaed 
both  one  and  tne  otber ,  .  . .' 

'  To  be  Bure.  Oh,  what  a  false-tongued  woman  !  Who 
ia  sbe  P  ' 

'  Don't  aak  me  ;  I  don't  want  to  mmke  miachief.' 


,c,oglc 


Tin.]  THB  BBTBOTHBD.  137 

'  Too  ahall  teli  me  ;  70U  must  teli  me.  I  uf  ehe'a  a 
&l«e  bodj.' 

'  Well,  well ....  bat  yon  connot  thiak  how  rexed  I 
WBB  that  I  didn't  know  the  whole  histoiy,  th&t  I  migbt 
bare  put  ber  down.' 

'  It  ù  an  abominable  &lsebood,'  aaid  Perpetua—'  a  mort 
infamouB  falaebood  !  Ab  to  Beppo,  everybody  knows, 
and'  migbt  bare  seen  ....  Hey  I  Tonio  ;  jnat  cloae  the 
door,  and  go  up-atairs  till  I  come.' 

Tonio  assented  from  within,  and  Perpetua  contìnued 
ber  eager  relation.  In  iront  of  Don  AbDondio'a  door,  a 
narrow  atreet  ran  between  two  cottagee,  but  onlr  con- 
tinued  Btraigbt  tbe  lenstb  of  tbe  buildings,  and  then 
tumed  into  the  fietda.  Agnese  went  forwa«l  along  tbÌB 
Street,  as  if  she  would  go  a  little  aaide  to  Bpeak  more 
freelj,  and  Perpetua  followed.  When  tbey  nad  tumed 
tbe  corner,  and  reached  a  spot  whence  tber  could  no 
longer  aee  wbat  bappened  beiore  Don  Abbondio'e  honse, 
Agnese  cougbed  loudly.  This  was  the  si^al  ;  Henze 
heard  it,  and  re-animating  Lucia  by  preesing  ber  arm, 
they  tumed  tbe  corner  together  on  tiptoe,  crept  yery 
Boftly  dose  along  tbe  wall,  reached  tbe  door,  and  gently 
puBbed  it  open  ;  quiet,  and  stooping  low,  they  were  quickly 
in  tbe  passage  ;  and  bere  the  two  brotbera  were  waiting 
for  tbem.  Benzo  veiy  gently  let  down  the  latcb  of  the 
door,  and  tbey  ali  lour  aacended  tbe  ataìra,  making 
ecarcely  noise  enoueh  for  two.  On  reaching  tbe  landing, 
the  two  brotbera  a<&anced  towarda  the  door  of  the  room 
at  tbe  BÌde  of  the  itaircaee,  and  the  lovers  stood  dose 
againat  tbe  wall. 

'  Dea  gratta*^  aaid  Tonio,  ìn  an  explanatoiy  tone. 

'  Eh,  Tonio  !  in  it  yon  ?  Come  in  I  '  replied  the  voice 
within. 

Tonio  opened  the  door,  scarcely  wide  enough  to  admit 
hiroaelf  and  bia  brother  one  at  a  timo.  Tbe  ray  of  light 
that  Buddenly  ahone  through  the  opening,  and  crosaed  the 
diu-k  floor  of  tbe  landing,  made  Lucia  tremble,  aa  if  sbe 
were  diacorered  Wbon  the  brotben  had  entered,  Tonio 
closed  the  door  inside  ;  the  lorera  Btood  motionlesa  in  the 
dark,  their  ea»  intentJy  on  tbe  alert,  and  holding  their 


128  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [cH. 

breath  ;  the  loudest  uoise  was  the  beattng  of  poor  Lucìa's 
heart. 

'  Don  AbboDdio  was  seated,  aa  we  bare  saìd,  in  an  old 
arm-chair,  enveloped  in  aa  antiquated  dressing-gown,  and 
bis  head  burìed  in  a  shabb;  cap,  the  ehape  of  a  tiara, 
which,  \>j  the  faint  light  of  a  email  lamp,  formed  a  Bort  of 
cornice  ali  round  hia  face.  Two  thick  locks,  whicb 
eecaped  from  beneath  his  head-drea8,  two  thick  eye-browe, 
tvro  tbick  muBtachios,  and  B  thick  tuft  on  the  cbin,  ali  of 
them  gr«;,  and  Bcattered  over  bis  dark  and  wrinkled 
visage,  niigbt  be  compared  to  busbea  covered  witb  enow, 
projecting  frora  the  fuce  of  a  eliff,  aa  seen  by  moonligbt. 

'  Aba  !  ■  waa  his  salutation,  ae  he  took  off  his  apectaeles, 
aod  laid  them  od  his  book. 

'The  Signor  Curate  will  aay  I  am  come  Tery  late," 
aaid  Tooio,  with  a  low  boff,  which  Gerrase  awkwardly 
imit&t^d. 

'  Ceptainly,  it  Ìs  late — late  every  way.  Don't  you  know 
J  am  ili  i'  ' 

'  i'm  very  aorry  for  it.' 

'  Tou  must  bave  beard  I  waa  ili,  and  didn't  know  when 
I  ahould  be  able  to  see  anybody  ....  But  why  bave  you 
brought  thia — this  boy  with  you  P  ' 

'  lor  coinpanv,  Signor  Curato.' 

'  Very  well  ;  ìet  us  see.' 

'  Here  are  twenty-Gve  new  berlinghe,  with  the  figure 
of  Saint  AmbroBe  on  horseback,'  aaid  Tonio,  drawJng  a 
little  parcel  out  of  bis  pocket. 

'  Let  118  aee,'  said  Doq  Abbondio  ;  and  he  took  the 
parcel,  p ut  on  bis  apectaclea  again,  opened  it,  took  ont 
the  herlinghe,  turned  them  over  and  over,  counted  them, 
and  found  them  irreprebensible. 

'  Now,  Signor  Curate,  you  will  give  me  Tecla'a  neck- 

'  Tou  are  right,'  repUed  Don  Abbondio  ;  and  |0Ìng  to 
a  cupboard,  he  took  out  a  key,  looking  round  aa  if  to  see 
that  ali  pryiug  spectatora  were  at  a  proper  distance, 
opened  one  of  »ie  doora,  and  filling  up  the  aperture  with 
hia  persoD,  introduced  hia  head  to  see,  and  hjs  arm  to 
i«acb,  the  pledge;  tfaen  drawing  it  out,  he  ahut  the  cup- 


,l)OglC 


Ttlt.]  THE    BBTSOTHED.  129 

board,  univrapped  the  paper,  and  aaymg,  '  la  that  rìght  ? 
folded  it  up  asaìn,  and  haaded  H  to  Tonio. 

'  Now,'  aaid  Tonio,  '  will  you  plesso  to  put  it  in  black 
and  white  ?  ' 

'  Not  eatisfied  yeti' aaid  Don  Abbondio.  'I  dedare 
they  know  everything.  Eh  !  how  BuapiciouB  the  world 
has  become  !     Don't  you  trust  me  P  ' 

'■What!  Signor  Curate!  Don't  I  trust  you?  You 
do  me  wrong.  But  aa  my  name  ìb  tu  your  black  booke, 
OD  the  debtor'a  side ....  then,  aince  you  bave  had  the 
trouble  of  writing  once,  Bo  .  .  .  .  from  life  to  death  .  .  . .  ' 

'  Well,  well,'  inteiTupted  Don  Abbondio  ;  aud  mut- 
tertng  between  bis  teetb,  he  drew  out  one  of  the  table< 
drawera,  took  thence  pen,  ink,  and  paper,  and  began  to 
write,  repeating  the  worda  atoud,  a§  they  proceeded 
&om  bis  pen.  In  the  mean  time,  Tonio,  and  at  bis  side, 
Gervase,  placed  themBclvee  standing  before  the  table  in 
Buch  a  manner  as  to  couceal  the  door  from  the  tìow  of 
the  vrìter,  and  began  to  shufBe  their  feet  about  on  the 
fioor,  aa  if  in  mere  idleneaa,  but,  in  reality,  aa  a  signal 
to  tbose  witbout  to  entor,  and,  at  the  aame  time,  to 
drown  the  noise  of  their  footateps.  Don  Abbondio, 
ìntent  upoa  bis  writing,  noticed  nothing  else.  At  the 
noiae  of  their  feet.  Bonzo  took  Lucia's  arm,  pressing  it 
in  an  encouraging  manner,  and  went  forward,  almoat 
dragging  ber  along  ;  for  ahe  trembled  to  auch  a  degree, 
that,  witbout  bis  help,  ahe  muat  bare  Bunk  to  the 
ground.  Entering  very  Boftly,  on  tiptoe,  and  holding 
their  breath,  they  placed  tbemaelves  bebiud  the  two 
brothers.  In  the  mean  time.  Don  Abbondio,  baving 
finiahed  writing,  read  over  the  paper  attentively,  wtthout 
raising  bis  eyes;  he  then  folded  it  up,  aaying,  'Are  you 
content  now  F  '  and  taking  off  bis  spectaclea  with  one 
band,  bauded  the  paper  to  Tonio  witb  the  otber,  and 
looked  up.  Tonio,  eitending  hia  right  band  to  receire 
it,  retired  on  one  side,  and  uerrase,  at  a  aign  from  htm, 
on  the  otber  ;  and  behold  I  a^  at  the  abifting  of  a  scene, 
Bonzo  and  Lucia  atood  between  them.  Don  Abbondio 
saw  indiBtinctly — aaw  clearly — waa  temfied,  astoniabed, 
enraged,  buried  in  tbongbt,  came  to  a  reaolution  ;  and 


130  I  FSmfBSSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

ali  thÌB,  while  Benzo  uttored  the  words,  '  Signor  Corate, 
in  the  presence  of  these  witneases,  thia  ìb  mj  wife.' 
Before,  novever,  Lucia's  lipa  could  form  the  reply.  Don 
Abbondio  dropped  the  reveipt,  seized  the  lamp  with  hia 
ìtàtt  band,  and  niaed  it  in  the  air,  caught  hold  of  the 
oloth  with  bis  Tight,  and  dragged  it  furiously  off  the 
table,  bringiiigto  the  ground  in  ita  fall,  book,  paper,  inh- 
stand,  (uid  aandboz  ;  and,  apringing  between  the  chair 
and  the  table,  adranced  towarda  Lucia.  The  poor  girl, 
with  ber  aweet  gentle  voice,  trembling  Tiolently,  had 
Bcarcely  uttered  the  worda,  '  And  tbia  . .  .  .  '  when  Don 
Abbondio  tbrew  tbe  clotb  rudely  over  ber  boad  and  face, 
to  prevest  ber  pronouacing  tbe  entire  formula.  Then, 
letting  tbe  light  fall  from  bis  otber  band,  he  employed 
both  to  wrap  tbe  cloth  round  ber  iace,  tiU  she  vaa  well 
nigh  smothered,  aboutiug  in  tbe  mean  while,  at  tbe  etretch 
of  bis  voice,  like  a  vouaded  bull  ;  '  Ferpetua  !  Perpetua  ! 
— treachery — help  !  '  Tbe  light,  just  glimmering  on  the 
ground,  tbrew  a  oim  and  flickeriug  ray  upon  Lucia,  wbo, 
in  utter  conatematioD,  made  no  attempt  to  diaengage  her- 
aelf,  and  migbt  he  compared  to  a  atatue  aculptured  in 
chaìk,  over  which  the  artificer  bad  tbrown  a  wet  clotb. 
When  the  bgbt  died  anay,  Don  Abbondio  quitted  tbe 
poor  girl,  and  went  groping  about  to  fìnd  the  door  that 
opened  into  an  inner  rootu  ;  and  baving  reached  it,  he 
entered  and  abut  himaeif  in,  unceasinglv  ezclaiming, 
'  Perpetua  !  treacbery,  belp  !  Out  of  the  house  !  out  m 
tbe  house  !  ' 

In  the  otber  room  ali  waa  confusion  :  Benzo,  aeeking 
to  lay  hold  of  the  Curate,  and  feeling  with  bis  bande,  aa 
if  playing  at  blind-man'a  buff,  bad  reached  the  door,  and 
kicEÌng  against  it,  waa  crving,  '  Open,  o^n  ;  don't  make 
such  a  noiae  !  '  Lucia,  calling  to  Kenzo,  m  a  feeble  voice, 
Baid,  beaeechinglv,  '  Let  ub  go,  let  uà  go,  for  God'a  aake.' 
Tonio  was  crawling  on  Ma  Itneea,  and  feeling  with  hie 
banda  on  the  ground  to  recover  hia  loat  receipt.  The 
tenrified  Oervaae  was  crying  and  jumping  about,  and 
aeeking  for  the  door  of  tbe  ataìra,  ao  as  to  make  bis  eacape 
in  aafetj. 

In  the  midat  of  this  uproar,  we  cannot  but  «top  a 


,»Ogk' 


vili.]  THE    BBTROTHED.  131 

moment  to  make  a  redection.  Sento,  who  wu  exawoK 
distarbance  at  night  in  nnother  person's  honse,  wfao  baa 
effected  an  entrance  b^  atealth,  and  wbo  had  blockaded 
the  muter  himeeìf  in  one  of  bis  owa  rooms,  baa  ali  Ibo 
appearance  of  an  oppressor  ;  wbile  in  fact  be  wu  the 
oppreeeed.  Don  Abbondio,  token  bj  eorprise,  terrified 
uid  put  to  flight,  vhìle  peaceably  engaged  in  hia  own 
affiùre,  appears  the  victim ;  «ben  in  reuity  it  was  be  who 
did  the  wrong.  TbuB  frequenti;^  goea  the  world  ....  or 
nther,  we  sbould  eny,  tbus  it  went  in  the  seventeenth 
centory. 

The  beaieged,  finding  that  the  enemy  gare  no  aigiu 
of  abandoning  the  enterprise,  opeued  a  wiudow  that 
looked  into  the  cburcbyard,  and  shouted  out  :  '  Help  t 
help  !  '  There  was  a  moat  lovely  moon  ;  the  ahadow  of 
the  chnrch,  and,  a  little  bejond,  thè  long,  ebarp  abadow 
of  the  bell-tower,  lay  darb,  stili,  and  well-defined,  on  the 
Imght  graaaj  lerel  of  the  sacred  enolosure  :  ali  objects 
were  Tiiflble,  almost  as  by  day,  But  look  wbidi  way 
you  would,  there  appeared  no  sign  of  lirìng  peraon. 
Adjoìaing  tbe  lateral  wall  of  the  cburcb,  on  the  side  next 
the  Paraonage,  was  a  amali  dwelling  wbere  tbe  aeiton 
alept.  Aroueed  by  thia  nnusual  cry,  ne  sprang  up  in  bia 
bea,  jumped  out  in  great  haate,  tfarew  open  the  aaab  of 
hia  little  window,  put  bis  head  out  with  hta  eyetida  glued 
togetber  ali  the  while,  and  cried  out:  'What's  tbe 
matterP' 

'  Sun,  Ambrogio  )  help  t  peopte  in  the  house  !  '  an- 
mrered  Don  Abbondio.  '  Coromg  directly,'  repUed  he, 
ss  he  drew  in  hia  head  and  abut  the  window;  and 
althougb  half  aaleep  and  more  than  half  terrified,  an 
expedient  quickly  occurred  to  bim  that  would  bring 
more  aid  than  had  been  asked,  wìthout  dragging  him  into 
the  afiray,  wbatever  it  migbt  be.  Seizing  bia  breechea 
that  lay  open  the  bed,  he  tucked  them  auMt  hia  ann  lìke 
a  gala  hat,  and  bounding  down-staira  by  a  little  woodea 
ladder,  ran  to  tbe  belfry,  eaught  hold  of  the  rope  that 
vas  attacbed  to  the  Urger  of  the  two  belle,  and  pulled 
TÌgorously. 

ToD,  ton,  tOB,  bm  ;  tbe  peasant  sprang  up  in  hia  bed  ; 


,„oglc 


133  I   PKOUESBI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

the  boy  etretched  in  the  hay-loft  listened  eogerlj,  and 
leapt  upon  hls  feet.  'What'athe  matter  P  what'athe 
matter?  The  bell'a  ringing!  Fìre  P  Thieves?  Ban- 
ditti  P  '  Manj  of  the  women  advised — begged  their 
husbaada  not  to  stir — to  let  others  run  ;  eome  got  up 
and  weDt  to  the  window  ;  those  who  were  cowards,  as 
if  yieldìng  to  entreaty,  quietly  slipped  under  the  bed- 
clothea  again  ;  while  the  more  mquiBitive  and  courageoua 
sprang  up  and  armed  themeeWes  with  pitch-forke  and 
piatola,  to  mn.  to  the  uproar  ;  others  waited  to  aee  the 
end. 

But  before  these  were  ali  ready,  and  even  before  they 
were  well  awake,  the  noise  had  reached  the  eare,  and 
arrested  tbe  attention,  of  some  others  not  rery  far  diB- 
tant,  who  were  both  dreaeed  and  on  their  feet  ;  the 
brttToes  in  one  place  ;  Agnese  and  Perpetua  in  another. 
We  will  first  bnefly  relate  the  tnoTementa  of  the  hravoes 
since  we  left  them  ; — some  in  the  old  building,  and  some 
at  tbe  inn. 

.  Tbe  three  at  the  inn,  as  soon  aa  they  saw  ali  the 
doors  shut  and  the  Street  deserted,  went  out,  pretending 
to  be  going  some  dtatance  ;  but  they  only  quietly  took 
a  ahort  tum  in  the  villago  to  be  assured  that  ali  had 
retired  to  rest;  and  in  fact,  they  met  not  one  lìving 
creature,  nor  heard  the  leaat  noise,  They  also  passeri, 
stili  more  softly,  befure  Lucia's  little  cottage,  whieh 
waa  the  quietest  of  ali,  since  there  was  no  one  withìn. 
They  tben  weut  direct  to  the  old  house,  and  reported 
their  observations  to  Si^or  Griso.  Haatily  putting  on 
a  slouched  hat,  with  a  pUgrim's  drese  of  sackcloth,  scat- 
terei oTer  with  cockte-shells,  and  taking  in  bis  band  a 
pilgrim's  staff,  he  said  :  '  Now  let  us  act  like  good 
bravoes;  quiet,  and  attentive  to  ordera.'  So  snying,  he 
mored  forward,  followed  by  tbe  reat,  and  in  a  few  mo- 
ments  reacbed  tbe  cottage  by  the  opposite  way  to  the  one 
our  little  party  had  taken  when  setting  out  on  their  ei- 
pedition.  Griso  ordered  bis  followers  to  remain  a  few 
paces  behind,  while  he  went  forward  alone  to  eiplore  ; 
and  finding  ali  outside  deserted  and  stili,  he  beckoned  to 
two  of  thetn  to  advance,  ordered  them  quietly  to  scale  the 


,»Ogk' 


Vin.]  THE   BBTROTHED.  133 

vali  tbat  earroimded  the  court-yard,  and  wlea  the^  had 
descended,  to  conceal  themselves  ia  a  corner  bebind  a 
tbìck  fig-tree  tliat  he  had  noticed  in  the  maming.  Thia 
done,  be  knocked  gently  at  the  door,  vith  the  intention 
of  sayÌDg  that  he  was  a  pilgrìm  wbo  had  lost  his  waj,ajìA 
begged  a  lodeiing  for  the  night.  No  one  replied;  he 
knocked  a  little  more  loudl;  ;  not  a  whiiper.  He  there* 
fere  called  a  third  hravo,  and  made  him  deseend  iato  the 
yard  aa  the  other  two  had  done,  with  orders  to  unfasten 
the  bolt  infiide  verj  carefully,  bo  that  he  might  have  free 
ÌDgresa  and  egress.  Ali  was  ezecuted  with  the  greatest 
oaution  and  the  most  prosperous  aucceaa.  He  then  went 
to  cali  the  rest,  and  oidding  them  enter  with  him,  sent 
them  to  hide  in  the  corner  with  the  others,  closed  the 
door  again  very  eoftly,  placed  two  sentinels  inside,  and 
went  up  to  the  door  of  the  house.  Here  also  he  knocked 
— waited  ;  and  long  enough  he  might  wait.  He  then  as 
gently  as  poeeihle  opened  thie  door;  nobody  within  aaid, 
Who'a  there  ;  no  oue  waa  to  be  heard.  Nothing  could 
be  better.  Forward  then  ;  '  Come  on,'  crìed  he  tu  thoae 
bebind  tbe  fig-tree,  and  he  entered  with  them  into  that 
Tery  loom  where  in  the  morning  be  bad  bo  basely  obtained 
the  piece  of  bread,  Drawing  from  bis  pocket  a  piece  of 
Bteel,  a  flint,  some  tinder  and  a  few  matchea,  he  lit'a 
amali  lantern  be  bad  provided,  and  atepped  into  the  next 
room  to  assure  himeelf  that  ali  was  guiet  :  no  one  waa 
there.  He  retumed,  went  to  the  foot  of  the  atairs,  looked 
up,  listencd  ;  ali  was  aoiitude  and  ailence.  Leaving  two 
more  aentinels  in  the  lower  rootn,  he  bid  Grignapoco  fol- 
low  him,  a  bravo  from  the  diatrict  of  Bergamo,  whose 
office  it  was  to  threaten,  appeaae,  and  command;  to  be, 
in  ahort,  the  epokeBman,  so  that  bis  dialect  might  givo 
Agnese  tbe  idea  that  the  expediCion  carne  from  bis  neigh- 
bourfaood.  TVith  thie  compaoion  at  bis  side,  and  the  reat 
bebind  him,  Griso  very  slowly  ascended  the  staira,  cura, 
log  in  bis  beart  erery  step  that  unluckily  creaked,  erery 
tread  of  these  Tillaina  that  made  the  least  noiae.  At  last 
he  reachea  tbe  top.  Here  is  the  danger.  He  gently 
pusbes  tbe  door  that  leads  into  tbe  firat  room  ;  it  yields 
to  bia  touch  ;  be  opena  it  a  little  and  looka  in  ;  ali  is  dark  ; 


mr.  [cH. 

>Iie  listens  attentiTelT',  perchance  he  mar  bear  a  anoring, a 
breath,  a  Btirring  witbin;  nothiag.  Forward  theo;  he 
putì  the  lantem  before  hia  face,  ao  os  to  see  without  being 
aeen,  he  opena  the  door  wide;  perceivea  a  bed;  looka 
upon  it  ;  the  bed  is  made  and  amooth,  witb  the  clothea 
tumed  down  and  arranged  upon  the  pillow.  He  shmga 
bis  ehoulders,  tums  to  bis  companioDB,  beckona  to  tbem 
that  he  ie  going  to  look  in  the  otber  room,  and  that  tbey 
must  keep  quiet  where  they  were  ;  he  eoes  forward,  uaes 
the  aame  precautiona,  meeta  with  the  aame  auccesa. 
'  Wbatever  can  thia  mean  P  '  ezclaimed  he  boldlj  ;  '  aome 
traitoroua  dog  must  bave  been  acting  as  epj.'  Tbey  then 
began  to  look  about  them  irìth  iess  caution,  and  to  pry 
luto  every  corner,  tuming  tbe  houee  upeJde  dowa. 

While  the  party  up-staira  were  tbue  engaged,  tbe  two 
vho  were  od  guard  et  the  atreet-door  heard  haety  and 
repeated  footstepa  appruacbìng  aiong  tbe  road  that  led 
into  the  village,  and  imagining  that  wboever  it  waa,  be 
would  paaB  by,  tbey  kept  quiet,  their  eora,  bowever,  at- 
tentivefy  on  the  watch.  But  behold  !  the  footatepa 
atopped  exactly  at  tbe  door.  It  waa  Menico  arriving  in 
great  baste,  sent  by  Fatber  Crìatoforo  to  bid  tbe  two 
women,  for  Heaven's  aake,  to  mate  their  eecape  sa  quickly 
B>  poBaihle  from  their  cottage,  and  take  retìige  in  the 
conrent,  because  ....  tbe  'because'  the  reader  knows. 
He  took  hold  of  the  handle  of  the  latch,  and  felt  it  ahake 
in  bis  band,  unfaetened  and  broken  open.  What  ia  thia  P 
thought  he,  aa  he  pushed  open  the  door  in  aome  alarm  ; 
uid  puttìng  one  foot  inside  with  conaiderable  auspicion, 
be  felt  himaelf  aeized  in  a  moment  by  botb  arma,  and 
beard  two  amothered  roicea,  on  bis  right  and  left,  saying 
to  him,  in  a  threatening  tone  :  '  Uuah  I  hold  your  tongue, 
or  Tou  die.'  On  the  contrary,  bowever,  ne  uttered  a 
ebrdl  cry,  upon  wbicb  one  of  them  atruch  bim  a  great 
blow  on  the  mouth,  and  the  otber  took  hold  of  a  Targe 
knife  to  terrify  him.  The  poor  child  tremhled  like  a  leaf, 
and  did  not  attempt  a  secood  cry  ;  but  ali  nt  once,  in  hia 
^atead,  and  witb  a  far  different  tone,  burat  fortb  tbe  firat 
/  Bound  of  tbe  beli  before  deacribed,  and  immediately  after 
maoy  tbuDdering  peala  in  quick  sncceaBion.    '  If  the  ce^ 


viilJ  tse  betrotued.  i3e 

fita,  ^ut  it  on,'  aayi  a.  MilAnese  proverb  ;  each  of  the 
TÌllaiUB  Beemed  to  hear  in  theee  paUH  bis  name,  Bumame,  • 
■and  nick-name;  tbey  let  go  of  Menico'»  arms,  hastily 
dropped  their  own,  gased  at  each  other's  foces  in  mute 
aatoniBliraent,  and  thm  raa  into  the  house  whare  was  the 
bulk  of  their  companions.  Menico  took  to  hia  Ì6ga,  and 
fled,  by  waj  of  the  fielda,  towarda  the  belfry,  wbere  he 
felt  Bure  there  wouid  be  aome  people  aBsembLed.  On  the 
other  ruffiana,  who  were  riiminagmg  the  house  from  top 
to  bottom,  the  terrìble  beli  made  the  aame  impreasion; 
confuoed  and  alarmed,  they  ran  againat  one  another,  in 
attempting,  each  one  for  himaelf,  to  find  the  shorteat  way 
of  leachÌDg  the  atreet-door.  Though  meu  of  approved 
couiage,  and  accustomed  nerer  to  turn  their  baoka  on 
knomi  perii,  they  could  not  etand  againtit  an  indefinite 
danger,  which  liad  not  been  viewed  at  a  little  diatance 
before  coming  upon  them.  It  required  ali  the  authority 
of  Griao  to  keep  them  t<^ther,  so  that  it  might  be  a  re- 
treat  and  not  a  flight.  Juat  aa  a  dog  urging  a  drore  of 
pigs,  runa  bere  and  there  aft«r  tboee  that  break  the  ranks, 
aeizes  one  by  the  eara,  and  droga  him  into  the  herd,  pro- 
pela another  with  big  uose,  ba»B  at  a  third  that  leaves 
the  line  at  the  aame  moment,  ao  the  pilgrim  laid  hold  of 
one  of  hia  troop  juat  pasaing  the  threabold,  and  drew  him 
back,  detained  with  hia  staff  others  who  had  almost 
reached  it,  called  after  aome  vbo  were  fiying  they  knev 
Dot  whitber,  and  finolly  Bucceeded  in  aesembling  them  ali 
in  the  middle  of  the  court-yard.  '  Halt  I  halt  !  pistola  in 
haad,  daggere  in  readinesa,  ali  together,  and  then  we'll 
begone.  We  muat  march  in  order.  What  care  we  for 
the  bella  ringing,  if  we  are  ali  together,  you  cowarda  F 
But  if  we  let  them  catch  uà  one  by  one,  even  the  villagera 
will  gire  UB  it.  For  ahame  !  Fall  behind,  and  keep  to- 
gether.' After  this  brief  harangue,  he  placed  himself  in 
the  front,  and  led  the  way  out.  The  cottage,  aa  we  bave 
BÙd,  was  at  ibe  extremity  of  the  vìUage  :  Griso  took  the 
road  that  led  oat  of  it,  and  the  reat  foDowed  him  in  good 
order. 

We  will  let  them  go,  and  return  a  step  or  two  to  find 
le  and  Perpetua,  whom  we  had  juat  conducted  round 


ogic 


136  I   FBOMXSSI   SPOSI.  [Cil. 

the  corner  of  a  certain  road.  Agnese  had  endeavaured 
to  allure  ber  companioii  aa  far  avray  from  Don  Abbondio'B 
house  tw  poBsible,  and  up  to  a  certain  point  hnd  aucceeded 
Tory  veli.  But  ali  on  a  audden  the  eervant  remembered 
that  ehe  had  left  the  door  open,  and  she  wonted  to  ^ 
back.  There  was  nothine  to  be  said  :  Agnese,  to  avoid 
ezciting  anT  anapicion  in  ner  mind,  was  obliged  to  tum 
and  walk  witb  ber,  trying  however  to  detain  her  whenever 
she  saw  ber  very  eager  in  relatiog  the  iaiiue  of  such  and 
such  courtsbips.  She  pretended  to  be  paying  very  great 
attention,  aua  every  now  and  tben^by  way  of  snowìng 
that  she  was  liatening,  or  to  animate  the  flagging  converaa- 
tion,  would  aay  :  '  Certainly  :  now  I  underatand  :  that  was 
capital  :  that  is  plain  :  and  then  P  and  be  F  and  you  ?  '  wbile 
ali  the  tìme  she  was  keeping  up  a  very  different  diacourse 
in  her  own  mind. — '  I  wonder  it  thoy  are  out  by  tbis  time  ? 
or  wiU  they  stili  be  in  the  house  ?  What  ^ese  we  ali  were 
net  to  arrange  any  sìgnal  to  let  me  knov  wben  it  was 
over  !  It  waa  really  very  atupid  !  But  it  can't  be  helped  : 
and  the  beat  thing  I  caa  do  now  is  to  keep  her  loitering 
bere  ai  long  as  I  oan  :  let  the  worst  come  to  the  worat,  it 
vili  only  be  a  little  time  loat.'.— Thua,  with  sundry  pausea 
and  vanoua  deviatious  from  the  atraight  patb,  tbey  were 
brought  back  again  to  witbin  a  very  short  distance  from 
Don  Abbondio'a  house,  which,  bowever,  could  not  be  seen 
on  account  of  the  corner  intercepting  tbe  view,  and  Per- 
petua Gndiog  beraelf  at  an  important  part  of  ber  narra- 
tion,  had  sufiered  herself  to  be  detained  witbout  reaiet- 
ance,  and  evea  witbout  being  aware  of  it,  when  they  sud- 
denly  heard,  echoing  througb  the  vacant  eitent  of  the 
atmoapbere,  and  the  dead  ailence  of  night,  the  loud  and 
diaordered  cry  of  Don  Abbondio  :  '  Help  I  belp  !  ' 

'  Mercy  !  what  haa  happened  f  '  cried  Perpetua,  begin- 
nìng  to  run. 

'  What  ia  it  ?  what  ia  it  f  '  aaid  Agnese,  holding  her 
back  by  the  gown. 

'  Mercy  I  didn't  you  hear  ?  '  replied  ahe,  atnigglìng. 

'  What  is  it  ?  what  ia  ìt  i"  repeated  Agnese,  seìzing  ber 
by  the  arm. 

'  Wretch  of  a  woman  I  '  exclaimed  Perpetua,  pushing 


,»oglc 


Tni.]  THB    BETBOTHSD.  137 

her  Avny  to  free  heraelf  and  to  nm.    At  tbia  moment, 
mOTe  dietant,  more  shrill,  more  instautaiieoua,  waa  heard  " 
the  Bcream  oÌ  Menico. 

'  MercT  !  '  crìed  Agnese  also  ;  and  they  tu  off  together. 
They  had  acarcely,  however,  gone  a  ateo,  when  the  beli 
■ounded  one  stroke,  then  two,  tbree,  ano  a  aucceesion  of 
peale,  Buch  as  would  bare  atimulated  them  to  run  had 
there  been  no  other  ìnducement.  Perpetua  arrìved  first 
bj  two  BtepB  ;  while  sbe  raiaed  ber  band  to  the  door  to 
open  it,  behold  I  it  waa  opened  froni  within,  and  on  the 
tnreshold  atood,  l^o^io,  Grerrase,  Benzo,  and  Lucia,  who 
haring  found  the  staira,  had  come  down  more  rapidly  tban 
they  went  up  ;  and  at  the  aound  of  that  terrible  beli,  trere 
making  their  escape  in  haate  to  reacb  a  place  of  safety. 

'What'a  thematter?  wbat'a  the  matterF  '  demanded 
the  panting  Perpetua  of  the  brothers  ;  but  tbey  only  re- 
plied  witb  a  TÌolent  pusb,  and  paseed  on.  '  And  you  ! 
How  !  what  are  ^ou  doiog  here  F  '  aaid  abe  to  the  otber 
couple  on  recognuing  them.  But  tbey  toc  made  their 
eacape  without  answering  ber.  Without,  therefore,  aak- 
ing  any  more  questiona,  and  directing  ber  steps  wbere  she 
waa  moBt  wanted,  ahe  ruahed  impetuoualy  iato  the  passage, 
and  went  groping  about  aa  quicklf  aa  she  could  to  find  tue 
stairs. 

The  betrotfaed,  stili  only  betrothed,  now  fall  in  with 
Agnese,  wbo  arrived  weary  and  out  of  breatb.  '  Ah  ! 
bere  you  are  !  '  aaid  she,  scarcely  able  to  sneak.  '  How 
bas  it  gene  ?  What  ig  the  beli  nngbg  for  r  I  tbought 
I  heard  . . .  .' 

'  Home  !  home  1  '  crìed  Keuza  '  before  anybody  cornea.' 
And  tbey  moved  forward  ;  but  at  this  moment  Menico 
arrìved,  running  as  faat  aa  fais  legs  could  carry  him  ;  and 
recognizing  them,  he  threw  bimself  in  their  way,  and  atill 
ali  in  a  ttemble  and  scarcely  able  to  draw  bis  breatb,  ei- 
claimed  :  '  Where  are  you  going  P  back,  back  I  Tbia  way, 
to  the  conrent.' 

'  Are  you  ?....'  begaa  Agnese. 

.'What  is  ìtP'  asked  Benio.  Lucia  etood  by,  trem- 
bline  and  silent,  in  utter  dismay. 

'There  are  devila  in  your  house,'  replied  Menico,  pant- 


,„oglc 


138  I    PROMESSI  EF08I.  [CH. 

ing.  '  I  aaw  tbem  nt^eelf  :  they  vonted  bi  murder  me  : 
Tather  Criatoforo  said  bo  ;  and  even  jou,  Senzo,  he  laid, 
were  to  come  quickly  ; — and  beaidea,  I  saw  them  tajteìì  : 
— it'a  providential  jou  are  ali  bere  : — I  will  teli  you  the 
reat  when  we  eet  out  of  the  vìllage.' 

Beuzo,  who  nadmore  of  hia  senaea  about  bim  tbaa  tbo 
reat,  remembered  that  they  hod  better  make  tbeir  escape 
one  way  or  anoth«r  before  the  crowda  asaembled  ;  and 
tbat  the  best  pian  would  be  to  do  as  Menico  admed,  nay, 
commaaded  witb  tbe  autbority  of  one  in  terror.  When 
once  on  their  way,  and  out  of  the  tumult  and  danger,  he 
could  ask  a  clearer  ejcplanation  from  the  boy.  '  L^d  the 
way,'  aaid  he  to  Menico  ;  and  addresaing  tbe  tromen,  eaid, 
'  I^t  uè  go  witb  bim,'  Thev  therefore  quickly  tumed 
their  steps  towarda  the  cburch,  croaaed  the  churchyard, 
where,  by  tbe  favour  of  Heaven,  there  waa  not  yet  a 
lÌTÌng  creature,  entéred  a  little  Street  that  ran  betweea 
the  church  and  Don  Abbondio'»  house,  turaed  into  the 
firat  alley  they  carne  to,  and  then  took  the  way  of  the 
flelds. 

They  had  not  perhapa  gone  fifty  yarda,  when  tbe  crowd 
began  to  collect  in  the  cburcb;^^>  ^nd  rapidly  increased 
every  moment.  They  looked  inquiringly  in  each  otber's 
fàces  ;  every  one  bad  a  queetion  to  a«k,  but  ne  one  could 
return  an  anawer.  Tbose  wbo  arrived  firat,  ran  to  the 
church-door  :  it  was  locked.  They  tben  ran  to  tbe  bel&y 
ontside;  and  one  of  them,  putting  hia  moutb  to  a  veij 
emtdl  window,  a  sort  of  loop-bole,  cried,  '  What  erer  is 
the  matter  'i  '  As  aooii  ae  Ambrogio  recognised  a  known 
Toice,  he  let  go  of  tbe  bell-rope,  and  bemg  aasured  by 
the  buzz  that  many  people  bad  asaembled,  replied  :  '  l'Il 
open  tbe  door.'  Haatily  alipping  on  the  apparel  he  had 
canied  under  hia  arm,  he  went  inside  tìie  cburch,  and 
opened  tbe  door. 

'  What  Ì8  ali  tbia  hubbub  P— Wbat  ia  it  P— Where  ii 
it  ?— Wbo  ìb  it  1" 

'  Wby,  who  ia  it  P  '  eaid  Ambrogio,  laying  one  band 
oa  the  door-poat,  and  witb  the  other  holding  up  tbe 
habilìment  he  had  put  on  in  such  baste:  'Wbatl  don't 
you  kaow  P    Feopìe  in  the  Signor  Curate's  house.     Up, 


,»oglc 


Tin.]  THS  BSIBOTBBD.  139 

bi}^  :  help  1  '  Hearine  tbis,  thej  ali  turned  to  the  hoase, 
looked  up,  approacbed  it  in  a  body,  looked  up  again, 
listened  :  ali  wbb  quiet.  Some  ran  to  tbe  street-door  ;  it 
«ae  ehut  and  bolted  ;  thej  glanced  upwarda  :  not  a  window 
waB  open  ;  not  a  whisper  was  to  be  heard. 

'  Who  is  vithinP  —  Ho!  Heyl  —  Signor  Cumte! — 
Si^or  Curate  !  ' 

Don  Abbondio,  who,  Bcarcely  aware  of  the  flight  of  the 
invaderà,  had  retired  front  tbe  window,  and  closed  it,  and 
who  at  tbia  momoDt  was  reproaching  Perpetua  in  a  low 
voice  for  having  left  bim  alone  in  thia  confusion,  waa 
obliged,  when  he  heard  bimself  eslied  upoo  by  the  voice 
of  tbe  aaaembled  people,  to  show  himaelf  again  at  the 
window;  and  when  he  aaw  the  crowds  that  had  come  to 
hia  aid,  he  Borely  repented  having  colled  them. 

'What  haa  happenedP— What  bave  theydoneto  you? 
— Wbo  are  they  ? — Where  are  they  ?  '  bont  forth  fifom 
fifty  voicea  ai  once. 

'  There's  nobody  bere  now  ;  tbank  yoa  :  go  home  again.' 

'  But  who  haa  been  bere  ? — Where  are  they  gooe  t — 
"Wbat  haa  happened  ?  ' 

'  Bad  people,  people  who  go  abont  by  night  ;  bnt 
they're  goae  :  go  home  again  :  there  Ìb  no  longer  any- 
thing  :  anotber  time,  my  cbildren  :  I  tbank  you  for  your 
kin£ieBS  to  me.*  So  aaying,  he  drew  back,  and  afaut  the 
window.  Some  of  the  crowd  began  to  grumble,  some  to 
joke,  otbera  to  cnrae  ;  some  Bhmgged  their  Bboulders  and 
took  their  departure:  when  ose  arrived,  endcftTOuring, 
but  BcarRcly  able  to  speak  &om  want  of  breath.  It  was 
the  perBonwholived  in  theboueeoppoBÌte  Agnese's  cottage, 
who  having  gone  to  the  window  at  tbe  noise,  had  aeen  in 
the  court-yard  the  aaeembly  of  bravoes,  when  Otìbo  wm 
■triTing  to  re-unite  bis  scattered  troopa.  On  recovenng 
hia  breath,  he  cried  :  '  What  are  you  aoing  bere,  my  eoM 
ièllowB  ?  tbe  derjl  ien't  bere  ;  he's  down  at  tbe  end  ofthe 
TÌIla^,  at  Agnese  Mondella's  house;  armed  men  are 
witbm,  who  aeem  to  be  murdering  a  pilgrìm;  wbu  knowa 
irbat  the  devil  is  doing  !  ' 

'  What  ? — what  P — what  ?  '  and  a  tumultuoua  canmilt- 
atioa  began.    '  We  must  go. — We  muat    tee. — How 


140  I   FKOUESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

many  are  there  ? — How  many  are  we  ? — Who  are  we  ?— 
The  conetable  t  the  coDBtable  !  ' 

'  l'm  bere,'  replìed  the  constable  &om  the  middle  of 
the  crowd  :  '  l'm  here  ;  but  you  must  help  me,  you  must 
obey.  Quick  i  where  isthe  seiton  ?  To  the  beli,  to  the 
beli.  Quick  !  Somehody  to  rua  to  Lecco  for  help  :  ali 
of  you  come  here  .  .  .  .' 

Some  ran,  some  shpped  betweeo  their  fellowa  and  made 
their  escape  ;  and  the  tumult  was  at  jte  greatest  heigbt, 
when  anotber  runner  arrived  who  had  aeen  Griso  and  bis 
party  going  off  in  aucb  baste,  aud  cried  in  his  tum  ; 
*  Sun,  my  good  fellowa  :  thìevee  or  banditti,  who  are 
carrying  off  a  pilgrim  :  they  are  alread^  out  of  the  village. 
On  I  after  them  I  At  this  information,  ther  moved  off 
ia  a  body  in  great  confusion  towarda  the  fielde,  without 
vaiting  their  general'B  orders,  and  a»  the  crowd  proceeded, 
many  of  tba  vanguard  alackeaed  their  pace,  to  let  the 
othera  advance,  and  retired  into  the  body  of  the  battalion, 
thoee  in  the  rear  puehing  eagerly  forward,  until  at  laat 
the  diaorderly  multitude  reached  their  place  of  deatin»- 
tion,  Traoea  of  the  recent  invasion  were  manifest  :  the 
door  opened,  tbelocke  torn  off;  but  the  inradere  had  dia- 
appeared.  The  crowd  entered  the  court-yard,  and  went 
to  the  room  door  ;  tbia,  too,  was  burat  open  :  they  called  : 
'  Agnese  I  Lucia  I  the  pilgrim  !  Where  ia  the  pilgrim  ? 
Stefano  must  bave  been  oreaming  about  tbe  pilgrim.— 
No,  no  :  Carlandrea  aaw  bim  also.  Ho  !  hey  !  pilgrim  1 — 
Agneae  l  Lucia  !  '  No  one  replied.  '  They've  ruu  away 
with  them  !  They've  run  away  with  them  !  '  There 
were  then  some  vbo  raised  their  voices  and  proposed  to 
foUow  the  robbera  ;  aaid  it  was  a  heiuoua  crime,  and  that 
it  would  be  a  disgrace  to  tbe  village,  if  every  Tillain  couid 
come  and  cany  off  women  vith  impunity,  aa  a  kite  carnea 
off  chickens  from  a  deeerted  barn-floor.  Then  rose  a 
freab  and  more  tumultuous  conaultation  ;  but  aomebody, 
(aDd  it  was  never  certainly  known  who,)  called  out  in  the 
crowd  that  Agneae  and  Lucia  were  in  aafety  in  a  house. 
The  rumour  spread  rapidly  ;  it  gained  belief,  aud  no  one 
■poke  again  of  giving  chaee  to  the  fugitivea  ;  the  multi- 
tude diaperaed,  and  every  one  went  to  his  own  house. 


TIII.]  THE   BBTROTHSD.  141 

There  was  a  general  whiapering,  a  noise,  ali  over  the 
TJIlage,  a  knocking  and  openiog  of  doors,  an  appearing 
and  diflappeariug  of  ligKta,  a  queetioDÌng  of  women  from 
the  windowe,  an  answerìng  from  the  streetg.  WheD  ali 
outarde  was  deaerted  and  quiet,  the  conreraatioiiB  con- 
tinued  in  the  houees,  and  ended  at  laat  in  slumber,  only 
to  be  reneired  on  the  morrow.  However,  no  other  eveots 
took  place,  excepting  that  on  the  moniìng  of  th&t  morrow, 
the  conatable  was  atanding  in  hÌB  field,  with  hie  chin  rest-- 
ing  on  bis  banda,  bis  banda  on  tbe  bandle  of  tbe  spade, 
which  was  half  stuck  into  the  ground,  and  one  foot  on 
tbe  iron  rest  affiied  to  the  handle;  speculating  in  bis 
mind,  as  he  tbua  stood,  oa  tbe  mysterìes  of  the  post 
night,  on  what  would  reosonably  be  eipected  of  bim,  and 
on  what  coirne  it  would  be  beat  for  nim  to  puraue,  be 
BBW  two  men  approaching  bim  with  verj  fierce  looka, 
-wearìng  long  hair,  like  the  first  race  of  French  kings, 
and  otherwiae  hearing  a  atrong  reaemblance  to  tbe  two 
■who,  five  daya  before,  bad  confronted  Don  Abbondio,  it, 
indeed,  they  were  not  the  sarae  men.  These,  with  stilt 
leas  ceremony  than  bad  been  used  towards  the  Curate, 
ìntimated  to  the  conatable  tbat  be  must  take  right  good 
care  not  to  make  a  deposition  to  the  J?odettà  of  what  had 
happened,  not  to  teli  the  truth  in  case  be  was  questiooed, 
not  to  gosaìp,  and  not  to  encourage  goasiping  among  the 
villagers,  aa  he  ralued  bis  life. 

Our  fugìtives  walked  a  little  way  at  a  quìck  pace  in 
silence,  one  or  other  occasionally  looking  back  to  aee  if 
they  were  foUowed,  ali  of  thera  wearied  by  the  fatigue 
of  tbe  flight,  by  tbe  aniiety  and  Huspenae  they  had  en- 
'  dured,  by  eneS  at  their  ill-auccesa,  and  by  confìiised  appre- 
benaioDS  01  new  and  unknown  danger.  Their  terror,  too, 
was  increaaed  by  the  sound  of  the  beli,  which  stili  con- 
tinued  to  follow  them,  and  seemed  to  become  beavier  and 
more  hoarae  the  fiirther  they  left  it  bebind  them,  acquìr- 
ing  every  moment  aomethìng  more  moumfuland  ominouB 
in  ita  tone.  At  last  the  ringing  ceased.  Beachiug  then 
a  deaerted  field,  and  not  hearing  a  wbisper  around, 
they  slackened  their  pace,  and  Agnese,  taking  breath, 
vaa  the  first  to  break  the  silence,  by  aaking  H«nzo  hotr 


14S  I   PROMESSI  BP08I.  [CH. 

mattors  faad  gone,  and  Menico,  what  waa  tbe  demon  in 
tbeir  houae.  Renzo  brietlf  related  bis  melancboly  etory  ; 
and  tben,  ali  of  tbem  tuming  to  the  child,  be  informed 
tbem  more  expreeslv  of  the  Fatber's  adrìce,  and  narrated 
wbat  be  bad  nimaelf  witnesaed  and  tbe  batarda  be  had 
nm,  wbìcb  too  surelv  confirmed  tbe  advice.  His  auditors, 
bowerer,  understooa  more  of  tbia  than  did  tbe  speaker  ; 
tbeywereaeized  witb  new  horror  at  the  dÌBCOverj,  aad  for 
a  moment  paused  ia  tbeir  veìk,  ezcbangiug  mutuai  looks 
of  fear  ;  tben  with  an  unanimous  movement  tbey  laid  tbeir 
banda,  some  on  tbe  head,  othera  on  the  shoulders  of  tbo 
bo7,  u  if  to  carees  bim,  and  tacitlj  to  tbank  bim  for 
baving  been  to  tbem  a  ^uardian  angel;  at  the  aame  time 
signifying  tbe  compasaion  tbey  felt  for  bim,  and  almoat 
apologÌKing  for  tbe  terror  be  bad  endured  and  the  danger 
be  bad  undergone  on  tbeir  account.  '  Now  go  home, 
tbat  joar  family  may  not  be  anxioiis  about  you  any 
longer,'  said  Agnese  ;  and  remembering  tbe  two  promised 
parpa^lioU,  sbe  took  outfour,and  gare  tbem  to  him,  add- 
ing  :  '  Tbat  will  do  ;  pray  the  Lord  tbat  we  may  meet 
again  soon  ;  and  tben  .  .  .  .'  Benzo  gare  him  a  new  ber- 
linga, and  begged  him  to  aay  notbing  of  tbe  message  he 
bad  brought  trom  tbe  Pather:  Lucia  again  careased  bim, 
bade  him  farewell  witb  a  aorrowful  voice,  and  tbe  boy, 
almoat  overcome,  wished  them  good-bye,  and  tumed  back. 
Tbe  iDelancholy  trio  continued  tbeir  walk,  the  women 
taking  tbe  lead,  and  Benzo  bebind  to  act  ae  guard.  Lucia 
clungclosely  to  faermotber'a  arm.kindly  and  deiterouaJy 
avoiding  tbe  proffered  aasiatance  of  the  youth  at  the 
difflcultpassesof  thiaunfrequentedpath  ;  feeling  asbamed 
of  beraelf,  even  in  sucb  troubles,  for  baving  already  been 
80  long  and  so  familiarly  alone  with  bim,  v^ile  expecting 
in  a  few  momentB  to  be  bla  wife.  Now  tbat  thie  vision 
bad  been  so  sorrowfuDv  dispelled,  she  repented  having 
proceeded  thus  far  ;  and,  amidat  ao  many  cauaea  of  fear, 
ebe  feared  even  for  ber  modeaty, — not  auch  modeatv  aa 
arisea  from  the  aad  knowledge  of  evil,  but  For  tbat  wnich 
ia  ignorant  of  ita  own  exiatence  ; — like  the  dread  of  » 
ohìld  who  tremblee  in  tbe  dark,  be  knowa  not  wby. 
'  And  tbe  bonse  ?  '  auddenly  exclaimed  Agneae.    But 


,»oglc 


vili.]  THB  BBTHOTHED.  143 

howerer  important  the  object  mighl;  be  vhicli  eztorted 
tbis  exclamatlon,  no  one  replìed,  becsiue  no  one  could  do 
so  Batisfactorily.  They  tberefore  continued  their  walkÌQ 
■ilence,  and,  in  &  little  vbile,  reached  the  sqiiare  before 
the  cburch  of  the  convent. 

Benzo  adrauced  to  the  door  of  the  cburch,  and  gently 
pushed  it  ope^  The  moon  that  entered  through  the 
aperture,  fell  upon  the  pale  face  and  ailver;  beard  of 
Father  Cristoforo,  who  was  standing  bere  expecting  them  ; 
and  bavÌDgaeentbatnoonewaamÌBBÌng,'  God  be  praiaed  !  ' 
Baid  be,  beckoning  to  them  to  enter.  By  his  side  stood 
another  Capuchin,  the  Uy  seiton,  wbotn  be  bad  persuaded, 
by  prayen  and  argiunenta,  to  keep  vigil  with  him,  to  leare 
the  door  ajar,  ana  to  remain  there  on  guard  to  receive 
thestf  poor  threatened  creatures  ;  and  it  required  notbing 
short  of  the  authority  of  the  Fatber,  and  of  bis  fame  as  a 
aaìnt,  to  persuade  the  layman  to  so  inctmvenient,  perilou^ 
and  irregular  a  condesceuBion.  When  they  were  inside, 
Father  Cristoforo  very  soMy  sbut  the  door.  Thea  the 
sexton  could  no  longer  contain  himself,  and  taking  the 
Father  aside,  wbispered  in  bis  ear;  'But  Father,  Father  1 
at  night ....  in  cburch  ....  with  women  ....  sbut .... 
the  Tuie ....  bnt  Fatber  !  *  And  he  shook  bis  head,  while 
thne  besìtatingly  pronooncing  tbese  words.  Just  see  I 
tfaougbt  Fatber  Cristoforo  ;  if  it  were  a  pursued  robber, 
Friar  Fazio  would  mahe  no  difficultj  in  the  world  ;  and 
a  poor  innocent  escaping  from  the  jaws  of  a  wolf  .... 
'  Omnia  mwnda  mutidù,'  added  be,  turniog  suddenly  to 
Friar  Fazio,  and  forgetting  tbat  be  did  not  understand 
Latin.  But  tbis  forgetfulnees  was  exactly  wbat  produced 
tbe  ligbt  efiect.  If  the  Father  bad  begun  to  dispute  and 
reason,  Friar  Faiio  would  not  bare  faSed  to  urge  oppos- 
ing  arguments  ;  and  no  one  knows  how  and  when  tbe 
diseussion  would  bave  come  to  an  end  ;  bnt  at  tbe  sound 
of  tbese  weigbty  words  of  a  mvsterious  signification,  and  " 
IO  resolutely  uttered,  it  seemeo  to  him  that  in  them  must 
be  contained  the  solution  of  ali  his  doubts.  He  acquieaced, 
saying,  '  Very  well  ;  you  know  more  about  it  tban  I  do.' 

'Trust  me,  tben,'  replìed  Father  Cristoforo;  and  by 
tbe  dim  light  of  the  lamp  buming  before  the  aitar,  he 


,CK,glc 


144  I   FBOHE8S1  SPOSI.  [CH. 

approaclied  the  refugees,  who  stood  waìtine  in  Buapense, 
and  said  to  tbem,  '  My  childreu,  thank  God,  who  hae  de- 
livered  you  from  ao  great  a  danger  !  Perhaps  at  thia 
moment . . . .'  aad  tiere  he  began  to  eiplain  more  fully 
what  he  had  hinted  by  the  little  measenger,  little  anapecù 
ing  that  they  knew  more  than  he,  and  eupposing  that 
Menico  had  found  them  quiet  in  their  own  houae,  before 
the  arrivai  of  the  niffiaoH.  Nobody  undeceived  him,  not 
even  Lucia,  whose  consctence,  however,  was  ali  the  while 
secfetly  reproaching  ber  for  practiaing  such  dissimulation 
with  ao  good  a  man;  butit  was  a  night  of  embairaasment 
and  dÌBaimulation. 

'  After  thia,'  continued  be,  '  you  muat  feei,  my  cbildren, 
that  the  village  ia  no  longer  safe  for  you.  It  ia  youra, 
you  were  born  there,  and  you  bave  done  no  wrong  to  any 
one  ;  but  Qod  wills  it  so.  It  is  a  trial,  my  cbildren  ; 
bear  it  with  patìence  and  j'aith,  witbout  indulgìog  in  ran- 
cour,  and  rest  aaaured  tbere  will  come  a  day  wben  you 
wìll  think  youreelvea  bappy  tbat  thia  bas  occurred.     I 


bare  thought  of  a  refuge  for  you,  for  the  preeent  Soon, 
I  hope,  you  may  be  able  to  return  in  aafety  to  your  own 
house;  at  any  rate,  God  will  provide  wbat  ia  beat  for 
you  ;  and  I  aaaure  you,  I  will  he  careful  not  to  prove  un- 
worthy  of  the  favour  He  has  bestofted  upon  me,  in 


,»OglC 


Tni.]  THS   BBTBOTHED.  145 

ehooa'mg  me  »  Uìb  mìniater,  in  the  service  of  you,  Hìb 
poor,  yet  loved  afflìcted  ones.  Tou,'  coutiaued  he,  tum- 
ing  io  the  two  vomen,  '  can  etay  at  •  •  •.  Here  you  will 
be  far  eiiough  from  every  danger,  and  at  the  same  time 
not  far  from  your  own  home.  There  seeh  out  our  con- 
TfiDt,  ask  for  the  guardian,  and  give  him  this  letter  ;  ba- 
wjU  be  to  you  another  Father  Crìatoforo.  And  you,  my 
Beuzo,  must  put  youraeif  in  aafety  from  the  anger  of 
othere,  aud  your  own.  Carry  this  letter  to  Fatber  Bona- 
ventura da  Lodi,  in  our  convent  of  the  Porta  Orientale, 
at  Milan.  He  will  be  a  father  to  yon,  will  give  you  direc- 
tions,and  Gnd  youwork,  till  you  can  return  and  lire  more 
peaceably.  G-o  to  the  shore  of  the  lake,  near  tbe  mouth 
of  the  Bione,  a  river  not  far  from  thia  monaetery,  Here 
you  will  Beea  boatwaiting;  say,"  Boat!  "itwill  beasked 
you  "  Por  whom  ?  "  And  you  must  reply,  "  San  Fran- 
cesco." The  boat  will  receive  you,  and  carry  you  to  tbe 
other  aide,  wbere  you  will  find  a  cart,  tbat  wiU  take  you 
straight  to  •  *  •.' 

li'  any  one  asks  how  Father  Cristoforo  had  so  quickly 
■t  bis  disposai  tbeee  means  of  transport  by  land  aod  water, 
ìt  will  show  tbat  he  does  not  know  the  influence  aud  power 
of  a  Capuchio:  held  in  reputation  as  a  saiut. 

It  etili  remained  to  decide  about  the  care  of  the  bouses. 
The  Father  received  the  keyu,  pledging  bimself  to  deliver 
them  to  wbomsoever  Benzo  and  Agnese  ehould  name. 
Tbe  latter,  in  delivertng  up  hera,  heaved  a  deep  sigh,  re- 
membering  that,  at  that  moment,  tbe  house  was  open,  tbat 
tbe  devil  bad  been  there,  and  wbo  kuew  what  remained  to 
be  taken  care  of  ! 

'  Before  you  go,'  said  the  Father,  '  let  us  pray  ali  to- 
gether  that  the  Lord  may  be  with  you  in  this  your  jour- 
Bey,  and  for  ever  ;  and,  abore  ali,  that  He  may  give  you 
atrengtb,  and  a  spirìt  of  love,  to  enable  you  to  deslre 
wbatever  He  has  wOled.'  So  saying,  he  knelt  down  in 
the  middle  of  the  chnrcb,  and  they  ali  followed  hìa  eiam- 
pie,  After  praline  a  few  moments  in  ailence,  with  a  low 
Dut  distinct  voice  ne  pronounced  these  worda  :  '  We  be> 
■eech  Thee,  also,  forthe  unhappy  person  wbo  basbrought 
ni  to  ttuB  state.     We  should  be  unworthy  of  Thy  mercy, 

L 

lì    , .,  Aiooi^lc 


146  I    PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

if  we  did  nat,  from  onr  bearts,  implore  it  for  bim  ;  be 
neede  it,  O  Lord  !  We,  in  our  aorrow,  bave  thia  coneol- 
fttioD,  tbat  we  uè  in  tbe  path  where  Tbou  hast  ploced 
QB  ;  we  can  ofier  Tbee  our  griefa,  and  the;  msy  become 
onr  gain.  But  be  ìa  Tbine  enemy  !  Alaa,  wretched  man  ! 
he  ia  Btriving  witb  Tbee  !  Have  mercy  on  bim,  0  Lord  ; 
toucb  hia  heart  ;  reconcile  bim  to  ThyBelf,  snd  give  bim 
ali  thoae  good  things  we  could  desire  for  ourselves.' 

Bisiag  tben  in  baste,  he  said,  '  Come,  my  children,  you 
bave  no  time  to  lose  ;  God  defeod  yoit  ;  Hìb  angel  go 
witb  you  ; — farewell  !  '  And  wbile  they  set  off  with  tbat 
emotioa  nhich  canaot  find  wordB,  and  manifesta  itaelt 
witbout  them,  the  Fatber  added,  in  an  agitated  tene, 
'  My  heart  tella  me  we  ahall  meet  again  aoon.' 

Certainly,  the  heart,  to  thoae  who  liaten  to  it,  has 
y  alwavs  something  to  say  on  what  will  happen  ;  but  wbat 
did  hia  heart  know?  Very  little,  truly,  of  wbat  had 
already  happened. 

Without  waiting  a  reply,  Father  Cristoforo  retired 
witb  bastystepB;  the  travellers  took  tbeir  departorej 
and  Father  Fazio  shut  the  do<ir  after  them,  bidding  them 
Strewell  with  even  bis  voice  a  little  faltering. 

The  trio  elowly  raade  tbeir  way  to  the  shore  they  bad 
heen  directed  to  ;  there  they  e^pied  tbe  boat,  aud  ez- 
changing  the  pass-word,  stepped  in.  The  waterman, 
planting  one  uaroa  the  land,  pusbed  off-,  then  took  up 
the  otfaer  oar,  aud  rowiag  with  both  banda,  pulled  out 
and  made  towards  the  oppoaite  beach.  ^ot  a  breatb  of 
wind  was  stirring  ;  the  lake  lay  brighi  and  amooth,  and 
would  have  appeared  inotiontess  but  for  tbe  tremulous 
and  gentle  undulation  of  the  moon-heama,  which  gleamed 
npoD  it  from  the  zenith.  No  souifds  were  heard  but 
the  muffled  and  slowly-measured  breaking  of  the  aurge 
upon  the  pebbly  ehore,  the  more  diatant  gurgliog  of  the 
troubied  watera  dasbìag  amoog  the  pilea  of  the  bridge, 
and  the  even  plash  of  the  light  skalls,  as,  rising  with  a 
flharp  aouad  of  the  drippìng  biade,  and  quickly  plunged 
again  beneatb,  they  cut  the  azure  aurface  of  tbe  lake. 
The  wavea,  divjded  by  the  prow,  and  re-doiting  behind 
the  little  bark,  tracked  out  a  curling  line,  which  ex- 


,l)OglC 


'   nn.]  TBB   BETROTHBD.  147 

tended  itself  to  the  ahore.  The  aileat  truTelIen,  wìth 
their  fàces  turned  backwards,  gased  upon  the  mountains 
uid  the  country,  iUumined  bf  the  p&le  light  of  the 
moon,  and  dìversiSed  bere  and  there  with  vast  ahadows. 
They  could  dÌBtÌDguiHh  the  villages,  the  houses,  and  the 
little  cabina  ;  the  palace  of  Don  Kodrigo,  with  ita  aquara 
tower,  riaing  above  the  group  of  bute  at  the  baae  of  the 
proraontory,  looked  iike  a  sarage  ataoding  in  the  dark, 
and  meditatiQg  Bome  e?il  deed,  vhile  keeping  guard  over 
a  company  of  recliniug  sleepers.  Lucia  aaw  it  and 
ahuddered  ;  then  drawing  her  eye  along  the  declivity  till 
she  reacbed  ber  native  village,  she  fixed  ber  gnze  on  ita 
eztremity,  sought  for  her  own  cottage,  traced  out  the 
thick  head  of  the  fig-tree  which  towereid  above  the  walL 
of  the  court-yard,  «nBcovered  the  window  of  her  own 
room  ;  and,  being  aeated  in  the  bottoni  of  the  boat,  aho 
leaned  ber  elbow  on  the  edge,  laid  her  forehead  on  her 
arm,  as  if  «he  nere  sleeping,  and  wppt  in  necret. 

Farewell,  ye  mountainB,  riaing  from  the  waters,  and 
poìnting  to  the  heaTena!  ye  varied  Bummita,  famìliar  to 
him  vbo  bu  been  brought  up  among  you,  and  impressed 
upon  hia  inind  as  clearly  aa  the  countenance  of  hia 
deareat  friends  !  ye  torrentB,  whoae  mnrmur  be  recog- 
nizes  Iike  the  Bound  of  the  voices  of  home  !  ye  villages, 
■cattered  and  gliatening  on  the  declivity,  Iike  flocks  of 
gnzìng  aheep  !  farewell  1  How  inoumful  la  the  atep  of 
Biin  who,  brought  up  amidst  your  acenes,  ie  compelled 
to  leave  you  !  Even  in  the  imagination  of  oue  who 
«riltingly  departa,  attracted  by  the  hope  of  making  a 
fortune  elsenhere,  the  dreama  of  wealth  at  thia  moment 
loBB  their  charma  ;  he  wonders  he  could  form  auch  a 
reaalution,  and  would  even  now  tum  back,  but  for  the 
hope  of  one  day  return ing  with  a  rich  abundance.  Aa 
he  advancea  into  the  plain,  hia  eye  becomes  wearied  with 
ita  uuiform  eitent  ;  the  atmoaphere  feels  heavy  and 
lifelesB  ;  he  sadly  and  liBtleBaly  entera  the  buay  cities, 
where  houaea  crowded  upon  hounea,  and  atreeta  inter- 
•ecting  atreeta,  aeem  to  take  away  hie  breath  ;  and,  before 
edificea  admired  by  the  stranger,  he  recalla  with  restleiB 
loQging  the  fielda  of  hia  own  country,  and  the  cottage  he 


1 


,c,oglc 


I  wii 


148  I   PROUBSSI   SF06I.  [CH.   ' 

hsd  long  >tfo  iet  bia  heart  upon,  and  which  he  reeolrei  to 
purch&se  when  he  returns  enriched  to  his  own  mountoins. 
-^But  what  must  he  feel  who  hae  never  sent  a  paesiag 
wìsh  beyond  these  mountaine,  who  hae  arranged  among 
tbetn  ali  hia  designa  for  the  future,  and  ia  driven  far  away 
bj  an  adverse  power  !  who,  enddenly  snatched  awaj  from 
hia  dearest  habìts,  and  thwarted  in  hia  dearest  hopea, 
leaves  tbese  moantains  to  go  in  search  of  strangera  whom 
he  never  desired  to  know,  and  ia  unable  to  look  forward 
to  a  fiied  time  of  return! 

Farewell  I  native  cottage,  vhere,  indulging  in  imcon- 
Bcìoua  thougbt,  one  learnt  to  diatinguish  from  the  noiae 
of  common  footsteps,  tbe  approach  of  a  tread  expected 
with  mjsterious  timidity  !  Farewell  !  thou  cottage,  stili 
a  stranger,  but  ao  often  haatily  glanced  at,  not  witbout  a 
btush,  in  pasaing,  in  which  tbe  mind  took  delight  to  figure 
to  itself  tne  tranquil  and  lasting  home  of  a  vife  !  Fare- 
well  1  mjT  cUurch,  where  the  heart  was  ao  otten  sootbed 
wbile  ohanting  the  praiaee  of  tbe  Lord;  where  the  pre- 
paratory  rìte  of  betrothal  waa  performed  ;  wiiere  the 
secret  aigbing  of  the  heart  was  solemnlf  bleaaed  and  love 
waa  ioapired,  and  one  felt  a  hallowing  iofluence  arotmd; 
farewell!  Uè  who  ìmparted  to  joa  sucb  gladneaa  is 
every where;  and  He  never  disturba  the  joy  of  hia 
children,  but  to  prepare  them  for  one  more  certaìn  aud 
durable. 

Of  such  a  nature,  ìf  not  exact]^  theae,  were  the  reflec- 
tiona  of  Lucìa  ;  and  not  very  dissimilar  were  thoae  of  tbe 
two  other  wanderera,  while  the  little  bark  rapidly  ap- 
proached  the  rigbt  baah  of  tbe  Adda. 


;dbv  Google 


et.]  THE   BETROTHED. 


CHAPTEE   IX. 

[IHE  Btriking  of  the  boat  agaìaat  the  shore 
'1  aroused  Lucìa,  who,  after  iecretly  drying  her 
I  tears,  raUed  ber  head  sb  if  ghe  were  juat 
awaking.  B«nzo  jumped  out  first,  and  gave 
his  band  auccessively  to  Agnese  and  Lucia; 
aud  then  they  ali  turned,  and  aorroH-fully  tbanked  the 
boattnan.  '  Nothing,  notbiiig  ;  we  are  placed  here  to  belp 
one  another,'  answered  he  ;  and  be  witbdrew  hit  lund, 
almoat  with  a  movemest  of  horror,  as  il'  it  had  been 
proposed  to  bìm  to  rob,  wben  Renzo  tried  to  slip  in  one 
or  two  of  the  coins  he  had  about  him,  and  which  he  bad 
brought  in  hia  pocket  witb  the  intentiou  of  generouely 
requiting  Dod  Abbondio,  wbeu  be  should,  thougb  against 
hia  witl,  bave  raadered  the  desired  aasìstance.  The  cart 
Btood  waiting  for  thetn  ;  the  driver  ealuted  the  three 
expected  travellers,  and  bid  tbem  get  in  ;  and  then,  with 


,l)OglC 


/: 


I  PHOHBSSl  SPOSI.  [CH. 

bis  Toice  and  a  stroke  of  the  whip,  he  etarted  the  animai 
Lod  set  forward. 

3ur  autlior  do68  not  dcacribe  thia  nocturaal  joumey,  and 
ilent  as  to  the  name  of  tbe  town  to  wliich  the  little  com- 
pany were  dirccting  their  atepa  ;  oc  ratber,  he  expressly 
eayg,  he  will  not  give  the  name.  In  tbe  courae  of  the  story, 
the  reaaon  of  ali  thia  mystery  appeara.  The  adventares  of 
Lucia  in  tbÌB  abode  involve  a  dark  intrigue  of  a  peraon  he- 
loDging  to  a  family  stili  powerful,  as  it  appears,  at  the  time 
Olir  author  vrote.  To  account  for  the  etrange  conductof 
thia  peraon  in  the  particular  inatance  he  relates,  he  has 
been  obliged  briefly  to  recount  her  early  life  ;  and  there 
the  family  makea  the  figure  vrhich  our  readers  will  eee. 
Heuce  the  poor  man's  great  circumapeutioii.  And  yet 
(how  peoplc  aometimea  forget  thomaelvea  I)  he  himself, 
without  beingawareofit.hasopeneda  way  ofdiscovering, 
with  certainty,  what  he  bad  .taken  such  great  paina  to  keep 
concealed.  In  one  part  of  the  account,  whicb  \ve  will  oiuit 
aa  not  being  neceaaary  to  the  integrity  of  the  atory,  he 
happens  to  say  that  this  place  waa  an  andent  and  noble 
horough,  which  wanted  nothing  but  the  name  to  be  a  city  ; 
he  then  inadvertently  mentìons  that  the  river  Lambro  runa 
through  it  :  and,  again,  that  it  waa  the  Beat  of  an  arch- 
presbyter.  "With  these  indications,  there  is  not  in  ali 
£urope  a  moderately-learned  man,  who  will  not  instanti? 
exclaim,  '  Monza  I  '  "We  could  also  propose  some  rery  well- 
founded  conjecturea  on  the  name  of  tbe  family  ;  but, 
although  the  object  of  our  conjecturea  baa  been  some  time 
ertinct,  we  consider  it  better  to  be  silent  on  thia  head,  not 
to  run  the  riak  of  wronging  even  the  dead,  and  to  leave 
some  subject  of  reaearch  far  the  leamed. 

Our  travellers  reached  Monza  ehortly  after  aun-riae  ;  the 
driver  tarned  ìnto  an  ino,  and,  aa  if  at  home  in  tbe  place 
and  well  acquainted  with  the  landlord,  ordered  a  room  for 
the  newly-arrived  gueata,  and  accompanìed  thetn  thither. 
After  many  acknowledgmenta,  Benzo  tried  to  induce  him 
to  receive  some  reward  ;  but  be,  like  the  boatman,  had  in 
view  another,  more  distant,  but  more  abundant  recom- 
pense:  heputhishands  behindhim, andmakinghiaeacape 
weat  to  look  after  hia  horae. 


,»Ogk' 


IX.]  ■    THK    BEtHOTHEB.  JCl 

After  Bucb  a  niglit  as  we  bave  described,  and  as  every  one 
mav  ìmagine,  the  greateat  part  speiit  in  moumrul  thoughts, 
wìtb  the  Constant  dread  of  «ome  uoforeieen  miefortune, 
in  the  melancholy  silence  of  night,  in  the  shEu^nesa  of  a 
more  tbon  autumnal  air,  and  amid  the  frequent  jolts  of 
the  incomtnodioua  vefaicle,  whicb  rudely  ahook  the  weary 
framea  of  our  travellers,  the;  eoon  felt  themselseH  over- 
powered  vith  aleep,  and  avaiied  themaelvee  of  a  sofà  that 
stood  in  an  adjoining  rootn  to  take  a  little  repose.  The/ 
^en  partook  together  of  a  frugai  meal,  auch  aa  the  poverty 
of  the  timea  would  allow,  and  aamtj  in  proportion  to  the 
contingent  wants  of  an  uncertain  future,  and  their  otra 
elender  appetite.  One  after  another  they  remembered  the 
banquet  which,  two  dava  before,  they  had  hoped  to  enjoj  ; 
and  eacb  in  turn  beaved  a  deep  eigh.  Renzo  would  gladly 
bare  atayad  there,  at  least  for  that  day,  to  bave  aeen  the 
two  women  provided  for,  and  to  bave  given  them  bis  aerv- 
iosa,  but  the  Fatber  had  recommended  them  to  send  him 
onbiawayasquichly  aapoaaible.  They  alieged,  therefore, 
these  ordera,  and  a  hundred  otber  reasODB  ; — people  would 
goeeip — tbe  longer  the  eepsration  was  delayed,  the  more 
paintul  it  would  be — he  could  come  again  aoon,  to  give 
and  leam  news  ; — ao  that,  at  last,  the  youth  determined 
to  go.  Tbeir  plana  were  tbea  more  d^oitelv  arranged  : 
Lucia  dtd  not  attempt  to  bidè  ber  teara  ;  Benzo  could 
Bcarcely  reatrain  bis  j  and,  warmly  preasing  Aguese'a  band, 
he  Bai4  in  an  almost  choked  voice,  '  Farewell,  till  we  meet 
again  !  '  and  set  oif. 

Tbe  woioen  would  bave  found  themaelvea  mucb  at  a 
Ioaa,  had  it  not  been  for  tbe  good  driver,  wbo  had  ordera 
to  guide  them  to  tbe  convent,  and  to  gire  them  any  di- 
rection and  asaistance  they  might  etand  in need  of.  With 
tbia  eacort,  tbeu,  they  took  tbeir  way  to  the  convent, 
wbich,  ae  every  one  knows,  wa^  a  ebort  dtatance  outaide 
tbe  town  of  Monza.     Arrìved  at  the  door,  tbeir  conductor 

a  the  beli,  and  asked  for  tbe  guardian,  wbo  quickly 
)  bis  appearance,  and  received  the  letter. 
'  Ob  I   brother  Criatoforo  !  '  aaid  be,  recognizin^  the 
baodwritiDg,  tbe  tose  of  bia  voice  and  the  espreaBion  of 
bit  face  evidently  indicating  that  he  uttered  the  name  of 


16S  I   PBOMBHSl   SPOSI.  [CH. 

an  intimate  friend.  It  might  essily  be  eeen,  too,  that 
our  good  friar  had  in  thÌB  letter  warmly  recommended  the 
«omen,  and  related  their  case  with  much  feeling,  far  the 
guardian  kept  makìng  gestures  of  aurpriee  anaindigna- 
tion,  and  raiBing  bis  eyes  from  tLe  paper,  be  would  fix 
them  upon  tbe  women  with  a  certain  eipreMian  of  pitj 
ftnd  interest.  "Wlien  he  bad  finished  reading  it,  he  atood 
for  a  little  wbile  thoughtful,  and  then  eaìd  to  himaelf, 
'  There  is  no  one  but  tbe  Signora — if  the  Signora  would 
take  upon  berself  tbis  ebarge.'  He  then  drew  Agnese  a 
few  stepa  asìde  in  the  little  square  before  the  convent  ; 
aaked  ber  a  few  queations,  woich  she  OQSwered  eatis- 
fàctorìly,  and  theu,  turniug  towarda  Lucia,  addreseed  them 
botb  :  '  My  good  women,  I  will  try  ;  and  I  hope  I  ahall 
be  able  to  find  you  a  retreat  more  thau  secure,  more  than 
honourable,  until  it  aball  please  QoA  to  provide  for  yon 
ja  some  better  way.    Wilf  you  come  with  me  F  ' 

Tbe  women  reverently  bowed  asaent,  and  tbe  friar  con' 
tìnued  :  '  Come  witb  me  to  tbe  convent  of  the  Signora. 
Eeep,  howerer,  a  few  steps  bebind  me,  because  peonie 
deligbt  to  Bpeak  evil,  and  no  ooe  knowa  wbat  fine  stonee 
they  would  make  out,  if  tbey  were  to  see  tbe  Fatber- 
guardian  walking  witb  a  beautiful  young  girl ....  with 
women,  I  mean  to  say.' 

So  sayinK,  he  rooved  forward.  Lucia  blushed,  tbeir 
guide  emiled,  and  glanced  at  Agnese,  who  betrayed,  also, 
a  momentary  smile,  and  wben  the  friar  bad  gone  a  few 
ateps,  they  followed  him  at  about  ten  yards  dìatance.  Tbe 
womeu  then  asked  their  guide  wbat  they  did  not  dare  say 
to  the  Father-guardian,  who  was  the  Signora. 

'  Tbe  Signora,'  replied  he,  '  ta  a  nun  ;  but  ahe  ia  not  like 
the  otber  nuns.  Not  tbat  she  is  either  tbe  Abbeas,  or  the 
Prioreea  ;  for,  from  what  tbey  say,  she  is  one  of  the  young- 
eet  there:  but  she  ia  from  Adam's  rìb,  and  she  is  of  ao 
ancìent  and  high  family  in  Spaìn,  wbere  some  of  tbem 
now  are  princea  ;  and  therefore  they  cali  her  the  Signora, 
to  show  tbat  sbe  is  a  great  lady  :  and  ali  the  country  cali 
ber  hy  thia  name,  for  they  say  tbere  never  was  ber  equal 
in  this  monaatcry  before  ;  and  even  non,  down  at  Milan, 
ber  family  ranks  very  high,  and  is  held  in  great  eateem  ;  aad 


,»oglc 


IX.]  THB   BFTBOTHBD.  163 

in  Monza  stili  more  so,  becsuae  her  father,  thougb  he  does 
not  live  bere,  is  the  first  man  in  the  country  ;  bo  tbat  sbe 
can  do  what  she  pleasee  in  tbe  convent;  and  ali  the 
Gountry-people  bear  ber  a  great  respect  ;  and  if  she  iin- 
dertakea  a  busìneas  ahe  is  sura  to  succeed  in  it  ;  ao  that 
if  this  good  moak  before  uà  is  fortunate  enough  to  get 
joa  into  ber  bands,  and  she  takes  ^ou  under  her  protec- 
tion,  I  dare  venture  to  say  you  will  be  aa  safe  aa  at  the 
aitar.' 

On  reachÌDg  the  gate  of  the  town,  flanked  at  tbat  time 
bj  ao  ancient  ruined  tower,  and  a  fragmeut  of  a  demoU 
iehed  castle,  wbicb,  perhaps,  some  few  of  my  readers  may 
stili  remetnber  to  bave  eeen  standing,  the  gunrdian  etop- 
ped,  and  looked  behind  to  eee  if  tbey  were  foUowing  ;  he 
then  pBBsed  through,  and  went  oa  to  the  convent,  and  wbea 
he  reacbed  it,  Btopped  sgain  at  tbe  doorway,  and  waited 
for  the  little  party.  He  then  begged  the  guide  to  come 
agaio  to  the  couvent,  to  take  back  a  reply  ;  he  promÌBed  to 
do  IO,  and  took  hia  leare  of  the  women,  who  loaded  him 
with  thanka  and  meBaages  to  Father  Cristoforo.  The 
guardian,  biddìog  tbem  go  into  the  first  court  of  tbe 
monaatery,  usbered  tbem  into  the  apartmenta  of  the  por- 
tresB,  to  whom  be  recommended  them,  and  went  forward 
alone  to  make  hia  requeat.  After  a  few  momenta,  he 
retumed,  and,  «itb  a  joyful  manner,  told  them  to  coma 
with  him;  and  bis  reappearance  waa  juat  à-propo*,  for 
they  were  heginning  to  nnd  it  difficult  to  ward  off  the 
preasing  interrogafions  of  the  portreas.  Wbile  trarersing 
the  inner  court,  the  Fatber  instructed  tbe  woioen  bow 
they  muat  bebave  to  tbe  Signora.  '  Sbe  is  well-dìapoeed 
towarde  you,'  aaid  be,  '  and  may  be  of  much  aerrice  to 
yon.  Be  humble  and  reapectful,  reply  with  franknesa  to 
the  questiona  she  may  pleaae  to  put  ;  and  when  you  are 
not  queationed,  leave  it  to  me.'  They  then  paaeed  through 
a  lower  room  to  tbe  parlour  of  tbe  convent;  and  before 
enterìng,  the  guardian,  pointing  to  tbe  door,  aaid  to  the 
women  in  an  under-toae,  'Sbe  is  there;'  ss  if  to  remind 
them  of  the  leaaons  be  bad  been  gìving.  Lucia,  who  bad 
never  before  seen  a  monaatery,  boked  round  the  room, 
OD  enterìng,  for  the  Signora  to  whom  she  waa  to  make 


,c,oglc 


154  I   PEOMBGSt    HPOai.  [CH. 

obeisance,  and  percemng  no  one,  ahe  stood  perplezed  ; 
but  Beeing  the  Father  advance,  and  Agnese  followiog,  she 
looked  in  tbat  direction,  and  observed  an  almost  square 
aperture,  like  a  half-window,  grated  with  two  large  thick 
iroQ  bara,  dietant  from  eacb  otber  about  a  spab,  and  'be- 
hind  thìa  a  nim  waa  standing.  Her  couutenance,  wbicb 
showed  ber  to  be  about  twenty-five  yeara  old,  gave  the 
impreesion,  ab  a  first  glance,  of  beauty,  but  of  beauty  wom, 
faded,  and,  one  might  almost  say,  spoiled.  À  black  veil, 
stifiened  aud  atretched  quite  fiat  upon  her  head,  fell  on  eacb 
side  Bod  atood  out  a  little  way  from  her  face  ;  under  tbe 
veil,  a  very  white  iinen  band  haif  covered  a  foreliead  of 
different  but  not  iuferior  whitenesa  ;  a  aecond  band,  i& 
folds,  down  eacb  side  of  the  face,  croased  under  tlie  chin, 
encirólod  tbe  oeck,  and  was  epread  a  little  over  tbe  breast 
to  conceal  the  opening  of  a  black  dreaa.  But  this  fore- 
head  was  wrinkied  every  now  and  then,  as  ìf  by  some 
painful  emotion,  accompanied  by  the  rapid  moverneat  of 
two  jet-black  eyebrows.  Sometimes  she  would  Gz  two 
very  dark  eyes  on  another's  face  with  a  piercing  look  of 
baugbty  iuveatìgation,  and  then  again  would  hastily  Tower 
tbem,  as  if  seeking  a  hiding-place.  One  moment,  an  at- 
teative  observer  would  imagine  they  were  eolicitìng  affec- 
tioD,  intercourse,  pity  ;  at  another,  he  would  gatber  thence 
a  momentary  revelation  of  ancient  and  amothered  hatred 
— of  some  indescribahìe,  fieree  diapoaition  ;  and  wben  they 
remained  immovably  fiied  without  attention,  eome  might 
bave  imagined  a  proud  indilfereace,  tfhile  othera  wonld 
bave  Buapected  the  labouring  of  some  secret  thought,  the 
overpowering  dominion  of  an  idea  familìar  to  her  mind, 
and  more  engroaaiog  than  surrounding  objectB.  Uor  pale 
cheeka  were  deltcately  formed,  but  much  altered  and 
ehrunk  by  a  graduai  ezteuuation.  Her  lips,  thougb 
Bcarcely  auffused  with  a  faint  tinge  of  the  rose,  atood  out 
in  contraat  with  thìa  paleneaa,  and,  like  her  eyea,  their 
movements  were  suddeo,  quick,  and  full  of  expresaion 
aad  mystery.  The  well-formed  tallness  of  ber  figure  dìa- 
appeared  in  tbe  babitnal  stoop  of  ber  carriage,  or  waa 
disfigured  by  certain  quick  and  irregular  Btarta,  which 


;dbv  Google 


IX.]  THK    BBTROTHED.  '  I55 

betnjed  too  resolute  an  air  for  a  womui,  stili  more  for  a 
nun.  In  her  very  drean,  there  was  a  display  of  either 
particularity  or  negligence,  which  betokened  a  nun  of 
BJngular  character  ;  her  head-drCBs  wbb  arranged  with  a 
kìnd  of  worldly  carefulness,  aod  from  uuder  the  band 
around  ber  head  the  end  of  a  curi  of  glossy  black  bair 
appeared  upon  ber  tempie,  betraying  either  forgetfuluesB, 
or  conteiupt  of  the  rule  wbich  required  them  always  to 
keep  the  bair  closelv  shavea.  It  was  cut  off  first  at  the 
Bolemn  ceremony  of  tbeir  admiseion. 

Tbew  tbiags  made  no  impresaìoa  on  the  roinds  of  the 
two  women,  inexperienced  in  disti ng;uishiag  nun  from 
nun  ;  and  the  Fatber-guardian  had  so  frequently  aeea 
the  Signora  before,  that  he  was  alreody  accustomed,  like 
many  others,  to  the  sìngularities  in  manner  and  dress 
wbicb  sbe  displayed. 

She  vaa  standing,  as  we  bave  said,  near  the  grated 
wjndow,  languidi]^  leaning  on  it  with  one  band,  twining 
ber  delicate ly-wbite  fingerà  in  the  interatices,  and  wìtb 
ber  head  slightly  bent  downwards,  surveying  theadvancing 
party.  'Beverend  motber  and  moat  illustrious  Signora/* 
said  the  guardian,  bowing;  bis  head,  and  Isying  bis  right 
band  upon  bisbreast,  'tbia  is  the  pooryoung  girl  to  vhom 
you  bave  encouraged  me  to  bope  you  wiU  eitend  your 
valuable  protection;  and  tbia  is  her  mother.' 

Agnese  and  Lucia  rererently  eurtseyed  :  the  Signora 
beckoning  to  tbem  with  her  band  that  she  wos  satisfìed, 
aaid,  turnin^  to  the  Father,  '  It  is  fortunate  fur  me  that 
I  bave  it  in  niy  power  to  serve  our  good  frìends  the 
Capucbin  Eatbers  in  any  matter.  But,"  continued  she, 
'  will  you  teli  me  a  little  more  particularly  the  case  of 
this  young  girl,  so  that  I  may  know  better  wliat  I  ought 
to  do  for  ber  P  ' 

Lucia  blusbed,  and  faeld  down  ber  head. 

'  You  must  know,  reverend  mother  . .  . ,'  began 
Agnese;  but  the  guardian  silenced  ber  with  a  glance, 
and  repìied,  '  Thìs  young  girl,  most  illustrious  lady,  haa 
been  recommended  to  me,  as  I  told  you,  by  a  brother 
friar.    8be  baa  been   compeUed  secreti;    to  leave  ber 


;dbv  Google 


186  I   PB0MBS8I    8P08I.  [CH. 

country  to  avoid  great  dongers,  and  wantfl  an  oBjlum  for 
■ome  time  vhcre  sne  maj  live  retired,  and  where  no  oue 
vili  dare  molest  ber,  evea  when .  . . .' 

'  What  daogera  P  '  internipted  the  Signora.  '  Be 
good  enough,  Father,  not  to  teli  me  the  case  so  enigmati- 
callj.  Toh  know  that  we  nuna  like  to  bear  etories 
minutely.' 

'They  are  dangers,'  replied  the  guardian,  'which 
acarcely  ought  to  be  mentioned  ever  so  delicately  in  the 
pure  eara  of  the  reverend  inotber  .  .  . .' 

'  Oh  certaiuly  I  *  replied  the  Signora,  hastily,  and 
alightlr  colouritig.  Waa  it  modesty  7  One  who  would 
have  observed  the  momentar^  expression  of  vexation  which 
accompanied  this  blush  might  have  entertained  some 
doubt  of  it,  especially  if  he  had  compared  it  vith  that 
vbieh  diffused  itaeìf  m>m  time  to  time  on  the  cheeke  of 

'  It  ia  enough,'  reanmed  the  guardian,  '  that  a  powerfiil 
Doblemaa  ....  not'all  the  great  people  of  the  vodd  use 
the  gifta  of  God  to  bis  glory  and  for  the  good  of  theìr 
f  neighbours,  as  your  illuHtrìous  ladyship  haa  doue  ....  a 
powerful  earaliei-,  after  baving  for  aome  time  pereecuted 
this  poor  girl  with  baee  flatteriea,  seeing  that  they  were 
uselesa,  had  the  heart  opeuty  to  persecute  ber  by  force, 
flo  that  the  poor  tbiug  haa  been  obliged  to  fly  from  ber 

'  Come  near,  young  girl,'  said  the  Signora  to  Lucia, 
beckoning  to  hef  witb  ber  band.  '  I  know  that  the 
Father-euardian  ia  trutb  itself  ;  but  no  one  cnn  be  better 
informed  in  this  businees  tban  yourself.  It  resta  with 
you  to  Bay  wbetber  tbis  cavalier  wos  an  odioua  perse- 
cutor." 

Ab  to  approaching,  Lucia  ìnatantlr  obeyed,  but  to 
anawer,  was  anotber  matter.  An  inquiry  on  this  subject, 
even  when  proposed  by  an  e^ual,  would  have  put  ber  iuto 
confuBÌOD  ;  Dut  made  by  the  Signora,  and  with  a  cert^n 
air  of  malicioua  doubt,  ìt  deprived  ber  of  courage  to  reply. 
'Signora  ....  mother  ....  reverend  .  .  .  .'  stammered 
ahe,  but  ehe  Beemed  to  have  notbing  more  to  aay.  Agnese, 
tberefore,  ns  being  certainly  the  beat  informed  after  her, 


,»oglc 


ne.]  THE  BVmOTHSD.  157 

faere  tbought  hereelf  authorìzed  to  come  to  her  succour. 
.  '  MoBt  illuBtriouB  Signora,'  aaid  sbe,  '  I  con  bear  full  tea- 
timonr  that  my  daughter  bated  thìe  cavalier,  as  the  deril 
hates  aolj  water  :  I  should  aay,  he  ia  the  deril  bimself  ; 
but  you  will  excuse  me  if  1  apeak  iropropei'ly,  for  we  are 
poor  folk,  aa  Qoi  made  us.  Tbe  ca^e  is  thia  :  that  my 
poor  girl  was  betrotbed  to  a  youth  in  ber  uwn  station,  a 
iteady  man,  and  one  who  feara  Qoà  ;  and  if  the  Si^or- 
Curato  had  been  what  he  ought  to  be  .  .  .  .  I  know  I  am 
apeaking  of  a  relig^ioue  man,  but  Father  Cristoforo,  a 
friend  bere  of  tbe  Fatber-guardian,  ìb  a  religioua  man  aa 
«eli  as  he;  and  tb  afa  the  man  tbat's  full  of  kiudnesH; 
and  if  be  were  bere  be  could  attest .  .  .  .' 

'  You  are  rerj  ready  to  speak  vithout  being  apokeu 
to,'  ìuten-upted  tbe  Signora,  vitb  a  baugbty  and  aogry 
look,  wbicb  made  her  seem  almost  bideoue.  '  Hold  your 
tongue  1  1  know  well  enougb  that  parents  are  always 
ready  witfa  an  aoswer  in  tbe  name  of  their  cbildren  !  ' 

Agnese  drew  back,  mortified,  gi^ing  Lucia  a  look  whìch 
meant  to  Bay,  8ee  what  I  get  by  your  not  knowing  how 
to  Bpeak.  The  guardian  thea  aignified  to  her,  witb  a 
glance  and  a  movement  of  hia  head,  that  now  was  tbe 
moment  to  arouae  ber  courage,  and  not  to  leave  ber  poor 
motber  in  eucb  a  plight. 

'  Bevereod  lady,'  aaid  Lucia,  '  wbat  my  motber  bas  told 
you  ia  exactly  tbe  tmtb.  Tbe  youth  who  paid  bis  ad- 
dresaes  tome  (and  bere  sbe  coloured crimaon)  *I  chose 
witb  my  own  good  wilL  Forgive  me,  if  I  speak  too 
boldly,  but  ìt  Ìb  that  you  may  not  think  ili  of  my  motber. 
And  as  to  thi»  Signor,  (Qod  forgive  him!)  I  would 
ratber  die  tban  fall  into  bis  banda.  And  if  you  do  ub 
'  tbe  kindnesB  to  put  ub  in  safety,  since  wa  are  reduced  to 
the  neceasity  of  asking  a  place  of  refuge,  and  of  ìqcoii- 
;reniencing  wortby  people,  (but  God's  will  be  doue  !)  be 
aasured,  lady,  that  no  otte  will  pray  for  you  more 
eameatly  and  heartily  tban  we  poor  women.* 

'  I  betieve  you,'  aaid  tbe  Signora,  in  a  Boftened  tone. 
'*But  I  ehould  lìketotalk  to  you  alone.  Not  tbat  I 
requìre  fiirtber  Information,  nor  any  otber  motivea  to 
attend  to  tbe  wishea  of  the  Fatber- gii ardian,'  added  abe, 


158  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

hastily,  and  turning  towards  him  with  atudied  polite- 
neas.  '  Indeed,'  coatinued  ahe,  '  I  bave  alreadf  thought 
about  it  ;  and  thie  ìb  the  beat  pian  I  can  think  of  for  the 
present.  The  portress  of  tba  convent  bas,  a  few  dajs 
ago,  settled  her  laat  daugbter  in  the  vrorld.  Tbese  womeo 
can  occupj  the  room  sbe  has  left  at  liberty,  and  aupply 
her  place  in  the  trìfling  eerviceB  ahe  performed  in  the 
monasteiT.  la  trtitb  .  .  .  .'  and  bere  ehe  beckoned  to 
the  guardian  to  approach  the  grated  window,  and  con- 
tinued,  in  ao  under-Toice  :  '  In  truth,  on  account  of  the 
Bcarcity  of  the  times,  it  wan  not  intended  to  substitute 
bd;  one  in  the  place  of  that  young  womao  ;  but  I  will 
speak  to  the  Li^y-Abbess  ;  aud  at  a  word  from  me  ...  . 
at  the  reqiiest  of  the  Father-guardìan  ....  in  short,  I 
give  tbe  place  as  a  settled  tbing.' 

The  guardian  began  to  return  thanka,  but  the  Signora 
inteiTupted  him:  'Thereis  do  iteed  of  ceremony  :  in  a 
caee  of  necessity  I  abould  not  hesitate  to  apply  for  the 
aasiatance  of  the  Capuchin  Fatbera.  In  fact,'  continued 
ehe,  with  a  amile,  in  whicb  appeared  au  indeBCrìbable  air 
of  mockery  and  bittemess  ;  '  in  fact,  are  we  not  brotbera 
and  BÌBtera  F  ' 

So  eaying,  ehe  called  a  lay-sister,  (two  of  whom  were, 
by  a  aìngular  diatiaction,  asai^ned  toher  private  servi  ce,) 
and  desired  ber  to  inform  the  Abbess  of  the  circum- 
Btance;  tben  eendìng  for  the  portreaa  to  the  door  of  the 
cloister,  ehe  concerted  with  her  and  Àgneee  the  neceasary 
arrangementa.  Dismiasing  her,  tihe  bade  farewell  to  the 
guardian,  and  detained  Lucia.  Tbe  guardian  accompo- 
nied  Agneae  to  the  door,  gìving  her  new  instruetiouB  bj 
the  way,  aud  went  to  write  bia  Iettar  of  report  to  hia 
friend  Cristoforo.  '  An  eitraordinary  cbaracter,  that 
Signora!'  thought  he,  asbe  walked  home;  'Yery  curiousl 
But  one  who  kqows  tbe  right  wav  to  go  to  work,  can 
make  ber  do  whatever  he  pleaaes.  My  good  friend  Cris- 
toforo certainly  doea  not  Bipect  that  I  can  sen'e  him  so 
quickly  and  ao  nell.  That  noble  fellow!  There  ìb  no 
helpforit:  he  tnuatalwaya  bave  somethingin  band.  But 
he  is  doing  good.  It  is  well  for  him  this  trine,  that  he 
boa  found  a  friend  wbo  baa  brought  the  affair  to  a  good 


,»oglc 


IX.]  THB  BBTS0THE3;  169 

coucluBÌon  in  a  twinkling,  witbout  so  much  noÌBe,  so  much 
preparatioD,  Bo  much  ado.  This  good  Cristoforo  wiU 
Hurelj  be  aatiafied,  and  Bee  that  even  we  here  are  good  for 
Boraething.' 

The  Signora,  who,  in  the  preaence  of  a  Capuchia  of 
advanced  ago,  had  studied  her  actiona  and  wordB,  now, 
when  left  tiSle-à-tét«withiiUÌaeipeTÌeacedcoviatty^TÌ,iio 
longer  attempted  to  restrain  heraelt';  and  ber  converaa- 
tion  became  hy  degrees  bo  strange,  tbat,  instead  of  relat- 
ing  ìt,  vce  tbìnk  it  better  briefly^  to  narrate  tbe  previene 
hiatory  of  tbia  unbappy  person  :  so  mucb,  tbat  is,  as  will 
Bufficeto  account  for  tbe  unusual  and  m^BteriouB  conduci 
we  have  nitnesBed  in  ber,  and  to  explain  the  motivea  of 
her  bebariour  in  the  facts  which  we  shall  he  obliged  to 
relate.  — n 

Sbe  waa  the  youngeat  daughter  of  the  Prìnee  "  •  *,  ' 
a  MilaneBO  nobleman,  wbo  waa  eateemed  one  of  the  rich- 
eat  men  of  tbe  city.  But  the  unbounded  idea  he  enter- 
tained  of  his  title  msde  hÌB  property  appear  scarcely 
Bufficient,  nay,  even  too  limjted  to  maintitin  a  proper 
appearance;  and  ali  hia  attention  waa  tumed  towards 
keepiug  it,  at  least,  aucb  aa  it  was,  in  one  line,  so  far  as 
it  depended  npon  himself  How  many  children  he  had 
doea  not  appear  front  hiatory  :  it  merety  record»  that  he 
had  desigoed  ali  the  youoger  brancbea  of  both  seies  for 
the  cloist«r,  that  be  might  leave  bis  property  entire  to 
tbe  eldest  aon,  deatined  to  perpetuate  tbe  family  :  that 
ia,  bripg  up  childreu  that  he  might  torment  himself  in 
tonnenting  thera  after  bia  father's  eiatnple.  Our  un- 
bappy Signora  wob  yet  unbom  when  her  condition  was 
irrevocably  detennined  upon.  It  only  remained  to  de- 
cide vhother  sbe  sbould  De  a  monk  or  a  nun,  a  decÌBÌoQ, 
for  whìch,  not  ber  asaent,  but  ber  preseoce,  waa  re^uired. 
"Wlien  ahe  was  boni,  tbe  Prince,  her  father,  wishing  to 
gire  her  a  name  tbat  would  alwayB  immediately  suggest 
the  idea  of  a  cloister,  and  which  had  been  home  by  a 
aaint  of  high  family,  called  her  Gertrude.  Dolls  dreàaed 
like  nuns  were  the  first  playthings  pat  into  her  banda  ; 
then  images  in  nnnit'  habits,  accompanyiog  the  gìft  with 
admonitiona  to  prize  them  higbly,  as  veiy  preoìoua  thìngs. 


,c,oglc 


160  I   PB0HB8SI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

^/aDd  with  that  affirmatÌTe  inteirogatioD,  '  Beautiful,  eb  ?  ' 
Wfaen  tbe  Frìnce,  or  the  Princess,  or  the  jousg  prìnce, 
the  oiily  one  of  the  BOas  brought  up  at  home,  irould 
represent  the  happy  proapects  of  tbe  child,  it  Beemed  aa 
if  they  couid  find  no  other  way  of  eipressing  their  ideas 
thaa  Dy  tbe  words,  '  Wbat  a  lady-abbesa  I  '  No  one, 
however,  directly  eaid  to  her,  '  You  must  becoine  a  nun.' 
It  waa  an  iateatìon  vmderatood  snd  touched  upon  inci- 
dentally  in  every  couTeraation  relating  to  ber  future 
destiny.  If  at  any  time  tbe  little  fìertnide  iudulged  ia 
rebellìous  or  imperious  behavìour,  to  which  her  naturai 
disposition  eaeily  inclined  her,  '  You  are  a  naugbty  little 
girl,'  they  would  Bay  to  ber  :  '  thia  bebaviour  ia  very  unbe- 
ooming.  Wlien  you  are  a  lady-BbbeBfl,you  ahall  tben  com- 
mand  witb  the  rod:  you  can  tben  do  aa  you  please.'  Oa 
anotber  occaaion,  the  Frince  reproving  ber  for  ber  too 
free  and  familiar  mannera,  iato  which  ahe  eaaily  fell  ; 
'  Hey  !  bey  !  '  he  cried  ;  '  they  are  not  becoming'to  one 
of  your  rank.  If  you  wieb  some  day  to  engagé  the 
reapect  tbat  ie  due  to  you,  leam  fpom  henceforth  to  be 
more  reaerved  :  rememoer  you  ought  to  be  in  every- 
tbing  the  firat  in  tbe  monastery,  becauae  you  cerry  your 
rank  wherever  you  go.' 

Such  language  in^ued  the  mìnd  of  the  little  girl  witb 
the  implicit  idea  tbat  ahe  waa  to  be  a  nun;  Dut  her 
father'a  worda  had  more  efièct  upon  ber  than  ali  the 
otbera  put  togetber.  Tbe  mannera  of  the  Frince  were 
habitually  tboae  of  an  austere  maater,  but  when  treating 
of  tbe  future  proapecta  of  bis  chitdren,  there  ahone  forth 
in  every  word  and  tone  an  immovability  of  reaolutioD 
which  inapjred  tbe  idea  of  a  fatai  necessìty. 

At  sJx  yeara  of  age,  Gertrude  waa  placed  for  educa- 
tion,  and  atill  more  as  a  preparatory  atep  towarda  the 
Tocation  impoeed  upon  ber,  in  the  monaatery  wbere  we 
bave  aeen  her  ;  and  the  aelection  of  the  place  waa  not 
without  design.  The  wortby  guide  of  the  two  women 
haa  aaid  that  tbe  father  of  the  Siginora  waa  the  first  man 
in  Monia;  and,  comparing  thia  teetimony,  wbatever  it 
)nay  he  worth,  witb  some  other  indications  which  oue 
anonymous  author  unintentionally  aufiers  to  eecape  ben). 


,»OglC 


IZ.]  THB  BETBOTHED.  161 

and  tbere,  ve  mxy  yerj  euìly  uaert  tliat  he  waa  the 
feud&l  head  of  tbat  country.  HowBTer  it  mar  he,  be 
enjoyed  here  veiy  great  autbority,  and  thougbt  uiat  here, 
bett«r  than  elaewhere,  hia  daughter  would  be  treated 
witb  tbat  distinctìon  and  deference  which  might  induce 
ber  to  cbooBe  tbia  monaatery  aa  ber  perpetuai  abode. 
'  Kor  waa  he  deceived  :  the  tben  abbeae  and  aererai  in- 
trìguiog  nuna — wbo  bad  the  management  oF  afiairs,  find- 
ing  themaelves  entangled  in  some  disputea  with  another 
monasteiT,  and  with  a  noble  family  of  the  country,  were 
very  glaa  of  the  acquiaition  of  auch  a  aupport — receired 
with  much  gratitude  tbe  bonour  beetowed  upen  them,  and 
fully  entered  into  the  intentions  of  the  Prince  eoncem- 
jng  the  permanent  aettlement  of  bis  daughter  ;  intentiona 
on  every  account  entirely  coasonant  witn  their  intereata. 
Immediately  on  Oertruae's  entering  tbe  monasteiy,  sbe 
waa  called  by  Antonomaaia,  tbe  Signorina.*  A  separate 
place  waa  aasigned  ber  at  table,  and  a  private  aleeping 
apsrtment  ;  ber  conduct  waa  propoaed  aa  an  example  to 
othera  ;  indulgences  and  careeses  were  beatowed  upon  ber 
without  end,  accompanied  with  tbat  reapectful  familì- 
arity  Bo  attractive  to  cbildren,  when  obserred  in  tboee 
whom  they  eee  treating  otber  cbildren  witb  an  habitual 
air  of  Buperiority.  Not  tbai  ali  the  nuna  bad  conspired' 
to  draw  tbe  poor  child  into  the  snare  ;  many  there  were 
of  Bitnple  and  undesigning  minda,  wbo  would  bare  shrunk 
with  horror  from  the  thougbt  of  aacrìfidng  a  child  to 
interested  TÌewa  ;  but  ali  of  them  being  intent  on  tbeìr 
aeverat  individuai  occupatione,  aome  did  not  notice  ali 
these  uianiBUTres,  otbers  dìd  not  discem  bow  diaboneet 
they  were;  some  abstained  from  looking  iato  the  matter, 
and  othera  were  eilent  ratber  than  givo  uaeleu  offence. 
There  was  one,  too,  who,  remembering  bow  ahe  had  been 
induced  by  aimìlar  arta  to  do  wbat  ahe  afterwards  re- 
pented  of,  felt  a  deep  compaaaion  for  tbe  poor  little  inno- 
cent,  and  ahowed  tbat  compassion  by  beatowing  on  ber 
tender  and  melancholy  caresaea,  whic^  ahe  was  far  from 
auapecting  were  tending  towarda  the  aame  result  ;  and 
tbua  tbe  afiair  proceeded.  Ferbapa  it  might  bave  gone 
•  The  yonnff  Wj. 


i,,C,00'^lc 


162  1    PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

OH  thua  to  thfl  end,  if  Gertrnde  had  been  the  only  little 
girl  in  the  monast«ry  ;  biit,  amoug  lier  achool-fellowB, 
there  were  some  who  Kiiew  thej  were  deaigned  for  mar- 
risge.  The  little  Gertrude,  brought  up  witb  high  ideas 
of  ber  Buperiority,  talked  very  magnificently  of  ber  future 
destiuv  as  abbesB  a>d  prìocipal  of  the  monastery;  sbe 
wisbed  to  be  aa  object  of  euvy  to  tbe  otbere  on  every 
account,  and  eaw  witb  astonishraent  aud  vexatioa  that 
some  of  them  paid  no  atteution  to  ali  ber  boaeting.  To 
tbe  majestic,  but  circumecribed  and  cold,  images  the  head- 
ihip  of  a  monastery  couid  furnìsh,  tliey  opposed  tbe 
yaried  and  bright  pictures  of  a  bueband,  gueeta,  routa, 
towna,  toiirnamente,  retlnuea,  dresa,  and  equipa^ea.  Such 
glittering  vtaions  rouaed  in  Óertrude'a  mina  that  excite- 
ment  and  ordour  wbich  a  large  baaket-full  of  freahly- 
gathered  flowere  wouid  produce,  if  placed  before  a  bee- 
bive.  Her  pareots  and  teachera  had  cultivated  and 
increaaed  ber  naturai  vanity,  to  reconcile  her  to  tbe  clois- 
tere  ;  but  when  this  paseioa  waa  excited  by  ideas  so  much 
calculated  to  atimulata  it,  ahe  quickly  entered  into  them 
witb  a  more  lively  and  apontaneouB  ardour.  That  ahe 
migbt  Dot  be  below  her  companiona,  and  iofluenced  at 
tbe  aame  tìme  by  ber  new  turn  of  mind,  ahe  replìed  that, 
at  the  time  of  deciaion,  no  one  eould  compel  her  to  take 
the  reil  nithout  ber  consent  ;  that  ahe,  too,  could  marry, 
live  in  a  palace,  enjoy  the  norld,  and  that  better  thaa 
any  of  them  ;  that  ahe  eould  if  ahe  viahed  ìt,  that  ebe 
/uoutd  if  abe  wiabed  it  ;  and  that,  in  fact,  ahe  did  wìah  it. 
''The  idea  of  the  neceasity  of  ber  conaent,  which  hitherto 
had  been,  as  it  vere,  unnoticed,  and  hìdden  in  a  corner 
of  ber  niind,  now  unfolded  and  diaplayed  itaelf  in  ali  ita 
importaace.  On  every  occaaion  abe  called  it  to  ber  aid, 
that  ahe  migbt  enjoy  in  tranquillity  tbe  images  of  a  eelf- 
choaen  future.  Togetber  witb  tbia  idea,  bowever,  there 
invariably  appeared  another;  that  tbe  refuaal  of  tbia  con- 
sent involved  rebellion  agaiuat  ber  iather,  who  already 
believed  it,  or  preteoded  to  believe  it,  a  decided  thisg  ; 
and  at  tbia  remembrance,  the  child'a  mind  was  ven  far 
from  feeling  tbe  confidence  wbicb  ber  words  procl&imed. 
8he  Tould  then  compare  beraelf  witb  ber  companiona, 


,»oglc 


IX.]  THB   BETHOTRKD.  168 

whoae  confidence  was  of  a  far  different  lind,  and  ex- 
perienced  lamentably  that  eavj  of  their  couditìon  which, 
at  first,  she  endenvoured  to  nwaken  intbem.  FromeDvy 
■he  chuiged  to  hatred  ;  which  she  dieplajed  in  coutempt, 
rudeneas,  and  aarcastic  epeecheB  ;  wuile,  Bometimea,  tiis 
Oonformity  of  ber  inclinationa  and  bopes  with  theirs, 
auppressed  her  Bpit«,  and  created  in  ber  an  apporent  and 
transient  frieDdahip.  At  timea,  longìng  to  enjoy  Bome- 
thing  real  and  present,  abe  nould  feel  a  compucency  in 
the  diatinctiona  accorded  to  her,  and  make  others  senaible 
of  this  Buperiority  ;  and  theu,  again,  uuabie  to  tolerate 
the  aolitude  of  ber  fears  and  desires,  ahe  would  go  in 
Bearch  of  ber  companiona,  ber  baughtiaess  appeased, 
almoBt,  indeed,  impioring  of  them  kindnesa,  couDBel,  and 
encouragement.  In  the  midat  of  euch  pitiable  warfaro 
with  heraelf  and  others,  ahe  paeaed  ber  childbood,  and 
entered  upou  that  critìcul  age  at  which  an  almoBt  mys- 
terioua  power  eeems  to  take  poaeeasion  of  the  Boul,  aroua- 
ing,  refreabing,  invigorating  ali  the  inclìnationB  and  ideas, 
aud  BometimeB  transformiug  them,  or  tuming  tbem  into 
some  unlooked-for  obannel.  That  wbicb,  until  now,  Ger- 
trude bud  moat  diatinctly  figured  in  these  dreama  of  the 
future,  waa  external  aplendour  and  ponip  ;  a  Bomething 
■oothiug  and  kìndly,  wbicb,  from  tbe  first,  waa  ligbtly, 
and,  BB  ib  were,  mistily,  diffused  orer  her  mind,  now 
b^an  to  Bpread  itBelf  and  predominate  in  her  imagina- 
tion.  It  took  poBseseion  of  the  moat  secret  recesaes  of 
her  beart,  aa  of  a  gorgeoue  retreat;  bitber  abe  retired 
from  present  objecta  ;  bere  ahe  entertained  variouB  peraon- 

ratrangely  compounded  of  tbe  confuaed  remembrancea 
hildbood,  the  little  abe  bad  aeen  of  tbe  external 
worid,  and  wbat  ebe  bad  gatbered  in  conreraations  with 
her  companions  ;  she  entertained  bereelf  with  them,  talked 
to  them,  and  replied  in  their  name  ;  bere  abe  gave  com- 
manda,  and  bere  abe  received  homage  of  every  kind.  At 
timcB,  the  thoughta  of  religion  would  come  to  diaturb 
these  brìlliant  and  toilsome  revela. .  But  religion,  auch 
aa  it  bad  been  taught  to  tbis  poor  girl,  and  sucb  as 
she  bad  received  it,  did  not  pronibit  prìde,  but  ratber 
aanctified  it,   and  propoBed  it  aa  a  meana  of  obtaiaing 


,„oglc 


v^i 


164  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [cfH. 

«aitUy  felidtf.  Bobbed  thns  of  ite  OBsence,  it  wn  no 
longer  reli^on,  bnt  a  phantom  like  tb«  reàt.  In  tbe 
intervals  in  which  (hia  ptiiuitom  occupied  the  fint  place, 
and  ruied  in  Gertrude'a  fancy,  the  unhappy  girl,  oppreaeed 
JCij  contÙBed  terron,  and  urged  hj  an  indefinite  idea  of 
duty,  imagined  that  ber  repugnance  to  the  cloiater,  and 
ber  reeiBtaace  to  tbe  wishea  of  ber  auperiore  in  the  choice 
of  ber  state  of  life,  waa  a  fault  ;  and  ahe  reaolved  in  ber 
beart  to  expiate  it,  by  voluntarily  taking  the  veìl. 

It  was  a  rule,  that,  before  a  foung  person  could  be  re- 
ceÌ7ed  as  a  non,  sbe  ebould  be  eiamiaed  \>j  an  eccleaiaBtic, 
called  the  vicar  of  the  nuna,  or  bj  acme  one  deputed  by 
bim  ;  tbat  it  migbt  be  aeen  whether  the  lot  were  ber 
deliberate  cboice  or  Dot  ;  and  tbis  eiamioation  could  not 
take  place  for  a  year  afì«r  ahe  had,  by  a  wrìtten  requeat, 
aignined  ber  doaire  to  tbe  vicar,  Thoae  nuna  wbo  bad 
taken  upon  themaelvea  the  aad  office  of  inducing  Ger- 
trude to  hind  bereelf  for  erer  with  tbe  least  poaaible 
conscioUsnesa  of  what  ahe  waa  doing,  aeized  one  of  the 
moueuta  we  bave  deacribed  to  persuade  ber  tb  write  and 
aign  aucb  a  memorial.  And,  in  order  the  more  easily  to 
persuade  ber  to  auch  a  courae,  they  failed  not  to  affirm 
and  impreaa  upon  ber,  wbnt,  indeed,  was  quite  true,  that, 
after  aU,  it  waa  a  mere  formality,  which  could  bave  no 
e&ect,  without  otber  and  posterìor  stepe,  depending 
entirely  upon  ber  own  wiU.  Nevertheleaa  tbe  memorial 
bad  Bcarcely  reached  ite  deatination,  before  Gertrude 
repented  having  written  it.  Tbeii  sbe  repented  of  theee 
repentencea  ;  and  thus  days  and  montbs  were  spent  in 
an  iocesaant  altemation  of  wishes  aud  regreta.  Far  a 
long  while  ahe  concealed  thia  act  from  ber  companions  ; 
aometimes  from  fear  of  eipoaing  ber  good  resolution  to 
opposition  and  contradiction,  at  othera  from  shame  at 
revealing  ber  error;  but,  at  laet,  the  deaire  of  unburden- 
ìng  ber  mind,  and  of  aeeking  advìce  and  encouragement, 
conquered. 

Another  mie  was  tbis  ;'tbat  a  young  girl  was  not  to  be 
admitted  to  tbis  ezamination  upon  the  course  of  Hi'e  abe 
bad  choaen,  uutil  sbe  bad  residml  for  at  leaat  a  montb  out 
of  tbe  coDvent  wbere  ahe  had  been  educated.   A  jear  had 


,»Ogk' 


IZ.]  THE    BBTBOTHED.  165 

ftlmost  passed  Bince  tlie  preseatation  of  thìa  memorùtl  ; 
ftad  it  nod  been  significa  to  Gertrude  that  ebe  would 
shortly  be  taken  from  the  monaatery,  and  wat  to  her 
father's  house,  for  thig  one  month,  taere  to  take  ali  the 
necesaory  Btepe^towards  the  completion  of  the  work  she 
faad  really  beguii.  The  Prince,  and  the  reat  of  the  family, 
cooaideréd  it  au  aasured  thing,  ae  ìf  it  bad  abready  taken 

Jilace,  Not  BO,  howerer,  bia  daughter;  ìnstead  of  takinc 
resh  Bt«p8,  ahe  waa  engaged  in  conaidering  how  she  could 
withdraw  the  tirat.  In  ber  perplexity,  sbe  resoWed  to 
open  ber  mind  to  one  of  ber  companionB,  the  moat  BÌncere 
ind  always  the  readìeet  to  glve  spirìted  advice.  She  ad- 
TÌBed  Gertrude  to  inform  ber  fatber,  by  Iett«r,  that  she  bad 
changed  ber  mind,  aìnce  abe  bad  net  the  cour^e  to  prò- 
nouQce  to  hb  face,  at  the  proper  time,  a  bold  I  will  tiot. 
And  aa  gratuitous  adrice  in  thia  worid  is  very  rare,  the 
counaellor  made  Gertrude  pay  for  thia  by  abundance  of 
railtery  upoa  ber  want  of  apirit.  The  lettor  vas  Bgreed 
upon  with  three  or  four  confidantea,  written  in  private, 
and  despatcbed  by  meana  of  many  deeply-Btudied  arti- 
licea.  Gertrude  waited  with  great  anxìety  for  a  reply  ; 
but  none  carne  ;  excepting  that,  a  fev  daya  afterwards, 
the  Abbeaa,  takìng  ber  aaide,  with  an  air  of  myatery, 
displeasure,  and  compasaion,  let  &tl  some  obscure  bìnta 
about  the  great  anger  of  ber  fatber,  and  a  wrong  atep 
■he  muat  bave  been  takìng  ;  leaving  ber  to  underatand, 
however,  that  if  ahe  bebaved  well,  abe  might  atill  bope 
that  ali  would  be  forgotten.  The  poor  young  girl  under- 
atood  it,  and  dared  not  venture  to  aak  any  lurther  ex- 
planation, 

At  laat,  the  day  so  much  dreaded,  and  ao  ardenti? 
wiabed  for,  arrived.  Altbougb  Gertrude  knew  weU 
enough  that  ahe  was  going  to  a  great  atruggle,  yet  to 
leave  the  monaatery,  to  paaa  the  bounda  of  those  walla  in 
vhicb  ahe  bad  been  for  eight  yeara  immured,  to  traverse 
the  open  countrr  in  a  carnage,  to  aee  once  more  tha  city 
and  ber  home,  fiUed  her  wìtb  senBationa  of  tumultuoua 
jov.  Aa  to  the  atruggle,  with  the  direction  of  ber  con- 
fioantes,  ahe  bad  already  taken  ber  meaaures,  and  con- 
oerted  hec  pUiu.   Either  they  will  force  me,  thougbt  ahe, 


,CK,glc 


166  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

and  then  I  will  be  immovable — I  vili  bo  humble  sud 
rrapectful,  but  will  refuse  ;  the  cbief  point  ia  not  to  pro- 
nounce  another  '  Yet,'  and  I  will  not  pronounce  it.  Or 
they  will  catch  me  with  good  worda  ;  and  I  will  be  better 
than  they  ;  I  will  weep,  I  will  implore,  I  will  raofe  them 
to  pity  ;  at  last,  will  anly  entreat  tbat  I  may  not  be  sacri* 
ficed.  But,  aa  it  ollen  happene  in  simìUr  casea  of  fore- 
sigbt,  Deither  one  nor  the  other  auppoaitioD  waa  realized. 
Days  paaged,  and  neitber  ber  father,  aor  any  one  else, 
apoke  to  ber  about  the  petition,  or  the  recaotation  ;  and 
no  propoeal  waa  made  to  ber,  with  either  coaxing  or 
threatening.  Her  parenta  were  serious,  aad,  and  morose, 
towarda  ber,  without  ever  giving  a  reaaon  for  aucb 
bebaviour.  It  waa  only  to  be  underetood  tbat  tbey 
regarded  her  sa  fault/  and  unworthy  ;  a  mysterioua 
anatbema  seemed  to  bang  over  ber,  and  divìde  ber  from 
the  rest  of  her  faraily,  merely  snffering  eo  much  inter- 
Goune  aa  was  necesaary  to  make  ber  feel  ber  Bubjection. 
Seldom,  and  only  at  certain  fixed  houre,  was  ahe  admitted 
to  the  company  of  ber  parenta  and  elder  brother.  In 
the  coaveraations  of  tbese  three  there  appeared  to  reign 
a  great  confìdence,  which  rendered  the  excluaion  of 
/Gertrude  doubly  eenaibJe  and  painfyl.  No  one  ad- 
v  dreased  her;  and  if  ahe  ventured  timidly  to  make  a 
lemark,  unleas  Tcry  evidently  called  for,  her  worda  were 
either  unnoticed,  or  were  reaponded  to  by  a  careless, 
contemptuouB,  or  severe  look.  If  unable  any  longer  to 
endure  ao  bitter  and  humilìating  a  distinction,  she  aougbt 
and  endeavoured  to  mingle  with  tbe  family,  and  implored 
a  little  afiectioQ  ;  she  tioon  heard  aome  indirect  but  clear 
bint  thrown  out  about  ber  choice  of  a  monastic  life,  and 
waa  given  to  understand  that  there  was  one  way  of 
regaining  the  affection  of  the  family  ;  and  dnce  she 
would  not  accept  of  it  on  these  conditiona,  she  wa« 
obliged  to  draw  back,  to  refuae  the  first  advances  towarda 
tbe  kindnesa  ahe  so  much  desired,  and  to  contìnue  in  her 
Btate  of  excoramuaication  ;  continue  in  ìt,  too,  with  a 
certain  appearance  of  being  to  blame. 

Sucb  impresaions  from  aurroundtng  objects  painfully 
Gontradìcte^  the  brìght  visiona  with  whìcb  Ger^de  had 


,l)OglC 


IX.]  THE   BBTBOTHED.  167 

been  so  mnch  occnpied,  and  which  she  Btìll  secreti^ 
indulged  in  ber  heart.  She  had  hoped  that,  in  ber 
Bplendid  and  mncfa-&«quented  home,  she  should  have 
enjojed  at  leaat  eome  real  taste  of  the  pleasures  t,h& 
had  Bo  long  imagined  ;  but  Bbe  found  herself  woefuUy 
deoeived.  The  confinement  waa  as  atrict  and  dose  at 
home  Bs  in  the  conrent  ;  to  walk  out  for  recreation  was 
nevereven  epoken  of;  and  a  gallery  tbat  )ed  from  the 
house  to  an  adjoinine  church,  obvlated  the  sole  neceaaitf 
there  might  bave  Been  to  go  into  the  Street.  The 
company  waa  more  uainteresting,  more  scarce,  and  less 
Taried  tnan  in  the  monaateiy.  At  every  anaouncement 
of  a  visitor,  Gertrude  wbb  obliged  to  go  up-etaira,  and 
remain  with  some  old  woman  in  the  service  of  the  family  ; 
and  bere  she  dined  whenever  there  was  company.  The 
domestic  aerrants  concurred  in  bebaviour  and  language 
witb  the  eiample  and  intentions  of  tbeir  master;  and 
Gertrude,  who  by  inclination  would  bave  treated  tbem 
witb  lady-lite  unaffected  fainiliarity  ;  and  who,  in  the 
Tank  in  nhìcb  she  waa  placed,  would  bare  eateeraed  it  a 
faronr  if  they  had  sbown  ber  any  little  mark  of  kindnesa 
as  an  equa),  and  even  bare  stooped  to  ask  it,  was  now 
bumbled  and  annoyed  at  being  treated  with  a  manifest 
indiffet«nce,  altbougb  accompanied  by  a  slight  obse- 
quiouaness  of  formality.  She  could  not,  however,  but 
obserre,  tbat  one  of  these  servauts,  a  page,  appeared  to 
bear  ber  a  reapect  very  different  to  the  otbers,  and  to 
feel  a  peculiar  kind  of  compassion  for  ber.  The  beba- 
TÌour  of  thifl  joutb  approacbed  more  nearly  tban  aoy- 
thing  sbe  had  yet  aeen  to  tbe  atate  of  thinga  tbat  Gertrude 
bad  pictured  to  ber  imagination,  and  more  reaembled  the 
doings  of  ber  ideai  cbaracters.  By  degrees,  a  strange 
transformation  was  diacernible  in  the  manners  of  tne 


young  girl  ;  there  appeared  a  new  tranquiltity,  and  at 
the  aame  time  a  restleaaneBS,  difiering  from  ner  usuai 
disquietude  ;  ber  conduct  was  that  of  one  who  bad  found  / 
a  treaaure  whicb  oppressea  him,  which  he  incessantlyv 
watchea,  and  bides  from  the  view  of  others.  Gertrude 
kept  ber  eyea  on  this  page  more  closely  tban  ever  ;  and, 
however  it  carne  to  pass,  sbe  was  surpriaed  one  unlucky 


,l)OglC 


16S  I    FKOHBSSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

moming  by  a  chamber-maid,  while  secreti^  folding  up  a 
letter,  ìd  which  it  would  bare  beea  better  had  ahe  writ- 
ten  notbing.  After  a  brief  altercatìon,  tbe  maid  got 
poaseaeìoQ  of  tbe  letter,  and  carried  it  to  ber  maeter. 
Tbe  terror  of  Gertrude  at  the  Bound  of  bis  footsteps, 
inaj  be  more  eaaily  imagined  tban  deecrìbed.  It  was 
her  father;  he  waa  irrìtated,  and  sbe  felt  henelf  guilty. 
But  wben  be  stood  before  ber  wìth  that  frowniae  brow, 
and  tbe  iìl-fated  letter  in  bis  band,  sbe  would  glaoly  bave 
beeii  a  bundred  feet  under-ground,  not  to  aay  in  a  cloia- 
ter.  His  worda  were  few,  but  terrìble  ;  tbe  puniihment 
named  at  the  tìme  waa  only  to  be  confined  m  ber  own 
room  under  the  ebarge  of  the  maid  wbo  bad  made  tbe 
discoTery  ;  but  tbis  vtaa  merely  a  foretaste,  a  temporaiy 
provision  ;  be  tbreatened,  aud  left  a  vague  promise  of 
some  otber  obscurs,  undefined,  and  therefore  more  dread- 
ful  puniBbraeut. 

The  page  waa,  of  courae,  ìmmediatelj  dismÌBBed,  and  vaa 
meuaced  ivitb  somethìng  terrible,  if  ever  be  ahould  breathe 
a  Byllable  about  tbe  paet.  In  giving  bim  tbia  intimation, 
tbe  Frince  Beoonded  it  witb  two  Bolemn  blowB,  to  ssaociate 
In  bis  miud  witb  tbis  odventure  a  remembrance  that  would 
effectually  remove  every  temptation  to  make  a  boaat  of  it. 
Some  kind  of  pretcxt  to  account  for  the  diamÌBaal  of  a  page 
waB  not  difficult  to  find  ;  as  to  tbe  joung  lady,  it  was  re- 
ported  that  she  waa  ili. 

Sbe  was  now  left  to  ber  fearB,  ber  sbame,  her  remorBe, 
and  ber  dread  of  tbe  future  i  witb  the  sole  company  of  this 
woman,  wboro  she  bated  sa  tbe  witneas  of  her  guilt,  and 
the  cause  of  ber  diegrace.  Sbe,  in  ber  turn,  bated  Gertrude, 
by  wbom  ^be  was  reduced,  she  knew  not  for  how  long,  to 
the  wearìsome  life  of  a  jailer,  and  bad  become  for  ever  the 
guardian  of  a  dangerous  secret. 

The  first  confused  tumult  of  these  feelings  Bubsided  by 
"degrees  ;  but  each  remembrance  recurring  by  tums  to 
her  mind,  was  nourisbed  there,  and  remained  to  torment 
ber  more  distinctly,  and  at  leÌBure.  Whatever  could  the 
puniahment  be,  so  mysteriouslv  tbreatened  ?  Many, 
various,  and  etrange,  were  the  ideas  that  suggested  them- 
•elves  to  the  ardent  and  inexperìenced  imagination  of  Ger- 


,»oglc 


IX.]  THE   BETROTHED.  169 

trude.  The  proapect  that  appeared  most  probable  was, 
that  she  woiild  be  tak«a  back  to  the  monaateiy  at  Monza, 
no  longer  to  appear  aa  the  Signorina,  but  aa  a  guilty  per- 
•on,  to  be  Bfaut  up  there — who  knew  how  long  !  who  knew 
with  what  kind  of  treatment  1  Among  tbe  niany  anno^aacea 
of  suoh  a  course,  perbaps  the  moBt  annojing  was  the  dread 
of  tbe  Bbame  abe  abould  feel.  The  expreiaionB,  the  words, 
the  Tery  comniae  of  tbe  unfortunate  lett«r,  were  tumed 
over  and  over  in  ber  memary  :  she  fancied  them  noticed 
and  weigbed  hj  a  reader  so  unespected,  bo  different  from 
the  ODe  to  wbom  tbey  were  deetined  in  reply  ;  ahe  imagined 
that  thev  mìgbt  bave  come  under  the  view  of  ber  motber, 
faer  brotner,  or  indeed  any  one  elee  ;  and  by  compariaon, 
ali  tbe  reat  eeemed  to  ber  a  mere  nothing.  The  image  of 
hìm  who  bad  been  the  primary  cause  of  ali  this  o^nce 
failed  not  alao  frequently  to  beaet  the  poor  recluae  ;  and 
ìt  ia  impoaaible  to  deacribethe  atrange  contraat  thia  phan- 
taam  preaented  to  thoae  around  ber  ;  ao  diaaimilar,  so 
■erious,  Teserved,  and  threatening.  But,  aince  abe  could  not 
■eparate  bis  image  from  theire,  nor  tum  for  a  moment  to 
those  transient  gratifications,  without  ber  pregent  sorrows, 
aa  the  consequence  of  them,  auggesting  themaelvea  to  ber  / 
tnind,  ahebegan,  by  degreea,  to  recali  them  leae  frequently,i/ 
to  repel  tbe  remembrance  of  them,  and  wean  bereelf  &om 
BDch  thougbta.  She  no  longer  willin^ly  indulged  in  the  / 
bright  aad  Bplendid  fanciee  of  ber  earher  days  ;  tbey  were 
too  much  oppoaed  to  ber  real  circumBtanceB,  and  to  every 
probabilìty  for  the  future.  Tbe  only  caatle  in  wbich  Oer< 
trude  could  conceire  a  tnnquil  and  bonourable  retreat, 
wbich  vas  not  in  the  air,  was  tbe  monasterr,  if  abe  could 
make  up  ber  mind  to  enter  it  for  ever.  Such  a  reaolution, 
ahe  could  not  doubt,  would  bare  repaired  everything, 
atoned  for  every  fault,  and  changed  ber  condition  in  a 
moment.  Oppoaed  to  tbÌB  propoaa],  tt  ia  trae,  roae  up  tbe 
plana  and  bopea  of  ber  whole  childhaod  :  but  tìmee  were 
changed  ;  and  in  the  depths  to  which  Gertrude  bad  fallen, 
and  in  compariaon  of  what,  at  timea,  ebe  ao  much  dreaded, 
tbe  condition  of  a  nun,  reapected,  rerered,  and  obeyed,  ap- 
peared  to  ber  a  bright  proapect  Two  aentimenta  of  very 
diSèrent  character,  inoeed,  contributed,  at  interrala,  to 


«I.  [CH.. 

overcome  ber  former  avenion  ;  Bometimea  remorse  for  s 
fault,  and  a  caprìcioui  861101011117  "^  devotion  ;  and  at 
other  timea,  ber  prìde  embittered  and  ìrritated  br  tbe 
monuers  of  ber  jailer,  wbo  (often,  it  must  be  confeased, 
provoked  to  it)  revenged  herself  now  by  tertifying  ber 
with  tbe  prospect  of  the  threateoed  punisDinent,  or  taunt- 
ing  ber  with  tbe  diagrace  of  her  fault.  When,  however, 
abe  chose  to  be  benign,  ehe  would  assume  a  tone  of  prò- 
tectioD,  etili  more  odious  tbaa  insult.  On  tbese  different 
occaeianB,  the  wieh  that  Q«rtrude  felt  to  eacape  from  her 
clutcheB,  and  to  raise  hereelf  to  a  condition  abore  either 
her  aiigeror  vitj,  became  so  vivid  and  urgent,  that  it  made 
eTerything  which  could  lead  to  sucb  an  end  appear  pleaB- 
ant  and  agreeable. 

At  the  end  of  four  or  Ave  long  daya  of  oonfinement,  Ger- 
trude, disgusted  and  exaaperated  beyond  measure  hj  one 
of  theBe  sallìeB  of  her  guardian,  went  and  aat  down  ìn  a 
corner  of  the  room,  and  covering  ber  face  witb  her  banda, 
remained  for  some  time  aecretly  indulging  her  rage.  She 
tben  felt  an  overbearìng  longing  to  eee  aome  otber  faces, 
to  bear  some  other  worda,  to  be  treated  differenti^.  She 
thought  of  ber  fatber,  of  her  family;  and  tbe  idea  made 
/ber  èbrink  back  in  horror.  But  she  remembered  tbat  it 
••  only  depended  upon  ber  to  make  them  ber  friends  ;  and 
this  remembrance  awakened  amomentaryjoy.  Then  tbere 
followed  a  confueed  and  unusual  aorrow  K>r  ber  fault,  and 
an  equal  deaire  to  ezpiate  it.  Not  tbat  her  wilt  was 
alreadj  determined  upon  such  a  rbaolution,  but  she  faad 
never  before  approaoned  it  so  near.  She  rose  frora  ber 
seat,  went  to  the  tahle,  took  up  tbe  fatai  pen,  and  wrote  a 
letter  to  ber  fatber,  full  of  enthusiasm  and  bumiliation,  of 
affliction  and  bope,  imploring  bis  pardon,  and  sbowing 
hereelf  indefinitely  ready  to  do  anytbing  that  would  please 
him  wbo  alone  could  grant  it. 


;dbv  Google 


X.}  THB    BETRCn-HeD. 


CHAPTER  X 

n?ERE  are  times  when  the  tnind,  of  the  joung 

™  SBpecially,  ia  bo  disposed,  that  any  extemu 
influence,  honrever  slight,  BuSces  to  cali  forth 
whatever  haa  the  appearance  of  virtuoua  self^ 
BBcrifice  ;  as  a  acarcely-ex  punti  ed  floner  absn- 
dons  itseJf  negligenti^  to  ita  fragile  utem.  ready  to  yield 
ita  fragrance  to  the  first  breath  of  the  zephyr«  that 
float  around.  These  momeots,  which  otbers  ahould  re- 
gard  with  revereotial  awe,  are  exactly  thoae  which  the 
wily  and  interested  eagerly  watch  for,  and  seizo  with 
Bvidity,  to  fetter  aa  unguarded  will. 

On  the  prerusal  of  this  letter  the  Prìnce  •  •  •  in- 
stantly  saw  a  door  opened  to  the  fiilfilment  of  hìa  early 
imd  etili  cheriahed  viewa.  He  therefore  sent  to  Gertrude 
to  come  to  bim,  and  prepared  to  strike  the  iron  while  it 
Taa  hot.  Gertrude  nad  ao  Booner  made  ber  appearance, 
than,  without  raìsing  her  eyea  towards  her  fatber,  sbe 
tbrew  henelf  upon  her  knees,  scarcely  abla  to  articulate 


178  I   FB0UE83I   SPOSI.  [CH, 

the  word  '  Pardon.'  The  Prince  beckoned  to  her  to  rìne, 
aad  then,  in  a  voice  little  cnlculated  to  reasaure  her, 
replìed,  that  it  was  Dot  eufGcient  to  desire  aad  aolicit 
forg^veneHS,  for  that  Toa  eaej  and  naturai  enough  to  one 
wbo  had  beea  convicted  of  a  fault,  and  dreaded  ita  punisb- 
ment  ;  that,  in  short,  ìt  was  neceasary  sbe  ebould  deaerre 
it.  Gertrude,  in  a  aubdued  and  trembling  voice,  aaked 
what  abe  must  do.  To  thia  question  the  Prìuce  (for  we 
camDot  find  in  our  beart  at  tbia  moment  to  give  bim  the 
title  of  father)  made  no  direct  reply,  but  proceeded  to 
epeak  at  some  length  on  Gertrude'»  fault,  in  words  which 
grated  upoa  the  feelinga  of  the  poor  gir!  like  the  drawjng 
of  a  rough  band  over  a  wound.  He  then  went  on  to  aar, 
that  even  if . . .  .  auppoain^  he  aver  ....  had  faad  at  the 
firat  anv  intention  of  aettling  ber  in  the  world,  she  her- 
self  had  nov  opposed  an  inauperable  obatacle  to  auch  a 
pian  ;  gince  a  man  of  honour,  aa  he  wae,  could  never  bring 
himaelf  to  give  to  any  gentleman  a  daugbter  wbo  had 
ahown  Buch  a  apecimeu  of  ber  character.  Hìs  wretched 
auditor  was  complete!^  overwLielined  ;  and  then  the  Prince, 
graduali;  Boftening  hia  voice  and  lauguage,  proceeded  to 
Bay,  that  for  every  fault  tbere  was  a  remedy  and  a  bope 
of  mercy  ;  that  bers  was  one  the  remedy  for  wbich  waa 
very  diatinctly  indicated  ;  that  she  ought  to  aee  in  thia 
aad  event  a  waming,  as  it  were,  that  a  worldly  life  waa 
too  full  of  danger  for  her  .... 

'  Ah,  yea  !  '  excliùmed  Gertrude,  excìted  by  fear,  aub- 
dued bj  a  aenae  of  ebame,  and  overcome  at  the  inatant  hj 
a  momentary  tendemeas  of  apirit. 

'Ah;youseeit  too,'  repliedtbe  Prince,  instantljrtaking 
un  her  worda.  '  Well,  let  us  aay  no  more  of  what  is  past  : 
ali  ia  cancelled.  You  bave  taken  the  only  bonourable 
and  Huitable  courae  thatremained  for  you;  but,BÌnce  yoa 
bave  cboaen  it  willingly  and  cbeerfully,  it  reats  with  me 
to  make  it  pleaaant  to  you  in  every  poasible  way.  I  bave 
the  power  of  tuming  it  to  your  advant^e,  and  giving  ali 
the  merìt  of  the  action  to  yourself,  and  l'U  engagé  to  do 
it  for  you.'  So  eayìng,  he  lang  a  little  beli  that  stood  on 
the  table,  aad  aaid  to  the  aervaot  vrho  anawered  Ìt, — *  The 
Princeas    and  the    young   Prince    immediately.'     Thea 


,»Ogk' 


X.]  THE    BETBOTHED.  173 

tuming  to  G«iirade,  he  coatinued:  'I  wiili  them  to 
ahare  in  mj  satiefactìoa  at  once  ^  uid  I  wish  you  imnie- 
diately  to  be  tre&ted  by  ali  as  ìb  fit  and  proper.  You 
bave  esperìenced  a  little  of  the  severe  parent,  but  from 
henceforth  jou  ehall  fiad  me  an  affectionate  father.' 

Oertmde  stood  thuaderetruck  at  theae  words.  One 
moment  she  wondered  how  that  '  jm,'  which  bad  escaped 
ber  lipa,  could  be  made  to  mean  bo  mucb  :  then  ahs 
thougbt,  waa  there  no  way  of  retracting— of  reatricting 
the  Bense  ;  but  the  Frince'a  conviction  seemed  bo  ud- 
ahaken,  hÌB  J07  so  BenBÌtÌTeljjealouB,  and  bis  benigniti  ao 
conditìon&l,  that  O-ertrade  dared  not  utter  a  word  to  dia- 
turb  them  in  the  uliglitest  degree. 

The  partioB  Bummoned  quìcklj  made  their  appearance, 
and,  on  aeeing  Gertrude,  regarded  ber  with  an  eipression 
of  Burpriae  and  uncertaintj'.  But  the  Prìnce,  with  a 
eheerful  and  loving  counteuance,  which  immediateljr  met 
with  an  anewermg  look  from  tbem,  aald, — '  Behold  the 
wanderÌQg  aheep:  and  I  intond  thia  to  be  the  last  word 
that  shall  awaken  sad  remembrancea.  Behold  the  conBola- 
tion  of  the  famlly  !  Gertrude  no  longer  needs  adriaers, 
for  flhe  baB  voluntarily  choaen  what  we  desired  for  her 
good.  She  has  determmed — she  boa  given  me  to  under- 
Btond  that  she  haa  determined  .  .  .  .'  Here  Clertnide 
raÌBed  towarda  ber  father  a  look  between  terror  and  sup- 

n"  »tion,  aa  if  imploring  him  to  pause,  but  he  continuéd 
dly  :  '  that  Bhe  baa  determined  to  take  the  Teil.' 
'Bravai  well  donel'  esdaimed  the  motber  and  bod, 
tuming  at  the  Bame  time  ta  embrace  Gertrude,  wbo  re- 
ceired  theae  congratulations  with  tears,  which  were  <■ 
interpreted  aa  tean  of  Batiefaction.  The  Prince  tbeu 
expatiated  upon  what  he  would  do  to  render  tbe  aituation 
of  hiB  daughter  pleasant,  and  eren  spleudid.  He  Bpoke 
of  the  diatinctiou  with  which  she  would  be  regarded 
in  the  monaatery  snd  the  Burrounding  country  :  that 
■he  would  be  llke  a  princeaa,  the  repreaentatiTO  of 
tbe  family  ;  that,  aa  eoon  aB  ever  her  age  would  allow 
of  it,  she  would  be  raised  to  the  first  diguity,  and  in 
the  mean  while  would  be  under  Bubjection  only  in  name. 
The  PrimceBB  and  tbe  young  Prince  renewed  tbeir  con- 


,„oglc 


174  I  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CHi 

f^atolAtioDS  aad  applauees,  vhUe  poor  G^ertrude  stood  as 
if  posBeaeed  by  a  dream. 

'  We  had  better  &r  the  day  for  goisg  to  Mooza  to  maks 
Dur  requeat  of  the  Abbesa,'  aoid  the  Frmca.  'How 
pleaaed  ahe  wìil  be  !  I  venture  to  aaj  tbat  ali  the  luoii* 
Bstery  will  know  how  to  estimate  the  honour  which 
Gertrude  doea  them.  Likewise  ....  but  wby  not  go 
this  rery  day  i*     Gertrude  will  be  giad  to  take  on  airing.' 

'  Let  US  go,  tben,'  said  the  PrinceaB. 

'I  will  go  and  give  ordera,'  aaid  the  young  Frince. 

'  But .  .  .  .'  euggested  Gertrude  aubmÌBBÌvely. 

'Softly,  Boftly,'  replied  the  Frioce,  'let  ber  decide: 
perhaps  she  doea  not  feel  incliaed  to-dav,  and  would 
rather  delay  tìll  to-morrow.  Teli  me,  would  you  prefer 
to-day  or  to-morrow  f  ' 

'To-morrow,'  anawered  Gertrude  in  a  fàìnt  voice, 
thinking  it  aomething  th&t  ahe  could  get  a  little  longer 
reapite. 

'To-morrow,'  pronoimced  the  Frince,  Bolemnly;  'ahe 
has  decided  that  we  go  t«-morrow.  In  the  meon  while  I 
will  go  and  osk  the  vicar  of  the  nuna  to  usme  a  day  for 
the  examination.' 

No  aooner  aaid  than  done;  the  Frince  took  his  de- 
parture,  and  absolutely  weut  himself  (no  little  act  of 
condeacensìon)  to  the  vicar,  and  obtaìued  a  promiae  that 
he  would  attend  ber  the  day  after  to-morrow. 

During  tlie  remainder  of  thia  day  Gertrude  bad  not 
two  momenta  of  quiet.  She  wìahed  to  bare  calmed  ber 
miud  after  bo  mauy  acenea  of  eicitement,  to  clear  and 
arraoge  ber  thougbtB,  to  render  an  account  to  herself  of 
wbat  ahe  had  done,  and  of  what  ahe  was  about  to  do, 
determine  what  she  wiahed,  and,  for  a  moment  at  leaal^ 
retard  that  machine,  which,  once  started,  was  proceeding 
so  precipitoualy  ;  but  tbere  waa  no  opening.  Occupa- 
tiona  aucceeded  one  aoother  without  interruption — one 
treading,  as  it  were,  upon  the  heele  of  another.  Immedi- 
ately  after  thia  solemn  interview,  ahe  waa  oonducted  to 
her  mother'a  dreesing-room,  tbere,  under  her  auperintend* 
enee,  to  be  dresaed  and  adorned  bv  her  own  waiting^maid. 
Scarcely  wae  this  buainesB  completed  when  dinner  was 


,»Ogk' 


I,]  THB   BETROTHED.  17fl 

umounced.  Gertrude  was  greeted  on  ber  wny  byths 
bowH  of  the  BervantB,  who  eipreased  their  con  gratula  tiona 
for  her  recovery  ;  and,  oo  reacliiag  the  dining-rooni,  abe 
found  a  few  of  their  nearest  frieuds,  who  had  been  bastily 
invited  to  do  ber  honour,  and  to  share  in  the  general  io^ 
for  the  two  happf  evente, — her  restored  bealth,  and  ber 
choice  of  ft  Tocation. 

Tbe  yonng  bride — (aa  tbe  noTÌcee  were  uauallj  dis- 
tiugnÌBhed,  and  Gertrude  waa  «aluted  on  ali  eidee  by 
tbis  title  OQ  her  first  appearance)— the  young  bride  had 
enough  to  do  to  reply  to  ali  the  coinplimentB  tbat  were 
addreesed  to  her.  She  waa  fully  aensibJe  that  every  one 
of  tbese  anawers'was,  aa  it  were,  an  asaeut  and  conGrma- 
tion  ;  yet  bow  could  ahe  reply  othemriee  P  Sbortly  after 
dinner  carne  the  drìving  bour,  and  O-ertrude  accompanied 
ber  mother  in  a  carriage,  with  two  luicleB  wbo  had  been 
among  tbe  gueets.  After  tbe  naual  tour,  they  entered 
tbe  Strada  Marina,  which  croseed  tbe  space  now  occupied 
by  the  public  gardena,  and  was  tbe  rendezvous  of  tbe 
gentry  who  drove  out  for  recreation  after  the  labours  of 
the  day.  Tbe  uncles  addreased  muob  of  their  conversa- 
tìon  to  Gertrude,  aa  was  to  be  espected  on  such  a  day  ; 
and  one  of  them,  wbo  eeemed  to  be  acquainted  with 
ererybody,  every  carriage,  every  lìvery,  and  bad  every 
moment  something  to  say  about  Signor  thìa  and  Lady 
that,  Buddenly  checked  himself,  and  tuming  to  bis  niece 
— '  Ah,  you  young  rogne  1  '  exclairoed  he  ;  '  you  are  tum- 
ing yonr  back  on  ali  tbese  folliea, — you  are  one  of  the 
■aintB  ;  we  poor  worldly  fellows  are  caugbt  in  the  snare, 
but  you  are  going  to  lead  a  religions  life,  and  go  to  beaven 
in  your  carriage.' 

Ab  evening  approached  they  retumed  home,  and  tbe 
■ervants,  hastily  deecending  to  tneet  tbem  with  lighta, 
announced  eeveral  visitor»  who  were  awaiting  their  re- 
turn. The  rumour  had  epread,  end  iriends  and  relations 
crowded  to  pay  their  reapecta.  On  entering  the  drawiug- 
room  the  young  bride  became  tbe  idol — the  sole  object  of 
attention — tbe  victim.  Every  one  wisbed  to  bave  ber  to 
hìniBelfi  one  promised  her  pleasures, — another  viaits; 
one  spoke  of  Jfmjrw  this,  ber  relation, — onotber  of  Madre 


176  t  FB0HE8SI  SPOSI.  [cH. 

th&t,  an  acqnùntance  ;  one  ertolled  tbe  cUmat«  of  Monza, 
— ftnother  enlai^d  with  great  eloqueuce  upon  the  dis- 
tÌQctione  ahe  woiild  there  enjoj.  Othere,  who  had  not 
yet  eucceeded  in  approacbing  Gertrude  wbJle  thns  be- 
aieged,  stood  watchiug  their  opportunity  to  addreas  ber, 
and  felt  a  kìnd  of  regret  until  thef  bad  diacharged  tbeìr 
dutj  ìd  tbie  matter.  B7  degreee  tbe  party  dìsperaed,  and 
Gertrude  remained  alone  witb  the  family. 

'  At  last,'  said  the  Frince,  '  I  bave  had  tbe  pleasure  of 
seeing  my  daughter  treated  as  becomea  her  rank.  I 
must  confees  that  ahe  baa  eonducted  herself  very  well, 
and  bas  abovn  tbat  sbe  will  not  be  prevonted  making  the 
first  figure,  and  maintainÌDg  the  diguiiy  of  tbe  famìly.' 
Ther  then  went  to  aupper,  so  aa  to  retire  earlr.that  they 
might  be  ready  in  good  time  in  the  moming. 

Gertrude,  annojed,  piqued.  and  at  tbe  aame  time  a 
little  pufied  up  by  the  complimentB  and  ceremonìea  of 
tbe  day,  at  this  moment  remembered  ali  sbe  bad  sufiered 
from  her  jailer  ;  and,  seeing  ber  father  so  ready  to  gratify 
ber  in  everything  but  one,  ehe  reaoWed  to  make  use  of 
tbis  disposition  for  the  indulgence  of  at  least  one  of  the 
paesioDB  which  tormented  her.  She  displayed  a  great 
unvillingneaB  again  to  be  left  alone  witb  her  maid,  and 
complained  bìtterly  of  her  treatment. 

'  What  ! '  aaid  the  Prince  ;  '  dìd  ahe  not  treat  you  witb 
respect  F  To-morrow  I  wili  reward  ber  ae  she  deserree. 
Leave  it  to  me,  aud  I  will  get  you  entire  satiefaction. 
In  the  mean  while,  a  cbild  witb  whom  I  am  so  well 
pleaaed  must  not  be  atteuded  by  a  person  she  dialikea.' 
So  saying,  be  called  another  eerrant,  and  gave  ber  orders 
to  wait  upon  Gertrude,  who,  thougb  cerèainly  enjoying 
tbe  aatisfaction  she  received,  waa  astouished  at  Gnding  it 
so  trifling,  in  comparisoa  witb  tbe  eamest  wiebea  she  had 
felt  beforeband.  Tbe  thougbt  tbat,  in  epite  of  her  an- 
willingaesB,  predomìnated  in  ber  imagination,  vas  tbe 
remembrance  of  tbe  fearful  progress  sbe  had  tbis  day 
niade  towards  ber  cloìstral  life,  and  the  couaciousneae 
that  to  draw  back  now  woutd  require  a  far,  far  greater 
degree  of  courage  and  resolution  than  would  bave  sufficed 


;dbv  Google 


X.]  TBB  BETROTHED.  177 

a  few  dajB  before,  and  which,  even  then,  tibe  felt  she  did 
not  poasefla. 

T&e  woman  appointed  to  attend  beriras  an  old  Kirant 
of  the  fatnily,  who  bad  formerlf  been  the  young  Prince'i 
gOTemesB,  navìns  received  him  from  the  arma  of  bis 
nurse,  and  brought  him  up  until  he  waa  aJmoBt  a  young 
man.  In  him  Bhe  had  centred  ali  her  pleasuree,  al)  ber 
hopee,  ali  her  prìde.  She  was  delighted  at  this  àay'n 
decision,  rb  ìf  it  bad  been  ber  own  good  fortune;  and 
Gertrude,  at  the  dose  of  the  day,  was  obliged  to  listen 
to  the  congratulationa,  praiaee,  and  advice  of  this  old 
woman.  8he  told  her  of  some  of  her  aunta  and  near 
relations  who  bad  been  Tery  happy  as  nims,  becaiue, 
being  of  so  high  a  fatnily,  they  had  always  enjoyed  the 
first  honours,  and  had  been  able  to  bave  a  good  deal  of 
infiuence  beyond  the  walls  of  the  convent  ;  bo  that,  from 
their  parlour,  they  had  come  off  rictorioua  in  nndertak- 
ingB  in  which  the  first  ladies  of  the  land  had  been  quite 
foOed.  She  talked  to  ber  about  the  vÌBits  abe  would 
receive  ;  ahe  would  some  day  be  seeing  the  Signor  Frince 
with  hiB  bride,  who  must  certainly  be  some  noble  lady; 
and  then  not  only  the  monastery,  but  the  whole  country 
would  be  in  excitement.  The  old  woman  talked  while 
undreBsing  Gertrude  ;  she  talked  after  Bhe  had  lain  down, 
and  eren  continued  talhing  after  Gertrude  waa  asleep. 
Youth  and  fatigue  had  been  more  powerful  tban  careg. 
Her  sleep  was  troubled,  diaturbed,  and  full  of  tormenting 
dreams,  but  was  unbroken,  until  the  shrill  Toice  of  the 
old  woman  aroused  her  to  prepare  for  ber  joumey  to 
Monza. 

'  Up,  up.  Signora  bride  ;  it  is  broad  day-light,  and  yoa 
will  want  at  least  an  hour  to  dresB  and  amnge  yourself. 
Tbe  Signora  Frìncess  ìb  getting  up  ;  they  awoke  her  four 
hours  earlier  tban  usuaL  The  young  Prince  has  already 
berài  down  to  tbe  stables  and  come  back,  and  is  ready  to 
Btart  wbenever  you  are.  The  creature  is  aa  briak  aa  a 
bare  !  but  be  was  alirays  so  from  a  child  :  I  bave  a  right 
to  Bay  so  wbo  bave  nursed  him  in  my  arma  But  when 
be's  once  set  a-going,  ìt  won't  do  to  oppose  bim;  for. 


;dbv  Google 


178  I  PBOMESM  SPOM.  [CH. 

thougb  he  is  the  beat-tempered  creatine  in  the  worid,  he 

BometimeB  gets  impatient  and  etorms.  Foor  fellow  I  one 
must  pitf  bim  ;  it  ìb  ali  the  efiect  of  bis  temperament  ; 
and  besides,  thie  time  tbere  is  some  reaaon  in  it,  because 
he  is  going  to  ali  this  trouble  for  y ou.  Feople  must  take 
care  how  tbey  touch  him  at  auch  times  !  be  minde  no  one 
except  the  Signor  Prince.  But  Bome  day  he  wìll  be  the 
Prìnce  himeelf  ;  may  it  be  aa  long  aa  pOBsihle  first,  bow- 
erer.  Quick,  quick,  Signorina,  why  do  you  look  at  me  ae 
if  you  were  bewitobed  ?  You  ougbt  to  be  out  of  your 
nest  at  tbia  bour.' 

At  the  idea  of  the  impatient  Print^,  ali  the  other 
thou^hts  wbicb  bad  crowded  iute  Gerlrude'a  mind  on 
awakine,  ranished  before  it,  like  a  ftock  of  Bparrows  ou 
tbe  Budden  appearance  of  a  scarecrow.  She  instantly 
obeyed,  dresBed  herBelf  in  baate,  and,  after  Bubmitting  to 
tbe  decoration  of  ber  hair  and  perBon,  went  down  to  tbe 
saloon,  wbere  ber  parents  and  brother  were  SBaembled. 
Sbe  WBS  then  led  to  an  ann-chair,  and  a  cup  of  chocolate 
waa  brought  to  ber,  wbicb  in  tbcae  daya  was  a  ceremony 
aimilar  to  tbat  formerly  in  use  among  tbe  Romaus,  of 
preeenting  the  fo^a  virili: 

When  the  camage  waa  at  the  door,  the  Prince  drew  his 
daugbter  aside,  and  aaid  :  '  Come,  Gertrude,  yeeterday 
yoa  bad  every  attention  paid  ^ou  ;  to-day  you  mustover- 
corae  youraelf.  Tbe  point  is  now  to  make  a  proper 
appearance  in  the  moDaatery  and  tbe  Burrounding  country, 
where  you  are  deatioed  to  take  tbe  first  place.     They  a 


i  deapatched  a  meaaage  tbe  preceding  day  to  tbe  Lady 
Abbesa.)  '  They  are  eipecting  you,  and  ali  eyea  will  be 
upon  you.  You  must  maintain  dignity  and  an  easy 
tuanner.  The  Abbesa  will  aak  you  wbat  you  wisb,  ac- 
cording  to  the  uaual  form.  You  must  reply  that  you 
requeat  to  be  allowed  to  take  the  veli  in  the  monastery 
where  you  bave  beeu  Bolovinglyeducated,and  bave  received 
80  many  kindnesaes,  wbich  is  tbe  aimple  tnith.  You  will 
pronounce  these  words  wìth  an  unembarrasBed  air  ;  for  I 
would  Dot  bave  it  aaid  that  you  bave  been  drawn  in,  and 
tbat  you  don't  know  how  to  anawer  for  youreel£    These 


by  Google 


X.]  THE  BSTEOTHED.  179 

good  mothera  know  QothìnK  o{  the  put  :  it  is  &  secret 
which  muBt  remoin  for  ever  baried  in  the  family.  Take 
care  fon  doa't  put  on  a  aoirowful  or  dubioua  countenauce, 
which  migbt  ezcite  aay  euspicion.  Show  of  what  blood 
70U  are  :  he  courteous  and  modeat  ;  hut  remember  that 
there,  away  from  the  tamily,  there  witl  he  nobody  above 
you.' 

Without  waiting  for  a  reply,  the  Frince  led  the  way, 
Gertrude,  the  Prìnceas,  and  the  youog  Prìnce,  foUowing; 
and,  goìug  dowQ-ataira,  thej  aeated  themaelTes  in  the 
catriage.  The  anarea  and  Tezations  of  the  world,  and  the 
happy,  bleased  life  of  the  cloieter,  more  eepecially  for 
young  people  of  noble  birth,  were  the  aubjocte  of  convers- 
atioaduring  the  drive.  On  approaching  their  deatination 
the  Prìnce  renewed  hia  inatructions  to  hia  daughter,  and 
repeated  over  to  her  aererai  timea  the  prescrìbed  form  of 
reply.  Oa  enterìng  thia  neighbourhood,  (Gertrude  felt 
her  heart  beat  violently  ;  but  her  attention  waa  auddenly 
arreated  by  aeveral  gentlemen,  who  itopped  the  carrìage 
and  addr^sed  Dumberleas  complimenta  to  her.  Then 
oontiauÌQg  their  way,  tbe^  drove  slowly  up  to  the  monaa* 
tery,  amongst  the  inquiaitire  eazea  of  the  crowda  who  had 
collected  upon  the  road.  wheu  the  carriage  stopped 
before  tbeae  welUknown  walla,  and  that  dreaded  door, 
Gertrude'a  heart  beat  atill  more  violently.  They  alighted 
between  two  winge  of  byatanden,  whom  the  aervanta  were 
endeavouring  to  keep  oack,  aud  the  consciouBneea  that 
the  eyes  of  idi  were  upon  her,  compelled  the  unfortunate 
girl  cloaely  to  atudy  her  behariour  ;  but,  above  ali,  thoao 
of  her  father  hept  her  in  awe  ;  for,  epite  of  the  dresd  ahe 
had  of  them,  ahe  could  not  help  every  moment  raising  her 
eyes  to  bis,  and,  like  inviaible  reina,  they  regnlated  eveiy 
movement  aad  eipreaaioa  of  ber  counteoance.  After 
trayereing  the  firat  court,  they  entered  the  aecond,  where 
the  door  of  the  interior  cloiater  waa  held  open,  and  com- 
pletely  blockaded  by  nuna.  In  the  firat  row  atood  the 
Abbeaa,  eurrounded  by  the  eldeat  of  the  sisterhood  ;  be- 
hind  them  the  younger  nuns  promiacuously  arranged,  and 
aome  on  tip-toé;  and,  laat  of  alt,  the  lay-aistera  mounted 
OD  stoola.    Here  and  there  uuong  them  were  seen  the 


,CK,glc 


180  I  PB01CB8SI  SPOSI,  [CH. 

^kncing  of  ceriain  brìgbt  ejea  and  Bome  little  &ceB  peep- 
ing  out  firam  betweeu  the  oowls  :  the^  were  the  mort 
octive  and  daring  of  the  pupils,  who,  CTeeping  in  and  pusb- 
ìng  tbeir  waj  between  nun  and  nun,  nao  aucceeded  in 
making  an  -  opening  where  ikey  might  alio  see  something. 
Jixnj  were  the  acdamatioua  of  thu  crowd,  and  many  the 
bandsheld  up  in  tokenof  welcome  and  eiultation.  They 
reached  the  door,  and  Gertrude  found  herself  standing 
before  the  Ladj  Abbeas.  After  the  first  complimenta, 
the  BUperior,  with  an  air  between  cheerfulnesa  and  BO- 
lemnity,  uked  ber  what  she  wanted  in  that  place,  wbere 
there  was  no  one  wbo  would  deny  ber  an^thing. 

'  I  am  bere  .  .  .  .'  b^an  Gertrude  ;  but,  on  the  point 
of  pronouncing  the  words  whicb  would  almost  irrevocably 
decide  her  fate,  abe  heaitat«d  a  moment,  and  remained 
wjth  ber  eyee  flsed  on  the  crowd  before  ber.  At  tbia 
moment  ahe  caught  the  eje  of  one  of  ber  old  companiona, 
wbo  looked  at  ber  with  a  miied  air  of  compasBion  and 
malica  which  aeemed  to  aay  :  ab  I  the  boaster  ìb  caught. 
ThÌB  BÌght,  Bwakening  more  viridi;  in  ber  mind  her  old 
feelin gs,  reetored  toheralao  alittle  of  berformercourage; 
and  sbe  was  on  the  point  of  framing  a  reply  far  different 
to  the  one  whicb  had  been  dictated  to  ber,  wfaen,  raising 
ber  eves  to  ber  father's  face,  almoat,  aa  il  were,  to  trj  her 
atrengtb,  ebe  encountered  there  sncb  a  deep  disquietude, 
such  a  threatening  impatience,  that,  urged  by  fear,  ebe 
continued  with  great  precipitation,  aa  if  fljing  from  some 
terrible  object  :  '  I  am  bere  to  request  permiaBÌon  to  take 
the  religioni  h&bit  in  tbia  monastery,  wbere  I  bare  been 
80  loringlf  educated.'  The  Abbees  quicktj  answered, 
that  afae  waa  ver;  aorry  in  thia  inetauce  that  the  regula- 
tiouB  forbad  her  giring  an  immediate  replj,  which  must 
come  from  the  general  rotea  of  the  siaters,  and  for  whicb 
abe  must  obtain  permiasion  from  ber  superiora  ;  that, 
nerertheleas,  Gertrude  knew  well  enougb  the  feelings 
entertained  towarda  ber  in  that  place,  toforeaee  what  the 
anawer  would  be  ;  and  that,  in  the  mean  while,  no  regula- 
ttou  prevented  the  Abbeas  and  the  sisterbood  from  mani- 
festing  the  great  tatiafaction  tbey  felt  in  hearing  her  make 
such  a  requeat.    There  then  burat  forth  a  oonfuaed  mur- 


,»oglc 


X.]  THE   BETBOTHBD.  181 

murofcoiigratDlfttìonBandacc]ainBtion§.  Fresently,  large 
dùhes  were  brought  filled  with  aweetmeats,  ftnd  were  of- 
ferad  fint  to  the  bride,  and  afWvards  to  ber  pareots. 
Wbile  some  of  the  nunB  approached  to  gieet-  Qertrade, 
otbers  oomplimentmg  ber  motberj  and  otbera  the  yoiing 
Prince,  the  Abbess  requeated  the  Frìnce  to  repaìr  to  the 
grate  at  the  parlour  of  conference,  where  she  would  wait 
npon  him.  She  waa  accompanied  by  two  elders,  and  oa 
bis  appearing,  '  Signor  Fnnce,'  saia  ahe  -,  '  to  obey  the 
regiUationa  . . . .  to  perform  an  indiapenaable  formolity, 
though  in  this  case  ....  neverthelesa  I  must  teli  roti .... 
that  whenerer  a  young  peraon  aska  to  be  admittea  to  take 
the  veil, ....  the  superìor,  wbich  I  am  unworthìlj  .... 
ÌB  obliged  to  wara  the  parente  ....  that  if  by  any  chance 
....  they  ehould  bave  constrained  the  will  of  their 
danghter,  they  are  liable  to  ezcommunication.  You  will 
exciue  Die  .-. .  .' 

'  Oh  !  certainlj,  certainly,  reverend  mother.    I  admira 

Toar  ezactneea  ;  it  ia  only  rigbt But  you  oeed  not 

doubt . . . .' 

'  Oh  t  think.  Signor  Prince  ....  I  only  Bpoke  from 
absolate  duty  . . . .  for  the  rest . . . .' 

'  Certainty,  certaialy,  Lady  AbbeaB," 

Having  ezchanged  theae  few  worda,  the  two  interlo- 
CQtora  reciprocali^  bowed  and  departed,  m  if  neither  of 
them  felt  very  willmg  to  prolong  tbeinterview.eachretiring 
to  bis  own  party,  the  one  outside,  the  other  within  the 
threehold  of  the  cloieter.  '  Now  then  let  ub  go,'  said  the 
Prince  ;  '  Glertrude  will  aoon  bave  plenty  of  opportunity 
of  enjoying  aa  much  a»  she  pleasea  the  eodety  of  theee 
good  mothern.  For  tbe  present,  we  bave  put  them  to 
enough  inconvenience.'  And,  m^ing  a  low  bow,  he  aigni- 
fied  bis  wieh  to  return  :  the  party  broke  up,  eichanged 
■alutationa,  and  departed. 

During  the  drive  home  Gtertrude  felt  little  inclination 
to  apeak.  Alarmed  at  the  atep  abe  bad  taken,  aabamed 
at  ber  want  of  epirit,  and  vexed  with  others  aa  well  aa 
heraelf,  ahe  tried  to  ennmerate  the  opportunities  which 
itili  ramained  of  aaying  no,  and  languidly  and  confuaedly 
teaolTed  ia  ber  own  mind  tbot  in  this,  or  that,  or  the 


,c,oglc 


182  1   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [n. 

other  ìoatance  she  woidd  be  mora  open  and  courageouB. 
Yet,  in  the  midst  of  these  thonghta,  ber  dre&d  of  ber 
father's  frowu  etili  held  ita  full  sway  ;  so  that  once,  when, 
bj  a  fltealtbf  glance  at  bis  face,  abe  wae  fully  araured  tliat 
not  a  vestile  of  anger  remained,  wben  ehe  even  saw  tbat 
.  he  was  perfectly  aatiafied  witb  ber,  she  felt  quite  cbeered, 
•  and  eiperìenced  a  real  but  transient  Joy. 

On  their  amTal,  a  long  toilette,  dinner,  viaits,  walka,  a 
eonveriaxione  and  supper,  followed  each  other  in  rapid 
suocession.  Aft«r  supper  tbe  Prìnce  iatroduced  auother 
Bubject — the  cboice  of  a  godmother.  Tbia  wa»  tbe  title 
of  the  peraaa  wbo,  being  aolicited  by  tbe  parente,  became 
the  guardiau  and  escort  of  tbe  youug  novice,  in  the  inter- 
val  between  tbe  request  and  tbe  admisaion  ;  an  interval 
frequenti/  spent  in  visiting  churcheB,  public  palaces,  ctm- 
venaeioni,  tìIIob,  and  t«mplee  ;  in  sbort,  everrtbing  of 
note  in  tbe  city  and  ita  environs  ;  so  tbat  tbe  young 
peopte,  before  pronouncing  tbe  iirevocable  vow,  might  be 
iullyaware  of  wbat  tbey  were  giWng  un. 

'  We  must  think  of  a  godmother,'  saia  the  Prince  ;  '  for 
to-morrow  the  vicar  of  the  nuns  wìll  be  bere  for  tbe  usuai 
formality  of  an  examinatiou,  and  sboFtly  afterwards  Ger- 
trude will  be  propoaed  in  council  for  tbe  acceptance  of 
the  nuna.' 

Insaying  thie  betumed  towarda  the  Frincesa,  and  she, 
thinhing  be  intended  it  aa  an  iuvitation  to  ber  to  make 
some  proposai,  waa  beginning  ;  '  Tbere  should  be  . . .  -' 
But  tbe  Prince  interrupted  ber. 

'  No,  no.  Signora  PnnceBB  ;  tbe  godmother  abould  he 
acceptdble  above  ali  to  tbe  bride  ;  and  tbougb  universa! 
cuatom  givee  the  aelection  to  the  parente,  yet  Gertrude 
has  so  much  Judgment,  and  such  ezcelleut  diecernment, 
that  ebe  ri(;bly  deserres  to  be  made  an  eiception.'  And 
bere,  turuing  to  Gertrude,  witb  the  air  of  one  wbo  was  be- 
stowing  a  singular  favour,  he  contitiued:  '  Any  one  of  the 
ladies  wbo  were  at  the  convertazione  this  evening  poa- 
sesaes  ali  the  necessary  qualifications  for  the  office  of  god- 
mother to  a  peraon  of  your  family  ;  and  any  one  of  them, 
I  am  willing  to  helieve,  will  think  it  an  bonour  to  be  made 
cboice  of.    Do  you  choose  for  yourself.' 


byCOOglC 


X,]  THE   BBTROTHED.  183 

Gertrude  waa  fully  seniìble  that  to  make  a  chaice  vos 
but  to  reoew  ber  coasent;  yet  the  propositìon  waa  made 
with  Èo  miich  dignity,  that  a  refusai  wouid  bave  bome 
the  appearance  ot'  contempt,  and  an  ezcuSe,  of  ignorance 
or  faétidiouBDeM.  8he  therefore  took  tbis  step  also,  and 
named  a  lady  who  had  cbiefly  takea  ber  fancy  that  even- 
ing;  that  is  to  aay,  one  who  had  paid  her  tbe  niost  atten- 
tion,  who  bad  moat  applauded  ber,  and  wbo  bad  treated 
her  with  those  familiar,  afièctionate.and  engaging  mannere, 
which,  on  tbe  first  acquaintanceebip,  counterfeit  a  iriend- 
ahip  of  long  standing.  '  An  excellent  cboice,'  exclaimed 
the  Prince,  wbo  had  eiactlf  wiahed  and  expected  it. 
"Whether  by  art  or  chance,  it  happened  just  as  when 
a  card-player,  holding  up  to  vìew  a  pack  of  carde,  bìda 
the  spectator  think  of  one,  and  tben  will  teli  bim  wbicb  it 
ia,  having  previonaly  diapoeed  tbem  in  auch  a  way  tbat 
but  one  or  them  can  be  aeen.  Tbia  lad;  bad  been  ao 
much  with  Gertrude  ali  tbe  evening,  and  bad  so  entirely 
engaged  ber  attention,  tbat  it  wouId  bave  requìred  an 
efiurt  of  im^nation  to  tbìnk  of  anotber.  Tbese  atten- 
tiona,  bowever,  bad  net  been  paid  without  a  motive;  the 
lady  had  for  some  timo  fiied  her  eyes  npon  the  young 
Prince  as  a  desirable  aoD-in-law;  hence  ahe  regardea 
everything  belonging  to  the  familj  as  ber  own;  and 
therefore  it  waa  naturai  enough  that  ahe  ahould  interest 
heraelf  for  ber  deor  Gertrude,  no  lesa  than  for  her  neaN 
est  relati  Tea. 

On  the  morrow,  Gertrude  awoke  with  the  imago  of  the 
approaching  eiamination  before  ber  eyea  ;  and,  wbile  ahe 
waa  conaidering  if  and  bow  ahe  could  seize  tbia  moat  de- 
cisìto  opportunity  to  draw  back,  she  waa  summoned  by 
the  Prince.  '  Courage,  my  cbild,'  said  be  :  '  uutil  now 
you  bave  bebaved  admirably,  and  it  ooly  remaina  to-d&y 
to  crown  tbe  work.  Ali  that  haa  been  done  hitherto  bas 
been  done  witb  your  consent.  If,  in  tbia  interrai,  any 
doubts  had  ariaen  inyourmind,  any  miagivings,  oryouth- 
ful  regreta,  you  onght  to  hare  expressed  tbem  ;  but  at 
the  point  at  wbicb  we  bave  now  arrived,  it  is  no  longer 
the  time  to  play  tbe  cbild.  The  worthy  man  who  is 
zomiog  to  you  tbia  moming,  will  aak  yen  a  faundred 


184  I  PBOMBSSI  SPOSO..  [CH. 

questàona  «bont  yoor  «lectìoo,  and  wbetlier  yoa  go  of 
vour  onn  eood  vili,  and  whj,  and  how,  and  what  uot 
besidea.  If  you  tontalize  him  in  jout  replies,  he  will 
keep  yoa  under  examinatìon  I  doa't  know  how  long. 
It  vould  be  an  annoyatice  and  a  weariness  to  you  ;  and 
it  might  produce  a  stili  mora  Berious  effect.  AiW  ali 
tbe  publio  demonitratioDB  that  bave  been  nude,  every 
little  heeitatiou  you  may  diaplsy  will  risk  my  honour,  and 
may  make  people  think  tbat  I  bave  taken  a  momentary 
fancy  of  yours  for  a  settled  resolution — tbat  I  bave 
rusbed  beadlong  into  the  buBÌnesa— that  I  bare  .... 
what  not  P  In  thie  case,  I  aball  be  reducsd  to  the  nece»- 
sity  of  cbooaine  betireeo  two  paìnful  alternatÌTeB  ;  either 
tolet  the  worid  form  a  derogatory  judgment  of  my  con- 
duct— a  couFse  which  I  absolutely  cannot  take  in  justice 
to  myaelf — or  to  reveal  tbe  true  motive  of  your  reaolu- 
tioQ,  and  .  .  .  .  '  But  bere,  obserring  tbat  Gertrude 
coloured  crirnsoD,  tbat  ber  eyea  became  iuflamed,  and  ber 
Ibce  contntcted  libo  the  petals  of  a  flower  in  the  eultry 
beat  tbat  precedes  a  atorm,  be  broke  off  this  strain,  and 
continued  witb  a  serene  face  :  '  Come,  come,  ali  dependa 
upon  youraelf — upon  your  judgment.  I  know  tbat  you 
are  not  deficient  in  it,  and  tbat  you  are  not  a  chOd,  to 

fo  apoil  a  good  undertaking  just  at  tbe  conclusion  ;  but 
must  foresee  and  provide  for  ali  contìngencies.  Let  ub 
say  no  more  about  it;  only  let  me  feel  asaured  tbat  you* 
will  reply  witb  irankneSB  ao  as  not  to  excite  suapicion  in 
tbe  mind  of  tbia  worthy  man.  Tbua  you,  also,  will  be 
set  at  liberty  the  eooner.*  Then,  after  BUggeating  &  few 
anawera  to  tbe  probable  interrogations  that  would  be  put, 
be  entered  upon  the  usuai  topìc  of  tbe  pleasures  and  en- 
joymenta  prepared  for  Gertrude  st  tbe  monastery,  and 
contrìved  to  detaìn  ber  on  this  aubject  till  a  serrant  an- 
nounced  tbe  arrivai  of  tbe  eiaminer.  After  a  baaty 
repetition  of  the  most  important  hints,  be  left  hie  dangh- 
ter  alone  witb  bim,  according  to  the  uaual  custom. 

Tbe  good  man  carne  witbaslightpre-conceived  opinion 
that  Gertrude  had  a  atrong  desire  ior  a  cloistral  life,  be- 
cause  the  Frince  hod  told  bim  so,  when  he  went  to  requeat 
hia  attendance,    It  ia  tnie  tbat  tbe  good  prìest,  who  knew 


,»Ogk' 


X.]  THB   BSTBOTHBD.  ISS 

wdl  BDODgli  that  mìetrast  wm  one  of  the  most  necessarj 
Tirtues  of  bla  office,  held  sb  a  maxim  thjtt  he  should  be 
Terr  bIow  in  believing  tuch  proteatatioiiB,  and  should  be 
OH  hÌB  guard  against  pre-conceptions  ;  but  ìt  seldom  bap- 
penB  tbat  the  poBitÌTe  affimiationB  of  a  penon  of  aucb 
«uthorìty,  in  whatever  nutter,  do  net  gìve  a  bios  to  the 
mind  of  those  who  bear  tbem.  After  the  aaual  aaluta- 
tions  :  '  Signorina,'  uìd  he,  '  I  am  coming  to  act  the  part 
of  the  tempter  ;  I  bave  come  to  eicite  doubta  vbere  j'our 
lequest  eipreaseB  certainty,  to  place  dìfficultiea  before 
yoar  ejea,  and  to  aasure  myself  whether  you  bave  well 
considered  tbem.  Will  you  allow  me  to  aak  you  some 
queatioTiB  ?  ' 

'  Proceed,*  replied  Gtertmde. 

Tbe  wortjiy  prieat  tben  began  to  queetion  ber  in  the 
oBual  preflcnbed  forma.  '  Do  you  feel  in  your  beart  a 
free,  Toluntary  leaolution  to  become  a  nun  P  Have  no 
threateningB,  no  flatteriea  been  resorted  to  P  Hae  no 
authority  been  made  use  of  to  persuade  you  to  this  stepP 
Spealc  without  Teaerve  and  with  perfect  eincerity  to  a 
man  wboae  duty  it  ia  to  aacertain  yonr  nnbiasaed  will, 
tbat  he  may  prevent  your  being  compelled  by  any 
ezerciae  of  force  to  take  aucb  a  courae.'  -_. 

The  true  anawer  to  aucb  a  demand  rose  up  before  \ 
Qertrude'a  mind  iritb  fearfiil  distinctuesa.  But  to  make 
that  reply,  ahe  muat  come  to  an  eiplanation  ;  abe  must 
diaclose  what  abe  bad  been  threatened  with,  and  relato 
a  atory ....  The  unbappy  girl  abrank  back  ia  horror 
from  «ucb  au  ideo,  and  med  to  find  aome  otber  reply, 
Tbich  would  more  apeedily  release  ber  from  tbia  an< 
pleaaant  interriev.  '  I  wish  to  take  tbe  rei],'  aaid  she, 
coooealing  ber  agitation — '  I  wiab  to  take  the  veli  at  my 
own  deaire,  voluntarily.* 

'  How  long  bave  yon  bad  tbia  desire  P  '  agùn  demanded 
tbe  good  prieat. 

'  I  bave  alwaya  felt  it,'  replied  Oertrude,  rendered  after 
this  flrat  stop  more  unscmpnlous  about  apeaking  tbe 

'  But  what  ia  the  principal  motdve  that  iuducea  you  to 
beoome  a  nun  t  ' 


;dbv  Google 


188  I  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  ["CH. 

The  good  priest  little  knew  what  »  terrible  chord  he 
iras  touching  ;  and  Oertrude  had  to  m&ke  a  grest  effort 
not  to  betrsy  in  ber  countenaace  the  effect  which  theae 
words  produced  on  ber  mind,  as  she  replìed:  'My 
motivo  18  to  Berve  God,  and  to  fly  the  periJs  of  the 
world.' 

'  May  there  not  bave  been  some  diagust  P  Some  .... 
eicuie  me  ....  Bome  caprice  F  There  are  timea  wben  a 
pasBing  cause  may  mske  an  impression  tbat  seems  et  the 
moment  Bure  to  be  laeting  ;  but  afterwards,  wben  the 
cause  Ìb  removed,  and  the  mind  calmed,  then  ....  * 

'  No,  no,'  replied  Gertrude,  precipitately,  '  the  reaaon 
ÌB  exactly  what  I  bare  told  you.' 

The  vicar,  rather  to  dÌBcharge  hia  duty  &itbfìilty  than 
becauee  he  thought  it  neceaaary,  persiated  in  bis  in- 
quiriea  -,  hut  Gertrude  was  rcBolved  to  deceive  bim. 
Beeides  the  horror  ahe  felt  at  the  thought  of  making 
bim  acquainted  with  her  weaknesB,  when  he  aeemed  so 
far  from  suspecting  ber  of  anythìng  of  the  kind,  the  poor 
girl  thought  tbat  tbougb  he  could  uertainly  eaaìiy  prevent 
ber  taking  the  veli,  yet  tbat  tbere  was  the  end  of  bis 
autbority  over  her,  or  hìa  power  of  protection.  When 
once  be  had  gene,  she  wouid  be  loft  alone  witb  the 
Prince,  and  of  what  ahe  wouId  then  have  to  enduro  in 
that  houae,  tbe  worthy  priest  eould  know  nothing  ;  or, 
even  if  be  did,  he  could  ouly  pity  her.  Thè  eiaminer 
was  tired  of  (juoBtioning,  before  the  unfortunate  giri 
of  deceiving  him  ;  and,  finding  ber  replies  invariably 
coDBistent,  and  having  no  reason  to  doubt  their  sìncerity, 
he  at  last  changed  his  tone,  and  eaid  ali  he  could  to 
conGrm  her  in  ber  good  resolution  ;  and,  after  congratu- 
lating  ber,  be  took  bis  leare.  Fassing  through  one  of 
the  apfutments,  be  met  witb  tbe  Prince,  who  appeared 
to  fall  in  wìtb  bim  accìdentally,  and  cougratulated  bim 
on  the  good  dispoaitìons  big  daughter  had  diaplayed. 
The  Prince  had  been  waiting  in  a  very  wearÌBome  state 
of  Buspense,  but,  on  receiving  thie  account,  he  breathed 
more  t'reely,  and,  forgetting  bis  uanal  gravity,  he  almoBt 
ran  to  Gertrude,  and  loaded  her  with  commendations, 
caresBea,  and  promisea,  with  cordial  satififiiction,  aad  a 


,»OglC 


X.J  THS  BETBOTHXD.  1B7 

tendemeas  of  mumer  to  a  great  Sagre»  BÌncore.    Sucli  « 
Btrange  medley  ìb  the  human  heut  1 

We  wili  not  follow  (Gertrude  in  ber  continuai  round  of 
lighta  and  AmuaementB,  nor  will  we  describe,  either 
generallj  or  psrticuIarlT,  the  feelinge  of  ber  mind  dnring 
thÌB  period;  it  would  De  a  bistory  of  Borrows  and  fluo- 
tuatiouB  toc  monotonous,  and  too  mucb  resembling  wbat 
we  bave  already  related.  The  beautr  of  the  eurround- 
ing  Beata,  the  continuai  variety  of  objecte,  and  the 
pleaaant  excuraionB  in  the  open  air,  rendered  the  ides  of 
the  place  wbere  Bbe  muat  Bhortly  aliebt  for  the  last  time, 
more  ohIìodb  to  ber  than  ever.  Stili  more  painful  were 
the  impreBsions  made  upon  ber  bv  the  aasemblieg  and 
amuaementa  of  the  city.  The  aigbt  of  a  bride,  in  the 
more  obriooB  and  common  sense  of  the  word,  arouBed  in 
ber  envy  and  aoguish,  to  a  degree  olmost  intolerable; 
and  Bometìmes  the  aight  of  some  other  individuai  made 
ber  feel  as  if  to  bear  tbat  title  gìven  to  heraelf  would  be 
(he  beight  of  felicity.  There  were  even  tìmes  wben  the 
ponip  of  palacea,  the  spleodour  of  ornamenta,  and  the 
excitemeut  and  clamoroua  festirity  of  the  ectneertaziona, 
80  ìnfatoated  ber,  and  arouBed  m  ber  such  an  ardent 
desire  to  lead  a  gay  life,  that  abe  reeolred  to  recant,  and 
to  Bufièr  anything  rather  than  tura  to  the  cold  and 
death-llke  abade  of  tbecloÌBter.  But  ali  tbese  reaolutionB 
Taniabed  into  air,  on  tbe  calmer  conaideration  of  tbe 
difficultiea  of  Buch  a  courBe,  or  on  merely  raising  ber  eyea 
to  tbe  Frince'a  face.  SometimeB,  too,  the  thought  tbat 
Bbe  muet  for  ever  abandon  theee  enjoymentB,  made  even 
thÌB  little  taate  of  them  bitter  and  weariaome  to  ber  ;  as 
the  patìent,  suffering  with  tbirat,  eyea  with  veiation,  aud 
almoat  refuBea  with  contempt,  the  apoonful  of  water  tbe 
pbyaician  unwillingly  allows  him.  In  tbe  meaa  while,  the 
vicar  of  the  nona  had  deepatched  the  neceasary  attestation, 
and  permission  arrived,  to  bold  tbe  conference  for  the 
election  of  Glertrude.  The  meeting  was  called;  two-thìrds 
of  the  aecretvateB,whÌGh  were  requiredby  tberegulatjona, 
were  giveo,  as  waa  to  be  expected,  and  Gertrude  waa 
acoepted.  Sbe  bereelf,  wearied  with  tbis  long  atruggle, 
begged  for  immediate  admisaion  into  the  monaatery,  and 


,c,oglc 


1B6  I-FBOUESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

no  one  carne  forward  to  oppose  Buch  &  request.  She  wu 
tberefore  gratifled  in  her  vnah  ;  and,  after  beine  pomp- 
oìiKÌy  conducted  to  the  monasteri,  she  asaumed  the  oabit. 
After  twelve  months  of  noviciate,  fìiU  of  alternate  regret 
and  repentinga,  the  time  of  public  profeasion  arrived  ; 
tbat  is  to  Bay,  the  time  when  abe  must  either  utter  a 
'  no,*  more  itrange,  more  UDezpect«d,  and  more  dis- 
graceful  than  ever  ;  or  prononnce  a  '  yea,'  already  ho 
often  repeated  :  abe  pronounced  it,  and  became  a  nun  for 
ever. 

It  Ì8  one  of  the  peculiar  and  incommuni  cable  propeiv 
tìea  of  the  Christian  religion,  that  abe  can  afford  giàdùice 
and  repoae  to  ali  vho,  under  whatever  circumatances,  or 
in  wbatever  exigence,  bave  recourse  to  ber.  If  tbere  is 
a  remedv  for  the  past,  she  preacribes  it,  adminieters  it, 
and  lends  light  and  energy  to  put  it  in  force,  at  what- 
ever  coat  ;  if  tbere  la  none,  she  teachea  bow  to  do  tbat 
effectuallf  and  in  realitj,  whicb  tbe  world  pr^cribea 
OTOverbiaily, — make  a  sirtue  of  necessity.  Sne  teacbe| 
bow  to  contìnue  with  diacretion  what  la  thougbtleaalf 
nndertaken  ;  abe  inclinea  the  mìnd  to  cleave  ateadfaatlj' 
to  vbat  WBB  impOBed  npon  it  by  authoritj  ;  and  imparta 
to  a  cboice  whicb,  tbougb  rash  at  the  time,  is  now 
irrerocable,  ali  the  aanctity,  ali  the  advieeduesa,  and,  leb 
ne  aay  it  boldly,  alt  the  cheerfulnesa  of  a  lawAil  callins, 
Here  is  a  patb  bo  conetructed  that,  let  a  man  approacb  it 
by  what  labjrintb  or  precìpice  he  may,  he  seta  bimaelf, 
trom  that  moment,  to  walk  in  it  witb  eecurity  and  readi- 
neoB,  and  at  once  begins  to  draw  towarda  a  joyful  end. 
Bf  tbie  means,  Gertrude  migbt  bave  proved  a  holj  and 
coutented  nun,  however  she  had  become  one.  But,  in- 
Btead  of  tbia,  the  nnhappy  girl  atruggled  under  the  yoke, 
and  thuB  felt  it  heavier  and  more  gtJling.  An  inceaaant 
recurrence  to  ber  toat  liberty,  abborrence  of  her  present 
condìtion,  aod  a  wearisome  clinging  to  deairea  whicb 
could  never  be  aatisfied  :  tbeae  were  the  principal 
occupationa  of  her  mind.     She  recalled,  over  and  over 

Jin,  the  bittemeaa  of  the  past,  re-arranged  in  ber  mind 
the  circumstances  by  whicb  she  had  reacbed  her  pre- 
Bcnt  8ÌtuAti(m,  and  undid  in  tbougbt  a  tbouaand  bmea 


X]  THE   BETBOTHBD.  169 

vbat  abe  bad  done  in  act.  Bhe  accnsed  heiself  of  want 
of  spirit,  and  otherfi  of  tyranny  and  perfidy,  sai  pined 
in  secret  :  ahe  idolized  and,  at  the  ume  timo,  bewailed 
ber  beauty  ;  depìored  a  youth  deatined  to  atraggle  in  a 
prolonged  martyrdom  ;  and  envied,  at  timea,  any  woman, 
m  wbatever  rank,  witb  wbatever  acquiiements,  wbo  could 
fireely  enjoy  theae  gifts  in  the  worid. 

Tbe  aight  of  thoee  nuns  wbo  bad  co-opersted  in  brìng- 
ìng  ber  hither  waa  bateful  to  ber  :  ahe  remembered  the 
arto  and  contrìvancee  thej  bad  made  use  of,  and  repaid 
tbem  witb  incivilitìes,  capricea,  and  eveu  witb  open  re- 

Ìiroacbes.  These  thej  vere  obliged  to  bear  in  ailence; 
i>r  tboagh  tbe  Prince  wsa  willing  enougb  to  tyrannize 
over  hi»  danghter  when  he  found  it  necesBary  to  force 
ber  into  tbe  cloiater,  jet,  having  once  obtainea  hia  pur- 
pose,  he  wauld  not  ao  WiUìnglr  allow  others  to  asaume 
authoHty  over  one  of  bis  family  ;  and  anj  little  rumour 
tbat  migbt  bara  leacbed  bis  eora  would  bave  been  an 
occaaion  of  their  loaing  bia  protection,  or  perbapa,  un- 
fortunatelr,  of  cbanging  a  protector  into  an  enemj.  It 
would  aeem  tbat  abe  migbt  bave  felt  some  kind  of  leaniog 
tovards  thoae  otber  aistera  wbo  bad  not  lent  a  band  in 
tbia  foni  system  of  intrigue,  and  wbo,  witbout  baving 
deeired  ber  for  a  companion,  loved  ber  aa  aucb;  and, 
always  good,  buay,  and  cbeerfuì,  sbowed  ber,  by  their 
fliample,  that  bere,  too,'  it  waa  poaaible  not  only  to  live, 
but  to  be  happy  :  but  tbeae,  alao,  were  bateful  to  ber,  for 
another  reaaon  :  their  conaiatent  piety  and  contentment 
•eemed  to  caat  a  reproof  upon  ber  disquiotude  and  way- 
wardneaa  ;  ao  tbat  ahe  never  suSèred  art  opportunity  to 
escape  of  deridJng  tbem  bebind  their  backa  aa  bigota,  or 
reviling  tbem  aa  hypocritea.  Perbapa  ahe  would  bave 
been  1^  averae  to  tbem,  had  ahe  known  or  gueased,  tbat 
tbe  few  block  balla  found  in  tbe  um  which  decided  hw 
iccoptauce,  had  been  put  there  by  tbeae  very  siaters. 

Sbe  Bometimea  felt  a  little  aatiafaction  in  commanding, 
in  being  courted  by  tboae  witbin  tbe  monaatery  and 
TÌaited  moat  flatteringly  by  tboee  witbout,  in  accompliab- 
ing  some  undertaking,  in  extending  ber  proteMion,  io 
bMring  herself  atyled  the  Signora  ;  but  what  conaoUtione 


,CK,glc 


[ca. 

vere  theseP  The  miad  which  feela  theìr  inanfSciency 
vould  gladly,  at  tìmes,  add  to  them,  and  eojoy  with  them, 
the  consolations  of  reli^on  :  jei  the  one  cannot  be  ob- 
tained  without  renounrang  the  otlier  ;  aa  a  Bhipwrecked 
sailor,  who  wouid  cliug  to  the  ptask  which  ìs  to  bring 
hìm  Bidèly  to  shore,  must  relinquish  bis  hold  on  the  un- 
.Bubstantial  sea-weed  whìch  naturai  iaatinct  bad  taugbt 
biro  to  gratni. 

Shortìy  wIct  finally  tating  the  veil,  Gertrude  bad  been 
appoioted  teacber  of  the  youug  people  who  attended  the 
ccDveot  for  education,  and  ìt  may  easìly  be  imagined 
wbat  would  be  their  eituation  under  aucb  dÌBCÌpliuei 
Her  early  compauiona  had  ali  left,  but  the  paaaiona  called 
ioto  ezerciee  hv  them  atill  remaìned  ;  and,  in  oue  va,j  or 
other,  the  pupile  vere  compelled  to  feel  their  full  weight. 
When  Bhe  remembered  tbat  many  of  them  were  destined 
to  tbat  course  of  life  of  which  she  had  loat  every  bope, 
■he  indulged  agaiuat  the  poor  children  a  feeliug  of  ran- 
cour,  yihìch  almost  amounted  to  a  desire  of  vengeance. 
ThJB  feeling  she  manifeated  by  keeping  them  under,  irri' 
tating  them,  and  deprec iati ug  m  anticipation  the  pleaBures 
wbich  they  one  day  hoped  to  enjoy.  Any  one  nho  had 
beard  with  what  arrogant  dìapleasure  ehe  rebuked  them 
at  Buch  times  for  any  little  fault,  would  bave  imagined 
ber  a  woman  of  undisciplined  and  injudicioua  tem|)er. 
On  other  occasiouB,  the  same  hatred  for  the  rules  and 
dÌBcipline  of  the  clolster  was  dieplayed  in  fits  of  temper 


entirely  different:  then,  she  not  only  eupported  the 
noiey  dÌTer8lone  of  her  pupils,  but  eicited  them  ;  she 
would  mingle  in  their  games,  aud  make  them  more  dis- 


orderly  ;  and,  joining  in  their  conrersutiona,  vouid  ii 

ferceptibly  lead  them  far  beyond  their  intended  liniits. 
f  one  of  them  bappened  to  allude  to  the  Lady  AbbeBs'i 
loTe  of  gOBBÌpÌDg,  tneir  teacher  would  imitate  it  at  lengtb, 
and  act  it  like  a  acene  in  a  comedy;  would  mimìc  tbe 
eipresBioD  of  one  nun  and  the  mauners  of  another;  and 
on  theae  occasionB  would  bkugh  ìmmoderately  ;  but  ber 
laughter  carne  not  from  ber  beart.  Thua  ebe  pasaed 
Bevwal  yeaTB  of  ber  life,  witb  neitber  leiaure  nor  oppor- 


;dbv  Google 


X.]  THE   BETBOTHED.  191 

tunity  to  mike  any  ch&nge,  nntil,  to  ber  miafoiiune,  an 
occuion  unbappily  presented  itself. 

Among  otber  privUeges  and  diatinctioiiB  Bccorded  to 
ber  aa  a  compensatioD  far  ber  uot  being  abbess,  waa  the 
special  graut  of  a  bed-chamber  io  s  sepante  part  of  the 
monaatery.  This  eide  of  the  buildiu?  adjoined  a  house 
inhabited  bj  a  joung  man  of  profeaaealy  abandoaed  cha- 
racter  ;  ona  of  the  maaj  who,  ia  those  daja,  by  the  belp 
of  tbeir  retinues  of  brafoea,  and  by  comoinatioDB  witb 
other  villaiua,  were  enabled,  up  to  a  certain  point,  to  aet 
at  defiance  public  force,  and  the  authority  of  the  laws. 
Our  manuBcrìpt  merely  sivea  bini  the  name  of  £^dio. 
Thia  man,  having,  fjom  alitt]e  window  which  overlooked 
the  court-yard,  seen  Gertrude  ovcasionally  pasaing,  or 
idly  luitering  tbere,  and  aUured,  rather  tban  intimidated, 
by  the  dangera  and  impiety  of  the  act,  ventured  one  day 
to  addresa  her.  The  miaerable  girl  replied.  At  first  ahe 
ezperìenced  a  lì*ely,  but  not  unmixed  satisfactìon.  Into 
the  painful  roid  of  ber  bou]  waa  ìnfused  a  powerful  and 
CODtiDuat  atimuluB  ;  a  freah  principle,  aa  it  were,  of  vi- 
tatity;  but  thia  enjoyment  was  like  tne  reatorativs  draught 
which  the  ingenioue  cruelty  of  the  anuieuta  preaented  to 
B  condeuaed  criminal,  to  Btrengtbea  him  to  bear  the 
agonieB  of  martyrdom.  A  great  cbange,  at  the  same 
time,  waa  obaervable  in  ber  wbole  deportinent  ;  ahe  be- 
came  ali  at  once  more  regular  and  tranquil,  leas  bitter 
and  Barcastic,  and  even  ahowed  herself  friendly  and  affable; 
so  tbat  the  aiaters  congratulated  each  other  on  the  happy 
cbange  ;  bo  far  were  they  from  imagiuing  the  real  cause, 
and  from  underatanding  that  thia  new  TÌrtue  waa  no- 
thing  else  than  hypocriay  added  to  her  former  faìlings. 
Thia  improvement,  however,  thÌB  eitemal  cleanaing,  ao 
to  speafc,  btat«d  but  a  short  time,  at  leaat  with  any  steadi- 
neoB  or  consiatency.  Sbe  soon  retumed  to  her  accua- 
tomed  Bcom  and  caprice,  and  renewed  her  imprecationa 
and  nillery  ag&iiut  ber  cloiatral  prison,  expreaoed  aome- 
timea  in  language  hitberto  unheard  in  that  place,  and 
from  thoae  tips.  Kevarthelesa,  a  season  of  repeutauce 
■ucceeded  each  outbreak,  and  an  endearour  to  atone  for 
it  and  wipe  out  ita  lemembruioe  by  additional  ooarteBÌea 


,CK,glc 


193  I  PBOKSSSI  BP08I.  [CH. 

and  kindnesB.  The  listeia  were  obliged  to  bear  ali  these 
TÌciBaitudes  aa  thej  beat  could,  and  atthbuted  tfaem  to 
tbe  ynjwari  and  fickle  dìspoBÌtion  of  the  Sienors. 

For  Bome  time  no  one  seemed  to  think  any lonver  aboat 
these  matterà  ;  but  one  da;^  tbe  Sigerà,  having  hod  a  dU- 
pnte  witb  a  lay-sister  for  some  trifling  irreguWity,  con- 
tinued  to  inault  her  bo  long  beyond  ber  usu^bounds,  that 
the  sister,  after  baring  for  Bome  time  gnawed  the  bit  in 
ailence,  could  no  longer  keep  ber  patience,  and  threw  out 
a  bint  tbat  ahe  knew  something,  and  would  reveal  it  wben 
an  opportunitj  occurred.  From  that  moment  the  Signora 
had  no  peace.  It  was  not  long  after  that,  one  moming, 
tbe  sÌBter  waa  in  vain  eipected  at  her  UBual  emplo^ment  ; 
sbe  was  Bought  in  her  celi,  but  Iruitleealy  ;  ahe  waa  called 
londly  by  manj  Toices,  but  there  vaa  no  reply  ;  ahe  waa 
bunted  and  sought  for  diligentlr,  bere  and  tbere,  above, 
beloff,  from  the  celiar  to  tbe  roof  ;  bnt  sbe  waa  nowhere  to 
be  found.  And  wbo  knowB  nhat  conjectures  might  bave 
been  made,  if,  in  searching  for  ber,  it  bad  not  happened 
that  a  large  hole  was  discovered  in  the  garden  wall,  whicb 
induced  everj  one  to  think  that  Bhe  had  made  ber  eecape 
thence.  MesBengere  were  immediately  despatcbed  in  va- 
riouB  directiona  to  overtake  her  and  bring  ber  back  ;  erery 
inquiry  was  made  in  the  aurrounding  country  ;  but  tbere 
was  nerer  the  alightest  informatioo  about  her.  Ferhaps 
tbey  might  bare  Imown  more  of  her  fate,  had  tbey,  instead 
of  seeking  at  a  distance,  dug  up  the  groond  near  at  band. 
AAer  manj  expreBsions  of  aurprise,  becauae  tbey  never 
tbougbt  her  a  bkely  woman  for  such  a  deed  ;  after  many 
arguments,  tbey  coucluded  tbat  sbe  muBt  bare  fled  to  Boma 
Tery  great  diatance  ;  and  becauae  a  Bìater  happened  once 
to  aay,  '  Sbe  must  certainly  bave  taken  refuge  in  HoMand,' 
it  was  ever  after  aaid  and  maintained  in  the  monaatery 
tbat  sbe  bad  fled  to  HoUand.  Tbe  Signora,  bowefer,  dia 
not  seem  to  be  of  tbia  opinion.  Not  that  sbe  manifest- 
ed  any  diabelief,  or  opposed  the  prevailin^  idea  witb  her 
particular  reasona;  if  ahe  bad  any,  certamly  nerer  were 
reaaona  better  concealed  ;  nor  was  there  anythiug  &om 
which  Bhe  more  wiUingly  abatained,  thsn  from  alluding  ta 
tbia  er^t,  nor  any  matter  in  wbiob  sbe  waa  IsM  deairous 


;dbv  Google 


X.]  THE   BBTBOIHED.  193 

to  come  to  the  bottom  of  the  mystery.  But  the  leia  she 
spoke  of  it,  the  more  did  it  occupa  her  thoughtB.  How 
onen  during  the  day  did  the  ìmage  of  the  ili-fa^  nua  rush 
unbidden  into  ber  miad,  and  fii  itaelf  there,  not  easily  to 
be  remored  1  How  often  did  she  long  to  eee  the  real  and 
living  being  before  her,  ratber  thaa  bare  ber  always  in  her 
thoughts,  ratber  than  be  day  aad  DÌgbt  ta  the  company  of 
that  empty,  terrible,  impassible  form  !  Kow  oFben  wou]d 
she  gladi;  have  listeaed  to  ber  real  voice,  and  borne  her 
rebukea,  whatever  thej  might  tbreaten,  rather  thaa  be  for 
«Ter  baunted  iu  the  depths  of  her  montai  ear  bj  the  im- 
aginary  wbiepera  of  that  lame  voice,  and  bear  words  to 
whicb  it  waa  uaelesB  to  reply,  repeated  wìtb  a  pertinacity 
and  an  indefatisable  peneverance  of  which  no  hving  being 
was  ever  capable  I 

It  was  about  a  year  afler  this  erent,  that  Lucia  waa  pre- 
■ented  to  the  Signora,  and  had  tbe  iaterview  with  her  which 
we  bave  descrìbed.  The  Signora  multiplied  her  inquiriei 
about  Doa  Bodrieo's  persecution,  aad  entered  into  par- 
ticulare  with  a  boldnese  which  must  bave  appeared  worsa 
tban  novel  to  Lucia,  who  bad  never  imagiaed  that  the 
curioBÌty  of  nuna  could  be  eiercieed  on  auch  eubjects.  The 
opinionB  bIbo  which  were  mingled  with  theae  inquiries,  or 
whicb  she  allowed  to  appear,  were  aot  leai  strauge.  She 
aeemed  almoBt  to  ridicule  Lucia'a  great  horror  for  the 
nobleman,  and  asked  wbether  be  were  deformed,  tbat  he 
esdted  so  much  fear;  andwould  have  esteemed  herretir- 
ing  disposition  almost  irratioual  aad  absurd,  if  she  had  not 
beforeband  given  tbe  prefereace  to  Renzo.  And  on  this 
choice,  too,  she  multipiied  questiona  whicb  astoniahed  the 
poor  girl,  and  put  ber  to  tbe  blush.  Perceiving,  bowever, 
afterwarda,  that  ahe  bad  givea  too  free  eipreBsion  to  ber 
imagination,  abe  tried  to  correct  and  interpret  ber  laneuage 
difièrentlv  ;  but  she  could  not  divest  Lucia'a  miad  of  a 
disagreeaDle  wonder,and  confused  dread.  N^o  aooner  did 
tbe  poor  girl  find  herself  alone  with  her  motber,  tban  she 
opened  her  wbole  mind  to  ber;  but  Agnese,  being  more 
eiperìenced,  in  a  rery  few  words  quieted  her  doubts,  and 
solved  tbe  mystery.  'Don't  be  surpriaed,'  said  abe; 
'  when  you  know  the  world  as  well  as  I,  yoii'U  not  think 


,„oglc 


1S4  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

it  uiythiDg  very  wonderful.  Great  people — some  more, 
■ome  lesB,  some  one  way,  and  Bome  aaother, — have  ali  & 
little  oddity.  We  must  let  them  talk,  partioularly  whea 
ve  have  need  of  tbem  ;  ve  must  pretend  to  be  liatenìng 
to  tliem  Beriously,  aa  if  they  were  Baying  very  right 
things.  Didii't  you  bear  how  Bhe  sileuced  me,  almoBt  ag 
if  i  liad  uttered  some  great  DonsenBe  P  I  was  not  a  bit 
surprìsed  at  it.  Tbey  are  ali  bo.  Howerer,  Heaven  be 
praiaed.that  she  Beema  to  bave  taken  such  a,  fancy  to  you, 
and  will  really  protect  uà.  Ah  to  the  rest,  if  you  live, 
my  child,  and  it  falla  to  your  lot  to  Lave  a&yttiing  more 
to  do  with  gentlemes,  you'U  underatand  it,  you'li  under- 
Btand  it' 

A  deaire  to  oblige  tbe  Father-guardian  ;  tbe  pleasure 
of  extendingprotcccìon;  the  tbougbt  of  thegoodopìnioua 
that  would  result  from  so  cbaritable  an  exercì^e  of  tbat 
protection  ;  a  certain  inclination  for  Lucia,  added  to  a 
kind  of  relief  abe  would  feel  in  doing  a  kìndnesB  to  an 
iunocent  creature,  and  in  asaiating  and  comfortiag  the 
oppresaed,  were  tbe  inducementa  whicb  had  reolly  in- 
cfined  tbe  Signora  to  take  an  interest  in  the  fate  of  tbeae 
two  poor  fugitivea.  In  obedience  to  the  orders  ahe  gave, 
and  from  regard  to  the  aniiety  she  displayed,  they  were 
lodged  in  the  apartmenta  of  the  portresa,  adjoining  tbe 
doister,  and  treated  es  if  tbey  were  adniitted  into  the 
service  of  the  monaatery.  Both  motber  and  daoghter 
Gongratulated  themaelves  on  having  bo  soon  found  a  secure 
and  faonourabte  asylum,  and  would  gladly  bave  reioaiued 
unknowu  by  every  one  ;  but  thia  waa  not  easy  in  a 
monaatery,  more  especìally  wben  tbere  waa  a  man  deter- 
mined  to  get  information  about  one  of  them  ;  in  whose 
mind  vexation  at  having  been  foiled  and  deceived  was 
added  to  bis  former  passiona  and  deaires.  Leaving  the 
two  women,  tben,  in  tbeir  retreat,  we  will  return  to  this 
wretch's  palace,  while  be  waa  waiting  tbe  result  of  bis 
iniquitous  undertaking. 


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XI.]  THE  BBTROTHED. 


CHAFTEB  XL 

\  pack  of  hounds,  after  io  Tain  tracbing  a 
hare,  return  despondiag  to  their  master,  with  , 
heade  bnng  down,  aod  droopiog  tallii,  to,  oa 
thìs  disaatrous  iii(i[ht,  did  the  bravoes  return 
to  the  palace  of  Don  Bodrìgo.  He  waa  list*  - 
lessiy  pacìng  to  and  fro,  in  an  unoccupìed  room  up-ataira 
tbat  overlooked  the  terrace.  Novr  and  thea  he  would. 
stop  to  lUteD,  or  to  peep  through  the  chinka  in  the  de- 
cajed  window-frames,  full  of  impatieuce,  aud  not  enttrely 
free  from  diBqnietude — not  only  for  the  doubtfulnesa  of 
Buccess,  but  also  for  the  posaible  couBequencea  of  the  en- 
terprìse  :  tbis  being  the  boldest  and  most  hazardoua  in 
which  ouc  valiant  cavalìer  had  ever  engt^ed.  He  en- 
deavoured,  hoiyeTer,  to  rcaseure  himaelf  with  the  thought 
of  the  precautiona  he  had  taken  thab  not  a  trac«  of  the 
perpetrator  sbould  be  left.  'As  to  suspiciona,  I  care 
nothing  for  them.  I  ahould  lìke  to  know  who  wonld  he 
iuclìned  to  come  hither,  to  aacertain  if  there  be  a  young 
girl  bere  or  not.  Let  bim  dare  to  come-^the  rash  fool — 
and  he  ehall  be  well  received  !     Let  the  friar  come,  if  he 

Sleasea.  The  old  woman  F  She  sball  be  off  to  Bergamo. 
UBtìce  P  Poh  !  Justice  !  The  Podetlà  is  neitber  a 
child  nor  a  fool.  And  at  Milane'  Who  will  care  for 
these  people  at  Milan  P  Who  will  listen  to  them  f  Who 
knowa  eren  what  tliej  are  P  They  are  like  loat  people  ia 
the  world,— they  haven't  even  a  master  :  tbe^  belong  to 
no  one.  Come,  come,  never  fear,  How  Attilio  will  be 
iilenced  to-morrow  !  He  ehalt  aee  whether  I  am  a  man 
to  talk  and  boast.  And  thea  .  .  .  if  any  difficulty  should 
enaue  ....  What  do  I  know  p     Anj  enemy  who  would 


196  I   PBOHBSSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

aeize  this  occuion  . . .  Attilio  will  be  able  to  adviee  me  ; 
he  ia  pledged  to  it  for  the  hononr  of  the  whole  family.' 
But  tne  idea  od  which  he  dwelt  most,  because  he  found 
ìt  both  a  soother  of  hia  doubta  and  a  nourisher  of  hia 
predominating  paesioa,  was  the  thought  of  the  flatterìes 
and  promiBealie  would  eniploy  to  gain  over  Lucia.  '  She 
nill  De  IO  terrìfied  at  finding  herself  bere  alone,  in  the 
midat  of  theae  &ceB,  that  ...  in  trotb,  mine  is  the  most 
human  among  them  . . .  that  abe  vili  look  to  me,  will 
throw  herself  upon  her  kneea  to  pray;  and  if  ebe 
prava  "... 

While  indulging  in  theae  fine  anticìpations,  he  hears 
a  footstep,  soea  to  the  vindow,  opena  it  a  little,  and  peepa 
througb  :  '  It  ia  tbej.  And  the  litter  !  ■  Wnere  la  tne 
litter  1*  Tbree,  fìve,  eight  ;  they  are  ali  tbere  ;  there'a 
Oriao  too  ;  the  litter's  net  there  : — Griso  sball  givo  me  an 
account  of  tbia.' 

Wbea  they  reached  the  bouae,  Griao  depoaited  hia 
ataff,  cap,  tvnd  pilgrim'a  habit,  in  a  corner  of  the  ground- 
floor  apartment,  and,  aa  ìf  carrying  a  burdea  wnich  no 
one  at  the  moment  enried  him,  nscended  to  render  hia 
account  to  Don  Rodrigo.  He  waa  waiting  for  him  at  the 
head  of  tbe  ataira  ;  and  on  hia  approachingwith  the 
fooliah  and  awkward  air  of  a  deluded  viUain,  '  Welt,'  aaid, 
or  rather  rociferated,  he,  '  Signor  Boaster,  Signor  Captain, 
Signor  Leaoe-it-to-me  ?  ' 

'It  ia  hard,'  replied  Griso,  resting  one  foot  od  the  top 
step,  *  it  ia  hard  to  be  greeted  with  reproachea  after  having 
laboured  faitbfullT,  and  endeavoured  to  do  one'a  duty,  at 
the  riak  of  one'a  life.' 

'How  baa  it  gonep  Let  uà  hear,  let  uà  hear,'  aaid 
Don  Bodrigo  ;  and,  tumìng  towarda  hia  room,  Griso  fol- 
lowed  him,  and  briefly  related  bow  he  bad  arranged,  nbat 
be  bad  done,  eeea  and  not  aeen,  board,  feared,  and  re- 
trieved;  relating  it  with  that  order  and  that  confusion, 
that  dubiouBneaa  and  tbat  astooiahment,  which  must 
Deceaaarily  bave  togetber  taken  posaeBBion  of  hia  ideaa. 

'  Tou  are  not  to  blame,  and  bave  done  your  beat,'  aaid 
DoD  Bodrigo.  '  You  bave  done  what  von  could  ;  but . . . 
but,  if  under  tbis  roof  there  be  a  apy  !    If  there  be,  if  I 


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ZI.]  THE   BBIROTHED.  197 

tucceed  in  discorerìne  him  (and  you  tnay  rest  aunred  Vìi 
diicorer  bini  if  he's  bere),  l'U  wttle  matterà  irìtìi  him; 
I  promise  you,  Griso,  l'il  pay  him  aa  he  deaervea.' 

'  The  aame  aiiapicioa,  Signor,'  replied  he,  *  haa  croaaed 
my  mìnd  ;  ^d  if  ìt  be  true,  and  we  discover  a  villain  of 
thia  Bort,  my  master  should  put  it  into  my  banda.  One 
who  haa  dtrerted  bimself  by  making  me  paaa  Buch  a 
night  aa  thia  ;  it  ie  my  buaineaa  to  pay  him  for  it.  How- 
ever,  ali  things  considered,  it  seema  lisely  there  may  bave 
been  some  other  crosa-purpoBes,  nbich  now  we  cannot 
&thom.  To-morrow,  Signor,  to-morrow  we  shall  be  in 
clear  water. 

'  Do  you  think  you  bave  been  recognized  ?  ' 

Griso  Teplied  that  he  hoped  not  ;  and  the  conclusion  of 
the  interview  wa8,.that  Don  Rodrigo  ordered  him  to  do 
three  tbiuea  next  day,  whìch  he  would  bave  thought  of 
well  enough  by  himaelf.  One  was,  to  despatoh  two  men, 
in  Eood  time  in  the  moming,  to  the  constable,  with  the 
intimation  wbicb  we  bave  already  noticed  ;  two  otben  to 
the  old  bouae,  to  ramble  about,  and  keep  at  a  proper  dia- 
taace  any  loiterer  who  might  happen  to  come  there,  and 
to  cooceal  the  lìtter  froia  every  eye  till  nightfall,  when 
they  wonld  aend  to  fetch  it,  aince  it  would  not  do  to  eicite 
Boapicion  by  any  furtber  meaaures  at  preseut  ;  and  laatly, 
to  go  himaelf  ou  a  tour  of  diacovery,  and  deapatch  aererai 
othera,  of  tbe  most  dexterity  and  good  senae,  on  the  same 
ernind,  that  he  might  learu  Bometliing  of  the  catiaes  and 
isane  of  the  confusìou  of  the  night.  H^riug  giren  these 
orders.  Don  Bodrigo  retired  to  bed,  leaving  Griso  to 
follow  bis  eiample,  biddiug  him  good  night,  and  loading 
him  with  praises,  througb  whicb  appeared  an  erident 
desire  to  m^e  some  atonement,  aad  iu  a  manner  to 
apologize  for  the  precipitate  haate  with  wbicb  he  had 
reproacbed  him  on  nis  arrivaL 

Go,  take  aome  reat,  poor  Griao,  for  thoa  must  aurely 
need  it.  Poor  Griso  I  Lahouring  hard  ali  day,  labour- 
ing  hard  balf  the  night,  without  counting  the  danger  of 
&Uing  into  the  banda  of  villaiua,  or  of  having  a  prìce  aet 
npon  thy  head  'for  the  leieare  of  an  honeit  woman,'  in 
addition  to  tboae  already  laid  npon  thee,  and  then  to  be 


,,,oglc 


IS3  I   FS0MES3I   SPOSI.  [cB. 

received  in  thia  maimer  !  but  thus  men  often  reward  their 
fellowa.  Thou  migbtest,  nevertheleas,  aee  in  thÌB  inataiice, 
that  Bometimes  peopLe  judge  according  to  merit,  and  tbat 
matterà  are  adjusted  even  in  tbia  world.  Oo,  reat  awhile  ; 
for  aome  daj  tKou  inayeat  be  called  upon  to  give  anotber 
and  more  considerable  proof  of  thj  faìthfulnesa. 

Next  morning,  Gi-riso  waa  agaiu  aurrounded  witli  busì- 
aeaa  oa  ali  banda,  when  Don  Eodrigo  rose.  Tbia  noble- 
man  quickly  aougbt  Count  Attilio,  who,  the  moment  he 
aaw  bini  appronch,  catled  out  to  bim,  with  a  look  and 
gesture  of  raillerj,  '  Saint  Martin  !  ' 

'  I  bave  notbiug  to  aay,'  replied  Don  Bodrigo,  aa  be 
drew  near:  '  I  will  pay  the  wager;  but  it  ia  not  tbia  tbat 
ve\Ba  me  most.     I  told  you  nothing  about  it,  because,  I 

coiifess,  I  thougbt  to  Burpriae  you  this  morning,     But 

atoy,  I  will  teli  you  alL' 

'  Tbat  friar  baa  a  band  in  tbia  buaineaa,'  aaid  bis  couBin, 
after  baving  liBtened  to  the  account  with  suspense  and 
wonderment,  and  witb  more  Berionaness  tban  could  bave 
been  eipected  from  a  man  of  bia  temperament.  '  I 
aln'ayB  thougbt  that  friar,  witb  bia  dissembling  and  out- 
of-the-way  anawera,  waa  a  knave  and  a  bypocrìte.  And 
you  never  opened  youraelf  to  me, — yoa  never  told  me 
plainly  what  happened  to  entertain  you  the  otber  day.' 
Don  Bodrigo  related  the  converaation.  '  And  did  you 
Bubmit  to  that  ?  '  exclaimed  Count  Attilio.  *  Did  you  let 
bim  go  away  aa  he  carne  P  ' 

'  Woutd  you  bave  me  drav  upon  mjself  ali  tbe  Capu- 
chins  of  Italy  ?  ' 

'  I  don't  know,'  aaid  Attilio,  '  whether  I  should  bare 
remembered,  at  tbat  moment,  tbat  there  was  anotber 
Capucbia  in  the  world  except  this  darine;  knave;  but 
surely,  even  under  the  rulee  of  prudence,  tnere  muat  be 
some  way  of  getting  eatiafaction  even  oa  a  Capuchin  ! 
We  must  manage  to  redouble  dvilitiea  cleverly  to  the 
whole  body,  and  then  we  can  give  a  blow  to  one  member 
with  impunity.  However,  the  fellow  has  eacaped  the 
puniahment  he  best  deserved;  but  l'il  take  bim  under 
my  prot«ction,  and  bave  the  gratification  of  teacbìng  bim 
how  to  talk  to  geutlemen  sucn  ts  we  are.' 


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XI-]  THB    BBIBOTUED.  199 

'  Don't  make  matters  worae  far  me.* 

'  Trust  me  for  once,  aud  i'U  serve  you  like  a  relation 
and  a  friend.' 

'  What  do  you  intend  to  do  ?  ' 

'  I  don't  know  yet  ;  but  rest  asBured  l'il  pay  off  ths 
,  friar.  I'U  think  atout  it,  and  ,  ,  .  .  my  nncle,  the  Signor 
Count  of  the  Privy  Council,  will  be  the  man  to  help  me. 
Dear  uncle  Count  !  How  fine  it  in,  when  I  csd  make  a 
politician  of  his  stamp  do  ali  my  work  for  me  !  The  day 
after  to-morrow  I  shall  be  at  Sliko,  and,  in  one  way  or 
other,  the  friar  shall  he  rewarded.' 

In  the  mean  while  breakfast  waa  announced,  vhich, 
bowever,  made  no  ìuterruption  in  the  discuBsion  of  an 
affair  of 80  muchimportsnce.  Count  Attiliotslked  about 
it  freely  ;  and  though  he  took  that  side  wbich  bis  Iriend- 
ehip  to  bìe  cousin  and  the  honour  of  his  name  required, 
according  to  hia  ideaa  of  friendship  and  honour,  yet  he 
could  not  help  occaaionally  finding  Bomethingto  laugh  at 
in  the  ìll-BuccesB  of  his  relative  and  fìriend.  But  Don 
Bodrigo,  who  felt  it  was  his  owo  cauBe,  and  who  had  BO 
aignally  failed  when  hoping  quietly  toatrìke  a  great  blow, 
vaa  agitated  by  atronger  pasBÌnna,  and  distrocted  by 
more  vexatious  thoughts.  '  Fine  talk,'  said  he,  '  these 
rascaJB  will  make  in  the  neighbourhood.  But  what  do  I 
care  p  Ab  to  iustice,  I  laugh  at  it  :  there  ia  no  proof 
against  me,  and.  even  if  there  were,  I  should  care  for  it 
just  as  little  :  the  conatable  was  wamed  thia  raorning  to 
take  good  heed,  at  the  rìsk  of  his  life,  that  he  makea  no 
deposition  of  wbat  has  happened,  !Nothing  will  folJow 
trom  it  ;  but  goasiping,  when  carried  to  any  length,  is 
very  aanoying  to  me,  It's  quite  enough  that  1  bave 
been  bullied  so  unmercifully.' 

'  You  did  quite  rightly,'  replied  Count  Attilio.  '  Tour 
FodeBtà  .  .  .  .  an  obstinate,  empty-pated,  prosing  fellow, 
that  Podeatà  .  .  .  is  nevertheless  a  gentleman,  a  man  who 
knowa  hie  duty  ;  and  it  ia  juat  when  we  have  to  do  witb' 
such  people,  that  we  must  take  care  not  to  hring  them 
into  difficultiee.  If  that  rascal  of  a  constable  should 
make  a  depoaition,  the  Podeatà,  however  well-iutentioned, 
would  be  obliged  . . . .' 


,„oglc 


SOO  I    PBOHB8SI   BPOSI.  [CH. 

'But  700,'  ìnterrupted  Don  Bodrìffo,  with  some  warmth, 
'  70U  Bpoil  ali  mj  aSaira  by  con  tradì  ctìng  hìm  in  ereiy- 
thing,  DJ  silencing  him,  aad  Uughing  at  hìm  on  everr 
occasion.  Why  cannot  a  Podestà  bé  an  obatinate  foa^ 
when  at  the  sanie  time  he  is  a  ffeotleman  ?  ' 

'Do  you  know,  cousin,'  eaid  Count  Attilio,  glancing 
towards  hìm  a  look  of  raiUety  and  surpriee  ;  '  do  jou 
know  that  I  begin  to  thìnk  70U  are  half  afroid  P  In 
eamest,  jou  may  reat  aesured  that  the  Podestà  .  .  .  ' 

'  Well,  well,  didu't  you  yourself  aaj  that  we  must  he 
careful  ,  , .  P ' 

'  I  did  :  and  when  it  ìs  a  serious  matter,  l'il  let  yoa 
866  that  l'm  not  a  child.  Do  you  knoT  ail  that  I  bave 
coura^e  to  do  for  you?  I  am  ready  to  go  in  persoa  to 
thia  Signor  Podestà.  Aha!  how  proud  he  vili  be  of  the 
honour  I  And  I  am  ready,  moreover,  to  let  hìm  talk  for 
hair  an  bour  about  the  Count  Duke,  and  the  Spanish 
Sigùor,  the  govemor  of  the  castle,  and  to  gire  an  ear  to 
ererythins,  area  when  he  talks  so  migbtily  about  these 
people.  Then  I  will  throw  in  a  few  words  about  my 
uncle,  th6  Signor  Count  of  the  Privy  Council,  and  you 
will  eee  wbat  eSect  tbese  words  in  the  ear  of  the  Signor 
Podestà  will  produce.  After  ali,  be  has  more  need  of 
our  pFotection  than  you  of  bis  condescenaion.  I  will  do 
Diy  best,  and  will  go  to  him,  and  leave  him  better  dìs- 
posed  towarda  you  than  erer.' 

After  these,  and  a  few  similar  words,  Count  Attilio  set 
off  on  bis  expedition,  ^d  Don  Kodrigo  remained  awaiting 
vjth  anxiety  GItìso'b  return.  Towards  dinner-time  he 
made  bis  appeamnce,  and  reported  the  success  of  bis 
reconnaitrine  tour. 

The  tumult  of  the  preceding  night  had  been  so  da- 
morous,  the  disappearance  of  th  ree  persons  from  a  TÌllage 
waa  so  strange  aa  occurrence,  that  tbe  ìnquìrìes,  both 
from  interest  and  curiosity,  would  naturally  be  many, 
'eager,  and  persevering  ;  and,  on  the  other  band,  those 
who  knew  soinething  were  too  numerous  to  agree  in 
maìntaining  silenro  on  tbe  matter.  Perpetua  could  not 
set  foot  out  of  doors  without  being  assailed  by  one  or 
another  to  know  wbat  it  waa  that  had  so  alamed  h^r 


n.]  THE   BETBOTHBD.  X  £03 

msater,  and  ehe  herself,  reviewing  and  comparing  àl?uisli 
circurnstancea  of  the  case,  and  perceiving  how  ahe  Èt^ 
been  imposed  upon  by  Agnese,  felt  so  much  indignatio^v 
at  the  act  of  perfidy,  that  she  was  ever  readj  to  gìve  v 
vent  to  ber  feelinga.  N^ot  that  she  complamed  to  tbis  or 
that  peraou  of  the  manner  in  wbìcb  abe  waa  imposed 
upon  :  on  tbis  aubiect  abe  did  not  breathe  a  ejlkble  ; 
but  the  trick  playea  upon  ber  poor  master  abe  could  net 
ftltogether  paaa  over  in  eileuce  ;  especially  aa  auch  a 
trick  bad  been  concerted  sud  attempted  by  tbat  gentle 
creature,  tbat  ^ood  yoath,  and  tbat  wortby  widow. 
Don  Abbondio,  indeed,  might  poaitivelv  forbìd  ber,  and 
eamestly  entreat  ber  to  be  lilent  ;  end  she  could  easily 
enough  reply  that  tbere  waa  no  need  to  urge  upon  ber 
vbat  WBB  so  dear  and  evident  ;  but  certaiu  it  is  that  such 
a  secret  in  tbe  poor  woman'e  breast  was  like  very  new 
nine  in  an  old  and  badly-hoo^ied  cask,  wbìcb  fermenta, 
and  biibblee,  and  boìla,  and  if  it  does  not  aend  the  bung 
into  tbe  air,  works  itaelf  about  till  ìt  isaues  in  froth,  and  ,. 
peaetrates  between  the  etavea,  and  oozea  out  in  dropa  "" 
nere  and  tbere,  so  tbat  one  can  taate  it,  and  almost  decide 
vhat  kiud  of  nine  it  is.  Ocrraae,  wbo  could  scarcely 
beliere  tbat  for  once  be  *aa  better  ìnformed  tban  bis 
neiffhbours,  wbo  tbought  it  no  little  glory  to  have  been 
a  sbarer  in  such  a  scene  of  terror,  and  wbo  fancied 
bimself  a  man  bke  tbe  otbera,  from  having  lent  a  band 
in  an  enterpriae  tbat  bore  tbe  app^arance  of  criminality, 
was  dyÌDg  to  make  a  boast  of  it.  And  thougb  Tonio, 
wbo  thougbt  wìtb  some  dread  of  the  inquirìea,  tbe 
poBsible  processes,  and  tbe  account  tbat  would  have  to 
be  rendered,  gave  bìm  mauy  injunctions  with  bis  Snger 
upon  bis  lips,  yet  it  was  not  posaible  to  silence  every 
word.  Even  Tonio  bimself,  alter  having  been  absent 
from  home  that  night  at  an  unuaual  hour,  and  retuming 
with  an  unuaual  Ht«p  and  air,  and  an  eicitement  of  mina 
that  dispoeed  bim  to  candour, — evea  be  could  not  dis- 
simulate the  roatter  with  bis  wife;  and  she  was  not 
dumb.  Tbe  person  wbo  talked  least  was  Menico;  for 
no  Booner  bad  be  related  to  bis  parents  tbe  hiatory  and 
the  object  of  bis  expedition,  tban  it  appeared  to  them  so 


,»OglC 


onn  -^  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [cH. 

trùe  a  tbing  that  their  eon  had  been  emplojed  in 
ytstrating  an  undertaking  of  Don  Bodrigo's,  that  they 
Scarcelj  aufiered  tbe  boy  ta  fioish  hia  narrntion.  They 
^  then  gare  him  most  strenuoua  aad  threateniog  orden  to 
take  good  beed  that  be  dìd  Qot  give  the  leaat  hint  of 
anythiDg  ;  and  the  next  mornìng,  not  yet  feeling  suffi- 
ciently  coniident  in  him,  thoy  reaolved  to  beep  biin  shnt 
up  iu  the  house  for  at  least  that  day,  and  perbapa  even 
loDgcr  P  But  wbat  thea  f  The;  tbemeelvea  afterwards, 
in  chatting  witb  their  neìghboura,  without  wishing  to 
show  tbat  they  knew  more  than  others,  yet  nben  they 
carne  to  that  mvBteriouB  point  iu  the  flight  of  tbe  three 
fugitives,  and  the  ho»',  and  the  why,  and  tbe  wbere, 
■dded,  almoBt  aa  a  well-known  tbing,  that  they  had  fled 
to  Pescarenico. ,  Thua  this  circumatance  also  was  gener- 
ally  noiaed  abroad. 

With  ali  these  acr&pa  of  information,  put  together  and 
compnred  aa  usuai,  and  with  the  embeUìabmeats  naturaUy 
attached  to  auch  relationa,  there  were  grounda  for  a  story 
of  more  certaìnty  and  clearneas  than  common,  and  sucn 
aa  migbt  bare  contented  the  moat  criticizing  mind.  But 
the  iavaaion  of  the  bravoea — an  event  too  serioua  and 
nutorìoua  to  be  ìeCt  out,  and  one  on  which  nobody  bad 
any  positive  information — waa  what  rendered  the  atory 
dark  and  perpleiìng.  The  name  of  Don  Eodrigo  waa 
whiapered  about  ;  aud  so  far  ali  were  agreed  ;  but 
beyond,  everything  wy  obscurity  and  dissenaion.  Much 
was  said  about  tbe  two  bravoea  who  had  beea  seen  in 
the  Street  towarde  evening,  and  of  tbe  other  who  bad 
etood  at  the  inn  door  ;  but  what  light  could  be  drawa 
from  thia  naked  fact  P  They  inquired  of  tho  landlord, 
'  Who  had  been  there  the  night  before  F  '  but  the  land- 
lord  could  not  eren  remember  that  be  had  aeen  anybody 
that  evening  ;  and  coacluded  hia  answer,  aa  uauaf,  vith 
tbe  remark  that  bis  inn  waa  lìke  a  aea-port.  Abore  ali, 
the  pilgrim  seen  by  Stefano  and  Carlandrea  puzzled  their 
heaas  and  dìsarranged  their  conjectureB — that  pilgrim 
vhom  the  robbers  were  murdering,  and  who  had  gone 
away  with  them,  or  whom  tbey  had  carried  off— what 
could  be  be  doing  P    Uè  was  a  good  apirit  come  to  tbe 


ZI.]  THK   BBTKOTHED.  203 

KÌd  of  the  women  ;  he  woa  the  wìcked  spini;  of  a  roguish 
piìgrim-impostor,  who  always  carne  hy  night  to  join  auch 
coDipanìoQs,  and  perforai  auch  deeds,  aa  he  nad  heea 
*  accuatomed  to  when  alire  ;  he  was  a  living  and  true  pil- 
grim,  whom  they  attempted  to  murder,  hecauae  be  was 
preparing  to  arouse  the  village;  he  was  (just  eee  what 
they  went  bo  far  as  to  conjecture  !)  one  of  these  verj  vjU 
laiaa,  dieguieed  aa  a  pilgrìm  ;  he  was  this,  he  was  that  ;  he 
waa  so  many  thinga,  Cliat  ali  the  aagacìty  and  eiperieace 
of  Griso  would  not  have  sufficed  to  discover  who  he  was, 
if  he  had  been  obliged  to  glesn  thia  part  of  the  story  from 
othera.  But,  aa  the  reader  kaows,  that  whìch  rendered 
it  so  perpleiing  to  othera,  was  eiactly  the  cleareat  point 
to  him;  and  serving  as  a  key  to  interpret  the  other 
notices,  eitber  gathered  immedìately  by  him  self,  or 
through  the  medium  of  hia  aubordinate  apiea,  it  enabled 
him  to  lay  before  Don  Bodrigo  a  report  sufficientlj  clear 
aod  coanected.  Closeted  with  him,  he  told  him  of  the 
blow  attempted  by  the  poor  lovers,  which  naturally 
accoanted  for  his  fioding  the  house  empty,  and  the  riog- 
ing  of  the  beli,  witbout  which  they  would  have  been 
obliged  to  euspect  traitora  (aa  theae  two  worthy  mea 
eipreseed.  it)  in  the  house.  He  told  him  of  the  flight; 
and  for  this,  too,  it  was  easy  to  fìnd  more  thau  one 
reason. — the  fear  of  the  lovers  oa  beiiig  taken  io  a  fault, 
or  some  rumour  of  their  invasion,  when  it  was  discovered, 
and  the  rillage  roused.  Laatly,  he  told  him  that  they 
had  gone  to  Pescarenico,  but  further  than  this  hia  know- 
ledge  did  uot  eitend.  Don  Kodrìgo  was  pleaaed  to  be 
aaaured  that  no  one  had  betrayed  nim,  and  to  iìnd  that 
no  traces  remained  of  his  enterprise  ;  but  it  waa  a  light 
and  passing  pìeasure.  '  Fled  together  !  '  cried  he  : 
'togetherl  And  that  rascaily  friar  ! — thatfriarl'  The 
word  bunt  forth  boarsely  from  hia  throat,  and  half- 
smothered  between  his  teeth,  aa  he  bit  hia  naìla  with 
TezatioD  :  his  countenance  waa  aa  brutal  aa  hia  paaaion. 
'  That  &iar  sball  answer  for  it.  Qriso,  I  am  not  my- 
aelf ....  I  muBt  know,  I  must  flnd  out  ....  this  night 
J  must  know  where  they  are.  I  have  no  peace.  To 
Peauarenico  directly,  to  know,  to  see,  to  find  ....  Tour 


,l)OglC 


204  1   PBOHESSI  SPOSI.  [CS. 

CTOwns  on  the  spot,  and  my  protectiou  for  erer.    This 
night    I    must    kaow.     And    that    villaitil  .  .  .  .  that 

Once  more  Griso  was  in  the  fleld  ;  and  in  the  evening 
of  that  atiae  daj  he  coutd  impari  to  his  worthj  patron  the 
deeirad  Information,  and  by  thia  meanfi. 

One  of  the  greatest  conBolationa  of  this  world  is  friend- 
ship,  and  one  of  the  pleasures  of  triendship  is  to  have  some 
one  to  whom  we  luaj  entrust  a  secret.  Now,  friends  are 
not  divided  into  pairs,  as  hushand  and  wife:  ereiyhody, 
generally  speaking,  haa  more  tban  one  ;  and  thia  forma  a 
cbain  of  vhich  no  one  can  find  the  first  link.  When,  tben, 
s  friend  meeta  with  an  opportunità  of  deposìting  a  secret 
in  the  breast  of  another,  he,  in  bis  tum,  seeks  to  share  in 
the  same  pleasure.  He  is  eutreated,  to  be  Bure,  to  say 
nothing  to  anrbody;  and  sucb  a  condition, if  taken  inthe 
Btrict  senae  ol  the  words,  vouldimmediatelvcut  ahortthe 
chain  of  these  gratifications  :  but  general  practice  has 
determined  tbat  it  only  forbids  the  entruating  of  a  secret 
to  ererjbody  but  one  equally  confidential  friend,  impoaing 
upon  him,  of  course,  the  same  conditions.  Thua,  from 
confidential  friend  to  confidential  IHend,  the  secret  threada 
ita  way  along  this  immense  cbain,  until,  at  laat,  it  reaches 
the  ear  of  him  or  them  whom  the  first  speaker  eiactly  in- 
tended  it  ahould  never  reach.  However,  it  would,  cene^ 
aUy,  have  to  be  a  long  time  on  the  way,  if  everybody  had 
but  two  friends,  the  one  wbo  tella  him,  and  the  one  to  whom 
he  repeata  it  with  the  injunction  of  silence.  But  some 
bighly-favoured  men  there  are  wbo  reckon  these  bleesings 
by  the  hundred,  and  when  tbe  secret  cornea  iato  the  banda 
of  one  of  these,  the  circles  multiply  so  rapidly  that  it  is 
Qo  louger  poasible  to  pursue  taem.  Our  author  haa 
been  unable  to  certify  through  how  many  mouths  tbe 
secret  bad  paeaed  wbich  Griso  waa  ordered  to  discover,  but 
certaio  it  is  that  the  good  man  wbo  bad  escorted  the 
women  to  Monza,  retuming  in  bis  cart  to  Pescarenico,  to- 
wards  eveuing,  happeued,  before  reaching  home,  to  light 
upon  one  of  these  trustworthy  friends,  to  whom  be  re- 
lated,  in  confidence,  the  good  workhe  had  just  completed, 
and  ita  aequel  ;  and  it  is  equally  certain  tbat,  two  bours 


ZI.]  THE  BBntOTHKD.  906 

ttteewnàa,  Otìbo  wu  &b1«  to  return  to  the  palace,  and  in- 
forni Doti  Bodrigo  that  Lucia  aad  ber  motlier  had  found 
lefuge  in  a  convent  at  Monza,  aod  tbat  Benzo  bad  pursued 
bis  way  to  Mitan. 

Don  Bodrigo  felt  a  malicious  satiafaction  ou  heaxing  of 
tbia  Beparatiou,  and  a  revival  of  hope  that  he  might  at 
length  accompliah  hia  wìcked  designa.  He  spent  great 
part  of  the  night  in  meditating  on  hia  plana,  and  arote 
early  in  the  moming  with  two  projecta  in  hie  mind,  the 
one  determined  upon,  the  other  ooìj  roughl;  sketched  cut. 
The  first  was  immedìately  to  despatch  Griso  to  Monza, 
to  learn  more  particular  tidinge  of  Lucia,  and  to  know 
wbat  (if  anjtbing)  be  might  attempi.  He  therefore  in- 
■tantly  summoned  tbia  faitbful  Berrant,  ploced  in  bia 
band  four  crowos,  again  commended  him  for  the  ahiUty 
b;  which  he  bad  earned  them,  and  gare  biro  the  order 
be  bad  been  premedìtating. 

'Signor  .  . . .'  said  fìriso,  feeling  bis  way. 

'  what  ?  haven't  I  spoken  clearly  ?  ' 

'  If  Tou  would  aend  somebody  .  .  .  .' 

'How?' 

'  Moflt  illustriouB  Signor,  I  am  ready  to  giva  my  life  fop 
my  master:  itismyduty;  but Iknotralsoyou would  noC 
be  willing  unnecessarily  to  risk  that  of  your  dependenta.' 

'WellP' 

■  Tour  illiistrious  lordehip  knows  rery  well  bov  niany 
prices  are  already  set  upon  my  head;  and  ....  bere  I 
am  under  tbe  protection  of  your  lordabip  ;  we  ore  a  party  ; 
>*'tbe  Signor  Podestà  is  a  friend  of  the  family;  tbe  bailiffs 
bear  me  some  respect  ;  and  I,  too . . . .  it  la  a  thing  that 
doea  me  little  hononr — but  to  live  quietly  ....  I  treat 
them  as  frìends.  In  Milan,  your  lordship'a  livery  is 
known  ;  but  in  Mouxa  /  am  known  there  instead.  And 
a  your  lordahip  aware  that — I  don't  aay  it  to  make  a 
boMt  of  myself— that  any  one  who  could  band  me  over  to 
justice,  or  deliver  in  my  head,  would  atrike  a  great  blow. 
A  bundred  crovns  at  once,  and  the  privilege  of  liberating 
two  bandi tti.' 

'  What  !  '  eiclaimed  Don  Bodrigo,  with  an  oath  ;  '  you 
■bowìng  yourself  a  vile  cur  that  us  scarcely  courage  to 

U;.t.z=.Jbv  Google 


206  I   PROMESSI   BFOSI.  [cH. 

flr  at  the  lega  of  a  passer-by,  looking  behind  bim  for  fear 
ihey  sbouid  sbut  the  door  upon  bim,  and  uot  daring  to 
leave  it  fonr  yarda  I  ' 

'  I  tbink,  Signor  patron,  that  I  bave  given  proof ,  , .  ,' 

'Then!' 

'  Then,'  franily  replied  Griso,  wbeo  thus  brougbt  to 
the  point,  '  then  your  lordabip  will  be  good  enougb  to 
reckoQ  asif  I  had  never  epoken:  heartof  alion,  lega  of  a 
bare,  and  I  am  ready  to  set  off.' 

'And  I  didn't  aay  yoa  ahould  go  alone.  Take  with  you 
two  of  the  bravest  ,  ...  lo  Sfregiato,*  and  il  Tiradritto  :  f 
gowith  a  good  heart,  and  be  our  own  Griao,  What! 
tbree  facea  like  yours,  quietly  paaaing  by,  who  do  you 
tbiak  wouldn't  be  glad  to  lot  thetn  pass  i'  The  bailifTs  at 
Monra  must  needa  be  weary  of  life  to  atake  againat  it  a 
hundred  crowna  in  so  bazardoug  a  game.  Ànd,  beaidea, 
dou't  you  think  I  am  so  utterly  unknown  there,  tbat  a 
flerrant  of  mine  would  be  counted  aa  nobody.' 

After  thua  ahaming  Griso  a  little,  be  proceeded  to  givo' 
bim  more  ampie  and  particular  inatructiona.  Griso  took 
hia  two  companiona,  and  set  off  with  a  cheerful  and  bardy 
look,  but  curaing,  in  the  bottom  of  bis  heart,  Monza,  and 
interdicts,  and  women,  and  the  fancies  of  patrona  ;  he 
walked  on  like  a  wolf  which,  urged  by  hunger,  bia  body 
emaciated,  and  the  furrowa  of  hia  riha  impreaaed  upon  bia 
grey  hide,  deacends  from  the  mountaina,  wbere  everything 
ìh  covered  with  snow,  proceeda  suspiciously  along  tbe 
plam,  atopa,  frora  time  to  timo,  with  uplifted  foot,  and 
waves  bis  haìrleaa  tail  ;  '^ 

'  Rbìmi  bis  noto,  ind  mufh  the  fiìtMeai  wÌDd,' 

ìf  percb&nce  it  may  bring  him  the  acent  of  man  or  beast  ; 
erects  hia  aharp  ears,  and  rolla  arouud  two  sanguinary 
eyee,  from  which  ahiue  forth  both  eagerueas  for  the  prey 
and  terror  of  purauit.  If  the  reader  wiahea  to  kaow 
whence  I  bave  got  thia  fine  line,  it  ia  taken  from  a  amali 
uopubliabed  work  on  Cruaadera  aad  Lombarda,  which  will 
shortly  be  publìabed,  and  make  a  great  stir  ;  and  I  bare 
*  Cnt-fiee.  i  Aim-well. 


;dbv  Google 


XI.]  THB  BBTEOTHKD.  207 

borrowed  it  beuuse  it  suited  my  purpoee,  and  told  where 
I  got  it,  that  I  migbt  not.Uke  credit  due  to  othen:  so 
let  no  one  think  it  a  pian  of  mine  to  proclaim  that  the 
author  of  this  little  book  and  I  are  like  brothera,  and  that 
I  rummage  at  vili  among  bis  manuacrìptB. 

The  other  project  of  Don  Bodrigo'a,  was  the  deTtriag 
of  some  pian  to  preveatBenzo'Bagainrejoining  Lucìa,  or 
eettiag  foot  in  that  part  of  the  country.  He  therefore 
resolved  to  apread  abroad  rumours  of  tlireats  and  anares, 
which,  coming  to  bis  hearing  through  Rome  iriend,  migbt 
deprive  him  of  any  wiah  to  return  to  that  neighbourhood. 
He  tbougbt,  hovrever,  that  the  sureet  way  of  doing  tbia 
would  be  to  procure  bis  baniebment  by  the  atatej  and  to 
Bucceed  in  bis  project,  he  felt  that  taw  would  be  more 
likely  to  ansner  hta  purpose  than  force.  He  could,  for 
example,  give  a  little  colouring  to  the  attempt  made  at 
the  paraonage,  paint  it  as  an  aggreasive  and  sedìtioua  act, 
and,  by  meana  of  the  doctor,  signify  to  the  Podestà  tbat 
thie  wae  an  opportuuity  of  isauing  aa  apprefaension 
against  Benzo.  But  our  deliberator  quickly  perceived 
that  it  would  not  do  for  him  to  meddle  in  tbia  infamane 
negotiation  ;  and,  witbout  pondering  over  it  any  longer, 
he  resoWed  to  open  bis  mina  to  Doctor  Azzecca- Qarbugti  ; 
BO  far,  that  ia,  as  waa  neceasary  to  make  him  acquainted 
witb  hiB  deaire. — There  are  ao  many  edicta  !  thought  Don 
Bodrìgo  :  and  the  Doctor'a  not  a  gooae  :  ho  will  he  eure 
to  ftnd  aomething  to  suit  my  purpose — some  quarrol  to 
pick  wìth  thia  raacally  fellow  of  a  weaver  :  otherwise  he 
.  muat  gire  up  hÌ8  name. — But  (how  strangely  matterà  are 
brought  about  in  thia  world  !)  while  Don  Bodrigo  waa 
thua  fixing  npon  the  doctor,  as  the  man  moat  able  to 
serre  him,  another  peraon,  one  that  nobody  would  imagine, 
eren  Benzo  himaelf,  waa  labouring,  ao  to  aay,  witb  ali  bis 
heart,  to  serve  him,  in  a  far  more  certain  and  eipeditioua 
way  than  any  the  doctor  could  poaaibly  bave  devised. 

I  bave  often  seen  a  cbild,  more  active,  certainly,  than 
needa  be,  but  ot  every  morement  giving  eaniest  of  be- 
coming,  some  day,  a  brave  man  ;  I  bave  often,  I  say,  seen 
such  a  one  bnaied,  towards  eveniog,  in  drìving  to  cover  a 
drove  of  little  Indian  pìgs',  which  had  been  allowed  ali 


,CK,glc 


y 


908  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

àsy  to  ramble  abont  in  a  field  or  orchard.  He  vould  tjy 
to  maike  them  ali  enter  the  fold  in  a  drove  ;  but  it  was 
laboor  in  vaia  :  one  would  ktrike  tff  to  the  tight,  and 
vhUe  the  little  drorer  was  nmning  to  bring  him  back 
into  the  herd,  another,  or  two,  or  tbree,  would  Btort  off  to 
the  left,  in  every  direction.  So  that,  after  getting  out  of 
ali  patience,  he  at  laat  adapted  himBelf  to  tbeir  waye,  firet 
diiving  in  those  which  were  nearest  to  the  entrance,  and 
then  going  to  fetch  the  otbere,  one  or  two  st  a  time,  «8 
they  happenod  to  hare  atrayed  away.  A  aimilargame  we 
are  obliged  to  play  with  our  charactera  ;— having  èheltered 
Lucia,  we  ran  to  Don  Rodrigo,  and  now  we  must  leave 
him  to  receive  Benzo,  who  meets  uà  in  our  way, 

Aiter  the  mournful  separatiou  we  bave  related,  he  pro- 
ceeded  from  Monta  towarde  Milau,  in  a  state  oT  mind  our 
readera  can  eaaily  imagiae.  To  leave  bis  own  dtrelling; 
and,  what  waa  worse,  his  native  village;  and,  what  was 
worae  stili.  Lucia  ;  to  find  himself  on  the  high  road, 
without  kuowing  where  be  waa  about  to  lay  Eia  head, 
and  ali  on  account  of  that  villaiii  j  Wben  this  image 
preaented  itaelf  to  Benzo'a  mind,  he  would  be  quite 
awallowed  up  with  rage  and  the  desire  of  vengeance  ;  but 
then  he  would  recollect  the  prayer  wbicb  he  bad  joined 
in  ofiering  up  with  the  good  friar  in  the  church  at  Peaca- 
renico,  aud  repent  of  hìs  anger  ;  then  he  would  again  be 
roused  to  indìgnation;  but  eeeing  aa  image  in  the  Wall, 
he  would  take  off  his  bat,  and  atop  a  moment  to  repeat  a 
prayer  ;  so  that  during  thia  joumey  he  had  killea  Don 
Bodrìgo,  and  raiaed  him  to  life  again,  at  least  twenty 
times.  The  road  bere  waa  completely  buried  between 
two  high  banka,  muddy,  stony,  furrowed  with  deep  cart- 
rute,  woich,  after  a  abower,  became  perfect  atreama  ;  and 
where  these  did'uot  fona  a  Bufitcient  bed  for  tbe  water, 
the  whole  road  waa  inundatvd  and  reduced  to  a  pool,  so 
as  to  be  almoat  impaaaable.  At  auch  placee,  a  steep  foot- 
path,  in  tbe  form  of  eteps,  up  the  bank,  indicated  that 
otber  passengera  bad  made  a  track  in  the  fields.  Benzo 
mounted  by  one  of  theae  pasBea  to  tbe  more  eleyated 
ffround,  and,  looking  around  him,  beheld  the  noble  pile  of 
uie  cathedra!  towering  alone  above  the  plain,  not  as  i£ 


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XI.]  THE    BBTROTHED.  209 

standing  ìa  the  mìdBt  of  a  city,  bnt  nther  aa  though  it 
rose  from  a  desert.  He  paused,  forgetful  of  ali  hia  Bor* 
rowB,  and  contemplated  thuB  at  a  distance  that  eìghtU 
wonder  of  the  world,  of  which  he  had  heard  bo  much  troia 
hia  ìnfani^.  But  tuming  round,  after  a  moment  or  twol  / 
he  behetd  along  the  horìzon  that  rugged  rìdge  of  moun-j  * 
taioa  :  he  beheld,  distinct  and  elevated  among  theae,  hial 
own  Beseffone,  and  felt  his  blood  curdle  within  hlm  ;  thenj 
indulging  for  a  few  minutee  in  a  mournful  look  in  tbatl 
direction,  he  slowly  and  Badly  tunied  round,  and  con- 
tlnued  hia  way.  By  degreea,  he  began  to  discem  helfriee 
and  towera,  cupolaa  and  roofs  ;  then  deacending  into  the 
road,  he  walked  forword  for  a  long  time;  and,  wben  he 
found  tbat  he  waa  near  the  city,  accoated  a  paaaenger,  and 
making  a  low  bow,  with  the  beat  politeness  De  vas  master 
of,  saia  te  him,  '  Will  you  be  kina  enough,  Signor .  . . .  P  ' 

'  What  do  you  want,  raj  brave  youth  ?  ' 

'  Can  you  (lirect  me  the  ahorteat  way  to  the  Capuchin 
Convent  where  Father  Bonaventura  Uvea  F  ' 

The  person  to  whom  Benzo  addresaed  hitnself  was  a 
wealthy  reaìdent  in  the  neighbourhood,  wbo  havìng  beeti 
that  moming  to  Milan  on  buainesa,  waa  retuming  wìth- 
out  having  done  anything,  in  great  haate  to  reach  hia 
home  before  dark,  and  therefore  quite  willing  to  eacape 
thia  detention.  NevertheleBS,  without  betraying  anv 
ìmpatieoce,  he  courteoualy  replied:  'My  good  friend, 
there  ai«  manr  more  convente  than  oue  ;  you  must  teli 
me  more  clearly  which  you  are  eeeking.'  Benzo  then 
drew  from  hia  boaom  Tather  Gristoforo'e  letter,  and 
éhowed  it  to  the  gentleman,  wbo  having  read  the  addreea  ; 
'  Porta  Orientale,'  said  he,  retuming  it  to  him  ;  '  you  are 
fortunate,  young  man  ;  the  convent  you  want  is  net  far 
from  hence.  Take  this  nairow  atreet  to  the  left  ;  it  is  a 
by-way  ;  not  lar  off  you  will  come  to  the  corner  of  a  long 
and  low  building  :  this  Ìa  the  La^aretto  ;  foUow  the  moat 
that  aurrounda  it,  and  you  wiU  come  out  at  the  Porta 
Orientale.  Buter  the  gate,  and  three  or  four  huodred 
yarda  further,  you  will  see  a  little  aquare  aurrounded  by 
fine  elms;  there  ia  the  conrent,  and  you  cannot  miatake 
it.     Qod  be  with  you,  my  brave  youth.'    Ajid,  accom- 


al.  [cH. 

paiiyìag  the  lost  words  with  &  conrteons  wave  of  the 
himd,  1^  continned  bis  way.  B«qeo  stood  surprised  and 
edified  at  the  «fahle  nunnerB  of  the  dtiiens  towards 
etraugere,  sud  knew  not  that  it  wae  an  unusnal  day — a 
day  is  which  the  Spanish  clook  had  to  stoop  before  the 
doublet.  He  foUowed  the  path  that  had  been  poìnted 
out,  and  arrired  at  the  P<wta  Orientale.  The  reader, 
however,  most  not  allow  the  scene  now  asaociatod  with 
tbie  name  to  present  itsalf  to  his  mind  :  the  wide  and 
strai^ht  Street  flauked  with  poplara,  outside  ;  the  apaciouB 
opening  between  two  piles  of  building,  begun,  at  leaat, 
with  some  pretensions  ;  on  first  entering  those  two  lateral 
mounds  at  the  base  of  the  baations,  regularly  sloped, 
levelled  at  the  top,  and  edged  with  trees  ;  that  garden 
on  one  side,  and  fiirther  on,  those  palkces  on  the 
right  and  left  of  the  principal  Street  of  Uie  auburb. 
wliBn  Benzo  entered  bj  that  gate,  the  Street  outaide  ran 
straight  along  the  whole  length  of  the  Lazzaretto,  it  being 
impoeaible  for  it,  for  that  distance,  to  do  otherwiae  ;  then 
ìt  contiaued  crooked  and  narrow  between  two  hedges. 
The  gate  oonsìs'ted  of  two  piUars  with  a  roofing  above  to 
protect  the  door-posta,  and  on  one  side  a  emdJ  cottage 
for  the  cuBtom-house  ofBcers.  The  base«  of  the  bastiona 
weTe  of  irregular  steepneae,  and  the  pavement  was  a 
roiwb  and  unequal  sunace  of  nibbish  and  &agmente  of 
broken  vesaels  thrown  there  by  chance.  The  Street  of 
the  auburb  which  opened  to  the  view  of  a  person  entering 
the  Porta  Orientale,  bore  no  bad  resemblance  to  that 
now  facing  the  entrance  of  the  Porta  Tosa.  A  email 
ditch  ran  along  the  middle,  till  within  a  few  yards  of  the 
gate,  and  tbus  divided  it  into  two  winding  narrow  streets, 
covered  with  dust  or  mud,  according  to  the  season.  At 
the  spot  where  waa,  and  now  is,  the  little  street  called 
the  Borghetto,  this  ditch  emptied  itself  into  a  sewer,  and 
tbence  into  the  other  ditch  that  washes  the  walls.  Here 
stood  a  column  eunnounted  by  a  cross,  called  the  Column 
of  San  Dionigi  :  on  the  right  and  left  were  gardens  en- 
closed  by  he<uefi,  and  at  intervals  a  few  sm^  cottage», 
inhabited  chieSy  by  waeherwomen.  Benzo  entered  the 
gate,  and  pursued  hìa  way  ;  none  of  the  cuatom-bonae 


,l)OglC 


XI,]  THE  BBTROTHED.  2H 

officerà  spohe  to  him,  which  sppeared  to  him  the  mate 
wonderful,  sinoe  the  few  in  bis  country  wbo  coold  toast 
of  having  been  at  Milan,  had  related  marveUouB  itories 


of  the  eiamùutionB  and  ìnteiro^tionB  to  which  ali  those 
vbo  eotered  were  subjected.  The  Street  was  deeerted  ; 
so  much  so,  that  had  be  not  beard  a  dietant  buzz  indicat- 
ing  Bome  great  movement,  he  wonld  bave  fiincied  he  was 
eatering  a  forsaken  town.  Advancing  forward,  wìthout 
knowing  wh&t  to  mske  of  tbis,  he  aaw  on  the  pavement 
certain  white  etreake,  u  white  ne  snow  ;  but  snow  ìt 
could  not  be,  slnce  it  doea  not  &11  in  Btreaks,  nor  usually 
at  tbie  Beason.  He  advauced  to  one  of  these,  looked  at 
it,  touchod  it,  and  felt  assured  that  it  wbb  flour, — A  great  . 
abundance,  thought  be,  there  must  be  in  Milan,  if  they-y 
flcatter  in  thie  manner  the  gifts  of  God.  Thej  gave  uà 
to  underatand  that  there  was  a  gre^t  famine  eveiynhere. 
3ee  how  the/  go  about  to  make  us  poor  pecple  quiet. — 


,„oglc 


SIS  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI,  [CH. 

Going  a  fev  ateps  further,  and  coming  up  to  the  colunm, 
he  eaw  at  ita  foot  a  stili  stranger  aight  ;  scattered  about 
on  the  BtepB  of  the  pedestal  were  tbìngs  whicli  certainlj 
were  not  Btonee,  and,  hod  thej  been  on  a  haker'a  counter, 
he  would  not  have  heaitated  a  moment  to  cali  them  loaves. 
But  Benzo  would  not  so  readilj  trust  hia  eyea  j  because, 
focsooth  I  this  was  not  a  likelj  place  for  hread. — Let  us 
eee  what  tbese  things  can  be, — said  he  again  to  himaelf  ; 
and,  going  to  the  column,  he  atooped  down,  and  took 
one  in  hie  band  :  it  waa  really  a  round,  Ter^  white  loaf, 
and  such  aa  Benzo  was  anaccuetomed  to  eat,  except  on 
holy  daya. — It  ia  really  bread  !  said  he  aloud,  ao  great 
waa  hia  aatonishment  : — is  thia  the  way  they  acatber  it 
in  this  country  P  in  such  a  year  too  ?  and  don't  they 
even  gire  themaehea  the  trouble  to  pick  up  what  falls  t 

^hie  must  be  the  land  of  Cuccagna!*  Alter  ten  miles' 
walk  in  the  fiesh  moming  air,  tbia  bread,  when  he  bad 
recovered  hia  self-poaaeaaion,  arouaed  hia  appetite. — 
Sball  I  take  itP  deliberated  he;  poh  l  they  bave  lefl  it 
bere  to  the  discretion  of  dogs,  and  surely  a  Christian  may 
taate  it.  And,  after  ali,  if  the  owner  cornea  forward,  I 
will  pay  bim. — Thua  reasoning,  he  put  the  loaf  he  held  in 
hia  band  ìnto  one  pocket,  took  up  a  aecond  and  put  it 
into  the  otber,  and  a  third,  which  he  began  to  eat,  and 
then  proceeded  on  bis  way,  more  uncertaìn  than  ever, 
and  longing  to  bave  tbia  atrange  tnyatery  cleared  up. 
Hcarceìy  had  he  eitarted,  when  be  aaw  people  iasuing  from 
the  interior  of  the  city,  and  be  atood  etili  to  watch  those 
who  first  app^red.  They  were  a  man,  a  woman,  and,  a 
little  way  bebind,  a  boy  :  ali  three  carrying  a  load  on 
their  backa  which  aeemed  beyond  their  atrength,  and  ali 
three  in  a  most  extraordioar^  condition.     Their  dr^s,  or 

'  ratber  their  rags,  covered  with  flour,  their  facea  flonred, 
and,  at  the  same  time,  dìatorted  and  much  heated  ;  they 
walked  not  only  as  if  wearied  by  their  load,  but  trem- 
bling,  aa  if  their  limba  had  been  beaten  and  bniiaed.  The 
man  staggered  under  the  «eight  of  a  large  Back  of  fiour, 
which,  bere  and  there  in  holea,  acattered  a  Bhower  around 
at  every  stumble,  at  every  disturbaoce  of  bis  equilibrìum. 
■  The  nune  of  an  ideal  coontry,  affordiiift  ali  aorti  of  plaiauM. 


XI.]  THB   BETBOTEED.  S13 

But  the  figure  of  the  vomui  vm  stili  more  ftwkward  :  an 
uawieldly  bulk,  two  exteaded  arma  which  Beemed  to  bow 
it  up  with  difficulty,  and  looked  Itke  two  caired  handlea 
tram  tbe  neck  to  the  wideat  part  of  a  large  kilderkin,  and 
beneath  this  enormous  body,  two  lega,  naked  up  to  the 
knees,  which  couid  ecarcely  totter  aloiig.  Benzo  gazed 
Bteadiiy  at  this  great  bulk,  and  discovered  that  it  was 
the  woman'B  gown  tumed  up  around  ber,  with  as  much 
flouT  in  it  aa  it  could  hold,  and  rather  more,  so  tbat  irom 
time  to  time  it  was  scattered  in  huidfulB  over  the  ground. 
The  boy  held  with  both  bands  a  basket  fuli  of  bread  upon 
bis  head  ;  but,  from  having  shorter  lega  than  his  parente, 
he  kept  fiilling  behind  bj  degreea,  and  in  running  fonvard 
to  overtake  tnem,  the  basket  loat  its  balaace,  and  a  few 
loaves  fell. 

'  If  you  let  BQother  fall,  you  vile,  belpless  . , . .'  eaid  the 
mother,  gnaahìng  ber  teeth  at  the  ohild. 

'  I  don't  let  them  fall  ;  they  fall  themeelves.  How  can 
I  hdp  it  P  '  replied  he. 

'  Eii  !  it's  well  for  you  that  I  bave  my  bande  engaged,' 
rejoìned  the  voman,  sbaking  ber  fiat,  os  if  sbe  would  bave 
giveo  the  poor  child  a  blow  ;  and  with  this  movement  she 
seut  forth  a  freah  doud  of  flour,  enougb  to  bave  made 
more  than  tbe  two  loavee  the  boy  bad  let  fati. 

'  Come,  come,'  eaid  tbe  man,  '  we  will  go  back  preeently 
to  pick  them  up,  or  somebody  will  do  it  for  uà  :  we  haTO 
been  a  long  while  in  want  :  now  tbat  we  bave  got  a  little 
abundance,  let  ub  enjoy  it  in  bleased  pesce.' 
:  In  tbe  mean  time  peoplearrived  fromwithout;  andone 
of  them,  accoBting  the  woman,  '  Wbere  must  we  go  to  get 
bread  ?  '  asked  be.  '  Forward,  forward,'  waa  ber  reply  ; 
and  when  tbev  were  a  few  yards  past,  sbe  added,  mutter- 
ìng,  '  Tbese  blackguard  peasants  will  come  and  eweep  ali 
the  bake-houees  and  magazinee,  and  tbere  will  benothing 
left  for  UB.' 

'  There'B  a  little  for  everybody,  magpie,'  said  the  bus* 
band  ;  '  plenty,  plenty.' 

FroiD  this  and  similar  scenea  which  Benzo  heard  and  , 
witneBBcd,  be  began  to  gather  that  be  had  come  to  a  cityv 
in  a  state  of  iosorrection,  and  tbat  this  was  a  day  of  rie- 


214  I   PK0MES8I   HFOSI.  [cH. 

tory  ;  that  u  to  ta,j,  when  every  one  tielp«d  himself  ia 
proportion  to  hìs  inclinstìon  and  ^wer,  gÌTÌng  blows  in 
payment.  Howerer  we  maj  deaire  to  make  our  poor 
mountaineer  appear  to  the  beat  adroutage,  jet  historical 
ucuTscy  obliges  uà  to  say,  tbat  his  firat  feeling  waa  that 
v^f  BatisfactioQ.  He  had  ao  little  to  rejoico  at  in  the  or- 
dinary  course  of  thìngs,  that  he  waa  inclined  to  approre 
of  anythine  that  might  make  a  change,  whaterer  it  might 
be.  And  Deeidea,  not  being  a  man  superior  to  hia  age,  be 
entertained  the  common  opinion,  or  pr^udice,  that  the 
acareity  of  bread  vas  produced  by  inonopousta  and  baken  ; 
and  readily  did  he  esteem  erery  metboa  iustifiable  of  res- 
cuìng  froin  their  graap  the  food,  which  they,  according  to 
tbia  opinion,  ao  cmelly  denied  to  the  hunger  of  a  wbole 
.people.  He  reaohed,  bowever,  to  get  out  of  the  tumult, 
v/and  rejoiced  at  being  directed  to  a  Capuchin,  who  would 
give  hìm  ebelter  and  good  adrice.  Engaged  in  such 
tboughta,  and  looking  about  him  at  the  frrah  vlctora  Tho 
appeared,  laden  with  apoil,  he  took  the  ahort  road  that 
atill  remained  to  reach  the  convent. 

On  the  preaent  aite  of  a  noble  palace,  with  ita  beautiful 
portico,  there  waa  fonnorly,  and  till  within  a  very  few 
years,  a  amali  equare,  and  at  the  furtbest  side  of  thie,  the 
church  and  convent  of  the  Capuchina,  with  four  Urge 
elma  atanding  before  them.  We  congratulate,  not  with- 
out  envy,  those  of  our  readera  who  bave  not  seen  Milan 
as  tbus  deacribed  :  that  ie,  because  they  must  be  verr 
young,  and  bave  not  had  much  tìme  to  commit  many  fol- 
liea.  Senzo  went  atraigbt  to  the  door,  pnt  into  bis  boaom 
theremaining  half  loai,  took  out  bis  fetter  and  faeld  it 
ready  in  hia  haud,  and  rang  the  beU.  A  amali  wicket 
waa  opened  at  the  summons,  and  the  face  of  the  porter 
appeared  atthe  grate  to  aek  who  waa  there. 

'  One  from  the  country,  brìnging  an  important  letter  to 
Eather  Bonaventura  from  Fatber  Cristoforo.' 

'  G-ive  it  me,'  aaid  the  porter,  putting  hia  band  througb 
the  grate. 

'  No,  no,'  aaid  Senzo,  '  I  muat  give  it  into  hia  own 
banda.' 

■  He  ia  not  in  the  Convent.' 


;dbv  Google 


XI.]  THS  BETROTHZD.  215 

'  Let  me  come  in,  then,  aod  I  wìll  wait  for  Hìm,'  re- 
plied  Benzo. 

'FoUow  m;  adrice,'  rejaioed  the  irìar:  'goand  wait 
in  the  church,  where  you  may  be  employing  yourself  pro- 
fitably.  You  cannot  be  admitted  iuto  the  conrent  at 
pTeaect.'     So  Mying,  he  closed  the  wicket. 

Benzo  stood  irreaolute,  with  the  tetter  ia  hia  hand. 
He  tben  took  a  few  stopa  towords  the  door  of  the  church, 
to  foUow  the  adrice  of  the  porter,  but  thought  he  would 
first  just  give  another  glauce  at  the  stir  outside.  He 
crosaed  the  squwe,  reached  the  side  of  the  road,  and  stood 
with  bis  annB  oroased  on  hia  breast  to  watch  the  tbickest 
and  most  noit^  ptrt  of  the  crowd  thftt  was  ÌHuing  from 
the  interior  of^the  city,  l^e  vortex  attracted  our  specta- 
tor. — I>et  US  go  and  Me,  thought  he  ;  and  anin  taking 
out  the  piec9  of  biead,  he  began  to  eat,  and  uvanced  tu- 
varda  the  crowd.  While  he  is  walking  thither,  we  wili 
relat«,  as  briefly  u  pcssible,  the  causes  and  beginnings  (^ 
thia  uproar. 


;dbv  Google 


I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 


CHAFTEB  XII. 

IIIHIS  waa  tìte  aecoud  year  of  the  scarcity.  In 
1  the  precediug  year,  the  eurpIuB  remaining 

from  former  fleaaons  had  more  or  lesa  aup- 
I  plied  the  deficieocj  ;  and  the  people,  neither 

Bfltiated  Dor  famiahed,  but  certainly  Bufflcientlv' 
unprovided  for,  had  reached  the  harveat  of  1628,  in  whicd 
our  atorv  fiada  us.  Now,  tbie  harveet,  so  long  and 
eagerlv  looked  forward  to,  proyed  stili  lesa  productive 
thau  the  former,  partlj  on  account  of  the  adverae  cbarac- 
t«r  of  the  Beaaon  (and  that  not  only  at  Milan,  but,  in  great 
measure,  in  the  aurrounding  country),  and  partly  by  the 
agency  of  man.  8uch  were  the  ravages  and  havoc  of  the 
war — that  amiable  war  to  whitih  we  have  already  alluded 
—that  in  the  parta  of  the  country  bordering  on  ita 
Bcene,  much  more  land  than  uaual  remained  uncultivated 
and  deserted  by  the  peasanta,  who,  inatead  of  working  to 
prOTÌde  food  for  themaelvea  and  othere,  were  obliged  to 
wander  about  aa  beggara.    I  bave  eaid,  more  than  usuai. 


,»oglc 


^ 


HI.]  THB   BSTBOTHED.  217 

Itecaose  the  in^upportable  taxea,  levied  with  tineqaalled 
cupìdity  and  folly— the  habitual  conduci,  even  in  perfect 
;ace,  of  thestationary  troopB, — coaduct  which  the  moum- 
il  documentB  of  the  Bge  compare  to  tbat  of  an  invading 
enemj — and  other  reasons,  which  this  ìb  not  the  place 
to  enumerate,  had  for  eome  time  been  producine  tbia  sad 
etTect  tbroughout  the  whole  of  the  Milanese  :  the  par- 
ticnlar  circumatanceB,  of  whicb  we  are  now  Bpeakmg, 
being  but  the  suddea  exacerbation  of  a  chronic  disease. 
No  eoouer  bad  thÌB  deScient  harveBt  been  gathered  in, 
tban  the  proviaiona  far  the  army,  and  the  waste  wbich 
alwaya  accompanieB  them,  made  Buch  a  fearful  veld  in  it, 
that  Bcarcity  quickly  made  itself  felt,  and  with  scarclty 
Ìt«  melancholj,  but  profitable,  as  veli  aa  inerìtable,  efièct, 
a  rise  of  prìcee. 

But  when  the  price  of  food  reacbes  a  certain  pointjl 
tbere  alwaya  arises  (at  leaat,  hitherto  it  baa  always  anaen  ; 
and  if  it  is  bo  stili,  after  ali  that  baa  been  written  by  bo 
many  leamed  men,  what  must  it  bave  been  in  tboae  daya  !) 
— there  always  arises  an  opinion  amon^  tbe  many  that 
it  is  not  the  effect  of  scarcity.  They  forget  that  tbey  had 
foreseen  and  predicted  such  an  isaue  ;  they  Buddenly  fant^ 
that  tbere  ìb  plenty  of  com,  and  that  tae  evil  procee^ 
from  there  not  being  as  much  diatributed  aa  ia  required 
for  coDButnptioa  ;  propoaitions  sufficienti^  prepoBterons, 
but  wbich  natter  both  their  anger  and  thetr  hopes.  Com 
monopolista,  either  real  or  imaginary,  large  landholdeiv, 
the  bakere  who  purchased  com,  ali,  in  short,  who  had 
either  little  or  much,  or  were  tbought  to  bave  any,  wera 
charged  with  being  the  causes  of  the  scarcity  and  dear- 
neBs  of  prorisions  ;  they  were  the  objects  of  univeraal 
complaint,  and  of  tbe  natred  of  tbe  multitude  of  erery 
rank.  The  populace  could  t«11  with  certainty  where  there 
were  magazinea  and  granariea  fui)  and  overBowing  witfa 
com,  and  eren  requiring  to  he  propped  up  ;  they  indicated 
most  extraragant  numbere  of  sacks  ;  they  talked  with 
certainty  of  the  immense  quantities  of  grain  Becretly 
despatcbed  to  other  placoB,  where,  probabl^,  it  was  aa- 
serted  with  equal  assurance  and  equal  excitement,  tbat 
tbe  Cam  grown  there  was  transported  to  Milan.    They 


.■notale 


m.  [cH,  • 

implored  from  tbe  magìatrateB  those  prectntiona  whicU 
sLwayB  appear,  or,at  least,  bave  alwajs  hitbertoappeared, 
Bo  equitabìe,  ao  ùmple,  bo  capable  of  drawìug  forth  the 
com  which  they  affim  to  be  secreted,  walled  up,  or  buried, 
and  of  reatoiing  to  them  abundance.  The  magistratea, 
therefore,  buaied  themeelves  in  fixing  the  hìghest  price 
that  wu  to  be  chai^d  upon  every  commoditf  ;  in  threat- 
ening  puniahment  to  anj  one  who  sbould  rduae  to  aell  ; 
aod  making  otber  regulations  of  a  Bimilar  nature.  As, 
howerer,  ali  human  precautiona,  how  vigorouB  eoever,  can 
neither  dìmintah  the  oeceeeity  of  food,  nor  produce  crops 
oat  of  eeaeon  ;  and  as  theae  individuai  precautiona  offered 
no  very  inviting  terma  to  other  countries  where  thero 
might  be  a  superabundance,  the  eril  contiaued  and  in* 
creased.  The  multitude  attributed  such  an  eifect  to  the 
acarcitj  and  feebleneaa  of  the  remediea,  and  loudhr  solicited 
some  more  apirited  and  deciaive  meaeurea.  Unfortun- 
ately,  they  found  a  man  after  their  own  heart. 

In  the  abaence  of  tbe  govemor,  Don  Gktnzalo  Feman- 
àez  de  Cordova,  who  vas  encamped  over  Casale  del 
Monferrato,  the  High  Chancellor  Antonio  Ferrer,  aJso  a 
Spaniard,  aupplied  hia  place  at  Milan.  Thia  man  aaw 
(and  who  could  help  seeing  it  F)  that  a  moderate  price  on 
bread  la  in  itaelf  a  most  deairable  thìng  ;  and  be  thougbt 
(bere  waa  hia  miatake)  that  an  order  &om  him  would 
Buffice  to  produce  it.  He  fixed  the  limit  (la  mela,  by 
which  name  the  tariff  waa  disttnguiBhed  in  orticles  of 
food,)  at  tbe  prioe  that  bread  would  hare  bad,  if  tbe  com 
had  been  generally  aold  at  thirty-three  livrea  the  bushel, 
and  they  sold  it  as  high  as  eighty.  He  acted  likethe  old 
woman  who  thougbt  to  make  heraelf  young  agalu  by 
cbanging  ber  baptiamal  faith. 

BegufatioDB  tesa  irrational  and  lesa  unjust  bad,  on 
more  than  one  occasion,  by  the  resiatance  of  actual  cir- 
cumstancea,  remained  unezecuted  ;  but  that  thia  should 
be  carried  into  eSect  was  undertaken  by  the  multitude, 
who,  seeing  their  demanda  at  last  converted  into  a  law, 
would  not  fiufier  it  to  be  a  mere  form.  They  immedi- 
ately  ran  to  the  bake-bousee,  to  demand  bread  at  the 
fixed  price  ;  aud  they  reouited  it  witb  that  «ir  of  thieat- 


XII.]  THE  BETROTHED.  219 

eninz  resolution  which  paoaion,  force,  and  Isv  anited 
coula  impart  It  need  not  be  asked  if  the  bakers  reaisted. 
With  Bleevea  tumed  up,  they  were  busied  in  carrrmg, 
pattmg  ìnto  the  oven,  and  taking  out  thence,  witnout 
intenniBBion  ;  for  the  people,  having  a  confused  idea  that 
it  was  too  riolent  aa  attempi  to  laat  long,  besieged  the 
babe-hoiuea  mceraantly,  to  enjoy  tbeir  tetnporarr  good 
fortviue  ;  and  eveiy  reader  can  imagìne  vhat  a  pleaauro 
it  must  harebeen  todmdge  like  a  amve,  and  exposé  one's 
self  more  thaa  usually  to  an  attack  of  pleuniy,  to  be, 
after  ali,  a  loser  in  consequence.  But,  with  magistrates 
on  one  side  threatening  punishments,  and  the  people  on 
the  other  importunate,  murmuring  at  every  delay  that 
was  isterposed  in  ierving  them,  ana  indefinite!;  menaciDg 
■ome  one  or  other  of  their  chaatisementa,  which  are 
alwajfl  the  worat  that  are  inflicted  in  thia  world — tbere 
waa  no  help  for  it  ;  drudge  they  must;  they  were  forced 
to  empty  and  repLeniah  their  ovana,  and  aell.  Hunever, 
to  keep  them  iip  to  aach  employment,  it  waa  of  little 
avail  to  impose  atrìct  ordere,  and  keep  them  in  Constant 
fear  :  it  waa  a  queation  of  absolate  practicabìlity  ;  and 
had  the  thin^  laeted  a  little  longer,  they  eouid  bare  done 
no  more.  They  remonatrated  inceaaontly  againet  the 
iniquitouB  and  inaupportable  weight  of  the  burdea  laid 
npon  them,  and  proteeted  they  would  willingly  tbrow  the 
Bhorel  into  the  oven,  and  take  tbeir  departure  ;  and  yet 
they  continned  to  peraevere  aa  the^  could,  longing,  bop- 
ing,  tbat  Bome  day  or  other,  the  High  Chancellor  would 
come  to  tua  aenaee.  But  Antonio  Ferrer,  who  was  wbat 
would  how  be  called  a  man  of  character,  replied  tbat  tbe 
bakera  had  made  enormoua  profits  in  paat  timea;  tbat 
they  would  make  equally  great  gains  in  better  timea  to 
eome,  that,  therefore,  it  waa  both  reaaonable  and  necea* 
sary  they  should  now  make  aome  compehsation  to  the 
public,  and  that,  in  the  mean  while,  they  muat  get  on  aa 
they  could.  Whether  be  were  ródly  convinced  of  the 
truth  of  thoae  reaeona  he  alleged  to  others,  or  whether, 
perceiring,  from  ita  efiects,  the  impoesibility  of  mainttùn* 
mg  this  regulatioD,  he  waa  willing  to  leave  to  othera  the 
odium  of  revoking  it  ;  for  who  can  now  look  iato  Antonio 


220  t  PBOUESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

ferrer'B  mindF  jet  certain  it  is  he  did  not  relax  one 

iota  of  nbat  be  had  establisbed.  At  leDgth,  the  decu- 
rioni (a  municipal  magistracy  composed  of  nobles,  nhJch 
laated  till  tbe  ninety-Hizth  year  of  tbe  last  century) 
informed  the  Goyemor,  by  letter,  of  the  state  in  which 
matterà  stood,  hoping  he  migbt  be  able  to  suggeet  Bome 
remedy. 

Don  Oiraialo,  buried  OYer  head  in  the  affaira  of  war, 
did  what  the  reader  wìU  certaìnly  imagine  :  he  nominated 
a  Council,  which  he  endowed  with  full  authorìty  to  fix 
Buch  aprice  upon  bread  as  couid  become  cnrrent,  thus 
doing  justice  to  both  partiea.  The  deputies  asaembled, 
or,  as  it  WBS  expresBed,  after  the  SpaiuBÌi  fashion,  in  tbe 
jargon  of  those  daya,  the  jnnta  met  ;  and,  after  a  huudred 
bowin^s,  complimenta,  preambles,  Bìghs,  wbÌBperìngB,  airy 
propoeitions,  and  aubterfugea,  urged,by  anecesaity  which 
ali  felt,  to  come  to  eome  determination,  consciouB  that 
they  were  casting  an  important  die,  but  aware  that  there 
was  no  other  courae  to  be  taken,  they  at  length  agreed 
to  augment  the  price  of  bread.  The  bakets  once  more 
breatbed,  but  the  peonie  rared. 

The  evening  preceding  the  day  in  which  Benzo  arrived 
ftt  Milan,  the  Btreeta  and  aquarea  awarmed  with  men, 
wbo,  transported  with  indignation,  and  awayed  by  a  pre- 
vailing  opinion,  aesembled — whether  acquaintancee  or 
Btrangers — in  hnots  and  partìeB  without  any  previouB  con- 
cert, and  almoBt  without  being  aware  of  it,  lite  rain-dropa 
on  a  hill>side.  Every  conTersation  increaaed  the  general 
belìef,  and  roused  -the  pasaions  of  both  hearer  and  speaker. 
Amongst  the  many  exdtod  ones,  there  were  Bome  few  of 
cooler  temperament,  who  atood  quietly  watching  with 
great  Batiafaction  the  troubling  of  the  water,  who  Dusied 
themeelvea  in  troubling  it  more  and  more,  with  auch 
reasoninga  and  stories  aa  roguea  know  how  to  inrent, 
and  agitated  micds  are  so  ready  to  .believe,  and  wbo 
determined  not  to  let  it  cairn  down  without  firat  catching 
a  little  fiah.  Thousanda  went  to  reat  that  night  with  an 
indeterminate  feeling  that  aomething  must  and  would  be 
done,  Growds  asaembled  before  day-break:  children, 
women,  men,  old  people,  workmen,  beggara,  ali  grouped  to- 


,»Ogk' 


zìi.]  ths  betrothsd.  221 

gether  at  nmdom  ;  bere  was  a  confused  wht^>eFmg  of  mony 
voices  ;  there,  oae  declaimed  to  a  crowd  of  appUuding 
bf  standero  ^  thia  ooe  aaked  bis  uearest  fellow  the  Mine 
questioa  tbat  bad  just  beea  put  to  himself  ;  that  other 
repeated  the  exclamatiou  tbat  he  beard  reaotmding  in  bis 
ears  ;  evervwbere  were  dieputea,  tbreats,  wondermgs  ; 
and  Tei7  few  words  made  up  tbe  materials  of  ao  manjr 
ConrersationB. 

There  only  wanted  aometbìng  to  ìaj  bold  of  :  some 
beginnìog,  some  kiad  of  impetus  to  reduce  words  to  deeds, 
aua  this  was  not  long  wanting.  Towards  day  break,  little 
hoja  issued  from  tbe  bakera'  Bhops,  carrying  bosketa  of 
bread  to  the  bouBea  of  their  usuai  customera.  Tbe  firat 
appearance  of  one  of  these  unluckj  boys  in  a  crowd  of 
people,  waa  like  tbe  fall  of  a  lighted  squib  in  a  gunponder 
magazine.  '  Let  uà  see  if  tbere'a  bread  bere  !  '  exclaimed 
a  bundred  Toicea,  in  an  instant.  '  Aj,  for  tbe  tjranta 
who  roU  in  abundance,  and  would  let  us  die  of  huuger,' 
Bftid  one,  approaching  tbe  boy  ;  and,  raising  bis  band  to 
tbe  edge  of  the  basket,  he  snatched  at  it,  and  exclaimed, 
'  Let  me  Bee  I  '  The  boy  coloured,  turned  pale,  trembled, 
and  tried  to  say,  '  Let  me  go  on  ;  '  but  the  words  died 
between  bis  lipB,and  alackening  hia  arma,  he  endeavoured 
to  diaengage  tbem  hastily  trom  the  strapa. 

'  Down  witb  the  basket  !  '  was  tbe  instantaneoua  cry, 
Many  banda  seized  it,  and  brought  ìt  to  tbe  ground  i  they 
then  threw  the  cloth  tbat  covered  it  into  tbe  air.  A  tepid 
fragrance  was  diffuaed  around.  '  We,  too,  are  Cbriatians  : 
we  must  bare  bread  to  eat,'  said  the  first.  He  took  out  a 
Ioaf,  and,  raising  it  in  tHe  view  of  the  crowd,  b^on  to  eat  : 
ÌQ  an  instant  ali  banda  vere  in  tbe  baaket,  and  in  less  time 
than  ose  can  relate  it,  ali  had  disappeared.  Those  who 
had  got  none  of  the  spoil,  irritated  at  the  aight  of  what  the 
otbers  bad  gained,  and  animated  by  tbe  factUty  of  the 
enterprise,  moved  off  by  partiea  in  quest  of  other  atraying 
baakets,  which  were  no  sooner  met  with  than  they  were 
pillaged  immediately.  Sor  was  it  necessary  to  attack  the 
bearers  :  those  who  unfortunately^  nere  on  their  way,  aa 
soon  as  they  aaw  whicb  way  the  wind  blew,  roluntarily  laid 
down  their  burdens,  and  took  to  their  beels.     Nevertheless, 


,c,oglc 


S2S  I  7IU)HB8SI  SPOSI.  [CH, 

thow  irho  remuned  withont  s  supply  were,  be^ond  com- 
parÌBon,  the  greater  part  ;  nor  were  the  victon  hajf  satia- 
fied  with  sodi  insignificant  apoU  ;  and  some  there  were 
mingled  in  the  crowds  vho  had  resohed  upon  amuch  better 
regiOated  attack.  'Tothebake-boiue,  to  thebake>hoiise!* 
wae  the  ciy. 

In  the  Street  called  La  Corna  (fa'  8«vi  waa  a  bake-houBe, 
vhich  ia  atUl  there,  beariog  the  lame  name, — a  natae  that, 

Tueoan,  meana  '  The  BÙery  of  the  Crutchea,'  and,  in 
orda  8 


...  .  .  mposed  of  words  BO  eitnvagant,  eo  whim> 
D  out-of-tbe-way,  that  the  alphabet  of  the  Italian 
knguage  doea  not  afibrd  lettera  to  ezpreaa  ita  aound.*  In 
thia  direction  the  crowd  adranced.  The  people  of  the  ihop 
were  busj  queationinK  the  poor  boy  who  had  retumed  un> 
laden,  and  he,  pale  witb  t«rror,  and  ereatly  diacompoaed, 
was  unintelligiblv  relating  bis  unfortunate  adventure, 
when,  fluddenly,  they  heard  a  noiae  as  of  a  crowd  in  motion  : 
it  increaaea  and  approaches  ;  the  forenmnera  of  the  crowd 
are  in  aight. 

'Shut,  lock  up;  quick,  quick:'  oue  rana  to  beg  aasìst- 
auce  iirom  the  aherin  ;  theothera  hutilyahut  ap  the  shop, 
and  bolt  and  bar  the  doon  ùuide.  The  multitudea  begin 
to  iocreaee  without,  aod  the  criee  redouble  of — '  Bread  ! 
bread  !     Open  !  open  1  ' 

At  thia  juncture  the  aheriff  arrived,  in  the  midat  of  a 
troop  of  huberdiere.    '  Make  n>om,  make  room,  my  boya  ; 

f)  home,  go  home  :  make  room  for  the  aheriff  !  '  crted  he. 
he  throng,  not  too  much  crowded,  gsve  way  a  little,  so 
that  the  halberdierB  conld  adrance  i)nd  get  close  to  the  door 
of  the  ehop,  though  not  in  a  very  orderly  manner.  '  But, 
my  friends,'  aaid  the  shehff,  addressing  the  people  from 
theace,  'what  are  you  doing  bere?  Oo  home,  go  home. 
Where  ia  your  fear  of  God?  What  will  onr  master  the 
King  say  F  We  don't  wiah  to  do  yoa  any  hsrm,  bnt  go 
home,]ike  good  fellowe.  What  in  the  world  can  you  do 
bere,  in  auch  a  crush  F  There  ia  nothing  good  to  be  got 
bere,  eìther  for  the  soni  or  body,  Glo  home,  go  home  !  ' 
Bnt  how  wra«  thoae  neit  the  apeaker,  who  saw  his  tace 
and  conld  bear  hia  worda,  erea  had  they  been  wiUing  to 
■  "SX  pratin  di  KanH. 


b,C,00'^lc 


Xn.]  THE    BETBOTHED.  SS3 

obey — ^how  wsre  thej  to  accompliah  it,  tirged  forvard  as 
they  were,  and  almost  trampled  upon  by  those  behìnd  ; 
wlio,  in  their  tum,  vere  trodaen  upon  by  otbers,  like  wave 
upon  wave,  and  atep  upon  etep,  to  the  very  edge  of  the 
npidIj-ìncreaBmg  throng  P  The  eheriff  began  to  feel  a  liitle 
alarméd.  '  Make  them  give  way,  that  I  may  get  a  little 
breatb,'  laid  he  to  bis  EJalberdien  ;  '  bnt  don't  burt  any- 
body  Let  uà  try  to  get  into  the  shop.  Knock  ;  make 
them  give  way  !  ' 

'  Back  !  back  !  '  cried  the  holberdien,  throwing  them- 
seWes  in  a  body  upon  their  neareit  neighboun,  and  puab- 
ing  them  back  with  the  point  of  their  weapons.  The 
people  replied  irith  a  grumblìng  ehout,  and  retreated  bb 
tb&r  could,  dispening  dIowb  on  the  breaet  and  stomach  in 
profuaion,  and  treading  upon  the  toea  of  those  behind  : 
while  Buch  was  the  general  mah,  the  aqueezing  and  tramn- 
ling,  that  those  who  were  in  the  middle  of  the  throng  irouid 
bave  given  anything  to  have  been  elsewhere.  la  the  mean 
while,  a  smul  apace  waa  cleared  before  the  bouae  ;  the 
■heriff  knocked  and  kicked  againat  the  door,  calling  to 
thoae  within  to  open  it  :  theae,  aeeing  from  the  window  now 
thinga  atood,  ran  down  in  baste  and  admitted  the  aheriff, 
followed  by  the  halberdiere,  who  crept  in  one  after  another, 
the  last  repuUing  the  crowd  witb  their  weapona.  When 
ali  were  secured,  they  re-bolted  the  door,  ano,  running  up- 
Btairs,  the  aheriff  displayed  himaelf  at  the  window.  We 
leave  the  reader  to  imagiue  the  outcry  ! 

'  My  irienda  !  '  cried  he  :  many  looked  up.  '  My  frienda  ! 
go  home.     A  geaeial  pardon  to  ali  who  go  home  at  once  !  ' 

'  Bread  !  brea'l  I  Open  1  open  !  '  were  the  moat  conspicu- 
oua  worda  in  th  e  sange  Tociferationa  the  crowd  aent  lortb 
inreply. 

'Jiutice,  my  Aienda!  take  care;  you  bave  yet  time 

f'ven  you.  |A>me,  get  away  ;  return  to  your  bousea. 
ou  b1^  have  bread;  but  thia  is  not  the  way  to  get  it. 
Eh  ! .  ...  eh  I  what  are  yoa  doing  down  tbere  f  ^  !  at 
thia  door  ?  Yx,  fie  upon  you  I  I  eee,  I  aee  :  juatice  !  take 
care  I  It  ìb  a  great  crime.  l'm  coming  to  you.  Eh  1  eh  ! 
away  witb  those  ìrons  ;  down  with  thoee  bande  !  Fie  !  you 
Milanese,  who  are  talked  of  ali  orer  the  world  for  peace- 


,c,oglc 


S34  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

ablenesal  Listenl  lÌBten!  you  bave  always  been  good  sub 
....  Ah,  jou  rascaU!' 

This  rapid  tranBÌtion  of  style  waa  caused  bj  a  stone, 
which,  comÌDg  &0111  the  hauds  of  one  of  tbese  good  eubjecto, 
Btriick  tìte  forehead  ofthe  Bberiff,  on  the  lefl  pFotuberance 
of  qìb  metaphysical  profimditiea.  'lìascalsl  rascalsl  '  con- 
tinued  he,  shuttine  the  window  in  a  rage,  and  retiring 
from  view.  But  tbough  he  had  shouted  to  the  eztent  (H 
tbo  powera  of  bis  throat,  hia  worda,  both  gaod  and  bad, 
had  Tanished  and  consumed  in  thin  air,  repulaed  by  the 
crieB  which  carne  from  below.  The  objecta  that  now,  aa 
he  afterwardB  deacribed,  presented  themselvefl  to  bis  view, 
were  stones  and  ìron  bara,  (the  first  the;  couid  lay  hold  of 
by  the  waj,)  with  which  they  tried  to  force  open  the  doora 
aod  Windows  ;  and  they  already  bod  made  considerable  pro- 
greBB  in  their  work. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  maaters  and  shop-boys  appeared 
at  the  upper  windowB,  anned  with  stones,  (they  had  pro- 
bably  unpaved  the  yard,)  and  crying  out  to  those  below, 
with  horrìble  lookB  and  gestures,  to  let  them  aloae,  they 
ahowed  tbeir  weapona,  and  threatened  to  let  fly  among 
them.  Seeing  that  nothing  else  would  avail,  they  begau 
to  tbrow  at  them  in  reaiity.  Not  one  fell  in  vaio,  since 
the  presBwaBBuch  that  evena  grain  of  com,  as  theBaying 
waa,  could  not  bave  reached  the  ground. 

'  Ah  !  Tou  great  vagabonda  !  you  great  villainB  t  la  thia 
the  breaa  you  give  to  poor  people  ?  Ah  !  a'"  oh!  Now, 
now,  at  na  ?  '  waa  raiaed  m>m  belo  ...  -e  than  one 
waa  injur^  and  two  boys  were  kìi  jtoio-  -117  increaaed 
the  Btrengtb  of  the  people  ;  the  door  )y  mr  «  gave  way  ; 
andtheorowdpouredinto  thepasBO'^  theii^  2ntB.  Those 
within,  perceinng  tbeir  danger,  tot  .  bo'.  the  garretB  : 
the  aheriff,  the  balberdiera,  and  a  !•.*,  ^  aia  bousebold 
gatbered  togetber  bere  in  a  corner,  uude.  •}  :  elatea  ;  and 
otberB,  eacapingby  the  Bky-ligbta,  waudered  f'  out  on  the 
roof  hke  cata. 

The  aight  of  the  Bpoil  made  the  vieterà  forg^  ';■>'■, 
deatgnB  01  sanguinary  vengeauce.  They  fleif  upo>«^„..'i 
largo  chesta,  and  matancly  pillaged  them.  Otber«,j 
inatead,  haateued  to  tear  open  the  counter,  ee  «d  tbe 


,»oglc 


XIT.]  THE    BEXROTHED.  S85 

tills,  took  out  bj  huidfula,  pocketed  and  Mt  off  wìth,  the 
money,  to  return  for  brcftd  ofterwBrda,  if  there  remained 
&aj.  The  crowd  dispened  themBelres  through  the 
interior  mftgtuìnes.  Some  Uid  hold  of  the  aacks  and 
drew  them  out  ;  othen  turned  them  wrong  side  upwards, 
ftnd  untying  the  moutb,  to  reduce  them  to  a  weight 
which  they  could  manage  to  carry,  shook  out  aome  of 
the  flour;  othera  crying  out,  '  Stay,  atay  I  '  c&me  under- 
neath  to  prevent  this  waste,  by  catching  it  in  their  clothei 
and  sprone  ;  othere,  again,  f^  upon  a  kneading-trough, 
an.d  seized  the  dough,  whìch  rsn  over  their  banda  and 
eecaped  their  grasp  on  every  aide  :  bere,  one  who  had 
matcbed  up  a  meal-eieve,  carne  brandiahing  it  in  the  air. 
Some  come,  Bome  go,  aome  handle  :  men,  women,  chil- 
droQ,  swarm  around  ;  puabea,  btowa,  and  crieB  are  ban- 
dìed  about  ;  and  a  white  powder  that  riseB  ui  clouds  and 
depoaits  itaelf  in  evei^  direction,  ìnvolves  the  whole  pro- 
ceeding  in  a  thick  mist.  Outarde,  is  a  crowd  compoaed 
of  two  rererse  procesBione,  which  altemately  separate 
and  intermingle,  some  going  out  witb  their  prey,  otbers 
entering  to  share  the  spoil. 

While  thie  bake-houae  woa  being  tbns  plundered,  none 
of  the  others  vere  quiet  and  fìree  fh>m  danger  ;  but  at 
none  bad  the  people  assembled  in  such  numbers  aa  to  be 
very  doring.  In  some,  the  master»  had  coUected  a  few 
auxiliarìea,  and  stood  upon  tbeìr  defence:  othera,  lese 
atrong  in  r  '<'>hen''  or  more  terrified,  carne  to  aome  kind 
of  agreemen  '-jliatributed  bread  to  thoae  who  had 

begun  to  cn  -er  'and  their  abopa,  if  they  would  be 
eontent  with^  i  !  -d  go  away.  Thoee  who  did  with- 
draw,  did  ■('  ■  e  we  'luch  because  they  were  contented 
with  their  r-  i,at  becauee  the  halberdiers  and 

police,  keejf.  /  '  &~dÌ8tance  from  the  tremendous  acene 
■t  the  Bake  ,.ise  of  the  Grutches,  appeared,  nererthe- 
lesa,  elBewfte  in  eufficient  force  to  keep  in  awe  tbess 
■mailer  pai  tiei  of  mutineera.  By  thia  means,  the  con- 
f  ^d  concouTse  continued  to  augment  at  this  firat 

1  "^  tvuw'?  bake-bonse;  for  ali  thoae  whoae  fingerà 
Iched  t  be  at  work,  and  whoae  hearts  were  set  upcoi 
Aoing  B'!ine  great  déed,  repaired  tbither,  wbere  taetr 


h,  Cioot^lc 


S26  I  FBOVES8I   SPOSI.  [CH. 

friendt  were  in  greateat  numbers,  «ad  impuiiity  wu 
secure. 

Such  was  the  etate  of  thinsB,  when  Badeo,  finiehing, 
aa  we  hare  related,  bis  piece  of  Iread,  carne  to  the  suburb 
of  the  Porta  Orientale,  and  set  off,  witbout  being  aware 
of  it,  eiactl^  to  the  centrai  scene  of  the  tuniult.  He 
continued  hia  way,  now  urged  forward,  now  hindered,  by 
the  crowd  ;  and  as  he  walked,  he  watched  and  listeDeo, 
to  gather  from  the  confiistìd  murmur  of  voices  some  more 
positive  infonnatiou  of  the  state  of  things.  The  follow- 
iog  are  nearly  tbe  words  he  caught  od  bis  vay. 

'  Now,'  said  one,  '  the  infamous  imposture  of  these 
villains  ia  discovered,  who  aaid  that  there  vas  no  more 
hread,  nor  flour,  nor  com.  Now  we  aee  tbioga  clearly 
and  distinctly,  and  they  cbn  no  longer  deceive  uà  as  ibey 
bave  done.     Hurrah  for  plenty  1  ' 

'  I  teli  you  ali  thia  Juat  goes  for  nothing,'  aaid  another  ; 
'  it  ìa  onlj  libe  making  a  hole  in  water  ;  ao  tbat  it  will 
be  the  worae  for  uà,  if  we  don't  get  full  juatice  done 
US.  Bread  will  be  sold  at  a  low  price:  but  they  will 
put  poison  in  it  to  kill  na  poor  people  like  flies.  They've  ' 
said  already  that  we  are  toc  maay  :  they  aaid  so  in  the 
councii  ;  and  I  know  it  for  certain,  because  I  heard  it 
with  these  eara  from  an  acquaintance  of  mine,  who  ia 
the  friend  of  a  relation  of  a  acullion  of  one  of  theae 
lorda.' 

'  They  are  not  thinga  to  be  laughed  at,'  aaid  another 
poor  wretch,  who  was  foaming  at  the  mouth,  and  hold- 
ing np  to  hia  bleeding  head  a  ragged  pocket-bandkerchief  ; 
some  neighbour,  by  way  of  conaolation,  echoing  bis 
remark. 

'  Make  way,  gentlemen  :  pray  be  good  enough  to  make 
VK^  for  a  poor  father  of  a  family,  wbo  is  carrying  aome- 
tbing  to  eat  to  five  famiehed  children.'  These  were  the 
words  of  one  who  carne  ataggering  under  the  weight  of  a 
large  Back  of  fiour  ;  and  everybody  inatantly  drew  back 
to  attend  to  bis  reijueat.' 

'  I,'  said  another,  almoit  in  an  nnder-tone,  to  hia 
componion,  '  I  ahall  take  my  departure.  I  aro  a  man  of 
tbe  world,  and  I  know  how  these  things  go.    These 


,»Ogk' 


zìi.]  tbe  bbtkotrbd.  SS7 

cIowhb  who  now  make  bo  mucb  noise,  to-morrow  or  nezt 
dftf  wìU  be  Bhat  up  ia  their  houBes,  coweriiig  with  fear. 
I  Oltre  alread^  noticed  some  ùuxa,  Bome  wortby  fellowe, 
who  are  going  aboat  aa  spieB,  and  taking  note  of  thoee 
who  are  bere  and  iiot  bere  ;  and  when  aJl  is  over  tbey 
will  render  in  an  account,  and  bring  punishment  od  thoae 
who  deserre  it.' 

'  He  who  protectB  the  bakera,'  oried  a  sonarous  voice, 
which  attracted  Benzo's  attention,  '  is  the  auperintendeiit 
of  proTÌBÌon8.' 

'  They  are  ali  rascala,'  Baid  a  bj-atander. 

'  Tea  ;  bat  he  ia  at  the  head  of  them,'  replted  the  first. 

The  Buperintendent  of  provìaions,  elected  every  year 
by  tbe  goveraor,  from  a  list  of  bìi  noblea,  formed  by  the 
cooncìl  of  decurioni,  vas  tbe  preaident  of  this  council,  as 
well  as  of  tbe  court  of  provisiona,  which,  composed  of 
tvelve  Qoblemen,  had,  togetber  with  other  duties,  that 
of  orerlooking  tbe  dìatribution  of  com  in  the  city.  [Tbe 
peraon  nho  occupied  tbi»  post  miigt,  necessarily,  in  timea 
of  scarcity  and  ignorancc,  bave  been  regarded  as  the 
anthor  of  the  cvil,  unleas  he  had  acted  ìike  Perrer — a 
courée  which  was  not  in  bis  power,  cven  had  the  idea 
eutered  bis  mind. 

'  Soacala  I  '  eiclaimed  another  :  '  couid  they  do  worse  P 
They  have  actually  dared  to  Bay  that  the  high  chancellor 
ìb  an  old  fool,  to  rob  liim  of  hia  credit,  and  get  the 

E*nment  iute  their  own  bande.  We  ought  to  make  a 
ben-coop,  and  put  them  in,  to  live  upon  vetchea  and 
e-weed,  aa  they  would  treat  uà.' 
'  Bread,  eh  !  '  eaid  one  who  was  making  aa  great  baste 
as  he  could.  '  Bread  P  Blowe  with  stoues  of  a  pound 
weigbt — etones  falling  plump,  that  carne  down  like  bail. 
And  auch  breaking  of  riha  1  I  long  to  be  at  my  own 
bonae.' 

Among  snob  aentences  as  theae,  by  which  it  is  difficult 
to  Bay  whether  he  were  more  informed  or  perplexed,  and 
among  numberleae  knocka  and  pushee,  Benso  at  last 
srrived  opposite  the  bake-house.  Tbe  crowda  bere  had 
conaideraoly  disperBed,  ao  that  be  coutd  contemplate  tbe 
dismal  scene  of  recent  confusion — tbe  walla  unplaatered 


,CK,glc 


2!8  I  FROIlEasi  8P0BI.  [CH. 

ond  defaced  with  stouea  and  bricks,  the  viodowB  broken, 
and  tl]«  door  deatroyed. 

'  These  are  no  verj  fine  doìags,'  thought  Benzo  to  him- 
eelf  :  '  ìf  they  treat  ali  the  bake-houses  in  this  way,  where 
vili  they  niake  bread  ì     In  the  ditches  P  ' 

From  time  to  time  somebod/  would  ÌBsue  from  tbe 
house,  cairyiog  part  of  a  bin,  of  a  tub,  or  of  a  boltiug 
hutch,  the  pole  of  a  kneading  inetrumeot,  a  beoch,  a 
basket,  a  journal,  a  waate-book,  or  something  belonging 
to  thÌB  uulbrtunate  bake-houee  ;  and  abouting  *  Uake 
room,  tnake  room,'  would  pass  on  through  the  crowd. 
Ali  theae,  he  observed,  went  in  the  same  direction,  and 
to  some  fiied  place.  Renzo,  detennined  to  find  out  the 
meaning  of  thia  procedure,  followed  behind  a  man  wbo. 


haviug  lied  together  a  bundle  of  broken  planks  and  chips, 
carnea  it  off  on  bis  back,  and,  like  the  others,  took  tne 
road  that  runa  along  the  northera  side  of  the  cathedra!, 
and  receives  ita  name  from  the  flight  of  steps  which  waa 


,»Ogk' 


XII.]  THE  BVTBOTHKD.  SS9 

then  in  exiatenee,  uid  haa  onljr  latelf  been  remored.  Hie 
wish  of  obBerring  what  bsppened,  did  not  preveat  onr 
mountaineer,  on  ftiriving  in  aight  of  this  noble  pile,  from 
atopping  to  gaza  upwards,  with  open  mouth.  He  then. 
quickened  hia  pace  to  overtake  bis  aelf-choaen  guide  ;  and, 
OQ  turning  the  corner,  gave  another  glance  at  the  front  of 
the  buOdiug,  at  that  timo  in  a  rude  and  far-from-finished 
atate,  keeping  ali  the  Tchile  dose  behind  bis  leader,  who 
advanced  towards  the  middle  of  the  aquare.  The  crowda 
bacarne  more  dense  as  he  went  forvard,  but  they  made 
mj  for  the  carrier;  and  while  he  cleft  the  waves  of 
people,  Benzo,  foUowing  in  bis  wake,  arrived  with  bim  in 
the  very  centra  of  the  throng.  Here  waa  a  space,  and  in 
the  mìdat  a  bonfire,  a  heap  of  embera,  the  ràlics  of  the 
implementa  before  mentiooed.  Arouod,  the  people  were 
dancing  and  clspping  their  banda,  mingling  in  the  uproar 
a  tbouaand  shoute  of  triumpb  and  imprecation. 

l^e  EDan  witb  the  bundle  upaet  it  into  the  embera  ; 
others,  with  a  long  half-bumt  pole,  gathered  them  up  and 
raked  tbem  togetber  from  the  aides  and  undemeath  :  the 
amoke  increaaed  aod  thickened,  the  flame  again  burst 
forth,  and  with  it,  the  redoubied  enea  of  the  by-standers  : 
'  Hurrah  for  plenty  I  Death  to  thoae  who  wouid  starre 
(18  I  Away  witb  the  famtne  !  Ferish  the  Court  of  Pro- 
TÌaion  !  Ferish  the  junta  !  Hurrah  for  plenty  !  Hurrah 
for  bread  !  ' 

To  Bay  the  truth,  the  destruction  of  aieres  and  knead- 
ing-traughs,  the  pillaging  of  bake-houses,  and  the  routing 
of  baken,  ara  not  the  most  ezpeditioua  means  of  pro- 
TÌding  a  Bupply  of  bread  ;  but  this  is  one  of  those  meta- 
pbyaical  aubtleties  which  never  enter  the  mind  of  the 
multitude.  {tenzo,  without  being  of  too  metaphyBical  a 
turn,  yet  not  being  in  euch  a  state  of  ezcitement  aa  the 
othera,  could  not  avoid  making  this  reflection  in  bis  mind  ; 
he  kept  it,  however,  to  himself,  for  this,  among  other 
reasoDB  :  because,  out  of  so  many  facea,  thera  waa  not  one 
that  eeemed  to  say,  '  My  friend,  if  I  am  «rong,  correct 
me,  and  I  ahall  be  indebteil  to  you.' 
.  The  flame  had  again  aunk  ;  no  one  waa  seen  approach- 
ing  with  freah  combuatiblea,  and  the  crowd  wbb  begbning 


,lK.)glC 


230  I  PROMWSl  SPOSI.  [CH. 

to  feei  impatiant,  when  s  rumour  wm  epread  tbat  at  tbe 
Oordutio  (a  email  equare  or  croes-way  not  far  dietant) 
they  bad  laid  siege  to  a  bake-house.  In  eimilar  drcum- 
BtftDces,  the  anDouncecnent  of  an  eveat  very  often  pro- 
duces  it,  Together  witb  tbis  rumour,  a  general  wisa  to 
repair  tbitber  gaiued  ground  among  the  multìtude:  'I 
am  going  ;  are  you  ^oìng  P  Let  us  go,  let  uè  go  !  '  were 
heard  in  every  direction  ;  the  crowd  broke  up,  were  set  in 
motion,  and  moved  on.  Kenzo  remained  behind,  almost 
Btationary,  except  wben  dragged  forward  by  the  torrent  ; 
and  in  themeanwhile  beld  couueel  with  hitnself,  wbetber 
he  sbould  make  bis  escape  from  the  stir,  and  return  to 
the  convent  in  aearch  of  Father  Bonaventura,  or  go  and 
aee  thie  afiray  too.  Curiosity  prevailed.  He  resolTed, 
bowever,  not  to  mingle  Jn  the  thicke«t  of  the  crowd,  at 
tbe  riak  of  broken  honoB,  or  aomethine  worse  ;  but  to 
keep  at  a  diatauce  and  watch.  Having  determined  on  his 
plana,  and  findiug  himaelf  tolerably  unobserred,  he  took 
out  the  second  rolì,  and,  bìting  off  a  mouthful,  moved 
forward  in  the  rear  of  the  tumoltuous  body. 

By  the  outlet  at  one  corner  of  tbe  equare,  tbe  molti- 
tude  had  already  entered  the  short  and  narron  Street 
Peteheria  vecchia,*  and  thence,  through  the  crooked  arch- 
way,  iato  tbe  Piazza  de'  Mercanii.f  Very  few  vere  there 
who,  in  passing  the  niche  wbich  divides,  about  the  centre, 
the  terrace  of  the  edific©  then  called  the  College  of  Doc- 
tora,  did  not  cast  a  slight  glance  upwards  at  the  great 
statue  thst  adorna  it — at  that  serious,  surly,  frowninf, 
morose  countenaace  of  Don  Filippo  II.,  which,  e*en  m 
marble,  enforces  a  feeling  of  respect,  and  eeems  ready  to 
•ay,  '  I  am  bere,  you  rabbie  !  ' 

This  niche  is  now  empty,  by  a  aingular  accident.  Àbout 
a  hundred  and  seventy  yeara  after  the  events  we  are  now 
relating,  one  momins,  the  head  of  the  statue  that  stood 
tbere  «as  exchanged,  tbe  sceptre  was  taken  out  of  his 
band,  and  a  dagger  placed  there  instead,  and  on  tbe 
statue  was  inscribed  the  name  of  Marcus  Brutus.  Thui 
«domed,  it  remained,  perhaps,  a  couple  of  yeors  ;  but, 


ivCoO'^lc 


zn.]  THB  BBTBOTHED.  231 

one  momÌDg,  Botae  penonB  who  had  do  BjmpsthieB  with 
Marena  Brutus,  and  who  must  even  bave  bome  him  a 
■ecret  grudee,  tfarew  a  rape  sround  the  statue,  tore  it 
down,  and  pestowed  upoa  it  a  hundred  iujurieB  ;  thus 
mangled,  and  reduced  to  a  shapeleBS  trunk,  they  dregged 
it  along,  with  a  profuse  accompaniment  of  epithets, 
through  the  etreets,  and  when  thej  were  well  tireo,  threw 
it — no  one  knows  where.  Who  would  bare  foretoid  this 
to  Andrea  BifG,  when  he  sculptured  it  P 

From  the  aquare  of  the  Meremti  the  clamorous  multì- 
tnde  tumed  into  the  hy-street  de'  Fu*tagnai,  «hence  they 
poured  Ìnto  the  Cordutio.     Every  one,  immediately  e 


the  crowd  of  friend*  whom  they  eipected  to  find  aiready 
at  work,  they  aaw  only  a  few,  irreaolutely  horering  about 
at  some  diatance  &om  tbe  shop,  which  waa  fosteoed  up, 
aud  prot«ct«d  hy  armed  inen  at  the  Windows,  who  gave 
tokens  of  a  determinatioa  to  defend  themeelves  in  case  of 
need.  They,  therefore,  tumed  back  and  paused,  to  inform 
thoae  who  were  coming  up,  and  see  what  course  the  others 
would  wieh  to  take  ;  some  retumed,  or  remained  behind. 
Tbere  waa  a  general  retreat  and  detentiou,  asking  and 
nnswering  of  questiona,  a  kind  of  stagnation,  signa  of 
iirsaolution,  then  a  general  murmur  of  consultation.  At 
thia  moment  an  ill-omened  roice  waa  heard  in  the  midat 
of  the  crowd  :  '  The  houae  of  the  superintendent  of  pro- 
Tisions  Ì8  clQse  by  ;  let  us  go  and  get  justice,  and  lay  siega 
to  it.'  It  seemed  rather  tbe  common  recollection  of  an 
agreement  aiready  concluded,  than  the  acceptance  of  a 
proposal.  '  To  the  auperintendent's  !  to  the  superintend- 
ent b  !  '  was  tbe  only  cry  that  couid  be  heard.  The  crowd 
moved  forward  with  unanimous  fury  towards  the  Street 
where  the  house,  named  at  sudi  an  Ut-&ted  moment, 
waa  aituated. 


;dbv  Google 


I  PROME&si  SPOSI.  [ca. 


CHAPTER  Xlll. 

RHB  UDforttmate  Buperìntendent  was  at  tbis 
1  moment  dìgestìng  a  poor  and  scantv  dìniier, 
unnillinglf  eaten  with  a  little  stale  bread, 
and  awaitiDg,  with  much  suspense,  the  termin- 
ation  of  tbis  storm,  fsr  from  suspecting  tbat 
it  was  about  to  fall  with  eucb  violence  upon  bia  onn  bead. 
Some  benerolent  persDn  preceded  the  crowd  in  urgent 
baste,  and  entered  the  house  to  wam  bim  of  bis  pressing 
danger.  '  Tbe  serv&ats,  already  attracted  to  tbe  door  b; 
the  noise,  vere  looking  with  much  alarm  up  the  Street,  in 
tbe  direction  of  tbe  approaching  tumult.  Wbile  listening 
to  tbe  waming,  tbe  vanguard  carne  in  aigbt  ;  they  ran  in 
hast«  and  terror  to  inform  their  master,  and  while  he  was 
deliberating  wbether  he  should  At,  and  bow  he  ehould 
accomplisb  it,  some  one  else  arrired  to  teli  bim  tbere  was 
no  longer  time  for  flight.  Scarcely  was  tbere  time  for 
tbe  aerTants  to  eecure  the  door.    They,  bowever,  barred 


Xni.]  THB   BBTROTHSD.  S33 

and  locked  it,  and  then  no  to  futen  the  Windows,  u  wben 
s  TÌolent  storm  istiueatenicg,  uid  the  hail  ìb  ezpected  to 
C0ID6  down  everv  moiAent.  The  incr^aaing  how»  af  the 
people,  fialling  likea  thunder-clap,  resounded  through  the 
emp^  fard  ;  erery  corner  of  the  house  re-echoed  it  :  and 
in  the  midst  of  the  tremendoua  and  inìngled  uproar, 
were  heard,  loudly  and  repeatedly,  the  blowe  of  etonea 
upoD  the  door. 

'  The  Buperintendcnt  I  The  tyrant  I  The  fellow  who 
vonld  Btarve  uà  I     We'll  hara  him,  dead  or  olire  !  ' 

The  poor  man  wandered  &otn  room  to  room,  pale,  and 
slmost  Dreatbleaa  with  terrar,  Btrìking  bis  hands  together, 
commending  himself  to  God,  and  implorine  hia  aervanta 
to  stand  firm,  and  fiod  him  some  way  of  making  bis  eacape. 
But  how,  and  where  ?  He  ascended  to  the  garret,  and 
there,  through  an  aperture  hetween  the  ceilin^  and  the 
tilea,  looked  aniioualj  ìnto  the  Street,  and  saw  it  ewarm- 
ing  with  the  enraged  populace  ;  more  terrified  than  ever, 
he  then  withdrew  to  aeek  the  moet  aecure  and  secret 
hiding-place  he  could  find.  Here  he  crouched  down  and 
liitened  whether  the  awful  burat  of  fury  would  ever  aub- 
aide,  and  tbe  tumult  ever  abate  ;  but  hearing  that  the  up- 
roar rather  became  more  savoge  and  outrageous,  and  the 
blowa  ^ainat  the  door  more  rapidi/ repeated,  hia  heart  aank 
within  him,  and  he  haatilj  atopped  hia  ears.  Then,  as  if 
beaide  himaelf,  guaabing  bis  teeth'  and  distorting  bis  coun- 
tenance,  he  impetuouslj  estende d  bia  arme,  andahook  hia 
fistfl,  as  if  he  woutd  keep  the  door  eecure  spite  of  ali  the 
pusbea  and  blows.  Àt  laat,  in  abaolute  deapair,  he  aank 
down  upon  the  floor,  and  remaìned  terrified  and  almoat 
inaeuBÌble,  eipecting  hia  deatb. 

Beuzo  found  himaelf  thia  time  in  the  tbickest  of  the 


shedding,  he  felt  bis  own  curdle  withm  him  ;  aa  to  the 
plundering,  he.  had  nat  exactly  determined  whether,  in 
this  in8tance,it  were  right  or  wrong;  but  tbe  idea  of 
murder  orouaed  in  bim  immediate  and  unfeigned  horror. 
And  althougb,  by  that  fatai  submisaion  of  eicited  miude 
to  the  excited  affirmationa  of  tbe  many,  he  felt  aa  fully 

"  :.A."OglC 


S34  I   FBOMESSI    SPOai.  [CH 

pennaded  that  tlie  Buperintendent  wu  an  oppreenve 
rillaìn,  as  if  he  had  knowa,  with  certaintjr  and  mìnate- 
□esB,  ali  that  the  unhappf  man  bad  done,  omitted,  and 
thougbt  ;  jet  he  had  advanced  among  the  foi^most,  vith 
a  determined  intention  oÌ  doing  hia  beat  to  aave  hiin. 
With  thÌB  reaoiution,  he  had  arrìved  cloae  to  the  door 
irhich  waa  aasailed  in  a  hundred  wavB.  Some,  with  fliota, 
were  hammering  at  the  natia  of  the  lock  to  break  it  open  ; 
othere,  with  et&kes,  chiaela,  and  hammen,  aet  to  work 
with  more  method  and  regularitj,  Othen,  again,  witìi 
aharp  etonea,  blunted  knìveB,  broken  piecea  of  iron,  naila, 
and  even  their  Snger-naila,  if  tbey  had  nothing  elae, 
palled  down  the  plaater  and  defaced  the  walla,  and  ìabour- 
ed  hard  to  looaen  the  bricke  by  degreea,  so  as  to  make  a 
breach.  Thoae  who  could  not  lend  a  band,  encooiaged 
the  othen  bv  their  criee  ;  but,  at  tbe  aame  time,  hj  the 
presaure  of  their  persona  ther  contributed  to  impede  the 
work  ab-eadj  conaiderably  obatructed  by  the  disorderly 
coutentions  of  the  workers  :  for,  by  the  fevour  of  Heaven, 
it  sometimea  happena  in  evil  undertakinga,  aa  too  oftesin 
good,  that  the  most  ardent  abettors  of  a  work  become  ita 
greateat  impedimenta. 

The  first  magistratea  wbo  had  natìce  of  the  ioBurrectioa 
immediately  aent  off  to  the  commander  of  the  castle, 
which  then  bore  the  name  of  Porta  Oiovia,  for  the  aaaiat- 
ance  of  Bome  troopa  ;  and  he  quickly  deapatched  a  band 
of  men.  But  what  with  the  informatìon,  and  tbe  ordera, 
and  the  asaembling,  and  getting  on  their  way,  and  tbeir 
march,  the  troopa  did  not  arrive  till  the  houae  waa  com- 
pletely  aurrounded  by  an  immenae  army  of  besiegen,  and 
they,  therefore,  halted  at  a  auffident  distonce  &om  it,  at 
the  eitremily  of  the  crowd.  The  officer  who  oommanded 
them  knew  not  what  courae  to  pursne.  Here  wae  nothing 
but  an  aasembly  of  idle  and  unarmed  people,  of  every  age 
and  both  aexea.  On  ordera  being  given  to  diaperae  and 
make  way,  tbey  replied  by  a  deep  and  prolonged  murmnr  ; 
but  no  one  moved.  To  nre  down  upon  the  crowd  eeemed 
to  the  ofGcer  not  only  a  cruel,  but  a  dangerona,  coune, 
which,  while  it  oSended  tbe  leaa  farmidable,  would  irritate 
the  more  violent  :  besidea,  he  bad  receìred  no  soch  in- 


Xin.]  THB  BSTKOTHBD.  £35 

Btructiong.  To  puah  through  this  first  assembla,  over- 
throv  them  right  and  left,  and  go  forword  to  cany  war 
where  ìt  was  giveo,  woùld  bave  been  the  best  ;  but  how 
to  Bucceed  was  the  point.  Wlio  knew  whether  the  iol- 
diera  (Tould  be  able  ù>  proceed,  united  and  in  order  P  For 
ìf,  ìnatead  of  breakìng  tbraugh  the  crowd,  they  should  be 
routed  on  entering,  the^  would  be  lell  to  the  mercj  of 
the  people,  after  baving  ezagperated  them.  The  ìireso- 
lution  of  the  commandei*,  and  the  ioactirity  of  the  Boldiers, 
appeared,  whether  justly  or  not,  to  proceed  from  fear, 
Those  who  atood  nezt  to  them  contented  themBelvea  with 
looking  them  in  the  facA  with  an  air,  aa  the  Milanese  say, 
of  I-don't-care-for-you  ;  tbose  who  stood  a  little  farther 
off,  could  not  refrain  from  provoking  them,  hy  inaking 
faces  at  them,  and  by  crìes  of  mockery  ;  farther  on,  few 
knew  or  csred  who  was  there  ;  the  spoiien  continued  to 
batter  the  wall,  without  any  other  thougbt  tban  of  auc- 
ceeding  quickly  in  their  undertakìng;  the  epectatora 
ceased  not  to  animate  them  with  shouts. 

Amoogst  tbese  appeared  one,  who  was  himself  a  spec- 
tacle,  an  old  and  hali-starved  man,  who,  rollìng  abont  two 
flunken  and  fìery  eyes,  composing  bis  wrinkled  face  to  a 
amile  of  diabolical  compiacene^,  and  with  hia  banda 
raised  above  bis  infamoua,  hoary  head,  was  brandishing  in 
the  air  a  bammer,  a  rope,  and  four  large  naila,  with  whieh 
be  aaid  he  meant  to  nail  the  vìcar  to  the  poeta  of  hia  own 
door,  alive  as  he  waa. 

*  Fie  upou  you  !  for  sbame  !  '  burst  forth  from  Benso, 
horrified  at  such  words,  and  at  the  sigbt  of  sp  many 
foces  betokening  approbation  of  tbem  ;  at  the  same  time 
encounued  by  seeing  others,  vbo,  although  silent,  be- 
trayed  in  their  counteoancea  the  eame  horror  that  be 
felt.  '  For  shame  !  Would  you  take  tbe  eiecutioner'a 
business  ont  of  hia  band  ?  Murder  a  Cbrìstiao  !  How 
oan  you  eipect  tbat  Qod  wiU  gire  us  food,  if  we  do  such 
wicked  thinga  P  He  wiU  send  us  thunder-bolta  instead 
ofbreadl' 

'  Ab,  dog  !  traìtor  to  hia  country  [  '  cried  one  of  tbose 
wbo  oonld  bear,  in  tbe  nproar,  tbese  sacred  words,  tura- 
mg  to  BentO)  witb  a  diabolical  countenance.    '  Wait, 


S36  I   PROUBSSI  SFOSt.  [CH. 

wait  1  He  ìs  a  servant  af  the  superiatendent's,  dressed 
like  a  peaaant  ;  he  is  a  spy  ;  give  it  bim  t  give  it  him  I  ' 
Ahundred  voicea  echoed  the  cry.  'What  is  itP  vhero 
is  he  F  who  is  he  P — A  servant  of  the  superìnteadent  ! — 
A  spy  1 — The  superili  tende  at  disguiaed  aa  a  peaeant,  and 
making  hia  eacape  ! — Where  ia  he  F  where  Ja  he  F  give  it 
him  !  give  it  him  1  ' 

Senso  became  dumb,  ahrank  into  a  mere  not^ing,  and 
endeavonred  to  mahe  his  escape  ;  some  of  his  Deighboura 
helped  him  to  conceal  hiraself,  and,  by  louder  and  dif- 
ferent  crìes,  attempted  to  drown  theae  adverse  and 
homicidal  shouta.  But  what  waa  of  more  use  to  him 
than  anything  elae,  wafi  a  cry  of  '  Make  way,  make 
wayl'  which  «as  heard  dose  at  hand:  'Make  wayl 
here  is  faelp  :  make  way  ;  ho,  hey  1  ' 

What  was  it  P  It  was  a  long  lodder,  tbat  some  persona 
wera  bringing  to  rear  against  the  house,  so  as  to  gain  an 
entrance  throueh  one  of  the  windowa.  But  by  ereat 
good  fortune  tnia  meaoa,  which  would  have  rendered' 
the  tbìng  easy,  waa  not,  in  itself,  so  easy  of  ezecutioD. 
The  bearera,  who  at  each  end,  and  here  aud  there  at 
intervala,  aupported  it,  pushed  about  and  impeded  by  the 
crowd,  reeled  to  and  fro  like  wavea  ;  one,  with  bis  head 
hetween  tvro  stepe  and  tbe  sidea  restiog  on  bis  shouldere, 
groBDed  beneath  tbe  weight,  as  under  a  galling  yoke  ; 
anotber  was  separated  from  bis  burdea  Dy  a  violent 
puah;  the  abandoned  machine  bruiaed  beads,  sboulders, 
and  arms  :  and  the  reader  must  imagine  tbe  complaints 
and  murmurs  of  thoae  who  thus  aufiered.  Othera,  rais- 
ing  tbe  dead  weigbt  with  tbeir  banda,  crept  undemeath 
it,  and  carried  it  on  tbeir  backa,  crying,  '  It  is  our  tum  ; 
let  US  go  !  '  Tbe  fatai  machine  advanced  by  bounds  and 
ezcbanges — now  straightforward,  now  ooliquely.  It 
carne,  bowever,  in  time  to  distract  and  divert  the  attec- 
tion  of  Benzo'a  pereecutors,  and  he  profited  by  tbis 
confusioD  within  confusion  ;  creeping  quietly  along  at 
first,  and  then  elbowing  bis  way  as  well  as  be  could, 
he  withdrew  from  the  post  where  he  fouad  bimself  in 
SQch  a  perilouB  situation,  with  the  intention  of  making 


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XIII.]  THE  BBTBOTHBD.  £37 

the  beat  of  ha  escape  from  the  tumult,  and  ot  going,  ia 
I«b1  eameat,  ta  fiad  or  to  wait  for  Father  Bonaventura. 

Ali  on  a  Budden,  a  movement,  begun  at  one  eitremity, 
ezteuded  itself  tbroughout  the  crowd,  and  a  cry  was 
echoed  from  mouth  to  mouth,  in  choriu  :  '  Feirer  ! 
Ferrer  !  '  Suiprise,  espressions  of  farour  or  contempi, 
Joy  and  anger,  ouret  .forth  wherever  the  name  waa  heardi 
some  echoed  it,  aome  trted  to  drown  it  ;  some  affirmed, 
some  denied,  aome  bleaaed,  eome  cureed. 

'  la  Ferrer  here  ? — It  ian't  true,  it  isn't  true  !— Tea, 
yes  !  long  Uto  Ferrei  ;  he  who  givee  bread  at  a  low  orice  ! 
— No,  no  ! — He'a  herei  he'i  here,  in  hia  carriage. — ^Wliat 
Ì8  thia  fellow  going  to  do  ?  Why  doea  he  meddle  in  it  ? 
We  don't  want  anybody  I — Ferrer  !  long  liie  Ferrer  I 
the  friend  of  poor  peoplé  !  he'a  come  to  take  the  auper- 
intendent  to  priaon.— No,  no  :  vre  wìU  get  justice  our- 
■elvea  ;  back,  back  1 — Tea,  yea  [  Ferrer  1  let  Ferrer 
come  !  off  with  the  auperintendent  to  priaon  !  '  . 

And  eTerybody,  atanding  on  tiptoe,  turned  towarda  the 

eirt  where  the  unespected  new  arrivai  waa  annonnced. 
ut  everybody  riaing,  they  aaw  neither  more  nor  lesa 
than  if  they  had  ali  remained  atanding  aa  they  were  ;  yet 
BO  it  waa  :  ali  aroae. 

In  fact,  at  the  extremity  of  the  crotrd,  on  the  oppoeite 
side  to  where  the  aoldiera  were  atationed,  Antonio  Ferrer, 
the  high  chancellor,  waa  approaching  in  hia  carriage; 
feeling  conacioue,  probably,  that  by  hie  miatakea  and 
obatinacy,  he  waa  the  cause,  or,  at  any  rate,  the  occasion, 
of  this  outbreak,  he  now  carne  to  try  and  ^lay  it,  and  to 
KTert,  at  teaat,  the  moet  terrible  and  irreparable  efiècts  : 
he  carne,  in  short,  to  employ  wortlùly  a  populorì^  un< 
worthily  acquired. 

In  popular  tumulta  there  ia  alwaya  a  certain  nnmber 
of  men,  who,  either  from  overheated  passiona,  or  from 
fanatical  perauaaion,  or  from  wicked  deaigna,  or  irom  an 
execrable  love  of  destruction,  do  ali  they  can  to  pueb 
matterà  to  the  worat  ;  they  propose  or  second  the  most 
inhuman  advice,  and  fan  the  flame  wheneTer  it  seems 
to  be  nnking  :  nothing  is  erer  too  much  for  them,  and 


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ei.  [cH. 

they  wisb  for  notliing  so  much  sa  that  the  tumnlt  should 
bave  neither  limita  nor  end.  But,  bj  vay  of  counter- 
poise,  tliere  is  alwaje  a.certaia  Dumber  of  very  different 
men,  who,  perhaps,  with  eqoal  ardour  aod  equal  perse- 
Terance,  are  uming  at  a  contrsry  eflect  :  some  influeuced 
by  friendabip  or  partiality  for  the  threatened  objecte; 
others,  witbout  further  impulse  than  that  of  a  pioua  and 
spontaaeouB  horror  of  bloodahed  and  atrociouB  deeda. 
Heavea  blessee  sucb.  In  each  of  these  two  opposito 
parties,  even  without  antecedent  concert,  conformity  of 
inclioation  creates  an  inataataaeous  agreement  in  opera- 
tion.  Thoae  who  make  up  the  mas»,  and  almost  the 
materiala  of  the  tumult  besidea,  are  a  mixed  body  of 
men,  who,  more  or  leu,  by  infinite  gradations,  boia  to 
one  or  the  other  estreme  :  partly  incenaed,  partly 
koavieb,  a  little  inclined  to  a  sort  of  juatice,  according 
to  their  idea  of  the  word,  a  little  deairous  of  witneaaing 
some  grand  act  of  villainy  ;  prone  to  ferocity  or  com- 
pasaion,  to  sdoration  or  execratioa,  according  as  oppor- 
tunitiefl  present  tbemeelves  of  indulging  to  the  filli  one 
or  other  of  these  seDtiments  ;  craving  every  moment  to 
know,  to  beliere,  some  grosa  absurdity  or  improbability, 
and  looging  to  shout,  applaud,  or  rerile  in  scmebodj'B 
traÌQ.  '  Long  live,'  and  'Down  with,'  are  the  worda  moat 
readily  uttered  ;  and  he  who  haa  aucceeded  in  penuadìug 
tbem  that  such  an  one  does  not  deaerve  to  be  quartered, 
baa  need  of  very  few  worda  to  convioce  them  that  he 
deaervea  to  be  carried  in  triumpH  :  actora,  spectatars, 
instnimeots,  obatacles,  whicliever  way  the  wind  blows  ; 
readf  even  to  be  silent,  when  there  is  no  longer  any  one 
to  give  them  the  word  ;  to  deatat,  when  inatigators  fail  ; 
to  diaperee,  when  many  concordant  and  nncontradicted 
Toices  bave  pronounced,  '  Let  ub  go  ;  '  and  to  return  to 
their  own  homee,  demandiug  of  each  other — Wbat  haa 
happened  ?  Sioce,  bowever,  thia  body  bas,  hence,  the 
greatest  power,  nay,  is,  in  fact,the  power  itself;  so,  each 
of  the  two  active  parties  uses  every  endeavour  to  bring 
it  to  ita  own  side,  to  engroas  its  aerrices  :  they  are,  aa  it 
were,  two  adverse  spirits,  atruggling  whicb  ehall  gct 
posseagion  of,  and  animate,  thia  huge  body.    It  dependa 


,»Ogk' 


XIU.]  THB  BBTBOTHBD.  S30 

apon  which  side  oan  difinse  &  crj  tbe  moet  apt  to  eicite 
tbe  pB8BÌons,  and  direct  their  motions  in  favour  of  ita  own 
Bchemes  ;  con  most  teasonablj  find  information  which 
will  arouse  or  tllaj  their  indigoatioD,  and  ezcite  either 
their  terror  or  their  hopes  ;  and  can  give  the  vord,  which, 
repeated  more  and  more  rehemently,  wiil  at  once  express, 
atteet,  and  create  the  vote  of  the  m^ority  in  &vour  of 
one  or  the  other  party. 

Ali  these  remarks  are  intended  aa  an  iatroduction  to 
the  informatioa  that,  in  the  struggle  of  the  two  partiea 
who  were  contending  for  the  suJnges  of  the  popuUce 
crowded  around  the  house  of  the  superinteodent,  the 
appearance  of  Antonio  Ferrer  instantlj  eave  a  great 
adrantage  to  the  more  moderate  side,  which  had  evideatljr 
been  kept  in  awe,  and,  had  the  auccour  been  a  little 
longer  delayed,  would  have  had  neither  power  nor  scope 
for  combat.  liiia  peraon  waa  acceptable  to  the  multitude 
on  account  of  the  tariff  of  hia  own  appointment,  which 
had  been  ao  favourable  to  purchaaers,  and  alao  for  bis 
heroic  resistance  to  ereiy  araumeot  on  the  contrary  aide. 
Minda  already  tbus  .biaased  nere  now  more  than  ever 
captirated  by  the  bold  confidence  oi  the  old  man,  who, 
without  goarda  or  recinue,  ventured  thua  to  aeek  and 
coniVont  an  angry  and  ungovemed  multitude.  The 
announcement  alao  that  he  carne  to  take  the  auperìntend- 
ent  prisoner  produced  a  wonderful  efiéct  :  so  that  the 
fury  entertained  towarda  the  unfortunate  man,  which 
would  have  been  rendered  mare  riolent,  whoever  had 
come  to  oppose  it  without  makine  any  concesaiona,  was 
now,  with  this  promiae  of  satiaiaction,  and,  to  uae  a 
MilsDeae  ezpreasion,  with  this  bone  in  their  mouth,  a 
little  allayea,  and  roade  way  for  other  and  far  difierent 
sentiments  which  pervaded  the  minda  of  tbe  greater  part 
of  the  crowd. 

The  favouren  of  peace,  having  recovered  their  breath, 
aeconded  Ferrer  in  a  bundred  ways;  tbose  who  were 
nezt  to  him,  by  ezdtbg  and  re-ezciting  the  crìea  of 
general  applanse  bj  their  own,  and  endeavouring  at  the 
earoe  timo  to  repulse  the  people  so  as  to  make  a  dear 
paaaage  for  the  carriage  ;  the  others,  by  applauding,  re- 


.coglc 


240  I   PROMB881  SPOSI.  [cH. 

peating,  and  spreadìng  bis  words,  or  wbat  iippeared  to 
tbetn  the  beat  he  could  utter,  hj  BÌlencing  the  furicniB 
aad  obetinate,  and  turning  agaiDBt  them  the  new  paBsiona 
of  the  fickle  aeeembly.  'Who  ie  there  that  won't  sar, 
"  Long  live  .Feirer  ?  "  Don't  you  wiah  bread  to  be  acid 
cheap,  eh  F  thej  are  alt  roBcals  who  don't  wish  for 
justìce  like  Christiane  :  tbey  want  to  make  ae  much  noige 
BB  theycan,  to  let  the  ricar  eBcape.  To  prìsoa  with  the 
vicar  !  Long  live  Ferrer  !  Make  room  for  Ferrer  !  '  Aa 
those  who  talked  in  this  strain  continued  to  increaBe,  the 
courage  of  the  opposite  partv  rapidly  cooled  ;  so  that  the 
former  proceeded  from  reprimauds  Bo  far  aa  to  ìay  banda 
upon  ttie  demolÌBbers,  to  repulse  them,  and  even  to 
match  the  vreaponB  from  their  graap.  Theae  grumbted, 
threatened,  and  endeavoured  to  regain  their  implementa  ; 
but  the  cause  of  blood  bad  given  way,  and  the  predomin- 
sting  enea  were — 'PtìbodI  Juaticeì  Ferrer!'  After  a 
little  Bbniggle,  they  ware  drivea  back  :  the  othera  poe- 
aessèd  tbemselvea  of  the  door,  both  to  defend  it  from 
further  asaaultB,  and  to  aecure  acceas  for  Ferrer;  and 
some  of  them,  t^ting  to  those  within  (aperturea  for  Buch 
a  purpoie  were  not  wanting)  informed  them  of  the  asaist- 
ance  that  bad  arrived,  and  bid  them  get  tbe  Buperintend- 
ent  readj,  '  to  go  directlj  . .  .  to  priaon,  ehem,  do  yon 
bear!' 

'  Ib  this  the  Ferrer  wfao  helps  to  make  ont  proclama- 
tiona  ?  '  demanded  our  friend,  Renzo,  of  a  new  neighbour, 
lememberìng  the  Vidii  Ferrer  that  the  doctor  had  pointed 
out  to  him  at  the  bottom  of  one  of  theee  edicta,  and 
vhich  he  had  resounded  bo  perBeveringlf  in  hia  eara. 

'  Tee  ;  tbe  high  chancellor,'  waa  the  reply. 

'  He  ÌB  a  worthf  man,  ian't  he  F  ' 

'  More  tban  that  1  it  ia  be  who  had  fized  bread  at  a  low 
price  ;  and  they  wouldn't  have  it  so  ;  and  now  be  is  come 
to  take  the  auperintendent  prÌBoner,  who  haa  not  dealt 
juatice  to  UB.' 

It  ie  unneceasarr  to  aay  that  Benio  was  instaatlj  for 
Ferrer.  He  wiBhed  to  get  ■  aigbt  of  him  directly,  but 
this  was  no  easy  matter;  yet,  vith  the  hdp  of  aundiy 


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XIII.]  THB  BBTROTHBD.  S41 

breastings  and  elbowincB,  like  a  true  Alpine,  he  succeeded 
in  forcing  a  passage  ano  reaching  the  foremost  rauka  neit 
to  the  eide  of  the  carriage. 

The  vehicle  had  proceeded  a  little  way  into  the  crowd, 
and  waB  at  thia  moment  at  a  etand-Btiil,  hj  one  of  those 
ineritabte  impedimente  so  frequent  in  a  joumej  of  thia 
sort  The  aged  Ferrer  presented  himself  now  at  one 
window  of  the  carrìa^,  now  at  anotber,  with  a  connte- 
nauce  full  of  humibty,  affability,  and  benevolence — a 
coimtenance  which  he  had  alnaye  reeerved,  perchance 
he  sbould  ever  bave  an  interview  with  Don  Filippo  lY.  ; 
but  he  was  compelled  io  display  it  also  od  this  occasion. 
He  talked  toc  ;  but  the  ooise  and  murmur  of  so  raany 
Toicea,  and  the  Xong  Uve*  which  were  addreaeed  to  hitn, 
allowed  onlj  few  of  bis  words  to  he  heard.  He  therefore 
had  recourae  to  gestures,  now  laying  bis  fingere  on  bis 
lipa  to  receìve  a  lisa,  which  hia  banda,  on  quicklj  eitend- 
ìng  them,  diatrìbutcd  rìght  and  left,  as  an  acknowledg* 
ment  of  thauke  tur  these  public  demonstratione  of  kind- 
nesB  ;  now  apreadiug  them  and  waving  them  elowly 
outside  the  Windows  to  beg  a  little  room  ;  now  politely 
towering  them  to  request  a  momeDt's  silence.  When  he 
had  partir  aucceeded  in  obtaìoing  it,  the  neareat  to  the 
càrrìage  hisard  and  repeated  bis  words  :  '  Bread,  abund* 
anca  :  I  come  to  gire  you  juatice  :  a  little  room,  if  you 
pleaSe.'  Then  orercome,  and,  aa  it  were,  smotbered  with 
the  buzziug  of  so  niany  voìcee,  the  sigbt  of  so  many 
crowded  faces,  and  the  consciousneos  of  so  many  eyes 
fiied  upon  bim,  he  drew  back  for  a  moment,  pufied  cut 
bis  cheeks,  aent  forth  a  long-drawu  breath,  and  said  to 
bìmself.  Por  mi  vida,  que  de  gente  I  * 

'Long  live  Ferrer!  Hon't  be  afraid.  You  are  a 
vorthy  man.     Bread,  bread  I  ' 

'Tes:   bread,  bread,'  replied  Ferrer;  'abundance;  I 

{iromise  you,'  and  be  laid  bis  band  on  bis  beart.  '  A 
ittle  room,'  added  be,  in  hia  loudeet  voice  :  '  I  am  coming 
to  take  bim  to  priaon,  and  gire  biro  juat  puniabment  :  ' 
continuing,  in  an  under-tone,  'liettà  eulpàble.'i  Then 
•  Upon  m;  life,  irhat  ■  oowd!  f  If  he  b«  gnillj. 


byCOO'^IC 


a42  I  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

bending  forward  towimls  the  coochman,  he  miA,  haatOj-, 
'Adelante,  Fedro,  n  puedet.'* 

The  driver  himeelf  also  smìled  with  gracioas  conde- 
scensioa  ou  the  multitudea,  as  if  he  were  eome  great 
personage  ;  aad,  with  ìnefiable  poHteneHs,  waved  bis  whip 
alowly  to  the  right  asd  left,  to  beg  bis  incommodious 
neighbaurs  to  restraìo  themselves,  and  retire  a  little  oq 
either  side.  '  Be  good  eaough,  gentlemeo,'  aaid  he,  st 
laat,  '  to  make  a  little  room,  a  very  little  ;  just  enough  to 
let  US  pass.' 

Tbe  moflt  active  and  benevolent  noir  exerted  them- 
eelves  to  make  the  passage  so  courteously  requeated  ; 
some  before  the  horsea  made  the  people  retire  by  civO 
vords,  by  puttiag  their  banda  oa  their  breaets,  and  by 
Bundry  gentle  Dushea  :  '  There,  there,  a  little  room, 
ge'ntlemen.'  Othere  pursued  tbe  snioe  pian  at  the  sidea 
of  the  carriage,  so  that  ìt  might  proceed  without  crush- 
ing  toes,  or  infringing  upon  mustachioa  ;  far,  beaides 
injnry  to  others,  theae  accideats  wauld  exposé  the  reputa- 
tìou  of  Antonio  Ferrer  to  great  risk. 

After  having  stood  a  few  momeuts  admirioe  the  be- 
haviour  of  the  old  man,  who,  though  agitatea  by  per- 
plexity  and  overcome  with  firtigue,  waa  yet  animated 
with  eolicitude,  and  adorned,  so  to  say,  with  the  bope  of 
reacuing  a  fellow-creature  &am  mortai  anguish,  Kenzo 

E  ut  aside  every  thought  of  going  away,  and  resolved  to 
tnd  a  band  to  Ferrer,  and  not  to  leave  him  nntil  he  had 
obtained  bis  purpose.  Xo  sooner  saìd  thao  done  9  he 
joined  with  the  rest  in  endeavuuring  to  clear  a  passage, 
and  certainly  waa  not  among  the  leost  efficient.  A  apace 
waa  cleared  :  '  Now  come  forward,'  said  more  than  one, 
to  the  coachman,  retiring  or  going  before  to  make  rwom 
further  ou.  ^Adelante,  ■pretto,  con  juuìio'f  aaid  Iiia 
master,  and  the  carriage  moced  on.  Ferrer,  in  the  midst 
of  salutations  which  he  larisbed  at  random  on  the  multi- 
tude,  retumed  many  particular  acknowledgmeuta  with  s 
smtle  of  marked  notice,  to  thoae  nboiu  he  aaw  interesting 
tbemaelTee  for  him  ;  and  of  tbeae  amilea  more  than  one 

•  Go  on,  Peter,  if  jon  oan. 

qnicklj,  but  oarefuUy. 

n     ...iivCoO'^lc 


XIII.]  THB    BETROTHED.  £43 

fell  to  Eenzo's  share,  wbo  indeed  merìted  tbem,  &ai 
reodered  more  usìstance  to  the  high  chancellor  that  day 
than  the  fanvest  of  bis  secretariee  couid  have  done.  The 
young  mountaineer,  delighted  with  these  marka  of  dia- 
tmction,  almoet  Eancied  he  bad  made  acquùntance  with 
Antonio  Ferrer. 

The  carriage,  once  more  on  ita  wa^,  continued  to  ad- 
vaace,  more  or  lesa  alowly,  and  net  witbout  some  further 
trifline  delays.  The  diiCancetobetraveraed  was  not  per- 
hapa  above  a  atone'a-thraw  ;  but  with  reepect  to  tbe  time 
it  occupied,  it  might  bave  appeared  a  little  jouraey  erea 
to  oue  wbo  vM  Dot  in  sucb  urgeat  baste  ae  Ferrer.  The 
crowda  moved  onward,  before,  bebind,  and  on  each  side 
of  the  carriage,  Hke  the  mighty  billowB  around  a  veisel 
advancing  tbrougb  the  midat  of  a  atorm.  Tbe  noise  waa 
more  sbrìll,  more  diacordant,  more  stiuming,  eveu  tbaa 
the  «bistliog  and  bowling  of  a  storm  itself.  Ferrer, 
looking  out  tirst  at  one  side  and  then  at  the  other,  beck- 
oning  and  making  ali  sorta  of  gestures  to  the  people,  en* 
deavoured  to  catch  something  to  wbich  he  might  accom- 
modate  bis  replica  ;  he  tried  as  well  aa  he  could  to  hold  a 
little  diaìogue  with  thin  crowd  of  frlends  ;  but  it  waa  a 
difficult  task,  the  most  difRcult,  perhapa,  that  he  bad  yet 
met  with  during  so  many  years  of  hu  high  chancelfor- 
ahip.  From  time  to  time,  however,  a  single  word,  or 
occasiomilly  some  broken  Bent«nce,  repeated  by  a  ^roup 
in  bis  paseage,  made  itself  beard,  ss  the  report  of  a  large 
aquib  iB  heerd  above  the  continued  crackting  and  whizz- 
ing  of  a  display  of  fire-worka.  New  endeavoiiring  to  gire 
a  satis&ctory  answer  to  these  cries,  now  loudly  ejacuìat* 
ing  the  trords  tbat  he  knew  wouid  be  most  acceptable,  or 
tbat  some  ìnataut  necessity  seemed  to  require,  he,  too, 
continued  to  talk  the  whole  war<  '  Tea,  gentlemen  ; 
bread,  abnnduice— I  will  conduct  him  to  prison  :  he  aball 
be  puniahed — m  etià  eulpable.  Tes,  yea  :  I  will  com- 
mand  ;  bread  at  a  low  price.  ^  «>  m  .  .  .  .  So  it  is,  I 
mean  to  say  :  the  King  our  maater  wouid  not  wisb  sucb 
faitbful  snbjecta  to  auffer  from  hunger.  Ox!  ox!  gttar- 
daot  :  take  care  we  don't  burt  you,  gentlemen.  Fedro, 
adelanU,  eonjumo.    Flenty,  plénty.    A  little  room,  for 


Aiooi^lc 


S44  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

pity'sBake.  Bread,  bresd.  Toprisoii,  toprÌBon.  Wbatf 
then  demanded  he  of  ooe  who  bad  tbrust  half  bis  bod/ 
through  the  window  to  sbout  in  hU  ear  some  advice  or 
petìtioQ  or  applause,  or  whaterer  ìt;  mìght  be.  But  he, 
witbout  havmg  time  to  bear  tbe  '  wbat  f  '  was  forcibly 
pulled  back  hy  one  wbo  aaw  hit»  on  tbe  poiot  of  being 
run  over  by  the  wheeU.  With  iueb  Bpeecbes  aad 
replies,  amongst  incesBant  acclamatioDB,  and  aome  few 
grumblea  of  oppoaition,  which  were  diatinguiahable  bere 
and  there,  but  were  quìckly  stlenced,  lerrer  at  laat 
reacbed  the  bouee,  priDcipallj  bj  the  aìd  of  tbesa  good 
auxilianea. 

The  reat,  who,  as  we  bave  before  related,  were  alreadf 
hera  with  the  sanie  good  intentiona,  had  in  the  mean 
while  laboured  to  make  sad  maiatain  a  clear  space.  Tbey 
^SS^  exbortod,  tbreatened  ;  and  atamping,  trampling, 
and  pacing  up  and  down,  with  that  increaaed  ardour  aad 
renewed  atrength  wbich  the  near  approach  of  a  deaired 
reault  uBuall;  excitea,  had  aucceeded  m  dividiag  thecrowd 
into  two,  and  then  ia  represaing  the  two  parties,  so  that 
when  the  carriage  atopped  before  tbe  door,  tbere  was  lefb 
between  it  and  the  houae  a  amali  empty  space.  Benzo, 
wbo,  by  actisg  a  little  both  as  a  acout  and  guide,  had 
arrived  with  uie  carriage,  roanaged  to  place  himaelf  in 
one  of  the  two  frontiera  of  wortby  people,  who  serred 
at  once  both  as  wìngs  to  the  carriage,  and  as  a  ram- 
part  to  the  too  eager  crovrd  of  gazing  by-standera. 
And  helping  to  reetrain  one  of  theae  with  bis  owu 
powerful  aboulders,  he  was  alao  conveniently  placed  for 
seeing. 

Perrer  drew  a  long  deep  bresth  on  perceiving  tbis 
amali  open  apace,  and  the  door  stili  ahut.  '  Sbut,'  bere 
means  uot  open  ;  for,  aa  to  the  rest,  tbe  binges  were 
almost  wrencbed  out  of  the  pillara  ;  tbe  door-posts 
sbivered  to  piecea,  cruahed,  forced,  and  disaevered;  and 
through  a  large  hole  in  the  door  might  be  aeen  a  piece 
of  a  chain,  twiated,  bent,  and  almoat  brohen  in  two, 
which,  if  we  may  Bay  ao,  etili  beld  thein  togsther.  Some 
kind-hearted  person  bad  placed  bimself  at  thia  opening 
to  cali  to  thoee  witbln  ;  anotber  ran  to  let  down  tbe  stepa 


;dbv  Google 


XIII.]  THB   BETROTHED.  S45 

of  the  carriage  :  the  old  maa  rose,  put  out  his  head,  and 
layìng  hia  right  haod  on  the  ann  of  thia  worthy  asaist- 
ant,  oame  out  and  etood  on  the  top  atep. 

The  crowd  on  each  side  Btretcbed  themaelrea  up  to  sea 
htm-,  a  thoueand  faces,  a  tbousand  beorda  preseed  for- 
irard  ;  and  the  general  curiosity  and  attention  produced 
a  BiomeDt  of  general  sìlence.  Ferrer,  standing  for  that 
moment  on  the  atep,  cast  s  gtance  around,  ealuted  the 

{leopte  with  a  bow,  aa  if  from  a  roatnim,  and  laying  his 
eft  hand  on  hia  heart,  cried  :  '  Bread  and  juatice  ;  '  then 
bo)d,  upright,  and  in  his  robea,  he  deacended  amidet 
acclamatiouB  which  rent  the  akies. 

Those  within  hàd,  iu  the  mean  whìle,  opened  the  door,' 
or,  ta  speak  more  correctly,  had  finiahed  the  work  of 
wresting  out  the  chain,  together  vith  the  alreadr  more 
than  hàlf-loosened  ataplea.  They  made  an  opening,  to 
adtnit  Bo  ardentlj-deaired  a  guest,  taking,  bowevBr,  great 
care  to  limit  the  aperture  to  a  epace  that  hia  penion  would 
occupy.  'Quick,  quick,'  aaid  he:  'open  it  wide,  and  let 
me  in  ;  aud  jou,  like  brave  fellowa,  keep  back  the  people  j 
don't  let  thera  follow  me,  for  Heaven'a  aake  !  Make 
ready  a  paaaage,  for  by  and  hy  .  .  .  .  Eh  !  eh  !  gentlemen, 
one  moment,'  said  he  to  those  within:  'eoftly  with  this 
door,  let  me  pass  :  oh  !  my  riha  :  take  core  of  my  riha. 
Shut  it  now:  no,  eh!  eh!  my  eown,  my  gown  I  '  It 
would  bave  remaÌQed  caugbt  in  the  door,  if  Ferrer  had 
not  dexteroualy  wìthdrawn  the  train,  which  disappeared 
from  the  outaide  like  the  tail  of  a  snake  that  alipe  into  a 
hiding-place  when  pursued. 

The  door  puahed  to,  and  cloeed  aa  it  beat  could  he,  was 
tben  proppea  up  with  bara  within.  Outaide,  those  who 
constituted  tliemaelTesFerrer'ebody-guard  laboured  with 
ehoulders,  arma,  and  criea,  to  keep  the  space  clear,  pray- 
ing  from  the  bottom  of  their  hearts  that  he  would  be 
eipeditiouB. 

'  Be  quick,  be  quick,'  aoid  he,  alao,  aa  he  atood  within 
the  portico,  to  the  aervanta  who  had  gatheied  round  bim, 
and  who,  almost  out  of  hreath,  were  exclaiming  :  '  Bleas- 
inge  on  you  !  ah,  your  Ezcellency  !  oh,  your  Ezcellency  ! 
uh,  your  ExcelWcy  1  ' 


byCOO'^IC 


«I.  [CH. 

'Quitik,  qnick,'  repeated  Ferrer;  'wbere  ìa  tliù  poor 
man?' 

The  snperìnteDdent  carne  dowa-staira,  half  dra^ged. 
aloog,  and  half  carried  bj  his  servante,  sa  «hite  as  a  eheet. 
When  he  aav  hia  kind  helper,  he  once  mora  breathed 
freely  ;  bis  pulae  agaìn  beat,  a  little  life  retumed  iato  bis 
Umhs,  and  a  little  colour  iuto  hJs  cbeeka  :  he  hastened 
towarda  Ferrer,  Baying,  '  I  am  in  the  hands  ut  Ood  and 
your  Eicellency.  But  how  shall  we  get  out  of  thia 
house?  Zt  ia  Burrounded  by  the  mob,  Tbo  desire  my 
death.'  i 

'  Venga  con  mùo  utted,*  aud  he  of  good  couraee  :  my 
carriage  ia  outaide  ;  quick,  quick  !  '  And  taking  hia  band, 
he  led  bim  towarde  tbe  door,  doing  hia  beat  to  encourage 
bim:  but  in  bis  heart  thìnking,  Aqui  eàtà  el  hìiailUt! 
Dio»  noa  ealga  1 1 

Tbe  door  opened  ;  Ferrer  led  the  way,  followed  by  bis 
oompanion,  who,  creeping  aloug,  clung  to  tbe  toga  of  bla 
deliverer,  like  a  little  child  to  ita  motber'a  gown.  Tbose 
wbo  bad  kept  the  space  clear,  now  raised  their  banda  aod 
hats  Bo  as  to  form  a  kind  of  net  or  cloud  to  screen  the 
superintendeiit  from  tbe  perilous  gaee  of  tbe  populace, 
and  allow  bini  to  onter  the  carriage,  where  he  concealed 
himself,  by  croucbing  in  a  corner.  Ferrer  thea  got  in, 
and  tbe  door  waa  shut.  Tbe  people  knew  or  gaesaed  what 
had  bappened,  and  sent  forlh  a  confuaed  ahout  of  ap- 
plauses  and  imprecations, 

It  may  eaem  tbat  the  most  difficult  and  hazardous  part 
of  tbe  joumey  stili  remained  to  be  periormed  ;  but  the 
public  desire  of  letting  tbe  auperìntendent  be  cnrried  to 
priaon,  was  sufficiently  eTÌdent;  and  during  tbe  stay  of 
the  chancellor  in  tbe  house,  many  of  those  who  bad 
facilitated  bis  arrivai  had  so  busied  themselvea  in  pre- 
parìng  and  maintaining  a  passage  througb  the  midat  of 
the  crowd,  that  on  its  return  the  carriage  could  proceed 
at  a  quicker  pace,  and  without  furtber  delavB.  As  fast  as 
it  advanced,  the  two  crowds,  repelled  on  botb  sides,  fell 
back  and  mingled  again  bebind  it. 


,c,oglc 


XIII.]  THB  BBTHOIHBD.  247 

Aa  Boon  as  Ferrer  had  «eated  himself,  he  beat  down, 
and  adriaed  the  TÌcar  to  keep  himself  well  concealed  in 
_  the  corner,  and  not  ehow  himBelf  for  Heaven'a  aake  -,  but 
'  there  vas  no  necesaity  for  thie  waming.  He,  od  the 
contrary,  wae  obliged  to  display  himself  at  the  vindow, 
to  attract  aod  engaf^  the  attention  of  the  multitude  r 
and  through  the  whole  coune  of  tbis  drive  he  waa  occa- 
pied,  as  before,  in  making,  to  bis  changeable  audience,  the 
most  lengtbened  aod  moet  unconnected  harangue  that 
ever  WBS  uttered  ;  only  intemipting  it  occaaioniuly  with 
some  Spatusb  word  or  two,  which  he  tnmed  to  whisper 
hastily  in  the  ear  of  bis  squatting  companion.  'Tea, 
gentlemen,  bread  and  justice.  To  the  caatle,  to  priaon, 
under  my  guard.  Tbank  you,  thank  you;  a  thousand 
thanks.  No, no;  he  shalt  not  eocape  1  Por  ablandarlo».* 
It  ie  too  just  ;  we  will  ezamine,  we  will  see.  I  also  wish 
jou  well,  gentlemen.  A  severe  punishment.  I^to  lo  diga 
por  su  bien.f  A  just  tariff,  a  fair  limit,  and  punishment 
to  tboee  who  wouid  starve  you.  Stand  aside,  I  beg  of 
you. — Tea,  yeo,  I  am  an  honest  man,  a  friend  of  the 
people.  Heahall  he  punìsbed.  It  is  trae,  he  ìs  a  rogne, 
a  rascal.  Perdona  utted  !  X  I*  ^^  S"  ^"  ^^^  bim,  it 
will  go  ili  with  him  .  ...  Sì  ettà  cuipahle.^  Tea,  jea  ; 
we  will  make  the  bakers  plougb  straightforward.  Long 
lire  the  king,  and  the  good  Milanese,  bis  most  faithfiu 
■ubjects!  It  ia  bad,  very  bad.  Animo;  eilamot  ya  quoti- 
q/ucra.'  \\ 

They  bad,  in  fact,  traversed  the  tbickest  part  of  the 
crowd,  and  were  now Just  on  the  point  of  issuing  into  the 
open  Street.  Uere  Ferrer,  as  he  began  to  giye  bis  lunga 
a  little  rest,  met  bis  tardr  alliea,  those  Spanish  soldiers, 
.  who,  towarda  the  end,  had  not  been  quite  uselesa,  since, 
BUpported  and  directed  by  soma  citizen,  they  had  aseisted 
to  disperse  a  few  of  the  mob  in  quiet,  and  to  keep  open  a 
paaaage  for  the  final  exit.     On  the  arrivai  of  the  carriage, 

*  It  il  to  coai  taem. 

t  I  say  thi»  for  your  good. 

i  ExcuM  me,  air. 

}  If  he  be  Builtj. 

y  Couage  T  we  ire  almo«t  oat  of  daoger. 


b,C,oo'^lc 


S48  I   PB01CE3SI   8P08I.  [CH. 

tbaj  mode  way  and  preeenteil  arme  to  the  higli  chancel- 
lar,  who  retumed  the  acknowledgment  hy  a  Dow  to  the 
Tight  and  left  ;  and  to  tbe  officer  who  approached  nearer 
to  Bolute  him,  he  aaid,  accompanyìng  the  words  with  a 
ware  of  bis  right  haad,  '  Beta  a  utted  lat  manot  ;  '  *  wbich. 
the  officer  tool  for  what  it  reali;  meant — You  liave  given 
me  fine  assietance  !  In  reply,  ne  made  another  low  bow, 
and  Bhrugged  bis  shouldera.  It  would  bave  beea  appro- 
priate enougli  to  add,  Cedant  arma  togie,  but  Ferrer  was 
not  at  tbat  moment  in  a  humour  for  quotations  ;  and  had 
he  been,  bis  words  would  bave  beenwasted  od  the  wìnds, 
for  the  officer  did  not  underetand  Latin. 

Fedro  regained  hisancient  spirit  in  pasaing  between 
these  two  files  of  puppets  and  theae  musketa  so  respect- 
fuUf  elevated.  Having  recovered  from  bis  conatemation, 
he  remembered  wbo  he  was,  aud  whom  be  was  driving  ; 
aiid  ebouting  '  Obey  !  ohey  !  '  witbouttbeadditionofotber 
complimentary  apeeches  to  the  mob,  aow  sufficiently  re- 
ducfid  in  number  to  allow  of  bis  venturing  on  euch 
treatment,  he  wbipped  ou  bis  boraes,  and  tooK  the  road 
towarda  the  castle. 

'  Leeantete,  Uvanieia;  ettamot  afaera,'  t  aaid  Ferrer  to 
the  Buperiatendeat,  who,  reassured  by  the  ceaaation  of 
the  criee,  by  the  nipid  motion  of  the  camage,  and  by 
these  words,  uncovered  and  atretcbed  himseltl  rose,  and 
recoverìng  himself  a  little,  began  to  overwhelm  bis  liber- 
ator  with  thanks.  Ferrer,  after  baving  coudoled  with 
him  ou  bis  periloue  situation,  and  congratulated  him.on 
bis  safety,  eicUimed,  running  tbe  palm  of  bis  band  over 
his  bald  paté,  '  Ah,  que  dirà  de  e»fo  tu  JEzcelencia,^  who 
is  already  beaide  himeelf,  for  thia  cursed  Casale,  th&t 
won't  surrender  P  Que  dirà  el  Donde  Suque,^  who  starts 
with  fear  if  a  leaf  makes  more  noise  thau  usuai  ì  Que 
diri   el  Bey  nueitro  ieìior,\\  wbo  will  be  aure  to  bear 

*  Tour  HTrant,  rir  :  literallj,  '  I  luii  jwir  band.' 
t  Qvt  up,  gei  up  ;  wa  ore  out  of  dauger. 
i  What  «ili  bis  Excellennr  uy  ot  thu  ? 
}  Whut  vili  tbs  Count  Dutus  aa;  ì 
y  What  wìil  the  King  ouT  master  laj  ? 


;dbv  Google 


SITI.]  THE    BBTROTHBD.  S4ft 

Bomething  of  bo  great  a  tamult  ?  And  vheii  wiJl  it  be 
overP     Diot  lo  tabe.'* 

'Ah !  as  to  myself,  I  will  meddle  no  more  in  the  busi- 
nesa,'  eaid  the  auperinteodent  :  I  wash  my  hands  of  it  ;  I 
resigli  my  ofiice  into  your  Ezcellency's  hands,  and  will  go 
and  Uve  in  a  cave,  or  oii  a  mountain,  like  a  hermit,  far, 
far  away  from  thìs  inhuman  rabbie.' 

'  Uiled  will  do  what  is  beat  por  el  tervido  de  sa  Ma- 
ge»tad'\  ^ravely  repHed  the  cbancellor. 

'  Hìb  Majeaty  doea  Dot  deaire  my  death,'  answered  the 
BUperintendent.  '  In  a  cave,  in  a  cave,  far  from  theee 
people.'  What  foUowed  afterwarda  upon  thia  propoaal 
is  not  recorded  by  our  autbor,  who,  after  accompanying 
the  poor  man  to  the  castle,  mabes  no  further  mention  of 
bis  proceedingB. 

*  God  knowa. 
t  YoQ  will  do,  iiir,  vhat  ii  beat  fai  the  «ervice  of  bis  Hnjeaty. 


;dbv  Google 


I   FB0UE8SI   SPOSI. 


CHAPTEH  XIV. 

wd  that  was  left  behind  began  to  dis- 
ord  to  branch  oiF  to  the'right  and  left 
aloTig  the  different  streets,  One  went  home 
to  attetid  to  hÌB  buBÌoess;  another  departed 
that  he  might  breathe  the  freah  air  in  a  little 
liberty,  after  ao  maiiy  bours  of  crowded  confinement  ; 
whìle  a  tbird  set  off  m  Bearch  of  acquai ntances,  with 
whom  he  might  bave  a  little  chat  about  the  doinge  of  the 
day.  Tbe  same  dispereion  waa  going  on  at  the  otherecd 
of  the  Street,  nhere  the  cron'd  was  suffieientlf  thinned 
to  allow  the  troop  oi  Spaniarde  to  advance,  and  approach 
the  Buperintendent'e  house,  without  having  to  fight 
their  way.  Aroimd  this,  the  dregs,  8o  to  Bay,  of  the  in- 
aurgents  were  etili  congregated— a  handful  of  raecala 
wbo,  disconteated  with  so  quiet  and  itnperfect  a  termiDa- 
tion  to  euch  great  preparations,  grumbled,  cursed,  and 


,l)OglC 


XIT.]  THE  BCTROTHED.  £51 

coDBulteil,  to  enconrage  tbemaelres  in  Bceking  if  some- 
thìng  further  might  not  be  undertaken  ;  snd,  hj  way  of 
experiment,  begau  beating  and  pounding  at  tlie  onfortun- 
ate  door,  which  faad  been  agaìn  bBiretTand  propped  up 
witliin,  Ou  the  arrivai  of  the  troop,  these,  without  fre- 
tìoub  GODBultation,  but  with   a  imasimouB  reaolutioii, 


moved  off,  aod  departed  b^  the  opposite  side,  leaviog  the 
post  free  to  the  soldiers,  who  tooK  poeteuion  of  it,  and 
encamped  aa  a  guard  to  the  house  and  atreet.  But  the 
neighbouring  etreeta  and  equaree  were  atill  full  of  Bcat- 
tered  groupa  :  where  two  or  three  were  standing,  three, 
four,  twenty  othera  would  stop  ;  some  would  depart, 
othera  airive:  it  wbs  like  those  little  etragglìng  cloudB 
that  Bometimea  remain  acattered  and  sbiftìng  over  the 
azure  sky  afler  a  Btorm,  and  make  oue  Bay,  on  looking 
QpwardB,  The  weather  is  not  aeCtled  yet.  There  waa 
heard  a  confuaed  and  varying  sound  of  voices:  one  waa 
relating  with  much  energy  the  particular  incidents  he  hsd 
witneaaed  j  another  recounted  wbat  he  himaelf  had  done  ; 
anotber  congratnlated  bis  neighboura  on  this  peaceable 
terminatìon,  applauded  Ferrer,  and  prognoaticated  dire 
eviU  about  to  fall  on  the  Buperintendent  ;  othera  laughed 
at  the  idea,  aud  aaaerted  tnat  no  harm  would  be  done 
him,  becauBo  a  wolf  doea  not  prey  upon  a  wolf  ;  while 
othera  more  angrily  rourmured  becauae  things  had  not 
been  roanaged  properly — said  that  it  won  ali  a  hoax,  and 
that  they  were  foola  to  bave  made  such  a  hubbub,  only  to 
allow  tbemaelves,  after  ali,  to  be  cosened  in  thia  manner, 
Meanwhile,  the  eun  had  set,  and  twilight  Bpread  ita 
uniform  aorabrenesa  over  alt  objects.  Many,  wearied 
with  the  exertiouB  of  the  day,  and  tired  of  goaaiping  in 
the  dark,retumed  to  their  respective bomes.  Ouryouth, 
after  baving  assiated  the  progreaa  of  the  carri^e  so  long 
aa  there  waa  need  of  aasistMice,  and  harìng  ioDowed  it 
even  between  the  two  files  of  soldiera,  bb  in  triumpb, 
was  satiafied  when  he  saw  it  roUing  along,  uninterrupt- 
edly,  out  of  danger  ;  and  accompanying  the  crowd  a  little 
way,  he  Boon  deserted  it  by  the  first  outlet,  that  he  might 
breathe  a  little  iresh  air  in  quiet.  After  taking  a  few 
Bteps  at  large,  in  the  midst  of  much  agitation  from  ao 


,c,oglc 


252  I    PKOMESSl    SPOSI.  [CH. 

many  new  BceneB,  so  raaay  pasaioDs,  and  so  maiiy  recent 
and  confused  remembraucea,  he  began  to  feel  Ùb  need 
both  of  food  and  rest  ;  and  kept  looking  up  from  side  ta 
side,  in  hopea  of  seeing  a  eign  of  some  inn,  since  it  nas 
too  late  to  go  to  the  coDvent.  Ab  he  tbua  proeeeded, 
gasing  upwards,  he  euddenl;  lit  upon  a  group  of  gosaipa  ; 
and  Btopping  to  listeo,  be  heard  them,  as  they  talked, 
making  conjectures,  propoBalB,  and  deaigns  for  the  mor- 
row.  After  ltst«nmg  a  moment  or  two,  he  couid  not 
resist  puttine  in  hìe  word,  thinkìng  tbat  be  who  bad  done 
Bo  mucb  migbt,  «jtbout  preBumption,  join  a  little  in  the 
conversation.  Fersuaded,  from  trbat  be  bad  seen  during 
the  day,  tbat  to  accomplish  Bnytbiug,  it  was  only  neces- 
iary  to  auggeat  it  to  the  populace,  '  My  good  eira,'  cried 
he,  by  way  of  ejordium  ;  *  may  I,  tóo,  give  my  poor 
opinion  p  My  poor  opinion  is  tbis  :  tbat  there  are  otber 
iniquitiea  beeideB  tbia  of  bread.  New  we've  aeen  plain 
enough  to-day  tbat  we  can  get  justice  by  making  our- 
selve»  felt,  Then  let  ub  proceed  until  ali  tbeae  ^ievances 
are  cured,  tbat  the  world  may  move  forward  in  a  little 
more  Christian  fashion.  len  t  it  true,  gentìemen,  tbat 
there's  a  set  of  tyrants  vho  set  at  nougbt  the  Ten  Com- 
mandmente,  and  search  out  poor  people,  (who  don't 
trouble  tbeir  heads  about  them.)  juat  to  do  them  every 
miscbief  they  can  ;  and  yet  they're  always  in  the  right  P 
Kay,  when  theyVe  been  acting  the  rascal  more  thaa 
usuai,  then  bold  their  heads  higher  tban  at  other  tìmes  P 
Tea,  and  even  Milan  bas  ite  share  of  them.' 

'Too  many,'  said  a  voice. 

'  So  I  Bay,'  rejoined  "Beota  :  '  the  accounts  of  tbem 
have  already  reached  our  ears.  And,  besideB,  the  thing 
apeake  for  itaelf  Let  us  euppose,  for  instance,  tbat  oue 
of  tboBe  I  am  talking  about  ahould  bave  one  foot  outside 
and  one  in  Milau:  if  he's  a  devil  there,  be  won't  be  an 
angel  bere,  I  fancy.  Tet  just  teli  me,  sirs,  wbether 
you've  ever  seen  one  of  these  men  bebind  the  grating  ! 
And  the  worat  of  it  is  (and  thi8  I  can  affinn  witb  cer- 
tainty),  there  are  proclamationa  in  plenty  pubìiahed,  to 
punish  them  ;  and  thoee  not  proclamations  without  mean- 
iiig,  but  well  drawn  out  i  you  cau't  find  anytbing  better 


,»Ogk' 


XIV.]  THE    8ETR0THED.  SB3 

done:  there  are  aiti  sorta  of  viUaitiee  clearly  mentìoneij, 
eiactly  as  tbey  happen,  and  to  each  one  ita  proper  pun< 
iahment.  It  Baye  :  "  Wboever  it  may  be,  ignoble  or 
plebeians,"  aod  what  not  beaides.  Now,  just  so  and 
ask  doctors,  ecribes,  and  phariseee,  to  aee  justice  done  to 
you,  as  the  proclamation  warranta,  and  tbey  wìll  give 
you  aa  much  ear  as  the  Pope  doee  to  vagaboads  :  it's 
eDough  to  make  aQyhoaest  fellow  tum  desperate.  It  is 
ptaia  enough,  then,  that  the  king,  and  tboee  who  coni- 
mand  under  hìm,  are  desirous  that  knavea  should  be  duly 
puniahed  ;  but  nothing  is  done  becauae  there  is  some 
league  betweea  them.  We,  therefore,  ought  to  break  it  ; 
ve  should  go  to-morrow  moming  to  Ferrer,  who  is  a 
worthy  man,  and  a  tractable  signor;  we  saw  to-day 
how  giad  he  was  to  be  amongst  the  poor  people,  and 
how  he  tried  to  hear  what  was  said  to  him,  and  an- 
Bwered  with  euch  coadescensioD,  We  should  go  to 
Ferrer,  and  teli  him  how  things  stand  ;  and  I,  for  my 
part,  can  tei!  him  some  fine  doings  ;  for  I  saw  with  my 
own  eyes  a  proclamation  with  ever  so  many  arma  at  the 
top,  wbich  had  been  mode  by  three  of  the  rulere,  for 
tbere  was  the  name  of  each  of  them  printed  plain  below, 
and  one  of  these  names  was  Ferrer,  aeen  by  me  w:ith  my 
own  eyes  :  now,  this  edict  eiactly  auited  my  case  ;  and  a 
doctor,  to  whom  I  applied  for  justice,  according  to  the 
ìntention  of  these  three  gentlemen,  among  wbom  was 
Ferrer  himself,  this  signor  doctor,  who  had  himself 
shown  me  the  proclamation,  and  a  Sne  one  it  Ì8,  aha  I 
tbought  that  I  was  talking  to  him  like  a  madmanl  l'm 
aure  that  when  this  worthy  old  fellow  heara  some  of 
these  fina  doinga,  for  he  casaot  know  ali,  particularly 
thoae  in  the  country,  he  won't  be  willing  to  let  the 
World  go  on  thia  way,  but  will  find  some  remedy  for  it. 
And  beaides,  they  who  make  the  proclamations  ooght 
to  wìsh  that  they  should  be  obeyed  ;  for  it  ia  an  insnlt 
to  count  as  notbing  an  edict  with  their  name  fized  to  it. 
And  if  the  powerl'ul  ones  won't  lower  their  heads,  and 
will  stili  play  the  fool,  we  are  ready  to  make  them,  as 
we've  done  to-day.  I  don't  say  that  he  abould  go  about 
in  bis  carrìage,  to  cany  off  every  powerful  and  aver- 


254  I  PROMESar  SPOSI.  [CH. 

bearing  rnscal  :  eh,  eh  !  it  would  require  Xoab'a  art  for 
tbat.  Sut  he  ought  to  command  ali  thoaewhoBe  bueineos 
it  ia,  not  only  in  Milan,  but  everywhere,  to  do  thingB  u 
the  proclamati ona  require  ;  and  draw  up  au  iudictment 
agaiuBt  ali  tbo»e  vho  bave  committed  tbese .  iniijuitiefl  ; 
and  where  it  saya,  prìaon, — to  prieon;  wbere  it  bbjb, 
galleja, — to  the  galleya  ;  and  hìd  the  podetià  do  bis  duty  ; 
if  he  won't,  aend  him  about  bis  buaìnesa,  and  put  a 
better  man  ìd  bis  place;  and  then  besidea,  ae  I  aaid,  we 
aliould  he  ready  to  lend  a  band.  And  he  ought  to  order 
the  lawyera  to  liaten  to  the  poor,  and  to  talk  reaaonably. 
Don't  I  aay  right,  my  good  sire  P  ' 

Beozo  bad  talked  so  earnestly,  tbat  &om  the  begìn- 
ning  a  great  part  of  the  aasemblage  had  atopped  ali 
other  conversation,  and  had  turaed  to  liaten  to  him  ; 
and,  up  to  a  certain  poiut,  ali  had  eontinued  hia  auditoFs. 
A  conluaed  cìamour  of  applauae,  of  '  Bravo  ;  certainly, 
he  ia  right  ;  it  ia  too  true  !  '  foUowed  hta  barangue. 
Critica,  howe^er,  were  not  Tvanting.  '  Oh,  yes,'  aaid  one, 
'  liaten  to  a  mouutaineer  :  they  are  alt  advocates  ;  '  and 
he  went  away.  '  Now,'  muttered  anotber,  '  every  raga- 
mulfin  must  put  in  hia  word  ;  and  what  with  haring  too 
many  irona  in  the  fire,  we  ahan't  bave  bread  aold  cheap, 
which  ia  wbnt  we've  made  thìa  atir  for.'  Benzo,  bow- 
ever,  heard  nothing  but  complimenta,  one  taking  him  by  - 
tbia  band,  anotber  by  tbat.  '  I  will  aee  you  to-morrow. 
— Where  ? — At  the  aquare  of  the  Cathedral. — Very  well. 
— Very  well. — And  something  will  be  done. — And  aome- 
thingwill  be  done.' 

'  which  of  theae  good  gentlemen  will  direct  me  to  an 
inn,  wbere  I  can  get  aometbing  to  eat,  and  a  lodgìng  for 
the  oight,  tbat  will  auit  a  poor  youtb'a  pocket  F  '  eaid 
£en£o. 

'  I  ani  at  your  aervice,  niv  brave  feilow,'  aaid  one  who 
bad  listened  attentively  to  bis  barangue,  and  had  Bot  yet 
aaid  a  word.  '  I  know  an  ina  that  will  just  auit  yoa  ; 
and  I  wjU  introduce  vou  to  the  laudlord,  who  ia  my 
friend,  and  a  very  worthy  man.' 

'  Near  at  hand  F  *  asked  Uenzo. 

'  Only  a  little  way  qS^  teplìed  be. 


b,C,oo'^lc 


XIV.]  THE    BETROTHED.  256 

The  UBembly  dùperaed  ;  and  Benzo,  after  seTeral  warm 
shakes  of  the  haim  frocn  straugers,  went  off  with  bis 
new  acquaintance,  thankiag  him  heartily  for  bis  kindaesa. 

'  Not  a  word,  not  a  word,'  aaid  he  ;  '  one  band  washes 
the  other,  and  both  the  face.  la  it  not  one's  dut;  to  serve 
one'B  neighbour  ?  '  And  ae  he  walked,  he  kept  making 
of  Benzo,  in  the  course  oF  converaation,  first  one  and  then 
BQother  inquiry.  '  Not  out  of  curiosity  about  your  do- 
ings  ;  but  you  Beem  tired  :  wbere  do  you  come  from  ?  * 

'  I  come,'  replied  Benzo,  '  as  far  ae  from  Lecco.' 

'  From  Lecco  I     Are  you  a  native  of  Lecco  ?  ' 

'  Of  Lecco ,  ,  .  tbat  is,  of  the  territory.' 

'  Poor  fellow  !  from  wbat  I  bave  gatbered  in  your  con- 
versation,  you  seem  to  bave  been  badly  treated.' 

'  Eb  !  my  dear  fellow,  I  was  obliged  to  speak  ratber 
carefutly,  tbat  I  might  not  publish  my  affaire  to  the 
vorld  ;  but  ....  it's  enougb  ;  some  day  it  will  be  known, 
Bud  then  ....  But  I  see  a  sign  of  an  inu  bere;  and,  to 
say  the  truth,  I  aoi  not  inclÌDed  to  go  any  fiirther.' 

'  No,  no  ;  come  wbere  I  told  you  :  it'a  a  very  little  way 
further,'  said  the  guide  :  '  bere  you  won't  be  comfortable.' 

'  Very  weJl,'  replied  the  youtn  :  '  l'm  not  a  gentleman, 
occuBtomed  to  down,  though  :  eomething  good  to  supply 
the  garriaon,  and  a  atraw  mattress,  are  enough  for  me  : 
and  wbat  I  moat  waat  ia  to  find  both  directly.  Here  we 
are,  fortunately.'  And  he  eotered  a  ahabby-looking  door- 
way,  over  which  hung  the  aign  of  The  Full  Moon. 

'  Well  ;  I  will  lead  you  bere,  since  you  wiab  it,'  aaid 
the  incognito  ;  aud  he  followed  him  in. 

'Don't  trouble  youraelf  any  further,'  replied  Benza 
*  However,'  added  he,  '  you  will  do  me  the  fevour  of  taking 
a  glaas  witb  me.' 

'  I  accept  your  kind  offer,'  replied  he  ;  and  be  advanced, 
aa  being  better  acqnainted  with  the  place,  before  Benzo, 
through  a  little  court,  approached  a  glasa  door,  lifted  up 
the  latch,  and,  opening  it,  eutered  with  bis  companion 
into  the  kitcben. 

Two  ligfata  illumiuated  the  apartment,  suapended  from 
two  books  fixed  in  tbe  beam  of  tbe  ceiling.  Many  per- 
»ona,  ali  of  whom  ware  engaged,  vere   loungiog    on 


91.  [CH. 

beiiclies  whìcli  atretched  &long  both  iides  oF  a  narrow, 
dirty^  table,  occupjing  almoet  the  wbole  of  ooe  side  of 
tbe  room  :  bere  and  mere  a  clotb  vas  apread,  and  a  few 
dishes  Bet  out  ;  at  intervalB,  carda  were  played,  and  dice 
cast,  and  gathered  up  ;  and  everywbere  vere  bottlea  and 
glasBee.  Un  tbe  wet  table  were  to  be  seen  berlinghe, 
reali,  and  parpagliole,*  which,  could  tbey  bave  spokeu, 
would  probabl^  bave  said  :  TbU  momlne  we  were  in  a 
baker'a  till,  or  in  tbe  pocketa  of  some  of  the  apectatora  of 
the  tumult  ;  for  every  one,  intent  on  watching  bow  public 
matterà  'went,  forgot  to  look  aft«r  tbeìr  own  private 
interests.  The  cltunour  wae  great.  A  boj  wae  going 
backwards  and  forwarda  in  baste  and  buetle,  waiting  upon 
tbis  table  and  eundiy  cbeaB-boarda  :  the  boat  waa  sitting 
upon  a  amali  bencb  under  tbe  chimney-piece,  occupied, 
apparenti/,  in  making  and  im-making  certain  figures  in 
the  aehea  wtb  tbe  tongs  ;  but,  in  reality,  intent  on  ali 
tbat  was  going  on  around  him.  He  rose  at  tbe  aound  of 
the  latcb,  and  advanced  towards  tbe  new  cornerà.  Wben 
be  saw  tb©  Ruide,— Curaed  fellow  l  thougbt  he  : — you  are 
always  comiog  to  pkgue  me,  when  I  icast  want  you  ! — 
Then,  haatily  glancing  at  Benso,  he  again  said  to  himsetf  ; 
— I  don't  know  you;  but,  comiug  with  atich  a  bunter, 
you  must  he  either  a  dog  or  a  bare  ;  wben  you  bave  aaid 
two  worda,  I  sball  know  which. — However,  notbing  of 
thia  mute  sollloquy  appeared  in  tbe  landlord's  coiinte- 
nance,  which  waa  as  immoveable  as  a  picture  :  a  round 
and  abining  face,  with  a  thick  reddish  beard,  and  two 
brìght  and  staring  ejes. 

'  What  are  vour  commanda,  gentlemen  F  *  aaid  he. 

'First  of  ali,  a  good  flaak  ^  wine,'  aaid  BeoEO,  'and 
tben  sometbing  to  eat.'  So  aaying,  be  sat  down  on  a 
benoh  towarda  the  end  of  tbe  table,  and  uttered  a  sono- 
roua  '  Ah  !  '  which  seemed  to  aay  ;  it  does  one  good  to  eit 

/down  after  having  been  so  long  standing  and  working  bo 
hard.  But  immediatetj  the  recollection  of  the  beacb  and 
tbe  table  at  which  he  bad  last  sat  with  Lucia  and  Agnese, 
ruahed  to  bis  mind,  and  forced  from  him  a  aigb.  He  shook 
hia  head  to  drive  away  the  thought,  and  tben  saw  the  - 
*  Diffoitnt  kiadi  of  Spaniili  aad  Milsniìif  ooim. 


,»OglC 


nv.]  THE   BBTROTHED.  257 

hoit  Goming  with  the  wine.  Hìs  companìon  h&d  sat  down 
opposite  to  Benzo,  who  poured  bim  out  a  glass,  and 
pushed  it  towarda  him,  flaying  :  '  To  moisten  joiir  lips.' 
And  filling  the  other  glnae,  he  emptìed  it  at  oae  dnught. 

'  What  can  you  gire  me  to  eat  ì"  then  demauded  he  of 
the  landlord. 

'  A  good  bit  of  Btewed  meat  P  '  asked  he. 

'  Tea,  air  ;  a  bit  of  Btewed  meat.' 

'  You  shall  be  served  directly,'  said  the  hoet  to  Benzo  ; 
and  tuming  to  the  boy  :  '  Attend  to  tbis  etranger.' 

And  be  retreated  to  the  fire-place.  '  But . . .'  reaumed 
be,  tuming  again  towarda  Benzo  :  '  we  bave  no  bread  to- 
day.' 

'  Ab  to  bread,'  said  Benzo,  in  a  loud  voice  and  laugh- 
ing,  '  Providence  has  provided  that.'  And  drawing  irom 
hÌB  pocket  the  third  and  laat  loaf  wbicb  he  bad  picked  up 
under  the  Croas  of  San  Dionigi,  he  raiaed  it  in  the  air, 
exclaiming:  'Behold  the  bread  of  Providence!'  Many 
tumed  on  hearing  this  exclamation  ;  and,  seeing  auch  a 
trophy  in  the  air,  Bomebody  called  out  :  '  Hurrah  for 
bread  at  a  low  price  !  ' 

'  At  a  )ow  pnce  P  '  awd  Benzo  :  '  Qratù  et  amore.' 

•  Better  stiU,  better  Btill.' 

'  But,'  added  he,  immediately,  '  I  sbould  uot  like  theee 
gentlemen  to  think  ili  of  me.  I  bave  not,  as  they  say, 
etolen  it  :  1  found  it  on  tbe  ground  ;  and  if  I  could  find 
ita  owner,  I  am  ready  to  jpayTiim  for  it.' 

'  Bravo  !  bravo  I  '  cried  bis  companiona,  laughing  more 
loudly,  ffithout  ita  entering  into  one  of  tbeìr  minda 
that  theee  worda  aeriouaty  expreaaed  a  real  fact  and 
ìntention. 

'  They  think  l'm  joking  ;  but  it's  just  ao,'  aaid  Senio, 
to  hÌB  guide;  and,  tuming  the  loaf  over  in  bis  band,  he 
added  :  '  See  how  they've  crushed  it  ;  it  looke  like  a  cake  : 
but  there  were  plenty  dose  by  it  !  if  any  of  tbem  had  had 
vei^  tender  bonea  they'd  bave  come  badly  off.'  Then, 
biting  off  and  devounng  three  or  four  mouthfulB,  he 
swallowed  auother  glaaa  of  wine,  and  added,  '  This  bread 
won't  go  down  alone.  I  uever  bad  ao  dry  a  throat.  A 
great  shouting  there  was  !  ' 

B 


£58  I  PROMESSI   BP06I.  [CH. 

'  Frepare  &  ^ood  lied  for  this  honeat  fsUor,'  Boid  the 
guide  ;  '  for  he  intenda  to  sleep  bere.' 

'  Do  7011  wlsb  a  bed  P  '  asxed  the  kndlord  of  Benzo, 
advancin^  towarda  the  table. 

' Certainlj,'  replied  he:  'a  bed,  to  be  aure;  only  let 
the  aheeta  ae  clecm;  for,  tbough  l'm  but  a  poor  lad,  l'm 
accostomed  to  cleaDlìneM.' 

'Oh  !  ae  to  that,'  aaid  the  boat  :  and  going  to  a  oounter 
that  atood  in  a  corner  of  the  kitchen,  he  retumed  with  an 
inkatand  and  a  little  bit  of  writing-paper  in  one  band,  uid 
a  pen  in  the  otber. 

'Wbat  doea  thia  meanf  exdaimvd  Benso,  gulping 
down  a  mouthful  of  the  atew  that  the  boy  had  eet  before 
him,  and  then  amiling  in  astonìahment  :  '  la  thia  the  white 
aheet,  eh  F  ' 

"Without  making  any  reply,  the  landlord  laid  the  paper 
OD  the  table,  and  put  the  inkatand  by  the  paper:  then 
etooping  forward,  he  reeted  hia  left  arm  on  the  table  and 
bis  rìght  elbow,  and  holding  the  pen  in  the  air,  with  his 
foce  raised  towarda  £enzo,  aaid  to  him  :  '  "Will  you  be 
good  enough  to  teli  me  your  nome,  eurname,  and 
country  P  ' 

'  What  P  '  aaid  Benzo  :  '  What  haa  ali  thia  to  do  vith 
mybedP' 

'  I  do  my  du^,'  aeùd  the  boat,  looking  towarda  the 
guide  ;  '  we  are  obliged  to  give  an  account  and  relation 
of  every  one  that  cornee  to  aleep  in  our  houee  :  nome  and 
turvame,  and  tf  ahat  natitm  he  it,  on  tohat  btuineit  he 
come»,  if  he  hai  anjf  amu  with  him  ....  how  long  he 
mtendt  to  ttay  ut  thit  city  ....  Tbey  are  the  very  words 
of  the  procluaation.' 

Before  replying,  Benzo  awallowed  another  glasa  ;  ìt  was 
the  third,  and  &om  thia  time  forward,  1  fear  we  ahaU  net 
be  able  to  count  them.  He  then  aaid,  '  Ah  t  ah  I  yoa 
bave  the  proclamation  I  And  I  pride  myaelf  upon  being 
a  dooljpr  of  law  ;  ho  I  know  well  enough  what  importance 
ia  attacbed  to  edicta.' 

'  I  epeak  in  eameet,'  aaid  the  landlord,  keeping  hia  èva 
on  Benzo'a  mute  companion;  and  going  agun  to  tìe 
counter,  he  diew  out  a  lai^  aheet,  ao  exact  copy  of  the 


;dbv  Google 


«V.]  THE   BETROTHEO.  ££9 

pFoclamation,  and  canie  to  diiplft^  it  before  Benzo'a 
eyes. 

'  Ah  I  Bee  !  '  exclsimed  the  rontb,  niising  tha  re-filled 
glssB  in  one  hajid,  ajid  quicklj  emptying  it,  wbile  he 
Btretebed  out  the  other,  and  pointed  with  bù  finger  to- 
warà»  tbe  unfolded  procbvmatìon  ;  '  Look  at  that  fine 
Bheet,  like  a  miasal.  l'm  deligbt^  to  aee  it.  I  know 
thoae  armB  ;  and  I  know  wbat  that  beretical  face  meane, 
with  the  nooBe  round  ita  neck.'  (At  the  head  of  the 
edìcta  the  arm»  of  the  govemor  were  ubu&Ut  placed  ;  anà 
in  those  of  Don  Ocmialo  Femandez  de  Cordova  appeared 
a  MooriBb  king,  chained  hy  the  throat.) 

'  That  face  means  ;  Comraond  who  cao,  and  obej  wfao 
wilL  When  that  face  Bhall  baye  sent  to  the  galleya  Sig- 
nor don never  mind,  I  know  who  ;  as  another  parch- 

ment  bbjb,  like  this  ;  when  it  has  provided  that  an  honest 
jonth  may  marry  an  honeBt  girl  who  w  willing  to  be 
married  to  him,  tbcn  I  will  teli  my  Dame  to  this  face,  and 
will  give  it  a  kisB  into  the  bargaìn.  I  may  bave  very  good 
reasona  for  not  telling  my  name.  Oh,  truly  I  And  if  a 
rsMa),  wbo  bad  under  bis  command  a  handful  more  of 

rascala  ;  for  if  he  were  alone '     Here  he  finiahed  hia 

Bentence  with  a  geeture  :  '  If  a  rascal  wanted  to  know 
where  I  am,  to  do  me  an  ìli  tura,  I  aak  if  that  tace  woiild 
move  itself  to  belp  me.  l'm  to  teli  my  huBinesa  !  ThÌB 
ia  aomething  new.  Suppoaing  I  bad  come  to  Milan  to 
confeBB,  I  ahould  wiab  to  confesa  to  a  Capucbin  Tather,! 
beg  to  Bay,  and  not  to  a  landlord.' 

Tbe  boat  was  silent,  and  looked  towarda  the  guide,  wbo 
gare  no  token  of  noticing  wbat  posaed.  Benzo,  we  gneve 
to  Bay,  awallowed  another  glaae,  and  contiuued  :  '  I  will 
gÌTe  you  a  reaaon,  my  dear  landlord,  wbich  wiU  Batìafy 
ynu,  If  thoae  proclamationa  which  speak  in  favour  of 
good  Chriatians  are  worth  nothing,  thoae  which  apeak 
againat  them  are  wortb  Btill  leBS.  &>  carry  away  ali  theee 
hotberìng  tbinga,  and  briag  na  inatead  another  flaak  ;  for 
thia  ia  broken.'  So  Bayingt  he  tapped  it  lightly  with  bis 
knucklea,  and  added  :  '  Liaten,  how  it  aounde  like  a 
cracked  bottle.' 

Benzo'a  language  bad  agsin  attracted  the  attcntion  of 


,c,oglc 


260  I  PROMESSI    BPOSI.  [CH. 

the  party;  aad  wben  he  ceased,  there  aroe»  a  general 
murmur  of  approbatian. 

'  Wbat  muat  I  do  F  '  eaid  the  hoat,  looking  at  the  incog- 
nito, who  was,  however,  uo  stranger  to  him. 

'  Away,  away  with  tbem,'  criea  many  of  the  guests  ; 
'tbia  oouutryinan  haa  some  aenae;  they  are  grievanceB, 
trìcks,  impositiona  ;  new  lava  to-day,  new  lawa  I  ' 

In  the  inidst  of  these  criea,  the  inoognito,  glancing  to- 
warda  the  laadlord  a  look  of  reproof  for  thia  too  public 
magiaterial  aummooa,  aaid,  '  Let  bim  bave  bis  owd  way  & 
litde  ;  don't  give  any  offeuce.' 

'  I  bave  done  my  duty,'  aaid  the  boat,  io  a  loud  voice  ; 
and  added,  to  himaelf  : — Now  I  bave  my  thouldert  againti 
the  mail. — He  tben  removed  the  peu,  ink,  and  paper,  and 
took  tbe  empty  flagon  to  give  it  to  the  boy. 

'  Bring  tbe  aame  aort  of  n'ine,'  aaid  Kenzo  ;  '  for  I  find 
it  a  wortby  fellow,  and  will  seod  it  to  aleep  with  the  otber, 
without  askiog  ite  name  or  sumame,  and  wbat  ia  ita 
buaineBS,  and  if  it  intenda  to  atay  any  time  in  the  city.' 

'Some  more  of  the  sanie  Bort,'said  the  landlord,  to  the 
boy,  giving  him  the  flaak  ;  and  he  retumed  to  bis  aeat 
under  tbe  chimney-pie**. — More  simple  than  a  bare  ! — 
tliought  be,  figurine  away  is  the  cinders  : — and  into  what 
banda  haat  thou  fallen  I  Thou  great  aas  !  If  thou  wilt 
drown,  drown  ;  but  the  landlord  of  the  Full  Moon  ian't 
obliged  to  go  sbares  in  thy  folly  ! — 

Benso  retumed  thanka  to  bis  guide,  and  to  ali  tbe  reet 
who  bad  taken  bis  part.  '  Brave  frìends,'  aaid  be,  '  oow  I 
aee  clearly  that  boneat  fellowa  give  eacfa  otber  a  band,  and 
support  each  otber.'  Tben  waving  hia  band  in  tbe  air, 
over  the  table,  and  again  asauming  tbe  air  of  a  speaker, 
'  len't  it  an  admirable  tbiug,'  exclaimed  he,  '  that  ali  our 
rulera  will  bave  pea,  ink,  and  paper,  intruding  every- 
where  F  Always  a  pen  in  the  band  !  They  must  bave  a 
mighty  paaaion  for  wielding  tbe  pen  !  ' 

*  Eh  !  you  wortby  countryman  1  would  ■you  like  to 
know  tbe  reaaon  f  '  said  a  winner  in  one  of  tbe  games, 
laughing. 

'Let  US  bear,'  replied  Benzo. 

'  Tbe  reaaon  ie,'  aaid  be,  '  that  ss  tbese  Signori  eat 


,»oglc 


XIV.]  THK  BBTHOTHED.  261 

geese,  they  fiod  they  bave  got  m  many  qnilli  tbat  tbey 

are  obliged  to  maks  aometbing  of  tbem.' 

Ali  ^gan  to  laugb,  esceptiag  tbe  poor  man  wbo  bad 
just  beeo  a  loser, 

'  Oh,'  aaid  Benzo,  '  thia  man  ìb  a  poet.    You  bave  some 

Eoets  bere,  tben:  they  are  epringìng  up  ererywbere.  I 
ave  a  little  tum  tbat  way  myself;   and  Bometimes  I 

mi^e  Bome  fine  verses but  tbat's  wben  things  go 

Bmoothly.' 

To  undentand  thie  nonaenBe  of  poor  Beozo's,  tbe 
reader  must  kaow  that,  amongst  the  lower  ordere  in 
Milan,  aod  etili  more  in  the  country,  the  term  poet  did 
not  sigQÌfy,  as  among  ali  educated  people,  a  ucred  genius, 
an  iababitant  of  Piadua,  a  votary  of  the  Muaes  ;  it  ratber 
meant  a  bumorous  and  eren  giddy-beaded  person,  wbo  la 
Gonversation  and  bebaviour  bad  more  repartee  and  novelty 
thaa  Benae.  So  daring  are  these  miachief-makerB  among 
tbe  Tulgar,  in  destroying  the  meaning  of  worda,  and 
making  them  express  thiuga  the  most  foreign  and  contrary 
to  their  Intimate  signifìcatioo  !  For  what,  I  sbould  like 
to  know,  haa  a  poet  to  do  with  a  giddy  braia  P 

'  But  l'U  teli  you  the  true  reaaon,'  added  Benso  ;  '  It 
ÌB  becauae  they  hold  the  pea  in  tbeir  own  band  :  and  so 
tbe  worda  tbat  they  utter  fly  away  and  disappear  ;  the 
worda  that  a  poor  lad  speaka,  are  carefully  noted,  and 
very  soon  Cbey  fly  througb  the  air  witb  hia  pen,  and  are 
down  upon  paper  to  be  inade  uae  of  at  a  proper  lime  and 
place.  Tbey've  alao  anotber  trick,  tbat  when  they  would 
botber  a  poor  feltov  wbo  doesn't  know  lettera,  iut  wbo 

baa  a  little  ....  I  know  wbat '  and  to  illustrate  bis 

meaning  be  began  tapping,  and  altnoat  battering  bis  fere- 
bead  witb  bis  forefinger,  '  no  aooner  do  they  perceive 
tbat  he  begina  to  underatand  tbe  puzzle,  tban,  foraooth, 
tbey  must  tbrow  in  a  little  Latin,  to  make  bim  lose  the 
tbread,  to  prerent  bis  defending  bìmself,  and  to  perplex 
bis  brain.  Well,  well  !  it  ia  our  buainesa  to  do  away  witb 
tbese  practicea  !  To-day  everything  has  been  done 
reasonably,  in  our  own  tongue,  and  without  pen,  ink,  and 
paper  :  and  to-morrow,  if  people  vili  but  govem  tbem- 
Belves,  we  will  do  stili  betteri  vitbout  toucEing  a  haìr  of 


,»OglC 


262  I  PK0MES8I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

tbsir  headB,  though  ;  evenything  must  be  done  in  a  fair 

In  the  mesn  time  some  of  the  company  bad  retnmed  to 
tbeir  gaming,  othere  to  eating,  and  many  to  shoutìng  ; 
some  went  away,  qnd  ottten  arrived  in  their  place  ;  the 
landlord  bnued  himself  in  attending  upon  ali  ;  but  tbeae 
thinn  bave  nothing  to  do  with  our  story. 

TEe  unknown  guide  was  impatient  to  toke  bis  de- 

Esrtuie  ;  yet,  thongb  be  had  not,  to  ali  appearance,  any 
UBÌnesa  at  tbe  bouse,  he  would  not  go  away  till  be  bad 
chatted  a  little  with  Benzo,  ìndifiduaUy.  He,  tberefore, 
turned  to  him,  and  renewed  the  conversation  about  bread  ; 
and  after  a  few  of  tbose  expressiona  wbich  had  been,  for 
some  time,  in  eterybody'i  moutb,  be  began  to  ^»e  bis 
own  opinion.  'Eh  !  if  I  were  ruling,'  eaìd  he,  'I  would 
find  a  way  of  making  things  rizbt.' 

'  How  would  you  do  ?  '  suikea  Benzo,  fixing  on  bim  two 
eyea  more  eparkling  than  usuai,  and  twisting  bis  mouth 
away,  aa  it  were  to  be  more  att^tive. 

'  How  would  I  do  !"  eaid  be  ;  '  I  would  bave  bread  for 
ali  :  for  poor  sa  well  as  rìcb.' 

'Ah  !  flo  far  well,'  aaid  Benso, 

'  See  bow  I  would  do.  First,  I  would  fix  a  moderate 
prìce,  that  everybody  could  reacb.  Then  I  would  dis- 
tribute  bread  aocoring  to  tbe  number  of  moutbs  :  for 
there  are  some  inconeiderate  gluttons  wbo  would  bave  ali 
to  tbemselves,  and  Btrtre  wbo  can  get  tbe  moat,  buying 
at  a  high  price,  and  thus  there  isn't  bread  enough  for  tbe 
poor  people.  Tberefore,  diatrìbute  bread.  And  bov 
slioula  that  be  done  P  See  :  give  a  note  to  erery  faraily, 
in  proportion  to  the  number  of  moutha,  to  go  and  get 
brràd  at  tbe  bakehouiea  To  me,  for  example,  tbey  Bhould 
give  a  note  of  this  kind: — Ambrogio  Fusella,  by  trade  a 
sword-cutler,  with  a  wife  and  four  children,  ali  of  an  age 
to  eat  bread  (note  that  well)  :  let  tbem  have  so  mucb 
bread  j  and  pay  so  many  pence.  But  to  do  thinga  juatly 
it  must  always  be  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  roouths. 
You,  we  will  suppose,  ought  to  bave  a  note  for  ...  .  yonr 


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Xnr.]  THB  BBTSOmED.  £63 

'  Lorenio  Tnuni^lino,'  saìd  the  joath  ;  who,  delighted 
«ith  the  pian,  never  recollected  that  it  wai  entirely 
fbunded  on  paper,  peo,  and  infc,  and  that  to  put  it  in 
executioa  the  fint  thlug  mnet  be  to  get  ererybodf'a 
name. 

*  VeiT  y 
sndchildrenF 

'  I  oa^ht,  indeed ....  chìldren,  no  ... .  too  soon  .... 
but  a  info  .  ,  .  .  if  the  world  went  as  it  ought . .  . .' 

'  Ah,  70U  are  single  !  Well,  bave  p&tienoe  ;  but  a 
amaller  portion  .  . .  .' 

'  Toh  ara  right  ;  but  if  looii,  sa  I  bope  ....  and  by  the 
help  of  GtoA  ....  Enough  ;  and  when  l're  a  wife  too  9  ' 

'  Then  cbange  the  note,  and  inoreaae  the  quanti^.  As 
I  aaid  ;  alwaya  in  praportion  to  the  numbOT  of  moutha,' 
aaid  the  unknown,  riaing  from  hia  aeat. 

'  Tbat  ìb  ali  Tery  good,'  cried  fieDEO  ;  and  he  continned 
TOciferouilj,  aa  he  atmck  hia  hand  njpon  the  table  :  '  And 
why  don't  thejr  make  a  law  of  this  kmd  P  ' 

'  How  can  I  teli  P  But  I  must  bid  yon  good  night,  and 
be  off;  for  I  fanc^  my  wife  and  children  bare  been  look- 
ìttg  out  for  roe  thia  good  while.' 

'  Juet  another  little  drop— another  little  drop,'  cried 
Benzo,  hastitr  fitling  bis  gtasa  ;  and,  riaing  quickly,  he 
apised  the  akirt  of  hia  doublet,  and  tried  to  force  him  to 
eit  down  again.  '  Another  little  drop  ;  don't  do  me  thia 
insult.' 

But  hia  friend  diaeugaged  himaelf  witb  a  sudden  jerk, 
andleavìngBentotoiudulgeinìmportunitjrandreproacheB 
aa  he  pleased,  again  said  :  '  Oood  night,'  and  went  away^. 
Benzo  ahouted  after  him  when  he  had  even  reached  tbe 
Street,  and  thea  aank  back  upon  hia  leat.  He  eyed  tba 
glaae  that  he  had  juat  fìlled  ;  and  seeing  tbe  boy  paesing 
the  table,  he  detained  him  wìth  a  beckon  of  hia  hand,  m 
if  he  had  aome  busineae  to  communìcate  to  him  ;  he  then 
pointed  to  the  glaaa,  and,  with  a  alow  and  grave  enuncia- 
tion,  and  pronouncing  the  worda  in  a  peculiar  manner, 
aaid  :  '  See,  I  had  prepared  it  for  that  worthy  gentleman  : 
do  yon  les  f  filli  to  the  brim,  &t  for  a  friend  ;  but  he 


;dbv  Google 


264  t  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

woulda't  have  it  ;  people  bare  very  octd  ideaa,  Bometiraes. 
I  couldn't  do  otberwise;  I  let  him  see  my  kind  intentionti. 
Now,  theu,  sìace  the  thing  ìb  done,  I  mua'n't  let  ìt  go  to 
vaste.'  So  Bayiug,  he  took  it,  and  emptied  ìt  ai  a 
draught. 

'  I  understand,'  said  the  boy,  going  away. 

'  Ah  I  you  understand,  do  you  r  '  replied  Benso  :  '  then 
ìt  is  tnie.    When  reasons  are  Bensible  ! . .  / 

N'othing  lesa  tban  our  love  of  truthfulneaa  would  induce 
US  to  proeecute  a  faithful  account  which  doea  ao  little 
credit  to  so  iraportant  a  peraon,  we  may  almost  say,  to 
the  prìncipal  hero,  of  our  story.  From  this  Bame  motìve 
of  iuipartiality,  however,  we  must  aìso  state,  that  this  was 
the  first  time  that  such  a  thing  happened  to  Benzo  :  and 
ìt  is  just  because  he  was  not  accuatomed  toauch  excessefl 
that  bis  first  attempt  succeeded  so  fstally.  The  few  gksses 
that  he  had  swallowed,  one  after  another,  at  first,  con- 
trary  to  his  usuai  habits,  partly  to  cool  his  parched  throat, 
partly  fì'om  a  sort  of  eicitement  of  mind  which  gare  bìtn 
no  liberty  to  do  anything  in  moderatlon,  quickly  went  to 
hia  head  ;  a  more  practised  drinker  would  probably  never 
have  felb  them.  Our  anonymous  author  bere  mues  an 
obaervation  which  we  repe&t  for  the  benefit  of  those  of 
our  rendere  who  haow  how  to  vaine  it.  Temperate  and 
bonest  habits,  says  he,  brìng  witb  tbem  tbia  advantage  ; 
tbat  the  more  they  are  atabhshed  and  rooted  in  a  man,  so 
much  the  more  easily,  wben  he  acts  contrary  to  them. 


does  he  immediately  feel  the  injury  or  inconvenience,  ( 
to  Bay  the  least,  the  disagreeabtlity  of  such  an  action  :  so 
that  he  has  something  to  remeaiher  for  a  time  ;  and  tbua 


even  a  alight  fault  serres  him  for  a  lesson. 

However  this  may  he,  certain  it  ia  that  when  theee  first 
fiimes  had  mouuted  to  Benzo's  brain,  wine  and  words 
continued  to  fiow,  one  down,  the  otber  up,  without  mea- 
sure  or  reaaon  :  and  at  the  point  where  we  have  left  bim, 
he  had  got  quite  beyond  his  powera  of  self-government. 
He  felt  a  great  deaire  to  talk  :  auditore,  or  at  leaat  men 
preaent  wbom  be  could  iniagine  such,  «ere  not  wanting  ; 
and  for  some  time  also  worda  had  readìly  occurred  to  him. 


,»Ogk' 


Xrr.]  THE   BZTKOTHED.  265 

bdJ  he  had  been  able  to  amuige  tbem  in  iome  sorti  of 
order.  Sut  by  degreea  liia  power  of  counectìiie  nnteaces 
began  woefuUy  to  fail.  The  thought  that  had  preaented 
itself  Tividly  and  definitireW  to  bis  mind,  suddeiily  ctonded 
over  and  Tanished  ;  while  the  word  he  wanted  and  waited 
for,  waSfWhen  ìt  occurred  to  him,  inapplicable  and  unsei^ 
Boaable.  In  this  perplexity,  hy  one  oi  tboee  false  inatincta 
that  ao  often  rum  men,  he  would  again  bave  recourae 
to  the  flagou  ;  but  any  one  witb  a  grain  of  senae  will  be 
able  to  imagjne  of  what  use  the  flagon  woa  to  him 
then. 

We  will  only  relate  Bome  of  the  many  words  he  uttered 
in  this  disaatrouB  evening  ;  the  othera  which  we  omit 
would  be  too  uneuitable  ;  for  theynot  only  had  no  mean- 
ing,  but  made  no  show  of  having  any — a  necessary  requisite 
in  a  prìnted  hook. 

'  Ah,  host,  boBt,'  resmned  he,  following  him  witb  bis 
eTB  round  the  table,  or  under  the  chimney-piece  ;  some- 
times  gazing  at  him  where  he  waa  not,  and  talking  ali  the 
time  in  the  midat  of  the  uproar  of  the  party  :  '  What  a 
landlord  you  are  !  I  cannot  swallow  thia  ....  thia  trìck 
about  the  Dame,  aumame,  and  businesB.  To  a  youth  like 
me  I ... .  You  have  not  behaved  well.  What  satisfaction 
now,  what  advantage,  what  pleasure  .  .  .  .  to  put  upon 

e  per  a  poor  youth  ?  Son't  I  speak  eenae,  gentlemen  ? 
mdloraB  ought  to  stand  by  gòod  youths  ....  Liaten, 
listen,  landlord  ;  I  will  compare  you  ....  because  .... 
Do  you  laugh,  eh  1  I  am  a  little  too  far  gone,  I  know 
....  but  the  reasona  I  would  give  are  right  esough.  Just 
teli  me,  now,  who  is  it  that  keepa  up  your  trade  F  Foor 
fellowB,  isn't  itf  See  if  any  of  these  gentlemen  of  the 
proclamationa  erer  come  bere  to  wet  their  lìpa' 

'  They  are  ali  people  that  drink  water,  Baid  one  of 
Benzo's  neighbours. 

'  They  want  to  have  their  heads  dear,'  added  another, 
'  to  be  able  to  teli  hea  cleverly.' 

'  Ah  !  '  cried  Benzo.  '  Tbat  waa  the  poet  who  spoke 
tben.  Then  you  alao  underatand  my  reason.  Answer 
me,  tben,  lanolord  ;  and  Ferrer,  who  is  the  beat  of  ali, 


,»OglC 


266  1    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

has  he  erer  come  here  to  drink  a  toait,  or  to  spend  a 
quorter  of  a  farthing  P  And  that  dog  of  a  tìIUìd,  Don 
.  .  .  .  l'il  hold  mj  tongue,  because  l'm  a  careful  fellow. 
Ferrer  and  Fatber  Cr-r-r  ....  1  know,  they  are  two 
worthy  men  ;  but  there  are  bo  few  worthy  men  in  the 
World.  The  old  are  worae  than  the  young  ;  and  the 
youi^  ....  wone  agaia  tfaan  the  old.  However,  I  am 
glad  there  haa  been  no  murdering  ;  fye  ;  crueltiea  that 
should  be  left  for  tbe  hangman's  hands.  Bread  ;  oh  yes  ì 
I  got  some  great  puehee,  but ...  I  gave  some  away  too. 
Boom  !  plenty!  long  live  ! . . .  However,  ereu  Ferrer .  . . 
Bome  fen  worde  in  fatin  .  ,  ,  .  tiéi  baraò*  trapolonm  .... 
Cureed  trick  1  Long  live  ! .  . .  juetice  1  bread  !  Ab,  these 
are  fiiir  worde  I  .  .  .  .  There  we  wanted  these  comradea 
....  wheu  that  cnrsed  ton,  ton,  ton,  broke  forth,  and 
then  again  ton,  ton,  ton.  We  did  not  flee  then,  do  you 
6ee,  to  keep  tbat  signor  curate  there  ....  I  know  what 
l'm  thinking  about  I  ' 

At  tbeae  worda  he  bent  down  hie  head,  and  lemained 
some  time  as  if  absorbed  in  some  idea  ;  he  then  beaved 
a  deep  aigh,  and  nised  a  foce  with  two  piteouB-lookìng 
eyea,  and  aach  an  expreBsiou  of  dieagroeaole  and  atupid 
grìef,  that  woe  to  bim  if  the  object  of  it  could  have  seen 
him  at  that  moment.  But  the  wicked  men  around  him, 
who  had  already  begun  to  divert  themselvea  with  the 
impasBÌoned  and  confìiaed  eloquence  of  Benzo,  now  haat- 
ened  to  ridieule  hia  countenance  tinctured  with  remone  ; 
the  neareet  to  him  satd  to  the  othera  :  *  Look  at  him  ;  ' 
and  ali  tiinied  towarde  the  poor  fellow,  so  that  he  became 
the  laughing-stock  of  the  unruly  company.  Not  that  ali 
of  them  were  in  their  perfect  eenaeB,  or  in  their  ordinary 
seosee,  wbatOTer  they  might  be  ;  but,  to  say  tbe  truth, 
none  of  them  had  gone  so  fiu  aa  poor  Bento  :  and  stili 
more,  he  was  a  countryman.  Tbey  began,  first  one  and 
then  auother,  to  provoke  him  with  foolish  and  unman- 
nerly  questioDs,  and  jesting  ceremonies.  One  moment 
he  would  seem  to  be  offended,  the  next,  would  take  the 
treatment  ìnjoke  ;  now,  without  taking  notice  of  ali  these 
Toìces,  he  would  talk  of  eomething  quite  diSerent,  now 
replyiog,  now  interrogating,  but  alwayB  by  starts  and 


,»oglc 


XIV.]  THE    BETROTHED.  867 

blimdera.  Fortunately,  in  ali  this  eitravagance,  he  had 
preserved  &  kind  of  instinctdTe  carefulaeaa  not  to  meo- 
tioD  the  names  of  peraoDB,  so  that  even  that  which  was 
moat  likely  to  be  firtnly  fized  in  bis  memory  was  not  once 
attered  ;  for  deeply  it  irould  have  gnevfd  us  if  that  name 
for  which  eveo  we  entertain  a  degne  ot  reapect  and  afl'ec- 
tion,  had  been  bandied  about,  and  beoome  the  sport  oC 
thesa  abandoned  wretchee. 


;dbv  Google 


I    PROMESSI   SPOSI. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

HE  landlord,  seeing  the  game  waa  Isatùig  too 
long,  and  being  carrìed  too  far,  had  approached 
fienzo,  aad,  wìtli  the  greatest  politeneaB,  re- 
questiug  the  others  to  leave  hìm  alone,  began 
shaking  him  by  the  arm,  and  tried  to  make  hìm 
understand,  and  persuade  hìm  that  he  had  better  go  to 
bed.  But  Renzo  could  not  forget  the  old  subject  ot'  the 
name.  and  Bumame,  the  proci amatìons,  and  worthy  youtha. 
However,  the  words  'bed'  and  '  sleep,'  repeated  in  hìa 
ear,  wroughc  some  kind  of  ìmpreBBÌon  on  hìa  mind  j  they 
made  hìm  feel  a  little  more  dÌBtinctly  bis  need  of  wbat 
they  sìgnified,  and  produced  a  momentaiy  lucid  interrai. 
The  little  aense  that  retumed  to  bis  mind,  made  him,  in 
some  degree,  sensible  that  moBt  of  bis  companions  had 
gone  :  as  the  laBt  glìmmering  torch  in  an  illumìnatìoB 
ahows  ali  the  othera  eitinguished.  He  made  a  reaolution  ; 
placed  bis  open  hands  upon  the  table;  tried  onceortnice 
to  raiae  hìmaelf;  sighed,  ataggered,  and,  at  a  third  at- 
tempi, Bupported  by  his  boat,  he  atood  upon  hia  feet. 


,»Ogk' 


XT.]  THE   BETftOTHED.  269 

The  Undlord,  BteadfinG;  hìm  aa  he  walked  along,  guided 
him  from  between  the  bench  and  the  table,  and  takiug  a 
]amp  in  oae  haod,  partlj  conducted,  and  partly  draeged 
him  with  the  other,  towarde  tbe  door  of  the  ataire.  Here, 
Benzo,  on  hearing  the  noìee  of  the  salutatioaa  whjch 
were  ehouted  after  him  by  the  companj,  bastily  tumed 
round,  and  if  hia  auppiorter  had  not  been  very  alert,  and 
held  him  by  the  arm,  the  evolution  would  bave  otided  in 
a  heav^  fall  :  boweTer,  he  managed  to  tura  back,  and, 
vitb  hia  unconfined  arm,  began  figurìng;  and  describiug 
in  tbe  air  suudry  ealutes  like  a  running  Koot. 

' LetuH  ffo  to  bed ;  to  bed,'  said  tbe  landlord,  puahing 
him  forward  througb  tbe  door  ;  and  witb  stili  more  diffi- 
eulty  drawing  him  to  the  top  of  the  narrow  wooden 
ataircaee,  and  then  into  the  room  be  had  prepared  for 
him.  Benzo  rejoiced  on  eeeing  bis  bed  ready;  he  loohed 
graciously  upon  bia  boat,  with  eyea  whicb  one  moment 
glistened  more  than  ever,  and  the  neit  faded  away,  like 
two  fi.re-flÌeB  :  he  endeavoured  to  steady  bimself  on  bis 
lega,  and  stretched  out  hia  band  towarda  hia  host's  cheek 
to  take  it  between  hia  firat  and  middle  fingerà,  in  token 
of  frlendabip  and  gratitude,  but  he  could  not  aucceed. 
'  Brave  landlord,'  be  at  laat  managed  to  atammer  out  ; 
'  now  I  aee  that  you  are  a  worthy  fellow  :  thia  ie  a  kind 
deed,  to  give  a  poor  youth  a  bed;  but  that  trick  about 
the  name  and  aumame,  that  waan't  like  a  gentleman. 
By  good  luck,  I  aaw  through  it  . .  .  .' 

The  landlord,  who  little  thought  he  could  bave  uttered 
anytbing  ao  connected,  and  who  knew,  by  long  expert- 
ence,  hov  men  in  aucb  a  condition  may  be  induced  more 
eaaily  than  uaual,  auddenly  to  chance  theìr  minds,  waa 
determined  to  take  advantage  of  thu  lucid  interrai,  to 
make  another  attempt. 

'  My  dear  fellow,'  said  he,  witb  a  mo6fc  coaxing  tone 
and  look,  *  I  didn't  do  it  to  vex.  yoo,  nor  to  pry  into  your 
afiairs.  What  would  you  haveP  There  are  the  lawa, 
and  we  must  obey  thcm  ;  othcrwise  we  are  the  firat  to 
Buffer  the  puniahment  It  ia  better  to  aatisfy  them,  and 
....  After  ail,  what  ia  it  ali  about  p  A  great  thing,  cer- 
taioly,  to  aay  two  worde  I    Not,  however,  for  them,  but 


,„oglc 


£70  I   PR0HBS8I    BPOBI.  [CH. 

to  do  me  a  favour.  Here,  between  ouraelvea,  face  to 
Skce,  let  US  do  our  btuinese  :  teli  me  rour  name  and .... 
sud  theu  go  to  bed  with  a,  quiet  mina.' 

'  Ah,  ruc&l  1  '  exclaimed  Senzo  :  '  Cbeat  1  you  ore  agsin 
retumìng  Co  the  charge,  with  that  infamouB  asme,  aur- 
name,  aad  businew  I  ' 

'  Hold  jour  Congue,  simpleton,  and  go  to  bed,'  said  tbe 
landlord. 

6ut  Benzo  pureued  more  vehemently  :  '  I  uoderstuid  : 
you  are  one  of  tbe  league.  Wait,  wait,  and  l'il  aettle 
it.'  And  directiag  hie  voice  towarda  the  head  of  tbe 
stairs,  he  b^an  to  ehout  more  Tociferoiulf  than  over, 
'  Frieude  !  tbe  landlord  is  of  the  .  .  .  .' 

'  I  only  aaid  it  io  joke,'  cried  he,  io  Benzo's  face,  Tepnlii- 
ing  him,  aad  puibms  him  towards  the  bed — '  In  joke  : 
didn't  you  underetand  that  I  only  said  it  in  joke  P  ' 

'Ah  !  in  joke  :  now  you  speak  seoBÌblj.  When  you 
Bay  in  joke  ....  Tbey  are  just  tbings  to  make  a  joke  ot'.' 
And  he  aank  upon  the  bed. 

'  Here  ;  undress  youraelf,  and  be  quick,'  Biùd  tbe  host, 
adding  BSHÌBtauce  to  hia  addice  ;  and  there  waa  need  of  it. 
When  Benzo  had  succeeded  in  gettiag  off  bii  waiatcoat, 
the  landlord  took  it,  and  put  hie  bande  in  tbe  pocketa  to 
see  if  there  were  any  money  in  them.  Hie  eearch  woa 
Buccesflful  ;  and  thinking  that  hie  guest  would  bave  eome- 
thing  else  to  do  than  to  pay  him  on  tbe  morrow,  and  that 
thÌH  money  would  probably  &11  into  banda  wfaence  a  land- 
lord  would  not  eaaily  be  able  to  recover  any  share,  he 
reaolved  to  riak  anotber  attempt. 

'Tou  are  a  good  youtb,  and  an  honest  man,  aren't 
you  P  '  B«d  he. 

'  Oood  ^outh,  and  honeat  man,'  repUed  Benzo,  vainlr 
endeavourmg  to  undo  the  buttona  of  tbe  clotbea  which 
he  had  not  yet  been  able  to  take  off. 

'  Very  weU,'  rejoined  the  boat  :  'juat  aettle,  tben,  thia 
httle  account  ;  for  to-morrow  I  must  go  out  on  eome 
husineas  . . . .' 

'  That'i  only  fair,'  aaid  Benzo  :  '  l'm  a  fool,  bnt  l'm 
honeat  ....  fiut  the  money?  Am  I  to  go  look  for 
money  now  !....' 


;dbv  Google 


XV,]  THE    BBmOTHED.  271 

'  It'fl  bere,'  said  the  innkeeper  ;  ukd  eaning  np  aQ  hìa 
practice,  patience,  and  akill,  he  ancceeded  in  settling  th« 
account,  and  Becurìng  the  reckoning. 

'  Lend  me  a  haud  to'  finish  undreesing,  landlord,'  aaìd 
Benzo  ;  '  l'm  begimÙDg  to  feci  very  Bleepy.' 

The  landlord  perfarmed  the  required  office  :  he  then 
■pread  the  quilt  over  him,  aad,  almoet  before  he  had  time 
to  aay,  dìadoiofully,  '  Qood  night  !  '  Benzo  was  anorìng 
£ut  aéleep.  Yet,  vith  that  sort  of  attraction  whicE 
sometimes  inducea  us  to  contemplate  an  object  of  dielike 
as  well  aa  of  affection,  aod  wbicb,  perhapa,  is  nothing 
elae  than  a  deaire  of  knowing  what  operate»  so  forcibly 
OH  our  mind,  he  pauaed,  for  a  moment,  to  contemplate  ao 
aniio;ÌDg  a  guest,  holding  the  lamp  towards  hia  face,  and 
throwiog  the  light  upon  it  with  a  atrong  reflection,  br 
screening  it  with  hia  hand,  almost  in  the  attitude  in  whicn 
Pacche  ÌB  depict«d,  when  atealthilv  regarding  the  featurea 
of  ber  unknown  consort. — Mad  olot^head  I — aaid  he,  in 
bis  mind,  to  the  poor  sleeper,— yon've  certaìnly  taken 
the  way  to  look  for  it.  To-morrov  jou'Jl  be  able  to  teli 
me  how  youVe  liked  it.  Clowns,  who  will  stroll  overtho 
world,  leithout  kHowing  lohereaboutt  the  «vn  ritet,  just  to 
bring  themaelTea  and  tbeir  neighbours  into  troufale  ! — 

So  aaying,  or  rathor  thinking,  he  withdrew  the  light, 
and  left  the  room,  locking  the  i£>or  behind  him.  On  the 
landing-place  at  the  top  of  the  ataiia,  be  called  tbe  land- 
lady,  and  bade  Iier  leave  the  children  under  tbe  care  of  a 
jonng  aerrant  girl,  and  go  down  into  the  kitchen,  to  pre- 
side aod  keep  guard  in  hia  stead.  '  I  muat  go  out,  tbiuiks 
to  a  strsnger  who  has  arrived  here,  to  my  roiRfortnoe,' 
■aidhe;  and  hebriefljrelated  theannoyingcircnmstance. 
He  then  added  :  '  Have  your  eyea  eTeryvhere  ;  and,  above 
ali,  be  prudent  tbis  unfortunate  day.  There's  a  group  of 
Uceatious  fellows  down  betow,  who,  between  drink  and 
tbeir  own  incUnation,  are  ready  enough  to  talk,  and  wiU 
aay  anything.    It  will  be  enough,  if  a  nisb  . .  . .' 

'  Oh,  l'm  not  a  cbiìd  ;  and  I  k^ow  well  enough  whats 
to  be  done.  I  think  you  oan't  say  that,  np  to  thia  time . . .' 

'  Well,  well  ;  and  he  aure  they  pay  ;  and  pretend  not 
to  bear  anjrtìiÌDg  thej  aay  «boat  the  superintendent  of 


..notale 


272  1    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH, 

proridoDB,  and  the  govemor,  and  Ferrer,  and  the  ieeuri- 
oni,  and  the  cavaliera,  and  Spain,  and  IVance,  and  Buch 
fooleries  ;  for  if  you  contradict  them,  you'll  come  off 
badly  directly  ;  and  if  you  agree  with  them,  you  may  fare 
badly  afterwards  :  and  you  know  weìl  enaiigh,  that  Bome- 
timea  those  who  say  the  worst  things  .  .  .  Bui  enough  ; 
when  you  hear  certain  sayiugB,  tura  away  your  head,  and 
cry,  "  l'm  comii^,"  as  if  aomebody  was  calling  you  trova 
the  other  side  ;  f'Il  come  back  as  quick  as  I  can.' 

80  saying,  he  nent  down  with  her  ìnto  the  kitchen, 
and  gave  a  glance  round,  to  see  if  there  was  anything 
new  of  conaequence  ;  took  down  hìs  hat  and  cloak  freni 
a  peg,  reached  a  short,  thick  stick  out  of  the  corner, 
summed  up,  in  one  glance  at  his  wife,  the  instructions  he 
had  given  her,  and  went  out.  But  during  these  pre- 
parations,  he  had  arain  resumed  the  thread  of  the 
apoatrophe  begun  at  Benzo's  bedaide  ;  and  continued  ìt, 
even  whUe  proceeding  on  hìs  walk. 

— Obatinate  fellow  of  a  mountaineer  ! — For,  howerer 
BeuEo  was  determined  to  conceol  his  coudìtion,  tbis 
qualification  had  betrayed  itself  in  his  words,  pronuncia- 
tioD,  appearance,  and  actions. — Such  a  day  as  tbis,  by 
good  policy  and  judgment,  I  thought  to  bave  come  off 
ciear  ;  and  you  must  just  come  in  at  the  end  of  it,  to 
apoil  the  egg  in  the  hatching.  Were  there  no  other  inna 
in  Milan,  that  you  must  juat  ligbt  upon  mine  P  Would 
that  you  had  even  lit  upon  it  alone  !  I  would  then  bave 
ebut  my  eyea  to  it  to-oight,  and  to-morrow  moming 
would  bave  given  you  a  hint.  But,  my  good  air,  no  ;  you 
must  come  m  company  ;  and,  to  do  better  tjtill,  in  com- 
pany with  a  sHeriff. — 

At  every  step  the  innkeeper  met  either  with  solttary 
paseengera,  or  persona  in  groupa  of  three  or  four,  whisper- 
ing  togetfaer.  At  thia  stage  of  bis  mute  Boliloquy,  he 
aaw  a  patrol  of  soldiers  approaching,  and,  going  a  little 
aside,  peeped  at  them  from  under  the  corner  of  bis  eye 
as  tbey  passed,  and  continued  to  bimself  : — There  go  the 
fool-cbaatiaera.  And  you,  great  aea,  becauae  you  saw  a 
few  people  rambling  about  and  making  a  noiee,  it  must 
even  come  into  your  brain  that  the  wond  la  tumiiig  up- 


,»oglc 


XV,]  THE   BETROTHXD.  273 

side  down.  And  on  this  fine  foundation  joa  haYe  ntined 
Touraelf,  snd  are  trjiag  to  ruìn  me  too  ;  this  isn't  &ìf. 
I  did  mj  beat  to  save  you;  and  you,  you  foci,  ia  return, 
bave  Tery  nearly  made  a  dieturbance  in  my  ìan.  Now 
you  must  get  yourself  out  of  the  acrape,  and  I  will  look 
to  my  own  business.  Ab  if  1  wanted  to  kno v  your  nome 
out  of  ourìosity  !  What  does  it  matter  to  me,  whether  ìt 
be  ThaddeuB  or  Bartholomew  ?  A  mighty  desire  I  bave 
to  take  the  pea  in  band  ;  but  yoa  are  not  the  only  people 
who  would  Dare  things  ali  tbeir  owd  way.  I  kdov,  as 
well  as  you,  that  there  are  proclamations  whìob  go  for 
nothing  :  a  fine  novelty,  that  a  mountaineer  should  come 
to  teli  me  thatl  But  you  doo'tknow  that  proclamations 
against  landlords  are  good  for  somethiog.  And  yoa  pre- 
t^id  to  trsTel  over  the  land,  and  speak  ;  and  don't  know 
that,  if  one  would  bave  one'a  own  way,  and  carry  the 
proclamations  in  one's  pocket,  tbe  first  tbine  requisite  ia 
Dot  to  Bpeak  against  tnem  in  public.  And  for  a  poor 
rnnkeeper  who  was  of  yonr  opinion,  and  didn't  ask  the 
uame  of  any  one  «ho  nappens  to  favour  him  with  bis 
company,  do  you  know,  you  foot,  what  good  things  are  in 
store  for  him  ? — Under  pain  of  three  hundred  croanu  to 
ang  one  of  the  aforeiatd  landltrrdt,  tavem-keepert,  and 
otheri,  a*  above  ;  there  are  three  hundred  crowns  batcbed  ; 
aud  now  to  spend  tbem  well  ;  to  be  applied,  tieo-tkirdt  to 
the  rogai  ehamber,  and  the  olher  third  io  the  aeeuter  or  tn- 
■former  :  what  a  fine  bait  I  And  in  cote  of  inabilita, ^ve 
gean  in  the  gàUei/t,  and  greater  puniehment,  pecuniury  or 
eorporal,  at  the  tnll  of  hi»  Bxeelltney.  Mucb  obtiged  for 
ali  bis  favours. — 

At  these  words  the  landlord  resched  tbe  door  of  tbe 
court  of  the  high-sheriff. 

Here,  as  at  ali  the  otber  oecretAriea'  offices,  much 
business  was  goiiig  forward.  Everywhere  tbey  were 
engsged  in  ginns  sucb  orders  aa  seeraed  most  likely  to 
pre-occupv  the  ìollowing  day,  to  take  away  every  pre- 
text  for  aiacontent,  to  overcome  tbe  boidness  of  those 
who  were  anxious  for  freah  tumulta,  and  to  coufirm  pon-er 
in  the  hands  of  thoee  accuatomed  to  ezerciae  it.  Tbe 
aoldiery  round  the  house  of  the  superiutendeut  were 


,„oglc 


S74  I  FB0tfB8BI  SPOei.  [CH. 

incnued,  mtcl  the  ends  oitìte  ttreet  were  blocksded  with 
timbeo',  aad  buricaded  with  carta.  The;^  commonded  kU 
the  btkera  to  make  breod  without  interni  isBÌon,  and 
despatched  courlen  to  the  Burroundìng  country,  with 
ordera  to  «end  com  into  tbe  city  ;  whiJe  noblemen  were 
etationed  at  everjr  bakehouse,  who  repaired  thitber  earlj 
in  the  moniing  to  Buperint«ad  the  diatribution,  aod  to 
reatraia  the  factious,  hj  fair  words,  and  the  authority  of 
tbeir  preeenoe.  But  to  gire,  aa  the  a&jing  in,  one  blow 
to  the  hoop  and  another  to  the  caak,  and  to  render  their 
Ciyolin^  more  efficieut  bjr  a  little  awe,  they  thought  alao 
of  takmg  meaBures  to  •eìie  aome  one  of  the  BeaitiooB  : 
«od  thia  was  priDcipolly  the  buaineaB  of  the  high-sheriff, 
whoae  temper  towarda  the  inaurrectioii  and  the  inaup- 


geata  the  reader  may  imagine,  wben  he  is  infonned  of  the 
Tegetable  fomeotation  which  it  was  found  necessarr  to 
applf  to  one  of  the  or:gana  of  hia  metaphraical  profundìtj. 
HiB  blood-bounds  had  been  in  the  field  from  the  begin- 
iiing  of  the  riot  :  and  thia  self-atyled  Ambrogio  Fuaella 
waa,  aa  the  landlord  aaid,  a  diaguÌBed  under-aheriff,  aent 
about  for  the  express  nurpoee  of  catching  in  the  act 
aome  one  whom  he  conia  again  recognize,  wboee  motioni 
he  could  watch,  and  whom  he  could  keep  in  mind,  ao  aa 
to  aeize,  either  in  the  quiet  of  the  evening  or  ueit  mom- 
ing. ,  He  had  not  heard  four  worde  of  RenEO'a  haraogua, 
before  he  had  fized  upon  him  aa  a  capital  object — eiactlr 
hia  man,  Findine,  afterwarda,  that  he  waa  just  fresn 
from  the  country,  ne  had  attempted  the  maater-atroke  ot 
conductinf  him  at  once  to  the  priaon,  aa  the  lafeat  iun  in 
the  city;  but  bere  he  failed,  aa  we  bave  related.  He 
eonld,  howerer,  briug  back  certain  iufarmation  of  hia 
name,  aumame,  and  countrt'  ;  beeidea  a  hundred  other 
fine  conjectural  piecea  of  information  ;  ao  that  whea  the 
innkeeper  arrived  bere  to  teli  what  he  knew  of  Bepzo, 
they  were  already  better  acquainted  with  him  than  he. 
He  entered  the  naual  apartment,  and  depoBed  tbat  a 
atranger  had  arrived  at  hia  houae  to  lodge,  who  could  not 
be  pereuaded  to  declare  hia  name. 

'  xou've  dono  your  duty  in  giiìng  uà  thia  inf<»nuiiioii,' 


;dbv  Google 


XV.]  THE    BBTBOTHED.  S75 

Baid  a  crimìiuil  notiaj,  lA^iiig  Arma  his  pm:  'Bat  we 
know  it  already.' 

— A.  atrange  m, 
-  be  wonderfully  clever  ! — 

'  hnA  ve  kaoir,  too,'  contmued  tha  notaiy,  '  thia 
rorered  luune.' 

— Th«  name,  too!  how  hsve  they  managed  itF — 
thougbt  the  laudlord  again. 

'  wtt  yon,'  resumed  the  other,  witb  a  seriouB  face, 
'jou  don't  teli  ali,  candidly.' 

'  What  more  tare  I  to  say  ?  ' 

'  Ha  !  ha  !  we  know  tctt  well  thst  ihìa  fellow  bronght 
to  ^oar  imi  a  qnantitj  o^  atolen  bread — pluudered,  ao* 
qumd  bj  robbery  and  aedition.' 

'  A  man  cornee,  wìth  ooe  loaf  in  hie  pocket  ;  do  joa 
think  I  know  where  be  went  to  get  it  P  for,  to  speak  aa 
on  my  death-bed,  I  can  poaitively  affina  that  I  saw  but 
one  loaf.' 

'  Tfaere  !  alwaja  ezcnnng  and  defending  yonnelf  :  one 
would  think,  to  bear  you,  everybody  waa  honeet.  Hoff 
can  yon  prove  that  ìà»  bread  was  fiurly  obtaiued  ?  ' 

'  Wby  am  I  to  prore  it  F  I  don't  meddle  with  it  ;  I 
am  an  innkeeper.' 

'You  cannot,  howerer,  deny  that  thia  customer  of 
yoars  had  the  temerity  to  ulter  injuriouB  worda  againat 
the  proclamations,  and  to  make  improper  and  ebuneful 
jokea  on  the  arma  ot  bis  Excellency. 

'  Pardon  me,  air  :  how  can  he  be  called  my  coatomer, 
when  thia  la  the  Snt  tirae  IVe  ever  aeen  bim  P  It  waa 
the  devil  (under  your  favour)  tbat  aent  bim  to  my  house  : 
and  if  I  had  known  hìm,  you,  air,  know  well  enougb  I 
sboold  bave  had  no  occaaion  to  aak  bis  name.' 

'  Well  :  in  your  inn,  in  your  preaence,  inflammatory 
speechea  bare  been  uttered,  unadviaed  words,  seditìoua 
prapoaitiona  ;  mormnra,  grumbles,  outcriee.' 

'How  can  you  ezpect,  my  good  air,  tbat  I  ahould 
attend  to  the  extravagances  whiob  so  many  noiay  fellowB, 
talking  ali  at  the  aame  time,  may  chance  to  utter  F  I 
muat  atteod  to  my  iotelvst,  fot  l'm  only  badly  off.    And 


,c,oglc 


876  I   FR0>1SSSI    SfFOSI.  [CH. 

beiideB,  ^our  wonhìp  knows  well  euoagh  that  tliose  wbo 
are  lavigh  of  their  toDgues  are  generally  ready  vìth  tbeir 
fiata  too,  particularlf  when  there  are  so  maay  together, 
sud  .... 

'Ay,  ay  ;    leare  tbem    alone  to    talk  and    fight:    to- 
morrow  you'U  see  if  tbeir  tricka  bave  gone  out  of  tbeir  ' 
beada.     Wbat  do  ;ou  think  ?  ' 

'  I  think  aotbÌDg  about  it.' 

'  Tbat  tbe  mob  wÌU  bave  got  tbe  npper  buid  in  Milan  t  ' 

'  Ob,  just  80  !  ' 

'  We  flhaU  aee,  we  sball  see.' 

'  I  underatand  very  well  :  tbe  king  wìll  be  altraya 
king  ;  and  be  tbat  ia  fined  vili  be  fined  :  but  tbe  poor 
&ther  of  a  family  naturally  wìsbea  to  escape.  Your 
boDoara  bave  tbe  power,  and  it  belonga  to  you.' 

'  Hare  you  loany  people  atill  in  your  bouae  P  ' 

<  A  world  of  tbem.' 

'  And  thia  cuatomer  of  yours,  wbat  ia  he  doing  P  Doea 
he  atill  continue  to  be  damoroaa,  to  excite  tbe  people, 
and  arouee  aedition  ?  ' 

'That  Btranger,  your  wonbip  meana:  be'a  gooe  to 
bed.' 

'Tben,  youVe  many  people  ....  Well,  take  caro  not 
to  let  tbem  go  away.' 

— Am  I  to  be  a  conatable? — thought  the  landLord, 
witbout  replyÌDg  either  negatively  or  affirmatÌTely. 

'  Oo  home  agaio,  and  be  careful,'  reaumed  tbe  notary. 

'IVe  alwajB  been  careful.  Tour  honour  can  aay 
whetber  I  bave  ever  made  any  oppoaitìon  to  jui>tice.' 

'  Well,  well  ;  and  don't  tbink  that  juatice  has  lost  ita 
power,' 

'  1 1  !For  Hearen'e  aake  1  I  tbink  notbiiig  :  I  only 
attend  to  my  buaineaa.' 

'  The  old  aong  :  you'»©  never  anytbing  elee  to  aay.' 

'  Wbat  else  wotUd  your  worabip  bave  me  aay  P  trutb 
ie  but  one.' 

'  Well  :  we  will  remember  wbat  you  bave  deposed  ;  if 
tbe  caae  cornea  on,  you  will  bare  to  give  more  particular 
Information  to  justice  about  wbatem  tbey  may  chooae  to 
avk  you.' 


;dbv  Google 


XV.]  THB   BETHIYTHRD.  277 

'  What  c&n  I  depose  farther  P  I  know  notbing.  I  bara 
scarcely  head  eaough  to  attend  to  mj  ovq  business.' 

'  Take  care  jou  don't  let  hìm  go.' 

'  I  hope  that  bis  worebiji  tbe  high-Bherìff  will  be  in- 
fortned  that  I  carne  immedìatelj  to  dìscbarge  m^  dutf. 
Your  honour'B  humble  aervant.' 

By  break'  of  day,  Uenzo  had  been  snoring  for  about 
seveD  houTB,  snd  wae  stili,  poor  fellow,  fast  asteep,  whea 
tivo  rough  Bhakes  at  eitber  arm,  and  a  voice  at  the  foot 
of  the  bed,  calliDg,  '  Lorenzo  Tramaglino  !  '  recalled  him 
to  hÌB  lenscB.  He  shook  himaelf,  stretched  hìa  arma,  and 
with  difficulty  opeiiiMg  bis  eyea,  saw  a  man  standing 
before  him  at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  drewed  in  black,  and 
ttt'o  othera  armed,  one  on  the  rigbt  and  the  otber  on  tbe 
left  of  bis  pillow.  Betneen  Burprise,  not  being  fully 
awake,  and  the  atupidity  occasioned  by  the  wine  of  the 
night  before,  he  lay,  for  a  moment,  as  if  bewildered  ;  and 
tben,  thìnking  he  was  dreaming,  and  not  being  rery  veli 
pleased  vith  bis  dream,  he  sbook  himaelf  ao  as  to  awake 
tborougbly. 

*  Ab  1  bave  you  heard,  for  once,  Lorenzo  Tramaglino  F  ' 
Haid  the  man  wìth  the  black  cloak,  the  very  notary  of  the 
night  before.    '  Up  ;  up,  tben  ;  get  up,  and  come  wìth  uà.' 

'  Lorenzo  Tramaglino  1  '  aud  £enzo  ;  '  What  does  this 
nean  ?  Wbat  do  you  want  iritb  me  ?  Who's  told  you 
my  Dame  f  ' 

'  Lesa  talk,  and  up  with  you  directly,'  aaid  one  of  the 
bailifis  whostoodathìeside,  taking  bimagainby  thearm. 

'Ah,  eh  1  what  oppreasioa  ìb  tbia  f  '  cried  Benzo,  with- 
drawìng  bÌB  arm.     '  Londlord  !  ho,  landlord  !  ' 

'  Studi  we  carry  him  off  in  bis  shirt  ?  '  said  the  balliff 
again,  loc^cing  towards  the  notary. 

'  Did  you  bear  that  ?  '  said  he  to  Senzo  :  '  tbey'U  do 
Bo,  if  you  don't  get  up  as  quick  as  thought,  and  come 
with  UB.' 

'  And  wbat  for?  '  asked  Benzo. 

'The  what  for  you  will  bear  from  the  bigh-sberiff.' 

'  I  F  l'm  an  boneat  man  ;  l've  done  notbing;  and  l'm 
aatonisbed  ....!' 

'  So  mucb  tbe  better  for  you — bo  mucb  tbe  better  for 


,c,oglc 


S78  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

joìì  t  for  t&en  you  may  be  diicharged  wìth  two  wonlfl, 
and  may  go  about  your  owb  buaineu.' 

'Let  me  go  aow,'  eaìd  Renzo:  Tre  nothing  to  do 
with  juBtice,' 

'  Come,  let  uà  finish  tba  biuineu,'  sud  oae  of  tite 
bailifik 

'  Shall  .we  carrj  him  off F  '  aaid  the  other. 

'  LoreDEo  Tramaglino  !  '  uid  the  DOtary. 

'  How  do  you  kuow  my  name,  air  ?  ' 

'So  your  duty,'  aaid  the  notary  to  the  bailiffa,  wbo 
immedìately  laid  banda  on  Senso  to  pulì  him  out  of  bed. 

'  Hey  I  aon't  yoa  touch  a  hair  ai  an  honeet  fellow, 
ori . .  . .  I  know  how  to  dress  mysejf.' 

■  Then  dreas  youraelf,  and  get  up  dìreotly,'  aaid  the 
notary. 

'  l'm  getting  up,'  replied  Benzo  ;  and  he  begas,  in 
fact,  to  gatber  up  ttis  ofothee,  whìch  were  acattered  bere 
ood  there  on  the  bed,  lìke  the  relìca  of  a  ahipwreck  on 
the  shore.  And  beginning  to  dreaa  himBelf,  he  con- 
tinued  :  '  Bat  l'm  not  inclined  to  go  to  tho  high-aheriff, 
not  L  l've  nothing  to  do  with  him.  Since  you  unjUBtly 
put  tbia  afiront  upon  me,  I  abouid  like  to  ha  conducted 
to  Ferm.  I  know  him;  I  know  tbat  be'a  a  gentleman, 
and  he'a  under  some  obligation  to  me.' 

'  Tea,  yea,  my  good  fellow,  you  ahall  be  conducted  to 
Ferrer,' replied  the  notary.  In  other  circumatancea  he 
would  bave  laughed  heartily  st  auch  a  propoaal  ;  but 
this  waa  not  a  time  for  merriment.  In  commg  hither, 
be  bad  noticed  in  the  atreeta  a  movement  which  could 
not  eaaily  be  defined,  aa  the  remainder  of  the  old  inaur- 
rection  not  entirely  Buppreseed,  or  the  beginning  of  a 
new  one  :  the  atreeta  were  full  of  peonie,  eome  walking 
in  partiea,  some  standing  in  groupa.  And  now,  without 
seeming  to  do  ao,  or  at  leaat  trying  not  to  show  it,  he 
waa  anirioualy  liatening,  and  fancied  that  the  murmur 
continued  to  increaae.  This  made  him  deeirouB  to  get 
off;  but  he  alao  wiahed  to  take  Benzo  away  willingly 
and  quietiy  ;  aince,  if  he  bad  declared  war  againat  him, 
be  could  not  bave  been  aure,  on  reaching  the  atreet,  of 
not  fioding  three  to  one  againat  him.     He,  therefore, 


,»Ogk' 


XT.]  THS  BETKOTUXD.  S79 

vinked  at  the  Iniliflb  to  bare  patienoe,  and  not  to  irrì* 
tate  the  f  outh,  while  he  ako  endeavoiired  to  aoothe  him 
irìth  fair  words.  Benzo  buBÌed  himself,  whìle  drewing 
as  quìcklf  BB  poeiible,  in  recalliiig  the  coufused  remem- 
bronceB  of  the  day  béfore,  and  at  lut  conjeotured,  with 
tolerable  certainty,  that  the  proclamatìon,  and  the  nune 
and  Bomame,  moit  be  the  «use  of  thia  diaagreeable 
occurrence  ;  but  hov  over  dìd  this  feUov  know  bis  nameP 
And  what  on  earth  oould  bave  happened  that  night,  for 

Ì'uBtioe  to  bave  gaiaed  Bach  oonfideace  as  to  come  and 
iy  banda  an  one  of  thoM  honest  youthB  wbo,  only  the 
day  before,  had  Buch  a  voice  in  the  asBembly,  and  who 
could  Dot  ali  be  asleep  now  ?  for  he  also  obaerved  the 
increaaing  buatle  in  the  atreet.  He  looked  at  the 
'  ceuntenance  of  the  notory,  and  there  perceived  the 
irreBolution  which  he  vainly  endeavoured  to  conceal. 
At  laat,  aa  well  to  aatiafy  hia  conjecturu,  and  sound  the 
ofBcen,  aa  to  gain  tìme,  and  flven  attempi  a  hlow,  he 
■aid,  '  I  uadentand  well  enough  the  origin  of  ali  thia; 
it  la  ali  from  love  of  the  name  and  eumame.  Last  night 
I  certftinly  waa  a  little  muddled  :  theee  landlords  bave 
BometimeB  very  treacherouB  wìnea  ;  and  aometimes,  aa  I 
aay,  you  know,  when  wine  paaaeB  through  the  medium  of 
wor^  it  will  bave  its  Bay  too.  But  if  thia  ia  ali,  I  am 
now  ready  to  give  you  erery  aatiafiaction  ;  and,  béaidea, 
you  knoiT  my  name  already.  Who  on  eartb  told  yoa 
Iti" 

'  Bravo,  my  boy,  bravo  !  '  replied  the  notary,  ooazingl;; 
'I  Bee  you've  aome  aenae;  uud  believe  me,  who  am  in 
the  buameai,  that  you're  wiiiet  than  most  It  ia  the 
be«t  way  of  getting  out  of  the  difficulty  quiokly  and 
eaaily  ;  and  witb  such  good  diapoeitiona,  in  two  word* 
yoD  will  be  diamisaed  and  set  at  liberty.  Bnt  I,  do  you 
aee,  my  good  fellow,  bave  my  banda  tied;  I  canoot 
releaaa  you,  aa  I  ahould  like  to  do.  Come,  be  quick, 
and  come  along  with  a  good  beart  ;  for  wben  they  see 
who  you  a» .  .  . .  and  tben  I  will  téli ....  Leave  it  to 
me ... .  Bnoogb  ;  be  qnick,  my  good  fello».' 

'  Ah  !  you  oaiuiot  I  I  noderatand,'  aaid  BeoBO  ;  and 
he  continued  to  dreas  himael^  repulsing,  by  aigna,  the 


,„oglc 


280  I  PKOHEaSI  SPOSI.  [CH, 

intimnttoQfl  of  tbe  baili^  that  they  would  cany  hìm  off 
if  he  ven  not  very  expeditious. 

'  Shall  we  pasa  hy  the  equare  of  the  cathedral  P  ' 
aaked  he. 

'  Wbererer  you  like  ;  the  ahortest  waj,  to  set  you  the 
sooner  at  liberi}','  said  the  notarj,  vexed  in  hi»  beart, 
that  he  must  let  this  mysterioiu  inquiiy  of  Senzo's 
pass,  which  miglit  have  served  as  the  aubject  for  a  bun- 
dred  interrogati vee. — Whea  oue  ie  born  to  be  uiifor> 
tuDste  ! — 'thought  he.—Juat  see  ;  a  fellow  falla  loto  my 
banda,  who,  plainly  enough,  likea  nothiiig  better  thon 
to  talk  ;  and  if  he  couid  have  a  little  time,  he  would 
Gonfees  ali  oae  wanta,  without  the  aid  of  a  rope— «rira 
formam,  to  epeak  acade mically,  in  the  way  of  iriendly 
chit-chat  ;  the  very  man  to  take  to  priaon  readj  ez- 
amined,  without  bis  being  at  ali  aware  of  it  ;  and  he  muat 
juat  taU  into  my  banda  at  thìa  unfortunate  moment. 
Well  !  there'a  no  help  for  it, — he  continued,  Ustenìng 
attentively,  and  toaaing  hia  head  backwards — there'a  no 
remedy  ;  it'a  likely  to  be  a  worae  day  than  yeeterday. — 
"WhaC  gave  rìse  to  this  thonght,  wae  an  extraordinary 
noiae  he  heard  in  the  atreet,  and  be  could  not  reaist 
opening  the  wìndow  to  take  a  peep  at  it.  He  aaw  that 
it  was  a  group  of  citizena,  who,  on  being  required  by  a 
patrol  of  Boldiera  to  diaperae,  had  at  Srat  gìven  angry 
words  in  reply,  and  had  finally  separated  in  munnunng 
diesatisfactìon  ;  and,  what  appeared  to  the  notary  a  fatai 
aign,  the  aoldìera  behaved  to  them  with  much  civility. 
.  Having  cloaed  the  window,  he  atood  for  a  moment  in 
perplezity,  whether  he  shonld  finish  his  undertaktug,  or 
leave  Benzo  in  the  care  of  the  two  bailiffe,  while  he  nm 
to  the  high-aheriff  to  gtve  bim  an  account  of  hia  difficulty. 
— But, — thought  he,  directly, — they'U  aet  me  down  fora 
coward,  a  baae  raacal,  wbo  ougbt  to  execute  ordere.  We 
are  in  the  ball-room,  and  we  muat  dance.  Curae  the 
throng  !     What  a  miaerable  buaineaa  ! — 

Senzo  now  atood  between  the  two  aatellites,  baving  one 
on  eacb  side  ;  the  notary  beckoned  to  them  uot  to  uae  too 
mucb  force,  and  aaid  to  biro,  '  Oourage,  like  agoodièUow  ; 
let  US  be  off,  and  make  baste.' 


byCOO'^IC 


XT.]  THB   BBTROTHED.  281 

Beiuo,  howerer,  waa  feeling,  looking,  thìnkìns.  He 
wos  now  entirely  dresaed,  eicepting  bis  jacket,  waicb  be 
held  in  ane  band,  aad  feeling  with  the  otlier  in  bis  pockets  ; 
'  O  bo  !  '  aaid  be,  looking  st  the  notary  vith  a  very  sigaiGcaDt 
expreBsioa  ;  '  bere  tbere  were  aome  pence,  BJid  aletter,  mj 
good  BÌr  !  ' 

'  Everything  abolì  be  punctually  reetored  to  jou,'  aaid 
tbe  notarj,  '  wben  tbeee  few  formalities  are  properly  eie* 
cuted.     Let  ub  gè,  tet  uà  go.' 

'Su,  uo,  no,'  «aid Benso,  sbaking  bia  head,  'that  won't 
do  ;  I  waat  my  money,  my  good  air.  I  will  give  an  ac- 
count of  my  doicffs  j  but  X  want  my  money' 

'  1*11  ebow  you  that  I  trust  you  ;  bere,  ana  be  quick,'  aaid 
tbe  notary,  drawing  out  of  bia  bosom  tbe  sequeetered 
articlea,  and  hondiiig  them  to  Henzo  with  a  sigb.  Renzo 
received  them,  and  put  tbem  into  bis  pocket,  muttering 
between  bis  teetb  :  '  Stand  off!  you've  aseociatod  bo  mucb 
witb  tbieres,  that  you've  teamt  a  bttle  of  tbeir  buBÌness.' 
The  baihlfa  could  no  longer  reetrain  tbeir  ìmpatience,  but 
the  notary  curbed  tbem  witb  a  glance,  gaying  to  bimsel^ 
— If  tbou  succeedeat  in  setting  foot  witbin  that  thresbold, 
tbou  abalt  pay  for  this  with  interest,  that  tbou  sbalt. — 

While  Benzo  was  putting  oa  bis  jacket,  and  takiug  up 
bis  hat,  the  notary  beckoned  to  one  of  the  bailiffs  to  leaa 
tbe  way  down-atairs  ;  the  prisoner  carne  uext  behìnd  him, 
then  the  other  kind  friend,  and  he  bimself  brought  up  tbe 
rear.  On  reachingthe  kìtchen,  and  while  Benzo  was  eay* 
ing  :  '  And  this  blesaed  landlord,  where  is  he  &ed  to  ?  '  tb« 
not&ry  made  a  aign  to  the  two  police-o£Gc;era,  wbo,  seizing 
each  a  band,  proceeded  baatily  to  secure  bis  wrists  with 
certain  inatrumenta,  called,  in  tbe  hypocritical  figures  of 
euphemiam,  n^iet — in  ploin  language,  bandcu&s.  These 
consiated — we  are  sorry  that  we  are  obliged  to  dftsceud  to 
particul^  unwortby  of  bistorical  gravity,  but  [>erapicuity 
nrquires  it — they  consiated  of  a  amali  cord,  a  Iittie  longer 
than  the  usuai  eize  of  a  wrist,  baving  at  tbe  cada  two 
little  bita  of  wood — two  talliea,  so  to  say — -two  amali 
atraight  pegs.  The  cord  encircied  tbe  wrìst  of  the  patient  ; 
tbe  pieces  of  wood,  passed  througb  the  middle  and  tbird 
finge»,  were  sbut  up  in  the  band  of  tbe  captor,  so  that  by 


,c,oglc 


«1.  [CH. 

tinstìng  tliem,  he  could  tighten  the  huidage  Kt  pleasure  ; 
and  thua  he  posseseed  means,  not  only  of  aecuriDg  faie  pri- 
Boner,  but  aleo  of  torturÌDg  the  refntctory  ;  to  do  irhich 
more  effectually,  the  cord  was  full  of  knota. 

SfliiEO  Btruggled,  and  ciied,  '  What  tieacher;  Ìb  thù  ? 
To  an  honest  man  I  .  .  .  .' 

But  the  notary,  who  had  tàir  words  at  haad  on  erery 
diaagreeable  occaeiou,  replìed,  '  Hare  patience,  th^  only 
do  their  duty,  What  would  you  bave  ?  They  are  only 
fonnalitiefl  ;  and  we  can't  alnays  treat  people  as  we  would 
wiah.  If  we  don't  do  as  we're  bid,  it  will  fare  badly  with 
US,  and  worse  with  you.     Have  patience  I  ' 

While  he  was  sp^iking,  the  two  bailiffs  gave  a  sudden 
twìtoh  at  the  handcuffs.  Benso  bore  it  as  a  restive 
borse  beara  the  jerk  of  a  uevere  bit,  and  exclaimed, 
'  Patience  !  ' 

'  Brave  youth  I  '  said  the  notary  ;  '  this  is  the  best  way 
of  getting  off  welL  What  would  you  havef  It  is  an 
annoyance,  I  know;  but  if  you  behave  well,  you'll  verr 
eoon  be  rìd  of  it.  And,  since  I  see  that  yau're  weli- 
disposed,  and  I  feel  inclined  to  help  you,  l'il  give  you 
another  little  piece  of  advice  for  your  good.  You  niay 
believe  me,  for  l'm  practieed  in  theee  matterà  ; — go 
straightforward,  witbout  lookìng  about,  or  attracting 
obaervation  ;  n  no  one  will  notice  you,  no  one  will  observe 
what  you  are,  and  you  will  preeerre  your  honour.  An 
bour  henoe  you  will  be  set  at  liberty.  Thare  is  so  much 
to  be  done,  that  theyv  too,  will  be  in  a  hurry  to  have  done 
with  you  ;  and,  beeides,  I  will  apeak  ....  You  shall  go 
about  your  own  business,  and  nobody  wOl  know  that 
you've  been  in  the  banda  of  justice.  And  you,'  con- 
tinued  he,  tuming  to  the  two  bailifi^  witb  a  severe 
countenance,  '  take  care  you  don't  do  him  any  hann  ;  far 
I  wiU  protect  him.  Tou  are  obliged  to  do  your  duty; 
but  remember  that  this  ia  an  honest  man,  a  cìvil  youth, 
who  will  shortly  be  at  liberty,  and  who  has  some  regard 
for  hia  honour.  Let  nothing  appear  but  that  you  are 
three  honest  menwalking  together.'  And,  in  an  impera- 
tive tone,  and  with  a  threateuing  look,  he  concluded  : 
'  Tou  iinderstaad  me  i*  '     He  tben  turned  to  Benio,  his 


,»oglc 


XV.]  THE    RETROTHED.  283 

brow  smootbed,  and  bis  &oe  rendered,  in  an  inttaot,  more 
cheerful  and  pleaaant,  wbìob  seemed  to  uy,  '  What  oapitnl 
frìends  we  are  !  '  and  whùpered  to  him  again,  'Becaroful; 
do  aa  I  teli  yon;  don't  look  about  vou;  trust  one  wbo 
wishes  70U  well;  and  now  let  ub  go.*  Ajid  tbe  convoy 
moved  off. 

BeiiEo,  howerer,  believed  none  of  tbese  fine  vocila  ; 
nor  that  tbe  notary  wished  bim  well  more  than  tbe  baìliffs, 
noF  tbat  be  was  so  migbty  anxious  about  bis  reputation, 
nop  that  he  bad  any  intention  of  helping  bim  ;  not  a  word 
of  oli  thifl  did  be  believe  :  he  unaerstood  veli  enough 
that  tbe  good  man,  fearìng  some  farourable  opportunità 
for  makìng  bis  escape  might  present  itself  in  tbe  way,  laìd 
before  bim  ali  these  flatterin^  indù  cerne  Dts,  to  di*ert  bim 
from  watcbiug  for  and  profiting  bj  it.  So  that  ali  these 
esbortatìons  serred  no  other  purpose  than  to  detennine 
Senso  more  decidedljon  a  course  wbich  bebad  indistìnctly 
meditated,  tìz.  to  act  eiactly  controry  to  them. 

Let  no  one  hereby  conclude  tbat  tbe  notary  irae  an 
inexperienced  norìce  in  bis  trade,  for  he  will  be  much 
deceived.  Our  historian,  who  seetna  to  bave  been  amon^ 
bis  frienda,  says  tbat  he  waa  a  matriculated  knave;  but  at 
thìs  moment  bis  mind  wae  greatly  agitated.  Witbacalm 
mind,  I  venture  to  say,  be  would  bave  laugbed  at  any  one 
wbo,  to  induce  otbers  to  do  somethìng  irìiìch  he  himself 
mistrusted,  would  have  gone  about  to  suggest  and  incul- 
cate it  so  eagerly,  under  the  mieerable  preCence  of  giving 
him  the  disinterested  advice  of  a  fnend.  But  it  ii  a 
general  tendency  of  mankind,  wben  tbey  are  agitated  and 
perplezed,  and  dìscem  «bat  another  can  do  to  relìere 
them  from  tbeir  perplexities,  to  imploro  it  of  him  eagerly 
and  perseTeringly,  and  under  ali  tunda  of  preteste  -,  and 
when  villains  are  agitated  and  perpleied,  tbe^  alao  fall 
under  this  common  mie.  Hence  it  ia  tbat,  in  mmilar 
ctrcumstances,  tbey  generally  make  so  poor  a  figure. 
Thoae  masterly  inventìons,  thoae  ounning  subtleties,  by 
wbioh  tbey  are  aocustomed  to  conquer,  wbich  bare  bé~ 
oome  to  tbam  almost  a  second  nature,  and  whicb,  put  in 
operation  at  the  proper  tìme,  and  conducted  with  tbe 
y  tranquillity  and  sereuity  of  mind,  Btiike  a  blow 


281  I    FK0HKS81    SPOSI.  [CH. 

BO  Biirely  and  secretly,  and,  diacovered  eren  after  the 
success,  receive  such  uiiLverBftl  applsuie  ;  these,  when 
tbeir  unlucky  employen  are  in  trouble,  are  haetily  and 
tumultuo ualy  made  use  of,  without  either  judginent  or 
dexterìty;  so  that  a  third  party,  vho  obserTCS  them 
labourìng  and  busying  themselves  in  tbis  manner,  ìs 
moved  to  compasBÌou  or  provoked  to  laughter  ;  and  tbose 
whom  thej  attempt  to  impo«e  upon,  though  lesa  crafCy 
than  themseWee,  easily  perceive  the  game  they  are  pUy- 
ing,  and  gain  light  irom  tbeir  artifices,  which  may  be 
tumed  againat  them.  It  can  never,  therefore,  be  sufficì- 
ently  ìncu]cated  upon  knaves  by  professiou,  always  to 
maintain  tbeir  tangjroid,  or,  what  ib  better  stili,  never  to 
get  themselves  into  perpìesing  circumstances. 

No  Booner,  therefore,  were  tbey  io  the  Street,  thaa 
Benzo  began  to  look  eagerly  in  every  direction,  throwing 
bimself  about,  bending  bis  head  forward,  and  listening 
attentively.  Tbere  waa,  howerer,  no  eitraordinary  oon- 
course  ;  and  though  a  certain  air  of  sedition  might  easUy 
be  dÌBcerned  on  the  face  of  more  than  one  passer-by,  yet 
every  one  went  straight  on  bis  way  ;  and  of  sedition, 
properly  speaking,  then  waa  none. 

'  Fruaence  I  prudence  1  '  murmured  the  notary,  behind 
bis  back  :  '  Tour  honour,  your  reputation,  my  good 
fellon-  !  '  But  when  B«nzo,  lìstenine  to  three  men  who 
TereapproacbingwithexcitedlookB,heard  tbem  speaking 
of  abake-bouse,  concealed  flour,  and  justiee,  he  began  to 
make  signs  at  tbem  by  bis  looks,  and  to  cough  in  Buch  a 
way  aa  indìcated  anytEiiag  but  a  cold.  Theee  looked  more 
attentively  at  the  convoy,  and  thea  stopped  ;  others  who 
carne  up  stopped  also  ;  otbers  who  had  paesed  by,  tumed 
round  on  hearing  the  noise,  and  retracing  their  stepa, 
joìned  the  party. 

'Take  careof  yourself;  prudence,  my  lad;  it  ìb  worse 
for  yoo,  you  see;  don't  apoil  ali:  honour,  reputation,' 
wbispered  the  notary.  Benzo  was  stili  more  intractable. 
The  DailifTs,  after  Consulting  with  eacb  otber  by  a  look, 
and  thinking  the^  were  doing  quite  rigbt,  (everybody  is 
liable  to  err^  again  twisted  the  manacles. 

'Ah!  ahi  abt'  cried  the   tortured  victìm:   the  by- 


,l)OglC 


XT.]  THE    BETROTHRD,  285 

standera  gathered  dose  round  at  the  cry  ;  othera  anrtved 
from  ererr  part  of  the  Street,  and  the  convoy  carne  to  a 
stand.  '  He  ìb  a  diasolute  fellow,'  whispered  the  notaiy 
to  those  who  had  gatbered  around  :  '  A  thtef  taken  in 
the  act  !    Draw  back  and  make  way  for  juatice  1  '    But 


Senzo,  Beeicg  this  waa  the  loomeut — seeiug  the  bailìfla 
tura  whìte,  or  at  leaat  pale, — If  I  don't  help  myself  now, 
— thought  he, — it'a  my  own  fault. — And  he  immediately 
called  out,  '  My  frienda  !  they  are  carrying  me  off,  becauae 
yeaterday  I  ehouted  "  Bread  and  justice  !  "  I'»e  dona 
notbing;  I  am  an  honeat  man!  help  me;  don't  abandon 
me,  my  friende  !  ' 

A  murmur  of  approbation,  followed  by  more  axplicit 
crìes  in  bis  favour,  arose  in  reply  ;  the  b&iliffa  first  com- 
manded,  tben  asked,  tben  begged  tbe  nearest  to  make 
way  and  let  them  pass  ;  but  the  crowd  only  continued 
Btill  more  to  trample  and  puah  forward.  Tbe  baiiiffs,  aeeinff 
tbeir  danger,  letgooftbe  manaclee,  and  only  endeavoured 
to  lose  themselves  In  tbe  throng,  bo  aa  to  eacape  without 
obscrvation.  The  notary  eamestly  longed  to  do  the 
■ame  ;  but  thia  was  more  difficult,  on  account  of  bis  black 
cloak.  The  poor  man,  pale  in  face  and  dismayed  in  beart, 
tried  to  make  bimself  as  diminutive  as  poesible,  and 
writhed  bia  body  about  aa  as  to  slip  away  through  the 
crowd  ;  but  he  could  not  raiae  bis  eyea,  without  seeing  a 
storm  gathering  agauiet  bim.    He  tried  every  metbod  of 


A.ooni, 


886  1    FSOUESST   SPOSI.  [CH. 

ftppeuing  ft  atranger  who,  pauing  there  hj  ch&oce,  had 
fovmd  hinuelf  entaogled  in  tlie  orowd,  like  a  bit  of  straw 
in  the  ice;  and  encoimterìng  a  man  face  to  face,  who 
looked  at  bim  fixedlj  with  a  more  terrible  countenance 
than  the  othen,  he,  compoaing  bis  face  to  a  amile,  with  a 
look  of  great  simplicity,  demanded,  '  What  ia  ali  tbis  atir  p  ' 
'  Uh  r  you  ngly  raven  I  '  replied  the  man.  '  A  raren  ! 
araven!'  reaounded  around.  Puahea  were  added  to  enea  ; 
■0  that,  iu  short,  partly  with  hia  own  lege,  partiy  hj  the 
elbowa  of  otbers,  he  obtaiued  wbat  lar  neareat  to  hia 
heart  at  that  moment,  a  aafe  exit  &om  the  pressing  mul- 
titude. 


;dbv  Google 


XVI.]  THE   BSmOTHSD, 


GEAPTEB  XVI. 

1  SCAPE,  eacape,  my  good  fellow!  bere  ia  a 
'  1  convent  ;  tbere  ìb  a  church  ;  this  waf,  that 
way,'  waa  heard  by  ReuEO  ou  every  siae.  Aa 
to  eacapiiiK.  tbe  reader  may  judge  whether 
he  woiud  Dare  need  of  advice  od  this  head. 
Troni  the  first  moment  that  the  hope  a£  extrioating  him- 
self  &om  the  taloni  of  the  polioe  had  croeaed  bis  minjj, 
he  bad  begnn  to  form  hÌB  plani,  and  leaolved,  if  he  euo- 
eeeded  in  tbis  one,  to  flee  without  delay,  not  only  out  of 
the  city,  but  also  out  of  the  duchy  of  Milan. — For, — 
tbougbt  he, — they  bave  my  name  on  their  black  booka, 
bowerer  on  earth  tbey'Te  got  it  ;  and  wìth  mr  name  and 
sumame,  tbey  can  seiEe  me  whenever  they  like.— Ab  to 
aa  asylum,  he  wonld  not  willìngly  bave  recourae  to  one, 
unleas,  indeed,  he  were  reduced  to  eztremity  ; — For,  if  I 
eao  be  a  bird  of  the  woods, — tbougbt  be  agam, — I  won't 
be  a  bird  of  the  cage, — He  bad  therefore  designed  aa  bia 
limit  and  place  of  refuge,  a  village  in  the  territory  of 
Bergamo,  wbere  bis  couBÌn  Bortolo  reBÌded,  who,  tbe 
reader  may  remember,  bad  frequently  solicited  Beuzo  to 
remore  thither.  But  now  the  point  waa  how  to  flnd  hìs 
way  there.  Left  in  an  unknowD  part  of  a  city  almost 
equally  unknown,  Benso  could  not  eren  teli  by  wbich 
gate  be  should  pasa  to  go  to  Bergamo  ;  and  vben  he  had 
leamt  tbiB,  he  Btill  dia  not  know  the  way  to  the  gate. 
He  Btood  for  a  moment  in  doubt  whetber  to  ask  direction 
of  biB  liberatore  ;  but  as,  in  the  short  time  be  had  had 
tbr  reSection  on  bis  circumBtaDceB,  many  strong  suapì- 
ciona  bad  croased  bis  mind  of  that  obliging  sword-cutler, 
tbe  fatber  of  four  children,  be  waa  not  mucb  inclined  to 
l0fMl  bla  mt«ationa  to  a  larg«  crowd,  wher«  there  might 


S8S  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  l'jR. 

be  othen  of  the  same  etamp  ;  he  quickl^  decided,  there- 
tòre,  to  get  awaj  hom  that  neÌKhhòurhood  aa  fast  aa  he 
could  ;  aod  he  might  afterwarae  aak  bis  irar  in  a  parC 
where  nohody  would  know  who  he  wa»,  or  why  he  a^ed 
it.  Merely  saying,  then,  to  bis  deliverera,  '  I^iank  jou, 
thank  YOu,  my  frìends  :  bleasioga  on  jou  !  '  and  eBCaping 
through  the  apace  that  waa  immediately  cleared  for  bini, 
be  took  to  hÌB  heeU,  and  off  he  went,  up  one  little  Street, 
and  down  anotber,  running  for  eome  time  without  know- 
ìng  whitber.  When  be  thought  he  was  far  enough  off, 
he  elackened  bis  pace,  not  to  excite  Buapicìon,  and  began 
looking  round  to  chooae  some  pereon  of  wbom  be  couid 
make  inquirìea — some  face  that  would  ìnapire  confidence. 
But  bere,  alao,  there  was  need  of  caution.  The  inquiry 
in  itself  was  suspiciouB  ;  tìme  preseed  ;  the  bailiffs,  irnme- 
diately  ou  making  tfaeir  escape  From  thìa  rencontre,  would, 
nndoubtedly,  renew  their  search  of  the  fugitive  ;  the 
rumour  of  hia  flight  might  even  bave  reached  hither  ;  and 
in  such  a  concourae,  Benzo  migbt  carefully  ecrutinize-  a 
dosen  phyaiognoinies,  before  he  could  meet  with  a  coun< 
tenance  that  seemed  likely  to  suit  bis  purpoae.  That  fat 
fellow,  standing  at  tbe  door  of  bis  snop,  with  lega  ex- 
teuded,  and  hia  banda  behind  bis  back,  tbe  prominent 
corpulency  of  bia  person  projecting  beyond  the  doorway, 
ano  aupporting  bia  great  doublé  chin  ;  who,  from  mere 
idleneaa,  waa  employing  biraself  in  altemately  raising  bis 
tremendoua  bulk  upon  bia  toes,  and  letting  it  aink  again 
upon  hia  heela — be  looked  too  much  lìke  an  ìnquiBÌtÌTe 
gosaip,  who  would  bave  returned  interrogatoriea  inatead 
of  replies.  That  otber,  advancing  with  fiied  eyes  and  a 
drooping  lip,  inatead  of  heing  abje  expeditiously  and 
aatiafactorily  to  direct  anotber  in  bia  way,  acarcely  aeemed 
to  know  hia  own.  That  taU,  atout  bay,  who,  to  aay  the 
truth,  certainly  U>oked  intelligent  enough,  appeared  also 
rather  malicioualy  inclined,  and  probably  would  bave 
taken  a  miacbierous  delight  in  sending  a  poor  atranger 
eiactly  the  oppoaite  way  to  tbe  one  ne  waa  inquiring 
a^r-  So  true  la  it  tbat,  to  a  man  in  perplezìty,  aloiost 
everything  seema  to  be  a  new  perplexity  I  At  laet,  fixing 
bia  eyes  ou  one  wbo  waa  appraaching  in  evident  baste, 


,»Ogk' 


SVI.]  TUE  BBTBOTH£D.  289 

he  thought  tbat  he,  haring  probabt^  some  preBBÌng  busi- 
ueSB  in  Dsad,  would  gìve  an  immediate  and  direct  anawer, 
to  get  rìd  of  him  ;  and  hearing  him  talking  to  himself,  he 
deemed  that  he  must  be  an  undesigning  peraon.  He, 
therefore,  accosted  him  with  the  queation,  '  Will  you  be 
goed  enough  to  teli  me,  air,  whicb  direction  I  should  tafce 
to  go  to  Bergamo  ?  ' 

'  To  go  to  Bergamo  ?     The  Porta  Orientale.' 
'  Thank  70U,  sir  :  and  to  the  Porta  Orientale  P  ' 
'  Take  tbis  Street  to  the  left  ;  you  will  come  out  into 
the  aquare  of  the  cathedra!  ;  thea  .  .  .  .' 

'That  will  do,  air;  I  know  the  reat.  Heaven  reward 
yon.'  And  on  he  went  hj  the  w&j  that  had  been  pointed 
out  to  him.  Hìb  director  looked  siter  him  for  a  moment,  ■ 
and  comparing  in  his  mind  bis  waj  of  walking,  with  the 
inquirj,  thought  within  himself, — Eìtherhe  ìa  after  eome- 
body,  or  eomebody  ia  after  him. — 

Benzo  reacbed  the  aquare  of  the  cathedral,  crosaed  it, 
paased  bj  a  heap  of  cinders  and  extinguished  combusti- 
oles,  and  recognized  the  relics  of  the  bonSre  at  which  he 
had  asaiated  the  day  before  ;  he  then  pasaed  along  the 
flight  of  Btepa  leading  up  to  the  cathedra!,  and  aaw  again 
the  bake-hoQse  of  the  Crutchea  balf  demoliahed,  and 
guarded  by  soldiers  ;  atill  he  proceeded  onward,  and,  by- 
the  Street  which  he  had  alreadj  traveraed  with  the  crowd, 
arrived  in  front  of  the  convent  of  the  Capuchins,  wbere, 

flancing  at  the  aquare  and  the  church'door,  he  said  to 
imaelf  with  a  deep  sigh  : — That  &iar  yeaterday  gave  me 
good  adrice,  when  ne  bid  me  go  wait  in  the  churcb,  and 
employ  myaelf  prafitably  there, — 

Here  he  stopped  a  moment  to  reconnoitre  ine  gate 
through  which  he  had  to  pass;  and  aeeing,  even  at  that 
diatance,  many  aoldiera  on  giurd,  his  imagination  alao 
being  rather  overatrained,  (one  must  pity  him  ;  for  he  had 
had  enough  to  unaettle  it,}  he  felt  a  kind  of  repugnance  at 
encountering  the  paasage.  Eere  he  was,  witli  a  place  of 
refiige  dose  at  band,  wbere,  with  the  letter  of  recoromenda- 
tion,  he  would  bave  been  welt  reoeived  ;  and  he  felt  atrongly 
terapted  to  enter  it.  But  he  quickly  summoned  up  his 
courage,  and  thought  ;— A  bird  of  the  woods,  as  long  aa  I 


290  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

cau.  Who  knows  me  P  Gertainlj  the  baOiffs  c&naot  bave 
divided  themselves  into  enongh  piecee  to  come  sud  watch 
for  me  at  eveiT  gate.- — He  looKed  behind  him  tosee  if  they 
were  comiug  m  tbat  directioD,  and  saw  neither  them,  sor 
any  ose  who  aeemed  to  be  taking  notice  of  him.  He, 
therefore,  set  off  again,  elackened  tbe  pace  of  thoBe  nnfor- 
tunate  lege  wbicb,  nìtb  their  own  good  will,  would  bave 
kept  constautly  oa  the  run,  wheu  it  wae  much  better  only 
to  walk  ;  and,  proceedìng  leisurety  along,  vhÌBtling  in  an 
nnder-tone,  be  armed  at  tbe  gate.  Just  at  tbe  enti-ance 
there  waa  a  party  of  police-officere,  together  witb  a  «in- 
forcement  of  Spaniab  Boldiera  jbut  tbcBoallbadtheit  atten- 
tion  directed  to  tbe  outside,  to  forbid  entrance  to  aucb  bs, 
bearing  tbe  news  of  an  inBUrrectìou,  nould  flock  tbitber  liko 
TiUtnreB  to  a  deaerted  field  of  battle  ;  so  tbat  Eenio,  quietly 
walking  on,  witb  hia  eyea  bent  to  the  ground,  and  with  a 
gait  betweea  tbat  of  a  traveller  and  a  common  paesenger, 
paesed  the  thresbold  without  any  one  speaking  a  word  to 
idm  :  but  bis  beart  beat  Tioleutiy.  Seetng  a  Uttle  etreet 
to  the  right,  betook  tbat  way  to  avoid  tbe  high  road,  and 
cwttinued  bis  coune  for  some  time  before  he  Tentured  to 
look  round. 

On  he  went  ;  be  carne  to  cottagea  and  villages,  wbicb 
he  passed  without  aBking  tbeir  namee  :  be  felt  certaio  of 

eg  away  from  Milan,  and  hoped  be  wm  going  towards 
_  moi  and  tbìi  was  enough  for  him  at  present.  From 
time  to  time  he  kept  glancing  behind  bim,  while  walking 
onwarda,  occaBiooallywokiDgatand  rubbing  one  or  other 
of  bis  wriats,  wbicb  ware  stili  a  little  benumbed,  and 
marked  witb  a  red  line  from  the  pressure  of  the  manacles, 
Hù  thoughts  were,  as  every  one  may  imagine,  a  confuaed 
medley  of  repentance,  dispute»,  disquietude,  revenge,  and 
'  otber  more  tender  feelings  ;  it  wae  a  wearying  endeavour 
to  recali  what  be  had  said  and  done  tbe  night  before,  te  un.- 
ravel  tbe  mysteriaus  part  of  bis  moumful  adventures,  and, 
above  ali,  bow  they  had  managed  to  discover  bis  name. 
HÌ8  siupicionB  oaturally  fell  on  the  sword-cutler,  to  wbom 
he  remembered  baviog  spoken  very  frankly.  And  retrao- 
ing  the  way  in  wbicb  be  nad  drawn  bim  into  converaatìm, 
together  witb  bis  wbole  bebaviour,  and  tbose  proSerB  which 


;dbv  Google 


im.]  THB   BKTKOTHBD.  £91 

always  ended  in  wishing  to  know  aometbing  about  him, 
bis  Huspicioiu  were  changed  olmoat  to  certaintjr.  He  bad, 
besideB,  some  faint  recollection  of  continuing  to  chatter 
after  the  departure  of  the  cutler  ;  but  with  Thom  F  guees 
ìt,  ye  crìcketB  ;  of  what  P  hia  memory,  apite  of  bis  efforta, 
could  uot  tfill  bim  tbis  :  ìt  could  oidj  remiod  hìm  tbat 
be  bad  net  been  at  ali  himaelf  that  evening.  The  poor 
fellow  waa  lost  in  tbese  apeculationa  ;  be  was  like  a  man 
vbo  bas  afBxed  bia  BÌe:nature  to  a  uumber  of  blank  for* 
mulffi,  and  committed  tbem  to  the  care  of  one  he  esteemed 
honest  and  bonourable,  and  baTÌng  diacoveied  bim  to  be  a 
Bbuffling  meddler,  wishea  to  aacertaia  the  atate  of  bia  affaira. 
Wbat  caa  he  dlscover  P  It  is  a  chaos.  Aiiother  painfnl 
specnlation  was  bow  to  form  some  deai^  for  tbe  future 
tbat  would  not  be  a  mere);  aérìal  project,  oc  at  least  a 
melancholy  one. 

B^  and  by,  however,  he  became  stili  more  anxious  about 
findmg  hÌB  way  ;  and  after  walking  for  some  diatance  at  a 
venture,  be  saw  the  neceasity  of  making  aome  inquiriea. 
Tet  he  felt  particularly  reìuctant  to  utter  the  word 
'Bergamo,'  as  if  there  were  something  suspiciona  or  dan- 
gerous  in  tbe  name,  and  could  not  bring  bimself  to  pro- 
nounce  it.  He  reaolved,  bowerer,  to  aak  direction,  aa  he 
bad  before  done  at  Milan,  of  tbe  first  pasaenger  wboae 
couiit«naDce  suited  big  faiicy,  and  he  aborlly  met  with  one. 

'Tou  are  out  of  the  róed,'  replied  faie  guide;  and 
haviag  tbought  a  moment,  be  pointed  out  to  bim,  partly 
by  worda  and  partly  by  gesturea,  tbe  way  be  ahould  take 
io  regain  tbe  bigb  road.  fienzo  thanked  bim  for  bis 
directiona,  and  pretended  to  follow  tbem,  by  actually 
taking  tbe  way  ne  bad  iadicated,  witb  the  intention  of 
almoat  reacbine  tbe  public  road,  and  tben,  without  loaing 
aight  of  it,  to  keep  parallel  with  ita  courae  aa  far  aa  poa- 
sihle,  but  Dot  to  aet  foot  within  it.  Tbe  design  waa  easier 
to  conceive  than  to  e&ect,  and  tbe  reault  waa,  tbat,  by 
going  thus  from  right  to  left  in  a  zisERg  course,  p^ly 
following  tbe  directiona  be  obtained  Dy  tbe  way,  partly 
correcting  tbem  by  hia  own  judgment,  and  adapting  them 
to  hia  intentioDB,  and  partly  allowing  bimaelf  to  be 
guided  by  tbe  lanea  he  traveraed,  our  fugitive  bad  walked 


,c,oglc 


SS2  I    FBOHESSI   SPORT.  [CK. 

Serhaps  twelve  miles,  whea  he  was  not  more  than  aix 
istant  from  Milan;  and  aa  to  Bergamo,  it  was  a  great 
chance  if  he  were  not  going  away  from  it.  He  began  at 
last  to  perceÌTe  that  bjthiH  method  he  would  never  come 
to  an  end,  and  determined  to  Snd  out  some  remedy.  The 
pton  that  occuired  to  hJB  mind  was  to  get  the  name  ot 
some  villsBe  bordering  on  the  confines,  which  he  could 
reach  by  the  neighbourìng  roads  :  and  by  aaking  hU  Tay 
thither,  he  could  collect  informatiou,  without  leaving  be- 
hind  bim  the  name  of  Bergamo,  wbtch  aeemed  to  hun  to 
savour  bo  strongly  of  flight,  eecape,  and  crime. 

While  ruminatÌDg  on  the  beet  way  of  obtainìng  these 
instructiouB  without  excìting  Buepìcion,  he  saw  a  bush 
haDgiug  over  the  door  of  a  Bolltary  cottage  just  outside  a 
little  vnia^.  He  had  for  some  timo  felt  the  need  of  re- 
crujting  hia  atrength,  and  tbinkiug  that  thia  would  he  the 
place  to  Berve  two  pui*poaea  at  once,  he  entored.  There 
waa  no  one  wìthin  but  an  old  woman,  with  her  distaff  at 
her  eide,  and  the  spindle  in  her  band.  He  aaked  for 
Bomething  to  eat,  and  waa  ofiered  a  little  itraechino'  and 
Bome  good  wine  ;  he  gladl^  accepted  the  food,  but  ezcuaed 
bimself  {rom  taking  aoy  wine,  feeling  quìte  an  abhorrence 
of  it,  after  the  errors  it  bad  inade  him  gnil^  of  the  night 
before  ;  and  then  eat  down,  be^ng  the  old  woman  to 
make  haate.  Bhe  served  up  hia  meal  in  a  moment,  and 
then  began  to  tease  her  customer  with  inquiriea,  both 
abont  bimeelf,  and  the  grand  doinga  at  Milan,  the  report 
of  wbich  had  already  reached  bere.  Senio  not  only  con- 
trived  to  parry  and  elude  her  inquiriea  with  much  dex- 
terity,  but  even  profited  by  the  dimculty,  and  mede  the 
curiosity  of  the  old  woman  subaervient  to  bis  intentìona, 
when  ehe  aaked  him  where  he  waa  going  to. 

'I  bave  to  go  to  many  places,'  replied  he:  'and  if  I 
can  find  a  moment  of  time,  I  wuit  to  paaa  a  little  while  at 
that  TÌllage,.T&ther  a  large  one,  on  the  road  to  Bergamo, 
near  the  bordar,  but  in  the  territory  of  Milan  . .  .  What 
do  they  cali  it?' — There  must  be  one  there,  aureiy,— 
tbought  he,  in  the  meau  while. 

'  Gorgonzola  you  mean,'  replied  the  old  woman. 
*  A  Vicd  of  Kft;j}ieeiB. 


ivCoO'^lc 


XTI,]  THE    BETBOTHBD.  203 

'  Qorgonzols  1  '  repeated  Benzo,  ae  if  to  impriot  the 
word  better  on  his  memory.  '  la  it  very  far  from  bere  P  ' 
reflumed  he. 

'  I  doo't  know  eiactìj  ;  ìt  may  be  ten  or  twelve  mileB. 
If  ooe  of  ntj  soQH  were  here,  he  could  teli  you.' 

'  Àud  do  you  thiak  I  can  go  by  theee  ple&sant  lanes 
without  takmg  the  high  roadP  There  ìb  sucb  a  dust 
tbere  !  such  a  BDocking  duat  !   It'B  so  Long  since  it  raiaed  !  ' 

'I  bncy  you  can  :  you  caa  ask  at  tlie  firat  village  you 
come  to,  after  tumiug  to  the  rìgUt.'    And  she  named  it. 

'Tbst'BTell,' Baid  IUdzo;  and  risin^,  he  took  in  hia 
band  a  piece  of  hread  remaining  from  hu  acanty  meaJ,  of 
a  very  aifiereut  quality  to  that  whicb  be  bad  found  the 
day  before  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  of  San  Dionigi  ;  and 
paying  the  reckoning,  be  set  off  again,  following  the  road 
to  the  right  band.  By  taking  care  not  to  wander  from  it 
more  than  w&a  needful,  and  with  the  name  of  Gorgon- 
sola  in  bis  moutb,  be  proceeded  from  village  to  village, 
unti),  about  an  bour  berore  aunset,  be  arrived  tbere. 

Durìng  biB  walk,  he  bad  reaolved  to  make  another  atop 
here,  and  to  take  aome  rather  more  subatantial  refresb- 
ment.  Hia  body  also  craved  a  httle  reet  ;  but  rather  than 
gratify  tbia  deaire,  'Remo  would  bave  aunk  in  a  swoon 
upon  the  ground.  He  propoaed  gaining  aome  information 
at  the  inn  about  the  cuatance  of  the  Adda,  to  ascertain 
dezteroualy  if  tbere  was  any  cross-road  that  led  to  it,  and 
to  aet  off  again,  even  at  thie  bour,  immediately  after  hia 
repaat.  Bom  and  brought  up  at  the  aecond  aource,  so  to 
Bay,  of  tbia  river,  be  bad  often  heard  it  aaid,  that  at  a 
certain  point,  and  for  aome  conaiderable  distance,  ìt  aerred 
ae  a  bound&ry  between  the  Milanese  and  Yenetian  atat«3  ; 
he  bad  no  very  dìatinct  idea  of  vbere  tbia  boundary  com- 
irenced,  or  bow  far  it  eitended  ;  but,  for  the  preaent,  hia 
prinoipal  objeot  waa  to  get  baj-ond  it.  If  he  did  not 
Bucceed  in  reaching  it  that  evenmg,  be  reaolved  to  walk 
aa  long  aa  the  night  and  bia  strengtb  would  allow  bim, 
and  afterwarda  to  wait  the  approacbing  day  in  a  field,  or 
a  wilderneaa,  or  wberever  Goo  pleaaed,  provided  it  were 
not  an  inn. 

Ait«r  walking  s  few  pacea  aloug  tbe  Btreet  at  Gorgon- 


,„oglc 


394  I   FROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Zola,  he  notìced  a  BÌgn,  entered  the  inn,  snd  on  tho  Iund- 
lord's  advancing  to  meet  htm,  ordered  something  to  eat, 
and  a  small  measure  of  wine  ;  the  addìtional  milea  he  had 
paBsed,and  the  time  of  day,  haviug  overcome  bis  extreme 
and  fanBtìcal  hatred  of  thia  beverage.  'I  muat  hegjon 
to  be  quick,'  added  he  ;  '  for  l'm  obliged  to  go  on  my  woj 
agaia  very  soon.'  Thia  he  aaid  oot  onìj  because  it  waa 
the  truth,  but  &1bo  for  feat  the  boat,  imagining  tbat  he 
vas  goiog  to  paw  the  night  there,  ahould  come  and  ask 
him  hia  name  and  Bumame,  aad  where  he  carne  trom,  and 
on  wbat  buainesB  ....  But  enough  ! 

Tha  laudlord  repUed  that  he  flbould  be  «aited  npon 
immediateìy  ;  and  Renzo  aat  down  at  the  end  of  the  table, 
near  the  door,  the  usuai  place  of  the  baabful. 

Some  loungers  of  the  village  had  aaaembled  in  thia 
room,  who,  after  haviiig  argued  over,  and  diacuaaed,  and 
commented  upon,  the  grand  newa  from  Milan  of  the 
preceding  day,  were  now  longing  to  know  a  little  how 
matterà  were  going  on  ;  the  more  so,  a«  their  first  in- 
formation  was  rather  filted  to  irritate  their  curioaity  than 
to  aatiafy  it  ;  a  aedition,  neither  subdued  nor  triumphant  ; 
■uapended,  rather  than  terminated,  by  the  approach  of 
night  ;  a  defective  thing  ;  the  concluaion  of  an  act,  rather 
than  of  a  drama.  One  of  these  detached  himaelf  from 
the  party,  and  seating  himaelf  by  the  new  comer,  ashed 
bim  if  he  carne  from  Milan. 

'  I  f  '  aaid  Benzo,  in  a  tone  of  Burprise,  to  gain  time 
for  a  reply. 

'  You,  if  the  question  ia  allawable.' 

Benzo,  ehakiug  hia  head,  compreasing  bia  lipa,  and 
uttering  an  inarticulate  aound,  replied  ;  '  Milan,  from 
what  Inear  ....  from  what  they  aay  around  .  .  .  .  ia  not 
eiactly  a  place  to  go  to  at  preaent,  unleea  in  caae  of  great 
neceaaity.' 

'Doea  the  uproar  continue,  then,  to-day?'  demanded 
hia  inquiaitìre  companion  more  eagerly. 

'  I  must  bave  been  there  to  know  that,'  aaid  Benzo. 

'  But  yon — don't  you  come  from  Milan  P  ' 

'  I  come  from  Liacate,'  replied  the  youth,  promptly, 
who,  in  the  meaa  whìle,  had  decided  upon  nia  reply. 


XVI.]  THB   BBTROTHBD.  S95 

Strictly  BpeakÌDg,  be  bad  come  from  there,  because  he  had 
poBsed  it  ;  and  be  had  leamt  the  name  from  a  tr&veller  on 
the  road,  who  had  mentioiied  that  village  as  the  fint  he 
must  paas  on  hia  way  to  Gorgonzola. 

'Obi'  aaid  hia  friend,  ìn  that  tene  which  soeras  to  say  : 
Tou'd  bave  dono  batter  if  you  hsd  còme  from  Milan  ;  but 
patience.  '  And  at  Liacate,'  added  be,  *  did  you  bear  no- 
thing  about  MiUn  ?  ' 

'  Tbere  may  Tery  likely  baie  been  Bomebody  who  kuew 
■omething  about  it,'  replied  tbe  mountaineer,  '  but  I  beard 
nothiug.'  And  thla  vaa  proffered  in  that  particular  man- 
ner  wEich  seema  to  mean  :  l've  finìahed.  The  queriat 
retunied  to  hia  party,  and  a  moment  afterwarda,  the  land- 
lord  carne  to  aet  ont  bis  meal. 

'  How  far  ia  It  &om  bere  to  the  Adda  P  '  aaked  Bento, 
in  an  under-tone,  witb  the  air  of  one  wbo  in  half  asleep, 
and  an  indifferent  maimer,  such  as  we  bave  already  seen 
him  asaume  on  aome  otber  occasiona. 

'  To  the  Adda — to  crou  it  P  '  aaid  tbe  boat. 

'  That  ia  . . . .  yea  . ...  io  the  Adda.' 

'  Do  you  want  to  croaa  by  the  bridge  of  Caseano,  or  tbe 
Fer^  of  Canonica  ?  ' 

'  Oh,  I  don't  mind  wbere  ....  I  only  ask  &om  curi- 
oeity.' 

'  Well,  I  mention  theae,  because  they  are  tbe  placea 
gentlemen  generully  cboose,  and  people  who  cao  gire  un 
account  of  themselrea.' 

'Verywell;  and  how  fariait  P' 

'  You  may  reckon  that  to  either  one  or  tbe  otber,  it  ia 
Bomawbere  about  aii  milea,  more  or  lesa.' 

'  Six  milea  !  I  didn't  knov  that,'  aaid  Seneo.  '  Well,' 
resumed  be,  witb  a  atill  greater  air  of  indiffereace,  almoat 
amounting  to  affectation,  '  well,  I  suppoae  there  are  otber 
placea  for  croasing,  if  aoybody  is  inctined  to  take  a  ahort 
cut?' 

'  There  are,  certainly,'  replied  tbe  landlord,  fixing  bis 
eyea  upon  him  with  a  look  full  of  malicious  curioaity. 
[Oiis  waa  enougb  to  ailence  ali  the  other  inquiriea  wbicb 
our  youth  had  ready  on  bis  lina.  He  drew  bis  piate  before 
bim,  and,  looking  at  tbe  amali  meaaure  of  wine  which  the 


SI.  [CH. 

landlord  had  set  down  od  the  table,  nii,  '  Is  the  wioe 

'  As  gold,'  8BÌd  the  hoet  ;  'aab  ali  the  people  of  thevil- 
Iftge  sud  Deighbourhood,  for  they  know  it;  and,  besides, 
You  can  toste  yourself.'  So  aaying,  he  tumed  towarda 
bis  other  cuatomers. 

'  Piagne  on  these  landlorda  1  '  exclaimed  Benzo  ìq  hii 
heart  ;  'the  more I know  of  them, the worse  I  find  tbem.' 
However,  be  began  to  eat  veiy  heartily ,  liatening  at  the 
sanie  time,  without  appearing  to  paj  any  atteation,  to  aee 
what  he  oould  leam,  to  diacover  what  was  the  general 
impressìon  bere  about  the  great  event  in  wbicb  he  had 
baa  no  little  share  ;  and,  above  ali,  to  oacertain  if,  amongst 
tbese  talkeis,  tbere  wos  one  honest  man,  of  whom  a  poor 
fellow  might  renture  to  make  inquiriea,  without  fear  of 
getting  into  a  ecrepe,  and  being  forced  to  talk  about  bis 
ewn  doìngB. 

*  But,'  aaid  one,  '  this  time,  it  seems  clear  the  Milanese 
wanted  to  bring  about  a  very  goad  thing.  Well  ;  to- 
moFTow,  at  latest,  we  sball  know  Bomething.' 

'  l'm  eorry  I  didn't  go  to  Milan  tbis  moming,'  aaid 
anotfaer. 

'  If  you  go  to-morrow,  l'il  go  witb  you,'  said  a  third  ; 
'  so  will  I,'  aaid  another  ;  '  and  I,*  aaid  another. 

'  What  I  want  to  know,'  resumed  the  first,  '  ia,whether 
tbese  Milanese  gentlemen  will  think  of  us  poor  people 
out  of  the  city  ;  or  if  tbey'll  only  get  good  laws  made  for 
tbemselves.  Do  you  know  how  they  do,  eh  ?  Tbey 
are  ali  prond  citizena,  ereiy  one  for  himself  i  aod  we 
strangers  mightn't  be  Cbristiano.' 

'  we've  moutliB,  too,  eitber  to  eat,  or  to  give  our  own 
jopinions,'  said  another,  witb  a  Toice  as  modest  aa  tbe 

Eroposition  waa  darìng  ;  '  and  wben  tbinge  bave  |;one  a 
ttle  further .  . .  .'  But  be  did  not  tbink  fit  to  finish  tbe 
Bentence. 

'  Tbere's  com  bidden,  not  only  at  Milan,'  another  was 
beginning,  with  a  dark  and  designing  countenance,  when 
they  heard  the  tramplin^  of  a  borse  approaching  ;  they 
ran  to  the  door,  and  bavmg  discoTered  who  it  was,  they 
ali  went  out  to  meet  bim.     It  waa  a  Milanese  merchant, 


,»Ogk' 


XVI.']  THB    BETBOTHED. 

who  generally  pas»ed  the  night  at  thi»  inn,  i 
two  or  three  tìmes  a  year  to  Bergamo  oa  b 


u  he  almost  always  l'ound  the  Bame  company  there,  tbey 
vere  ali  hìe  acquaintaaceB.  Tbey  now  crowded  around 
bim  ;  one  took  bis  bridle,  auother  his  stirrup,  and  aaluted 
him  witb,  '  Welcome.' 

'  l'm  giad  to  Beo  you.' 

'  Have  you  had  a  good  joumey  ?  ' 

'  Very  good  ;  and  now  are  you  ali  ?  ' 

'  Pretty  well,  pretty  well.     Wbat  news  from  Milan  ?  ' 

'Ah  !  you  are  alwayB  for  newB,'  aaid  the  merchaat,  dìa- 
mouQting,  and  leavìng  bis  horee  in  the  care  of  a  boy, 
'  And,  besìdee,'  continued  be,  enteriug  the  door  with  the 
Test  of  the  party,  '  by  this  timo  you  kuow  it,  perhaps, 
better  tban  I  do. 

'  I  assure  you  we  know  nothing,'  aaìd  more  tban  oue, 
laying  hia  band  on  bla  beart. 

'  Ib  it  poBsible  P  '  aaid  the  merchant.  '  Then  you  aball 
bear  some  fine ....  or  rather,  some  bad  news.  Hey, 
landlord,  ìs  my  usuai  bed  at  liberty  P  Very  well  ;  a  glass 
of  wiue,  and  my  usuai  meal  ;  be  quick,  for  I  must  go  to 


,c,oglc 


298  I   FROUESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

bed  early,  and  aet  off  to-morrow  moming  very  e&rly,  so  as 
to  get  to  Bergamo  by  dinner-time.     And  you,'  continued 
he,  sittìng  down  at  tse  opposìte  end  of  the  table  to  wbere 
Benzo  waa  eeated,  sileutly  but  attentìvely  liateuing,  '  you 
don't  know  aboot  ali  the  diabolical  doings  of  yesterday  ?  ' 
'  Yes,  we  heard  something  about  yeaterday.' 
'Ton  see  now  I'  rejoiaed  the  merchant;  'you  know 
the  news.     I  thought,  when  you  are  Btatioaed  bere  ali 
day,  to  watch  and  sound  ever^body  tbat  comes  by  .  . .  .' 
*  But  to-day  :  how  bave  matterà  gone  to-day  ? 
'  Ah,  to-day.     Do  you  kuow  nothing  about  to-day  F  ' 
'  N othing  whaterer  ;  nobody  haa  come  by.' 
'  Then  let  me  wet  my  lìps  ;  and  afterwards  l'U  teli  you 
about  eyerything.     Tou  shall  bear.'  .  Havm|  filled  bis 
glaas,  he  took  it  in  bis  right  band,  and,  lifting  up  hia 
muBtacbios  with  the  first  two  fingerà  of  hia  left,  and  tbeu 
Bettling  bla  beard  witb  the  palm,  he  drauk  it  off,  and  con- 
tinued : — '  There  waa  Uttla  wanting,  my  worthy  frìends, 
to  make  to-day  u  rougb  a  day  as  yeaterday,  or  worae.     I 
can  acarcely  helieve  it  true  tbat  I  aia  bere  to  teli  you 
about  ìt  ;  for  I  had  once  put  aside  eveir  thought  of  my 
joumey,  to  stay  and  take  core  of  my  uoiortunate  shop.' 
'  What  was  the  matter,  then  P  '  said  one  of  bis  auditore. 
'  What  was  the  matter  F  you  shall  bear.'     And,  carv- 
ing  the  meat  tbat  was  set  before  him,  he  began  to  eat,  at 
the  same  time  continuiug  bis  narration.  The  crowd,  stand- 
ing at  botb  sides  of  the  table,  listened  to  him  with  open 
moutha  ;  and  Benzo,  apparenti/  gìving  no  heed  to  wbst 
he  sald,  listened,  perhaps,  more  eagerly  than  any  of  the 
others,  as  he  slowly  flnished  the  last  few  mouthfuls. 

'  This  morniiig,  then,  those  rascala  wbo  made  sucb  a 
hoTTÌble  uproar  yesterday,  repaired  to  the  appoint«d 
places  of  meeting  (there  was  already  an  understanding 
Between  them,  and  everything  was  arranged)  ;  they 
united  together,  and  began  agaìn  the  old  story  of  going 
from  Street  to  street,  sbouting,  to  coUect  a  crowd.  Tou 
know  it  ia  like  when  one  aweepa  a  house — with  respect 
'be  ìt  epoken— the  heap  of  dust  increaaes  as  one  goes 
along.  Wben  they  thought  they  had  aasembled  enough 
peo^e,  tbey  set  off  towards  the  house  of  the  auperin- 


,»oglc 


XVI.]  THE   BETRQIHfD'  990 

tendeDt  of  proTisionB  ;  ta  if  the  treatment  they  gare  him 
yesterdaj  waa  not  enougb,  to  a  gentleman  of  hia  character 
— tbe  rillaine  !  And  the  liea  taej  told  about  him  !  Ali 
iuventìons  :  he  Ìs  a  worth^,  eiact  gentleman  ;  and  I  may 
Bay  80,  for  I  am-very  intimate  with  him,  and  aerre  him 
wi'th  cloth  for  hìe  aervanta'  livery.  They  proi^eded  thea 
towards  thÌB  house  ;  you  ousht  to  aee  what  a  rabbie,  and 
what  foces  :  Just  fancy  their  having  passed  my  shop,  with 
fàces  that ....  the  Jena  of  the  Via  Oruoit  are  nothing 
to  them.  And  auch  thingB  as  they  uttered  !  enough  to 
make  one  stop  one'a  ears,  if  it  had  not  been  that  it  mjght 
bave  tumed  to  account  in  dÌ8co?ering  one.  They  weot 
foTward  then  with  the  kind  int«ntion  of  plunderii^  the 
house,  but .  . ,  .  '  Here  he  raised  bis-  loft  band  and  ex- 
tended  it  in  the  air,  placing  the  end  of  his  thumb  on  the 
point  of  his  uose. 

'  But  ?  '  Baìd  almost  ali  hia  auditora. 

'  But,'  continued  the  merchant,  '  they  found  the  Street 
blockaded  with  planka  and  carte,  and  hehind  this  bar- 
ricsdo,  &  good  file  of  soldiera,  with  their  guns  lerelled, 
and  the  butt-ends  resting  ou  their  shoulders.  When  they 
aaw  this  preparation  ....  What  would  you  bave  done?' 

'  Tumed  back.' 

'  To  he  aure  ;  and  ao  did  they.  But  just  lìsten  if  it 
wasu't  the  devil  that  inepired  them.  They  reached  the 
Cardutio,  and  there  saw  the  balte-house  which  they  wanted 
to  plunder  the  day  before  :  here  they  were  huay  in  die- 
trihuting  bread  to  their  cuatomera  ;  there  were  noblemen 
there,  ar,  the  very  flower  of  the  nobility,  to  watch  that 
everytbìng  went  on  in  good  order;  but  the  moh  (they 
had  the  devil  within  them,  I  t^ll  you,  and  besides,  there 
were  some  whiapering  in  their  eara,  and  urging  them  on), 
tbe  mob  ruahed  in  furiously;  "seize  away,  and  I  will 
seize  too  :"  in  the  twinhling  of  an  eye,  noblemen,  bakera, 
cuBtomers,  loaves,  benches,  countera,  trougbe,  chests,  bags, 
eievea,  hran,  flour,  dough,  ali  were  tumed  upaide  down.* 

'  Ajid  the  aoldiers  ?  ' 

'The  eoldiere  had  the  vicar's  house  to  defbnd;  one 
cannot  sing  and  carry  the  cross  at  the  aame  tìme.  It 
was  ali  4Dne  in  the  tvinkling  of  an  eye,  I  teli  you  :  off 


,l)OglC 


300  I   FJtOMESSI   SF03I.  [CH. 

and  away  ;  everything  tl)at  could  be  pnt  to  any  use  waa 
carried  off.  And  then  they  proposed  agaìn  the  beautiful 
scene  of  yesterday — draggiug  tbe  reet  to  the  «quare,  and 
making  a  bonfire.  They  nad  already  bogun — the  TillaiuB  ! 
— to  canr  some  thìngs  out  of  the  bouse,  nhen  one 
greater  viUain  than  the  reat — what  do  you  think  waa  the 
propwal  he  made  F  ' 

'  Wbat  ?  ' 

'  Wbat  !  to  niake  a  pile  of  everythiog  in  the  shop,  and 
to  set  fire  to  the  heap  and  the  house  togetber.  No 
BOoner  said  than  done  . . .  .  ' 

'  Did  they  set  fire  to  it  F  ' 

'Wait.  A  wortby  man  of  the  neighbourhood  had  an 
inspiratiou  irom  Heaven.  He  ran  up-etairs,  eought  for  a 
crucifix,  found  one,  and  hung  it  in  front  bf  one  of  the  - 
Windows  ;  then  he  took  two  candles  which  had  been 
blessed,  lit  them,  and  set  tbem  outside,  on  the  window- 
eill,  one  on  eacb  side  of  the  crucifix.  The  mob  iooked 
np.  It  must  be  owned,  there  ia  stili  some  fear  of  God 
in  Milanj  ererybody  carne  to  their  aenses.  At  least,  I 
mean  most  of  themj  there  were  some,  certainly,  devila 
enougb  to  have  set  £re  to  Paradise,  for  the  sake  of 
plunder;  but,  finding  that  the  crowd  waa  not  of  their 
opinion,  they  were  obliged  to  abandon  their  design,  and 
keep  quiet.  Just  fancy  now  wbo  arrìved — aU  their 
Graces  of  the  Cathedra,  in  procesaìon,  with  the  cross 
elevated,  and  in  their  canonical  robes;  and  my  lord  the 
Arch-presbyter  began  preaching  on  one  side,  and  my 
lord  toe  Penitentiary  on  the  other,  and  othera  again, 
Bcattered  bere  and  there  :  "  But,  good  people  ;  what 
wonld  you  do  ?  ia  this  the  eznmpk  you  set  your  children  ? 
fO  home,  go  home;  yóu  shall  bave  bread  at  a  low  prìce  ; 
if  you'll  only  look,  you'll  aee  that  the  rate  is  pasted  up  at 
every  corner."  ' 

'WasitsoF' 

'  Wbat  ?  waa  it  so  ?  Do  you  think  that  their  Graces 
of  the  Catbedral  wonld  come,  lu  their  magnificent  robes, 
to  tei)  them  faleehooda  ?  ' 

'  And  what  did  the  people  do  F  ' 

'  Tbey  dispersed  by  degrees  ;  aome  ran  to  the  cornerà 


,»OglC 


XVI.]  THB  BBXaOTHBD,  301 

or  the  Btreeta,  and  for  tbose  who  could  reti,  there  was 
tlie  fiied  rate,  aure  enougli.  What  do  you  thiok  of  it  ? 
ei{rht  ounces  of  bread  for  a  pennj.' 

'  What  good  luck  !  ' 

'  TAe  proof  of  a  puddvng  ia  in  the  eating.  How  mucli 
flour  do  70U  think  they  have  waated  yesterdaj  and  this 
momJiigF  Enough  to  support  the  Duchy  for  two 
moatha.' 

'  Then  they've  made  no  good  laws  for  us  in  tba 
country  ?  ' 

'  What  haa  been  done  at  Milan  ia  eatirely  at  the 
eipenae  of  the  city.  I  don't  know  what  to  say  to  you  : 
it  must  be  aa  God  willa.  Fortunately,  the  aeditioo  ia 
finished,  for  I  havea't  told  you  oli  yet;  bere  cornea  tbe 
beat  part.' 

'  ÌVhat  ÌB  there  besidea  ?  ' 

'  Only,  that,  laat  evening,  or  tbia  moming,  l'm  not 
aure  wbich,  many  of  the  leaders  have  been  aeized,  and 
four  of  them,  it  is  known,  are  to  be  hung  directly.  No 
eooner  did  thia  get  abroad,  than  everybody  went  home 
tbe  shorteat  way,  uot  to  run  the  riak  of  becoming  num- 
ber  five.    When  I  leil  Milan,  it  looked  like  a  convent  of 

'  But  will  they  really  bang  them  P  ' 

'  Undoubtedly,  and  quickly,  too,'  replied  the  merchant. 

'  And  what  wiU  the  people  do  P  '  aaked  tbe  aame  inter- 
rogator  as  had  put  the  other  queation. 

'  The  people  will  go  to  aee  them,'  aaid  the  mercbant. 
'  They  had  auch  a  deaire  to  aee  a  Ghriatian  handng  in 
the  open  air,  that  tbey  wanted — the  vagabonda  ! — to 
despatch  tbe  auperintendent  of  proviaiona  in  that  way. 
By  thia  eichange  they  will  have  four  wretchea,  atteoded 
with  every  formality,  accompanied  by  Capucbina,  and  bjf 
friars  of  the  buona  morte  :  '  but  they  deaerve  it.    It  la 

*  '  A  denominition  luaally  girea  to  the  monks  of  the  ordsi  of  St 
Paul,  the  first  hennit,  They  »re  eslied  Brothert  afdtatK,  Fratrm  à 
morti,  on  account  of  a  fi^ra  of  a  Deatk'i  head  vhEch  thej  wne  alwaya 
to  bare  TiUi  them,  to  lemiud  tlieni  eontinadlir  of  their  lut  end.  Thu 
arder,  bj  ita  couititutions,  made  in  1620,  does  not  aeem  to  have  been 


,CK,glc 


302  1  PE0MES8I  apoai.  [CH. 

&I1  interference  of  Frovidence,  you  aee  ;  una  it's  a  neccs- 
etaj  tUng.  Tliey  were  dreadj  beginniag  to  divert 
themaelfeB  by  enteriug  the  ahops,  uid  helping  them- 
selves  without  pavioe  ;  if  they'd  let  them  go  on  so,  after 
bread,  wine  would  Lave  had'  ita  tum,  and  bo  on  from 
thing  to  tUng ....  You  may  ìmagìne  whetber  tbey 
would  abandon  so  convenieut  a  practice,  of  their  owa 
free  will.  And  I  can  teli  you,  tbat  was  no  very  pleaeant 
thougbt  for  an  honest  man  keeping  a  shop.' 

'  Certainly  not,'  aaid  one  of  hia  bearsTB.  '  Certainly 
not,'  replied  tbe  reat,  in  cboruB. 

'And,'  coatiuued  tbe  mercbant,  wiping  bis  beard  with 
the  tabl&«latb,  '  ìt  had  ali  been  projected  for  eome  time  : 
there  was.a  league,  you  know.' 

'  A  league,  waa  there  F  ' 

'Tea,  tbere  was  a  league.  Ali  cabala  formed  by  tbe 
NaTarrineB,  by  that  Freacb  cardinal  tbere,  you  knovr, 
with  a  balf-Turkish  n&me,  who  every  day  contrives  some- 
tbing  freab  to  aunoy  tbe  court  of  Spain.  But,  above  ali, 
he  aims  at  playiug  some  trick  in  Mìlan  ;  for  he  kuowa 
well  enough — the  snarel — tbat  the  atrength  of  the  king 
lies  there. 

'Ay.' 

'  Shall  I  givo  you  a  proof  of  it  P  Those  wboVe  made 
the  greateat  noìae  vere  atrangera  ;  tbere  were  facea  going 
about  which  had  never  before  been  eeen  in  Milau.  By 
the  by,  I  forgot  to  teli  you  oue  thing  which  waa  told  me 
for  certain.  The  police  had  caught  one  of  theee  fellowB 
ìd  an  ino  .  .  .'  Sènzo,  who  had  not  tost  a  single  syllable 
of  thia  conversation,  was  taken  vitb  a  cold  sbudder  on 
hearing  this  chord  toucbed,  imd  almoet  slipped  under  the 
table  before  he  thougbt  of  trying  to  contain  himaelf, 
No  one,  howerer,  perceired  it  ;  anu  the  apeaker,  without 
interrupting  bis  relation  for  a  moment,  had  continued  ; 
'  They  don't  ezactly  know  where  he  carne  from,  who  aent 
him,  nor  what  kind  of  man  he  was,  but  he  waa  certainly 
one  of  tbe  leadera.  Yesterdsy,  in  the  midet  of  the  up- 
roar,  he  played  the  Tery  devil;  and  then,  not  content 


,c,oglc 


XVI.]  THE   BETROTHED.  303 

wìth  that,  faa  must  begin  to  harangue  the  people,  and 
propOHe — a  mere  trifle  ! — to  murder  ali  the  nobilitv  ! 
The  great  tascal  !  Who  woiild  aupport  the  poor  ii'  ali  tbe 
noblea  vere  killed  P  The  polìce,  wko  had  been  watching 
him,  Uid  hands  upon  him  ;  they  found  on  bis  penoa  ft 
great  buodle  of  lettere,  and  vere  leadine  him  away  to 
prima,  but  bis  companìoDe,  vho  were  leeping  guard 
round  the  ìun,  carne  in  great  numbera,  and  delireFed  him 
■^the  Tillain  I  ' 

'  And  what  bacarne  of  him  f  ' 

'  It  ifln't  knovn  ;  he  may  be  fled,  or  he  mar  be  con- 
cealed  in  Milao  :  they  are  people  who  bave  neither  house 
nor  home,  and  yet  find  lodging  and  a  place  of  refuge 
eTerywhere  :  however,  though  the  devil  can  and  will  help 
them,  yet  they  may  &11  iuta  the  banda  of  juetice  when 
they  leaat  eipect  it  ;  for  whea  the  pear  is  ripe  it  must 
falL  For  the  present,  it  in  veli  known  that  tbe  lettera 
are  in  poeaeBsion  of  government,  and  that  the  whole  cod- 
spiracy  is  thereis  descrìbed  ;  and  they  aay  that  many 
people  are  ìmplicated  in  it.  Thia  muco  is  certain,  that 
they  bave  tumed  Milan  upside  down,  and  would  bave 
doue  much  woree.  It  is  said  tbat  the  bahers  are  rogues  : 
I  know  they  are  ;  but  they  ougbt  to  be  hung  in  the  course 
of  justice.  They  say  there  is  corn  hidden  ;  who  doesn't 
know  that  ?  But  it  ia  the  buaineaa  of  the  govemmeot 
to  keep  a  good  look-out,  to  bring  it  to  tight,  and  to  bang 
the  monopolists  in  company  with  the  bakera.  And  if 
govemment  doea  notbing,  the  city  ougbt  to  remonstrate; 
and  ìf  they  don't  liaten  the  firat  timo,  remonstrate  agaln  ; 
for  by  dint  of  appeals  they  will  get  wbat  they  want  ;  but 
not  adopt  the  villainous  proctice  of  furiously  entering 
sbops  aud  warehousea  to  get  booty.' 

Benzo's  amali  meat  had  turned  into  poison.  It  eeemed 
like  an  oge  before  he  couid  get  out  of,  and  away  froin, 
the  inn  and  the  TÌllage  ;  and  a  dozen  timea,  at  least,  he 
had  said  to  himaelf  :  '  N^ow  I  may  surelv  go.'  But  tbe 
fear  of  exciting  auapicion,  now  increaaed  beyond  measure, 
and  prevailing  over  every  otber  thought,  had  kept  him 
stili  nailed  to  hia  Beat.  In  this  perplexit}',  he  thought 
the  cbatterer  muti  at  lait  stop  talking  about  him,  and 


,c,oglc 


304  I  P&0USS8I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

determined  in  hia  own  mind  to  make  bu  escape  oa  eoon 
aa  another  aubject  v&a  Btorted. 

'  For  thÌB  reason,'  eaid  one  of  the  party,  '  knowing  how 
these  tbinga  go,  and  that  honeat  men  fare  but  badi}'  in 
auch  diaturbancea,  I  wouldn't  Jet  my  curioeity  conquer, 
and  bave,  therefore,  remaised  quietly  at  bome. 

'  Neither  wguld  I  move,  for  the  aame  reaaoii,'  aùd 
another. 

'I,'  added  a  third,  'if  I  had  happened  bj  chance  to  be 
at  MilaQ,  I  would  bave  left  any  SuaiaeBa  wbatever  im- 
finiahed,  and  bave  returned  bome  aa  quickly  as  posaible. 
I  bave  a  wife  aad  chìJdren  ;  and,  beaidea,  to  teli  the 
truth,  I  don't  like  such  atira.' 

At  tbie  moment  the  landlord,  nho  had  been  eagerly 
liateuing  with  tbe  reat,  advanced  towarda  the  other  end 
of  tbe  table  to  aee  ivhat  the  atranger  was  doing.  Benzo 
séìzed  tbe  opportunity,  and  beckoning  to  the  beat,  aaked 
far  hifi  account,  aettled  it  without  diaput^,  tìiough  bis 
pnree  was  by  thìa  time  very  low  j  and  without  furtber 
delay,  went  directly  to  the  door,  paaaed  the  threshold,  and 
takiug  care  not  to  tum  along  the  aame  road  aa  that  by 
wbicb  he  had  amved,  set  off  in  tbe  opposite  direction, 
tiusting  to  the  guidance  of  ■  Providence. 


;dbv  Google 


XVll.] 


CHAPTEH  XVII. 

nNE  wuh  Ì8  often  enough  to  allow  a  man  no 
peace  ;  what,  then,  must  two  have  been — one 
at  war  vith  the  other  F  Our  poor  Benzo,  ss 
the  reader  knows,  had  had  two  sach  conflict- 
ing  desires  in  hia  miad  for  a? venil  houra  ;  the 
wìsh  to  make  hifl  eacape,  wìth  the  wieh  to  remaia  iindia- 
covered  ;  and  the  unfortunate  worda  of  the  merehant  had 
ÌDoreaaed  both  one  aad  the  other  to  an  eitravagant  de- 
gree.  Hia  adrenture,  then,  had  got  abroad  !  There 
were  meana,  then,  employed  to  aeize  bim  !  Who  knew 
how  manj  bailiffs  were  in  tlie  field  to  give  bim  chase  I  or 
w)iut  ordera  had  beeu  forwarded  to  keep  a  watcb  in  the 
TÌllagei,  at  the  imi,  on  the  roaHa!  He  reiiected,  how- 
ever,  tbat,  after  ali,  there  nere  but  two  bailiffa  who  knew 
him,  and  that  hia  name  was  not  written  upon  hia  fore* 
head  ;  but  then,  ogain,  a  hundred  atarìes  he  had  heord 
Tusbed  iato  bis  miod,  of  fugitives  caught  and  discovered 


,c,oglc 


3D6  I  PROHiESSI  8P09I.  [CH. 

in  many  strange  waye,  recagnìzed  hj  their  walk,  hy  their 
Buspicìous  air,  and  other  authought  of  tobeas  :  eTcnthing 
excited  bis  alarm.  Àlthougb,  as  he  left  GorgonEoìa,  the 
toUing  af  the  ATemaria  Bounded  in  bis  ears,  and  the  in- 
ereosing  darkneas  every  moment  diminislied  bis  danger, 
yet  ìt  was  very  uavillingly  that  he  took  the  high  road, 
proposing  to  follovr  the  first  by-lane  vhicb  eeeined  likciy 
to  bring  bim  to  the  poìoC  he  was  so  anxiouB  to  reach. 
At  first,  he  occaaìonally  met  a  traveUer;  but  so  full  was 
bis  imaginatioD  of  direful  apprebensiona,  tbst  he  bad  not 
courage  to  detain  any  one  to  inquire  bis  way. — That  inn- 
keeper  said  six  miles, — thought  he. — If,  by  taking  tbese 
foot-paths  aud  by-lanes,  I  make  them  eip;ht,  or  even  tea, 
my  !e^,  vhich  bave  lasted  me  bo  l'ar,  will  manage  tbese 
too.  l'm  certaiiily  not  going  towanis  Milan,  ao  I  must; 
be  going  towards  the  Adda.  Walk  avray,  then  ;  Booner 
or  bter,  I  shall  get  there.  The  Adda  has  a  good  voice  ; 
and  «ben  once  l'm  near  it,  I  Bhan't  want  anybody  to 
point  it  out  to  me.  If  any  boat  is  there,  l'il  croas  directlv  ; 
if  not,  ni  wait  till  moming,  in  a  fìeld,  or  on  a  tree,  like 
the  sparrowB:  better  on  a  tree  than  in  prison. — 

Yery  soon,  he  Baw  a  lane  turnìng  dova  to  tbe  left,  and 
be  pursued  it.  At  tbis  hour,  if  he  bad  miit  with  any 
one,  he  would  do  longer  bave  besitated  to  addresa  blm  ; 
bnt  be  heard  not  a  footstrp  of  living  creature.  He  fol- 
lowed,  therefore,  tbe  windmgs  of  tbe  lane,  indulging,  the 
mean  wbile,  in  such  refiectioaa  as  tbeae  : 

— I  play  tbe  devil  !  I  murder  ali  tbe  nobility  !  A  pachet 
of  lettera — 1 1  My  companioiia  keeping  guard  around 
me  !  l'd  give  aomething  to  meet  wiih  that  mercbant  face 
to  face,  on  tbe  otber  side  of  the  Adda,  (ah,  wben  Bhall  I 
get  aerosa  that  blessed  Adda?)  l'd  make  him  stand,  and 
aak  him,  at  my  conrenience,  nhere  he  bad  picked  up  ali 
tbis  fine  Information.  Just  please  to  be  informed,  my  . 
dear  air,  that  tbe  tbing  went  so  and  so  ;  and  that  ali  the 
miachief  I  played  waa  helping  Ferrer,  aa  if  he  bad  been 
my  brother:  kuow,  moreover,  that  thoae  rascale  who,  to 
bear  you  talk,  one  would  thiiik  were  my  friends,  because 
once  I  said  a  word  or  two,  like  a  good  Christian,  wauted 
to  pliiy  me  a  very  rough  trick  ;  kuow,  too,  that  wbile  you 


,l)OglC 


XTII.]  TBB    HSTROTHED.  307 

were  t&kiag  care  of  your  own  shop,  I  waa  endaDgenag 
tny  ribs  to  uve  your  siguor,  the  b uperìii tende nt  of  pro- 
TJsions — a  man  I  never  either  knew  or  oaw  in  my  life. 
Wait  and  aee  ìf  I  ever  stir  again  to  help  gentlemen  .... 
It  ÌB  true  we  ought  to  do  it  f'or  our  aouì's  good  :  they  are 
our  neighbours,  toc.  And  that  great  bundlo  of  lettera, 
where  mi  tbe  conspiraoy  was  revealed,  and  which  you 
kaow  for  certaiu  is  in  the  hands  of  government  ;  aure 
enough,  I  couliin't  show  it  you  bere  without  the  help  of 
the  devìl.  Would  you  bare  Ruy  curiosìty  to  aee  tbie 
mìghty  packet  ?  Look  bere  ....  A  siugle  letter  !  . .  ,  . 
Yes,  my  good  air,  oae  letter  only  ;  and  thia  letter,  if  you'd 
like  to  knon,  waa  writteo  by  a  mouk  capable  of  inatruct- 
ing  you  in  any  poinb  of  doctrine  you  wìeb,-~a  moak, 
without  doing  you  ìnjuBtice,  a  single  hair  of  wboae  beurd 
il  worthall  youra  put  together;  and  thia  letter,  I  abould 
like  to  teli  you,  is  wrìtten,  you  aee,  to  another  monk,  alao 
a  man  ....  Just  aee,  now,  who  my  raacally  friends  are. 
Learn,  if  yoli  please,  bow  to  talk  auotber  timo,  particu- 
larly  when  you  are  talking  about  a  fello w- creature. — 

After  a  little  time,  however,  tbeae  and  aimilar  reRec- 
tiona  gare  way  to  otbers;  bis  prefient  circumstancea 
occupying  tlie  whole  attentioa  of  our  poor  trareller. 
Tbe  dread  of  being  puraued  and  diacovered,  which  bad  ao 
iDcesaantly  embittered  bis  day'a  ioumey,  now  no  longer 
gare  him  any  uneaflineBa  ;  but  *how  many  things  made 
dìb  nigbtly  waoderings  eufficiently  unuomfortable! — 
darkneea  ;  aolitude  ;  increasing,  and  now  painful,  fatigue  ; 
a  gentle,  but  ateady  and  piercing  breeze,  which  would  be 
far  from  agreeable  to  a  man  stili  dressed  in  the  aarae 
clothea  which  be  bad  put  on  to  go  a  short  diatance  to  a 
wedding,  and  quickly  to  return  in  triumph  to  bis  home, 
only  a  few  steps  off;  and,  what  rendered  evei^thing 
doubly  irksome,  walking  at  a  venture,  in  aearch  of  a  place 
of  rest  and  aecurity 

If  be  happened  to  pass  tbrough  a  village,  be  would 
watk  aa  quietly  and  wartly  aa  poaaible,  leat  any  of  tbe 
doora  abould  be  atill  open;  but  be  aaw  no  further  aigna 
of  remaiuing  wakefulnese  araong  the  inhabitanta  than 
occasionally  a  glancìng  ligbt  in  one  of  the  windowe. 


..lìOi^lc 


306  I   PB0MB3SI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

"When  on  the  road,  away  from  every  abode,  he  would 

fiause,  every  now  aod  then,  and  lùten  eagerly  (or  the  be- 
i>Ted  murmur  of  the  Adda  ;  bub  in  vain.  He  heard  no 
Boundd  but  the  distont  bowling  of  doge  at  aome  solìtary 
dwelliiig,  which  floated  through  tbe  air,  at  once  mouroful 
aad  threatening.  Od  approaching  an;  of  these  abodea, 
tbe  bowling  was  changed  into  an  irritated,  angir  bark  ; 
and  in  paaeing  béfore  the  door,  he  heard,  and  aloioat 
faDcied  ne  saw,  the  fìerce  creaturt's,  with  their  beada  at 
tlie  crack  of  the  door,  reiterating  their  howJa.  This 
quickly  removed  aU  temptation  to  knock  and  ask  ahelter, 
and  probably  hia  courage  would  bare  faiied  had  tbere 
been  no  euch  obstaclea  in  hia  waj. — Who'a  there? — 
thought  be: — what  do  you  want  at  thia  bour?  How 
did  you  come  bere  ?  Teli  who  you  are.  lau't  there  an 
ìnn  wbere  you  can  get  a  bed  i*  Thia,  at  beat,  ta  what  they 
will  eay  to  me,  if  I  knock;  even  if  it  ebouldu't  be  a 
cowardly  sleeper,  who  would  begin  to  ahout  out  ìuatily, 
'  Help  !  Thievea  !  '  I  must  bave  aomething  ready  for  aa 
anawer;  and  what  could  I  aayP  It'auybody  beara  anoise 
in  tbe  night,  nothiag  entera  their  beada  but  robbera, 
TiUaina,  and  roguea  :  tbey  nerer  tbink  that  an  honeat  man 
may  be  benighted,  not  to  say  a  gentleman  in  hia  carriage. 
— He  determined,  therefore,  to  reserve  tbia  pian  as  a  laat 
reaource  in  case  of  neceaaity,  and  continued  bia  way,  stili 
with  the  bope  of  at  leaat  diacovering  tbe  Adda,  if  not  of 
croaaiug  it,  that  night,  and  not  being  obliged  again  to  go 
in  search  of  ìt  in  broad  dayligbt 

On,  therefore,  be  went,  till  he  reacbed  a  part  wbere  tbe 
country  changed  from  cultirated  Gelds  into  a  beath  of 
ferna  and  brooni.  This  seemed,  if  not  a  aure  indication, 
at  leuat,  a  kind  of  argumeat  tbat  tbere  waa  a  river  in  tbe 
neighbourhood  ;  and  be  advauced  acroaa  the  common, 
purauing  the  path  whicb  traTeraed  it.  After  walking  a 
few  paces,  be  atopped  to  listen  ;  buC  in  vaiu.  Tbe  tedioua- 
neas  of  tbe  joumey  aeemed  to  be  increased  by  tbe  wild- 
neia  of  the  place  ;  not  a  mulberry  nor  a  vine  naa  to  be 
seen,  nor  any  other  aigna  of  human  culture,  whicb,  in  tbe 
early  part  of  bia  progreas,  aeemed  almoat  llke  balf-coni- 
paoiona  to  bim.    However,  he  stili  went  forward,  beguil- 


XTII.]  THE  BBTROTUSD.  309 

ing  the  time,  and  endeaTouring  to  drive  Kvaj  the  images 
aad  apparitioDB  which  haunted  bis  mìnd — tbe  relics  of  a 
hundról  woaderful  storiea  he  had  heard — hy  repeating,  as 
he  went  along,  aome  of  the  prayera  for  the  dead. 

Bj  deerees,  he  entered  araoug  larger  patches  ofbrush* 
vood,  wild  plum-treea,  dwarf  oaka,  and  brambles.  Con- 
tinuing  hie  vaj,  witb  more  impatience  tban  alacrìty,  he 
aaw  scattered  occasionally  throughout  these  patchea,  a 
eolitary  tree  ;  and,  atìU  following  the  gnidance  of  the 
footpath,  perceived  that  he  was  entering  a  wood.  He 
felt  a  kind  of  reluctance  to  proceed  ;  but  he  conquered 
it,  and  unwillingly  went  forward.  Tbe  further  he  went, 
the  more  thia  unwillingQesa  iacreaaed,  and  the  more  did 
eveiTthing  he  aaw  vei  und  h[ira:»g  bis  iraaginatìon.  Tbe 
bash^  he  diacerned  before  bim  assutned  atrange,  marvel- 
louB,  and  uncoutb  forma  ;  the  abadowa  of  the  topa  of  tbe  "^ 
treea  alarmed  bina,  aa,  slightly  agitated  by  the  hreeze, 
they  quivered  on  hia  path,  illuminated  by  the  pale  lìght 
of  the  moon  ;  the  very  ruritliug  of  the  vithered  leavea,  oa 
be  trampied  them  under  foot,  had  in  it  aomething  hateful 
to  hia  ear.  Hia  limba  felt  a  atrange  impulse  to  run,  and, 
at  the  aame  time,  aeemed  acarcely  able  to  aupport  him. 
The  cold  night- breeze  bletv  more  chilly  and  aharply 
againat  bia  Ibrebeud  and  throat;  he  felt  it  piercing 
througb  bis  thin  clothea  to  bis  akìn,-  which  sbivered  in 
the  bWt,  and,  penetrating  more  subtilely  tu  bis  very 
bonea,  extiuguishing  tlie  laat  remaina  of  vigour.  At  one 
time,  the  wearineaa  and  undelìned  horror  with  which  he 
had  Bo  long  heen  atrugglìng,  had  auddenly  almoat  over- 
whelmed  bim.  He  nearly  loat  hia  eelf-government;  but 
terriSed  above  ali  thinga  at  hia  own  terror,  he  aummoned  -^ 
up  hia  former  spirita,  and  by  a  great  eflart,  forced  them 
to  assume  their  usuai  away.  Thua  fortified  for  a  moment, 
he  Btood  stili  to  deliberate,  and  resolved  to  leave  the 
wood  by  the  aame  path  aa  he  bad  traveretrd,  to  go  atraight 
to  the  laat  viltage  he  had  paaaed,  to  return  once  more 
among  mankind,  and  tbere  to  aeek  afaelter,  evea  at  the 
ina.  While  he  thus  atood,  the  rustling  of  bis  feet  among 
tbe  leavea  huabed,  aud,  ali  perfectly  sileni  around  him,  a 
uoiae  reached  bia  ear,  a  murmur — a  marmar  of  nuuuDg 


hXioot^lc 


/ 


310  I    PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

water.  He  tistens  ;  assures  himBelf;  and  exclaims,  '  It'a 
tlie  Adda!  '  It  wae  like  the  restoration  of  a  frieod,  of  a 
bnither,  of  n  delìverer.  Hie  wearìness  almoBt  dissp- 
peared,  bis  pulae  agaia  beat;  he  felt  hie  blood  circuiate 
treely  and  warmty  througb  ali  bis  veina  ;  bis  conSdeace 
increased,  the  gloomineas  and  oppression  of  his  luìiid,  in 
great  part,  vanished  away  ;  aad  he  do  longer  beaitated  to 
penetrate  farther  into  the  wood,  towarde  the  friendl/ 
uiurmur. 

At  last  be  reached  the  eitrevnity  of  the  fiat,  at  the  edge 
of  a  eteèp  decìivity;  and,  peeping  through  the  busbea 
that  eveiywhere  coverei  ite  aurface,  he  discemed,  at  the 
bottom,  the  glitteriag  of  the  running  water.  Theo, 
raiaing  his  eyes,  he  surveyed  the  extensive  plain  ou  the 
opposite  aide,  Bcattei*ed  with  TÌllages  ;  beyood  this  the 
bill»,  and  od  one  of  these  a  large,  whitiah  tract,  in  vhich 
he  fancied  he  could  dìetinguish  a  city — Bergamo,  uu- 
doubtedlv.  He  descended  tbe  ateep  a  little  way,  aepar- 
ating  and  pusbing  aeide  tbe  bruBbwood  with  bis  hauds 
and  arms,  and  tooked  down,  to  see  if  there  were  any  boat 
moving  ou  the  water,  or  to  listen  if  he  could  bear  the 
eploahing  of  oara  ;  but  he  aaw  and  heard  nothin^.  Had 
it  beon  anything  leas  than  the  Adda,  Benxo  would  bave 
descended  at  once  and  attempted  to  ford  it  ;  but  this, 
he  well  knew,  in  auch  a  river,  waa  not  a  matter  of  very 
great  facili  ty. 

He  therefora  etood  to  consult  with  himaelf  what  were 
beet  to  be  done.  To  clamber  up  into  a  tree,  and  there 
await  the  dawn  of  morning,  in  tbe  chili  night-breeze,  in 
a  froBty  air,  aad  in  bis  preaent  dreaa,  waa  more  thaa 
enough  to  benumb  bim  ;  to  pace  up  and  down,  for  Con- 
stant eierciee,  ali  that  time,  besides  that  it  would  bave 
been  a  very  ineffieaciouB  defence  against  the  severity  of 
the  temperature,  waa  alao  aaking  too  much  of  those  uii< 
fortunate  limba  whiuh  had  already  done  much  more  than 
their  duty.  Suddtnly  he  remembered  baving  seen  b 
eateinotlo  in  one  of  tbe  fields  adioining  the  uncultlvnted 
down.  ThuB  the  peasantB  of  the  Milanese  plain  desig- 
nate certain  little  cottages,  thatched  wilb  Straw,  con- 
structed  ol'  the  trunks  and  branches  of  trees,  fastuued 


,l)OglC 


Xni,]  THB   BETROTHED.  311 

together  and  filled  up  with  mud,  where  thej  are  in  the 
habit  of  depositing  their  harvest  durìng  the  Bummer 
«eason,  repairing  tbither  at  night  to  protect  it  :  duhng 
the  rest  of  the  ye^r  the/  are  usuali^  unoccupied.  He 
quicklyfiied  upon  thia  as  his  resting-plac«  for  the  night; 
and  again  aetting  off  on  hia  waj,  re-paBsed  the  wood,  the 
tnct  of  bnahea,  and  the  heath  ;  and  enterìog  upon  the 
cuttirated  land,  he  quickly  eepied  the  eateinotto,  and  went 
towarda  it.  A  vonn-eaten  and  tumble-down  door,  with- 
out  look  or  chain,  blocked  up  the  entrance;  Remo 
drew  it  towarda  him,  and  on  entering,  eaw  a  hurdle,  in- 
tended  to  aerre  the  piirpoee  of  a  hammock,  auapended  in 
the  air,  and  aupported  bj  banda  formed  of  little  twiga  ; 
he  did  not,  bowerer,  make  use  of  it;  but  tteeing  a  little 
Straw  lying  on  the  ground,  thought  tbat,  evea  tbere,  aleep 
would  "be  very  welcome. 

Before  atretcbin^  hia  wearj  frame  on  the  bed  Prorideoce 
had  prepared  for  him.  Ite  knelt  down  to  oflèr  np  hia  thanka 
for  thia  Dieeaiag,  and  for  ali  the  aastetance  he  had  receìved 
that  terrible  day.  He  then  repeated  bis  usuai  prayen  ; 
and,  having  fìniahed  them,  beeged  pardon  of  Ood  for 
having  omitted  them  the  erening  before,and  gone  to  reat,  aa 
he  aaid,  like  a  dog,  or  even  woree. — And  for  thia  reaaon, — 
added  be  to  himeelf,  reatiog  hia  banda  upon  the  atraw,  and, 
from  kneeling,  changing  hia  poature  to  that  of  lying, — for 
thia  reaaon  I  waa  awaked  by  auch  agreeable  viaitora  in  the 
moming. — He  then  gathered  up  ali  the  atraw  that  waa 
Bcattered  around,  andepread  it  over  him,  ao  aa  to  make  the 
beat  coverìng  be  could  to  apcure  bimaelf  from  tbecold, 
which,  even  there,  under  ahelter,  made  itself  aufficiently 
felt  ;  and  crouching  beneath  it,  he  tried  to  get  a  little  aleep, 
thinking  that  he  had  purcbaaed  it,  that  (by,  more  dearly 
than  uBual. 

Scarcely,  bowever,  had  he  closed  hia  eyea,  before  visiona  '^ 
began  tothrong  hismemory,  orhia  fancy  ([  eannotunder- 
take  to  indicate  the  exact  epot) — viaiona  so  crowded,  ao 
inceaaant,  that  tbey  quickty  naniahed  every  idea  of  eleep. 
The  merchant,  the  notary,  the  baiiifia,  the  aword-cutler, 
tbeluidlord,Ferrer,  the  auperintendent,  the  party  at  the 
inn,  the  crowda  in  the  atreeta;  tbcu  Don  Abboodio,  then 


h,  Cioot^lc 


31S  I   PROJfBSSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Don  Bodngo:  and,  unong  no  manj,  there  wcre  none  thst 
did  not  bhng  some  sad  remembrances  of  miefortunc  or 
Bvenion. 

Tbere  were  but  three  ìmagee  that  presented  themselves 
to  hÌB  mind,  diretited  of  everj  bitter  recollection,  clear  of 
evety  Buepicion.  pleasing  in  eveiy  aapect  ;  and  tno,  prin- 
cipally — certainly  verj  ^stiimilar,  but  cloeei;  conoectcd  ìn 
the  heart  of  the  youth,— the  black-locked  Lucia,  aud  the 
v'hite-bearded  Fatber  Cristoforo.  Tet  the  conaolation  he 
felt  in  contemplatiu^  ev<;u  thene  obiecte,  wbb  anything  but 
iinmìxed  and  tranquil.  In  pictunng  to  bimself  the  good 
friar,  he  ièlt  more  keenly  than  ever  the  diegrace  of  hie 
fauìte,  bis  shameful  intemperance,  and  hia  neglect  of  the 
kind  Tflther'B  patemal  advice  ;  and  in  contemplatìng  the 
ioiage  of  Lucìa  !  ve  will  not  att«mpt  to  deacrìbe  what  he 
felt  ;  the  resder  knowii  the  circumntancee,  and  must  im- 
agine  it  himself.  Neither  did  he  forget  the  poor  Agnese  ; 
Agnese,  nho  had  choaen  him  for  ber  aon-iu-law,  wBo  had 
considered  him  almost  aa  one  with  ber  onl}'  daughter,  and 
before  receiving  from  him  the  title  of  mother,  bad  aesumed 
the  language  and  nflection  of  one,  and  demonatrated  pa- 
rentol  aolicitude  for  him  by  ber  actione.  But  it  waa  an 
additional  grìef  tohim,  and  not  the  leaat  bitter  one,  that 
eiactly  on  account  of  these  aflectionate  and  benevolent 
iatentiona,  the  poor  woman  waa  now  bomeleB»,  and  almost 
houHeleeB,  uncertain  of  the  future,  and  reaping  Borrowe  and 
troublee  from  those  very  circurnstancee,  which  he  had 
hoped  would  be  the  Joy  and  ramfort  of  ber  dedining 

Era.  What  a'  night,  poor  RenEO  !  which  was  to  bave 
n  the  Gfth  of  bis  nuptials  !  What  a  room  !  What  a 
matrimoniai  couch  I  And  after  suth  a  day  !  And  to 
precede  auch  a  morrow,  auch  a  auccesBion  of  daya  ! — What 
Ood  wills — replied  he,  to  the  thouebta  which  most  tor- 
meuted  him , — what  God  wills.  He  anowa  vhat  He  doea  ! 
ìt  ia  for  our  good  too.  Let  it  be  as  a  penance  for  my  eins. 
Lucia  is  so  good  !  Qod,  aurely,  will  not  let  ber  euiìer  for 
long — for  veij  long  !  — 

Harasaed  by  sucb  thoughta  aa  these,  dsapairìng  of 
obtaining  any  aleep,  and  the  piercing  cold  becomicg  more 
and  more  inau&rable,  ao  that  from  bme  to  time  hia  vbole 


,»Ogk' 


XVII.]  THE   BETBOTHBD.  313 

tnme  ehoolt,  and  his  teetli  chattered  in  apito  of  bimielf, 
B«iizo  loneed  for  the  approach  of  daj,  and  impatientl; 
roeaaured  the  slov  progress  of  the  houra.     X  utj,  measurea, 


becauae  everj  half-hour  he  heard  reBOundìag  through  the 
deep  ailence,  the  atrokes  of  a  large  clock,  probably  that  of 
Trezzo.  The  Gret  time,  the  iouad  reached  bis  ear  so  un- 
eipectedlr,  without  bis  harlng  the  least  idea  whence  it 
carne,  it  brought  with  it  aomethlng  soleum  and  m7BteiiouB  , 
to  bis  mind  ;  the  feeling  of  a  warning  uttered  in  an  im-  -^ 
known  voice,  by  aome  invisible  penon. 

When,  at  laat,  the  clock  had  toUed  eleven,* — the  hour 
Benzo  bad  determiaed  to  get  up, — he  roee,  half  benumbed 
with  the  cold,  and  (alling  upon  bis  kneea,  re^eated  hia 
malia  prayere  with  more  tban  ordinary  devotion;  then, 
standing  up,  he  stretcbed  bis  limba,  and  shook  bia  body, 
sa  if  to  aettle  and  unite  hii  membera,  which  aeemed 
almoat  diaitevered  from  each  otber,  breathed  npon  hia 
haada  and  rubbed  them  togetber,  and  then  opened  the 
duor  of  the  eateino/lo,  fint  tahing  the  precaution  to  look 
warìly  about  bim,  percbance  any  one  might  be  tbere. 
No  one  being  viaible,  be  cast  hia  eye  round  to  discover 
the  path  ha  had  followed  the  precedìng  erening,  atid 
quickly  recognising  it,  much  clearer  and  more  distioct 
tban  hÌB  mcuory  pictured  it,  he  set  off  in  that  direction. 

The  sky  aonounced  a  beautiful  day:  the  pale  and 
rayleas  moon  waa  yet  viaible  near  the  horizon,  in  the 
Bpacioua  field  of  azure,  atìU  eoftened  by  a  tinge  of  mom- 
ing  grey,  wbicb  abaded  gradimily  towarda  the  east,  iuta  a 
roey  and  prìmroBe  bue.  Stili  nearer  the  horizon,  a  few 
irregalar  clouds  stretcbed  out,  in  lengtheiied  waves, 
rather  azure  tban  grey,  tbeir  lower  aides  edged  with 
almost  a  atreak  of  flame,  becoming  every  moment  more 
vivid  and  aharply-defined',  wbile,  higher  up,  ligbt  and 
ileecy  clouda,  mingUng  with  each  otber,  and  of  a  fibou- 

•  It  mnat  be  borns  ia  mind  by  tbe  reader,  that,  sccordinz  to  Tulian 
oomputatioa  of  time,  tbe  fint  bour  of  the  day  il  UTen  o'dock  in  tbe 
moraìng — two  o'clock  uuweTable  to  eigbt  nith  sa,  ind  wj  od,  till  leTen 
o'clnck  ia  tbe  eTeoin^  becom^  dd«  agàa.  Tbii  imncament  vonld 
mike  eUTSn  o'clook,  ià  the  t«xt,  tbe  urne  u  tLie  o'clock  u  the  mom- 
ing  in  EngUjld. 


byCOO'^IC 


3H  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Band  namelenB  huea,  floated  on  tbe  Burface  of  the  placid 
heaveoB;  a  true  Loinbard  sky,  ro  beautiful  when  it  w 
beautiful — so  brilliaut,  so  calm.  Had  Benzo  been  bere 
to  eajof  himself,  he  would  certainl}'' bave  looked  upwarde, 
and  admired  a  dawn  bo  difTerent  to  what  he  had  been 
accustomed  to  tee  among  bis  native  mouutains  ;  but  bis 
eyea  were  bent  to  the  ground,  and  he  walked  on  rapìdly, 
both  to  regain  a  little  warmth,  and  to  reach  the  river  u 
quickly  m  he  could.  Ke  retraced  the  fields,  the  grove, 
the  bushea  ;  traveraed  the  wood,  with  a  kind  of  compas- 
aion,  ao  he  looked  around  and  remembered  the  horror 
he  had  felt  there  a  few  houm  before  ;  reacbed  the  edge 
of  the  precipitouii  bank,  andlooking  down  through  tlie 
cragB  sud  buaheB,  dÌBcovered  a  fiBherman'a  bark  elowly 
making  its  waj  againet  the  Btreani,  dose  hj  the  abore. 
He  baatily  deaeended  the  ahorteat  way  through  the 
bushes,  Btood  upon  the  bank,  and  gently  called  to  the 
fiìaherman  ;  and  with  the  intention  of  appearing  to  ask 
a  lavour  of  little  importance,  but,  without  being  awiire 
of  it,  in  a  balf-aupplicatory  manner,  beckoned  to  him  to 
apffroach.  The  fisherman  cast  a  glance  aloag  the  shoK!, 
looked  carefully  both  up  and  down  the  rìver,  and  tben 
tlirning  tho  proir  towards  Benco,  approsched  the  aide. 
Beato,  who  stood  at  the  very  edge  of  the  etream,  almost 
with  one  foot  in  the  water,  aeized  the  prow  aa  it  drew 
near,  and  jumped  into  the  boat. 

'  Be  good  eiiough  to  take  me  aerosa  to  the  other  aide, 
and  l'iT  pay  you  for  it,'  aaid  he.  The  Saherman  had 
already  gueaaed  hia  object,  and  had  turoed  the  prow  to 
the  opposite  bank.  Benzo,  aeeing  another  onr  at  the 
bottom  of  the  boat,  stooped  down  and  took  it  up. 

'Soflly,  aoftly,'  aaid  the  ovner;  but  on  seeing  how 
dexteroualy  the  youth  laìd  bold  of  the  implement,  and 
prepared  to  handle  it,  '  Aha  !  '  added  he,  'you  know  yonr 
busiueas,' 

'  A.  little,'  ceplied  Kenzo  ;  and  he  hegan  to  row  witb 
a  vigour  and  skill  beyond  tlioue  of  au  amateur.  While 
tflus  eierting  hiinaell',  be  uaet  ap.  occasionai  dark  glance 
at  the  ahore  he  had  juat  let't,  and  tben  a  look  of  auzièty 
to  the  oue  they  were  approachiug.    Uè  waa  annoyed  at 


XVII.]  THE    BBTROTHED.  31S 

hsvìng  to  go  at  ali  down  the  stream  ;  but  the  cuireiit 
here  was  too  rapid  to  cut  directly  ocroBs  it  ;  so  thnt  tha 
bark,  partly  cleaN'iiig  and  partly  foUowìng  the  courae  of 
the  vater,  was  obliged  to  talee  a  diagonal  direction.  As 
it  bappens  la  ali  dark  and  intricate  undertakings,  that 
diIBculties  preaant  thetnselves  to  the  miiid  at  first  onlj 
ili  general,  but  in  tbe  execution  of  the  enterprise  ara 
more  minutelj'  obaervable  ;  so,  novr  that  the  Adda  was 
forded,  so  to  saj,  BeiiEO  folt  a  good  deal  of  diaquietude 
at  Dot  knowiog  for  certain  whetber  here  it  was  the 
boundarr  of  the  two  states,  or  whether,  when  this  ob- 
Btocle  waa  overcorae,  there  mìght  not  be  othera  stili  to 
BurmouDt.  Addreasing  the  tieherman,  tberefore,  and 
nodding  with  his  head  towarda  the  vhìtìsh  spot  whicb 
he  had  noticed  tbe  night  before,  and  wbìch  now  appeared 
much  more  distinct,  'Ib  tbat  Bergamo P'  aaid  be — 'that 
town  ?  ' 

'  The  city  of  Bergamo,'  replied  tbe  fiaherman. 

'  And  tbat  sbore,  there,  does  it  belong  to  Bergamo?  ' 

'  The  territory  of  8t  Mark.' 

'  Long  live  Bt  Mark  !  '  ezclairoed  BeuEo. 

The  fishermaa  made  no  replr. 

They  reached,  at  lengtb,  tbe  oppon'te  sbore;  £enco 
jamped  out  upon  it,  and,  tbanking  Ood  in.  bis  beart, 
expreased  his  gratitude  in  worda  to  the  boatman  ;  thea 
putting  his  band  in  big  pocket,  he  drew  out  thence  a  ber- 
linga— whirh,  connideriiig  his  circumstances,  waa  no  little 
Iosa  to  hjm — and  handed  ÌC  to  the  wurthy  man,  who, 
giving  another  glance  at  the  Milanese  shore,  and  along 
tbe  river  in  eilher  direction,  atretcUed  out  bis  band,  and 
receired  tbe  gifl.  He  put  it  into  bis  pocket,  and  after 
Gompresaing  bis  lipB,  at  tbe  same  timo  layiiig  hia  fore- 
(ìnger  across  them,  witb  a  significant  eipresHion  of  couq- 
tenuiice,  said,  '  A  goodjourney  to  you  I  '  and  tumed  back. 

'l'hnt  the  reader  may  not  be  surprised  at  the  prompt, 
jet  oautioaa,  civility  of  this  man  towarda  a  perfect 
stranger,  it  will  be  necesaary  to  inform  hìm  that,  fre- 
qu(;at1y  requeated  to  perform  a  aimilar  service  to  amug- 
glers  and  bandittì,  he  was  accustomed  to  do  so,  not  so 
much  for  tbe  sake  of  tbe  tiiflìng  and  unceitain  gaioB 


ogic 


318  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

whìch  he  might  tbereby  obtain,  m  to  avoid  making  hii%- 
Beli'  eneraies  amoag  thetie  clnssea.  He  afibrded'JbJB 
ftasietanca  whenever  he  couid  aaaure  himself  of  net  being 
discarered  by  the  custom-houRB  ofBcere,  bailifis,  or  Bpies. 
ThuB,  without  particularly  favourìag  one  party  more 
tban  aiiother,  he  endeavoured  to  Hatiefy  ali,  wìth  that 
im partisi ity  usually  exercised  by  tboae  who  are  compelled 
to  deal  witli  a  certaia  «et  of  peopìe,  while  liable  to  give 
account  to  another. 
'  .  Benso  paiued  a  moment  od  the  bnnk,  to  contemplate 
\f  the  oppoaite  sbore — that  ground  which  just  hefore  had 
almost  bumt  beneath  hìa  feet — Ah  !  I  am  reallr  out  of 
it  ! — was  hifl  firat  thought.^Hateful  country  tnat  you 
are  ! — was  his  secood,  bidding  it  farewell.  But  the  third 
recurred  to  those  whom  he  had  lefb  tbere.  Thea  he 
crosaed  hia  arma  on  hia  breaat,  faeaved  a  sigb,  beat  bia 
eyea  on  the  water  which  flowed  at  bis  feet,  and  tbought, 
— It  haa  paaaed  under  the  bridge  I — Thua  that  at  L^^co 
waa  generali/  called  among  hia  fellow-countrymen,  by 
way  of  eminence. — Ahi  bateful  world  !  BnoLigb:  what- 
ever  God  wills. — 

He  tumed  hia  back  upon  these  moumful  objecta,  and 
went  forward,  taking,  for  a  mark,  the  white  tract  on  the 
aide  of  the  bill,  unti!  he  met  with  aome  one  to  give  bìm 
more  particiilar  directiona  in  bis  way.  It  was  amuaing 
to  see  witb  wbat  careleasnesa  and  disembarrassment  he 
now  accoated  travellera,  and  how  boldly  he  pronounced 
the  name  of  the  village  wbere  hia  couain  reaided,  without 
besitntioD  or  disguiee.  From  the  fint  peraon  who  directed 
him,  he  leamt  tliat  be  had  yet  nine  milee  to  travel. 

Hiajoumey  waa  iiut  vbry  blitheaome.  Independeut  of 
bis  own  troublea,  hia  eye  reated  every  moment  on  pitiable 
objecta,  which  told  bim  thnt  he  wouid  Und  in  the  country 
he  was  entering  the  poverty  be  bad  left  in  big  own.  AU 
along  the  way.lint  more  particularly  in  the  rillages  and 
large  towna,  he  aaw  beggara  haatening  along,  mendicanta 
rather  from  circumatancee  tban  prol'easion,  who  revealed 
tbeìr  misery  more  in  tbeir  countenances  tban  their  doth- 
ing;  peaaanta,  monntaìneera,  artiaana,  entire  families; 
andamingled  murmurofeDtreatieB,dÌBputes,  and  influita' 


,»Ogk' 


XVir.]  THE  BETROTHBD.  317 

crieB.  Besidea  the  moarnful  pity  tbat  it  awoke  in  Saheo's 
mind,  thia  aight  also  araiued  him  to  the  remembrance  o( 
hia  otta  circumatancea. 

— Who  knowa, — thooght  be,  aa  he  weDt  along, — if  I 
■hall  find  luiTthmg  to  do  P  if  there  ia  nny  work  now  to 
be  got,  aa  there  used  to  be  F  Well  ;  Bortolo  ìb  kindly 
incliaed  to  me  ;  he  ia  a  good  lellow  ;  he  has  maile  aome 
money,  aad  haa  invited  me  very  often  ;  he,  aurely,  won't 
foraasH  me.  Beaidea,  Providence  has  helped  me  bìtherto, 
and  will  help  me,  I  hope,  for  the  future. — 

In  the  mean  nhile,  hia  appetite,  already  considenbly 
aharpened,  became,  aa  he  went  oa  hia  way,  more  and 
more  craving  ;  and  though  he  felt  that  he  could  manage 
very  well  to  the  end  of  hia  journey,  which  waa  now  only 
about  two  miles,  witbout  great  inconvenieace,  yet  he  re- 
flected  that  it  would  not  be  eiactly  the  thing  to  luake  hia 
appearance  before  bis  couaìn  like  a  beggnr,  and  addreaa 
him  with  the  salutation,  '  Oive  me  aoniethiiig  tu  eat  ;  '  ao 
drawing  ali  bis  richea  from  bla  pocket,  be  couuted  them 
over  ou  the  paLm  of  bie  band,  to  aacertaìn  the  amount. 
It  wBa  an  amouQt  tbat  re(]uired  little  calcuUtion,  yet 
Itili  tbere  waa  more  than  enough  to  make  a  amali  meal  ; 
he,  tberefore,  entered  aa  ion  to  get  a  little  refreshment; 
and,  OH  paying  the  account,  found  tbat  he  had  atili  a  few 
pence  remainÌDg. 

Just  outside,  tying  in  the  atreet,  aud  ao  dose  to  the 
door  tbat  be  would  bave  fàllen  over  tbern  bsd  be  not 
beeu  looking  about  him,  Kenzo  eaw  two  women,  one 
ratber  eldurly,  and  the  otliei*  a  younger  peraon,  with  an 
infaut  at  ber  breaat,  wbicb,  aft«r  vainlv  endeavouring  to 
sstiafy  ita  bunger,  waa  cryiag  bitterly  ;  tbey  were  ali 
tbree  aa  pale  as  death  ;  and  standing  by  tbera  waa  a  mail, 
in  whose  face  and  limbs  tbere  migbt  atilt  be  discerned 
tokens  of  former  robustaess,  though  now  broken  and 
almost  deetroyed  by  long  paverty.  The  tbree  beggars 
■tretcbed  out'  tbeir  hancb  to  Benso,  as  be  lefl  the  inn 
with  a  free  atep  and  reiuvigorated  air,  but  none  of  them 
ipobe  ;  what  more  could  language  bave  expressed  P 

'  There'e  a  Gtod-eend  for  you  !  '  said  Benso,  as  he 
hastily  thniat  hia  band  into  bia  pocket,  and,  takìug  out 


,c,oglc 


318  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

bis  Itut  pence,  put  them  into  the  band  thftt  was  nevest 
to  him,  and  went  on  ha  way. 


The  rerreahment,  and  this  good  worh  toaetlier  (mnce 
we  are  made  of  both  soul  and  body),  had  gladdfned  and 
cbeered  ali  bis  thonghta.  Certaìn  it  is  that  he  frlt  more 
confidence  for  the  future  from  having  thus  deprìved  him- 
self  of  bis  last  penny,  than  if  he  had  found  ten  such. 
For  if  Providence  had  kopt  in  reaerve,  for  tbe  mipport 
of  three  wretched  beggsrs,  alnioBt  fainting  on  the  ròad, 
the  laet  farthing  of  a  stranger,  himself  a  fup;ttÌTe,  far 
from  hie  own  home,  and  uac«rtain  how  to  gei  a  lirine, 
could  he  think  that  that  Providence  woiild  leave  in  desti- 
tution  him  wbom  He  had  mode  use  of  for  thie  purpose, 
and  to  nhom  He  had  given  to  vivid,  so  effective,  so  self- 
abandoning  an  tnclination  F  Such  wob,  in  general,  the 
feeling  of  the  youth,  tbough,  probablj',  not  eo  elearly 
defìned  as  that  which  we  bave  expressed  in  words.  During 
tbe  remainder  of  bis  walk,  as  bis  mind  recurred  to  tbe 
dilTerent  circumHlances  apd  contingencies  wbicb  had 
hitherto  appeared  the  moHt  dHrk  and  perpleiing,  ali 
aeemed  to  Drighten.  The  famine  and  poverty  must  come 
to  an  end,  for  thire  was  a  harvest  eiery  year  :  in  tbe 


,»Ogk' 


Xni.]  THE  BETROTHED.  319, 

mean  time,  he  bad  bie  consin  Bortolo,  and  bis  own  abili- 
'  tiea  1  and,  aa  a  help  towarda  hia  aupport,  a  little  atore  of 
money  at  home,  waiuli  be  couid  eaailr  eend  for.  With 
this  asaiatance,  at  the  worat,  he  could  live  fram  day  to 
day  aa  economicallv  as  poaaible,  tìll  better  timea, — Tben, 
when  good  timea  bave  come  at  last, — coati&ued  Beo/x), 
in  bis  faDciful  dreama, — the  demand  for  work  will  be 
rencwed  ;  mastera  will  strive  wbo  aball  get  Milanese 
veavcra,  because  tbey  know  their  trade  beat  ;  the  Milanese 
weavera  will  hold  their  beada  high  ;  tbey  who  want  clever 
workmen  muBt  pay  for  tbem  ;  we  eball  make  Bomething 
to  live  upoa  and  atill  bave  some  to  epare  ;  we  cac  then 
furnisb  a  cottage,  and  write  to  tbe  women  to  come.  And 
besidea,  wby  wait  eo  long  ?  Sbouidn't  we  bave  lìved 
upon  my  little  atore  at  home,  ali  this  wintorp  So  we 
can  live  bere.  There  are  curates  everywhere.  Thoae 
two  dear  women  might  come  now,  and  we  could  keep 
honae  together.  Oh,  what  a  pleasure,  to  go  walkÌDg  ali 
togetber  on  this  very  road  !  to  go  aa  far  as  the  Adda,  in 
a  cart,  and  bave  a  pic-nic  on  the  shore  ;  yea,  just  on  the 
flhorel  and  l'd  show  tbem  the  place  where  I  embarked, 
the  tbomy  path  I  carne  down,  and  the  spot  where  I  atood 
to  look  if  there  waa  a  boat  !— 

At  length  he  reached  bie  couain's  village  ;  and,  just  at 
the  entrasce,  even  before  be  set  foot  in  it,  diatinguished 
a  house  considerably  bigher  tbau  the  reat,  with  aeveral 
rows  of  long  Windows,  one  above  another,  and  aeparated 
hy  a  much  smaller  apace  tban  tbe  diviaions  between  the 
diflerent  storica  required  :  he  at  once  recognized  a  ailk- 
mill  ;  aod  going  in,  asked,  in  a  loud  voice,  so  as  to  be 
beard  amidst  tbe  noiae  of  tbe  running  water  and  tbe 
machinery,  if  Bortolo  Castagneri  lived  tliere. 

'  The  Signor  Bortolo  i     He'e  there.' 

— Tbe  Signor  !  that'a  a  good  aign, — thought  Eemo  ; 
and,  aeeing  his  couain,  he  ran  towarda  him.  Bortolo 
turned  round,  recognized  his  relation,  as  he  exclaimed, 
'  Here  I  am,  myself,'  and  received  him  with  an  '  Ob  1  ' 
of  Burpriae,  as  they  mutually  tbrew  their  arms  round 
eacb  otber'a  neek.  After  the  first  welcome,  Bortolo 
took  bis  couain  into  anotber  room,  apart  &om  the  noise 


,c,oglc 


320  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

of  the  luacbiiiery  tmA  tìie  eyea  of  the  cnriouB,  and  greeted 
hJm  wìth,  '  l'iD  very  glad  to  see  jou  ;  but  you're  &  pretty 
fellov.  I'?«  invìted  you  so  often,  sud  you  naver  would 
come  ;  Bod  oow  tou  arrivo  io  rather  a  troubled  time. 

'  Since  you  wiìl  bave  me  teli  you,  l're  not  come  with 
my  own  good  wìU,'  said  Benzo  ;  and  then,  as  brieQy  as 
posaible,  and  not  without  some  ernotìoa,  he  related  bis 
tnoumful  story. 

'  That'a  quite  another  tbing,'  said  Bortolo.  '  Oh,  poor 
BenEo  !  But  you've  depended  upon  me  ;  and  l'il  not 
ibreake  jou.  Certainlr,  there's  no  great  demand  for 
workmen  just  now  ;  indeed,  it'a  ali  we  can  do  not  to  tum 
off  thoae  we  bave,  and  givo  up  the  buaìneee  ;  but  my 
master  hkes  me,  and  he  Eaa  got  some  money.  And,  to 
teli  you  the  truth,  without  boaating,he  nioBtly  owea  it  io 
me  ;  he  haa  the  capital,  and  I  gira  tny  abilitiee,  euch  as 
tbey  are.  l'm  the  head  workman,  you  kaow  j  and,  be- 
aidea,  between  you  and  me,  l'm  quite  hìa  faetotum.  Poor 
Lucia  Moudella  !  1  remember  ber  as  it  were  but  yeater- 
day  :  a  good  girl  ahe  vaa .'  alwavB  the  best-bebnved  ia 
church  ;  and  whenever  ooe  passed  ber  cottage  ....  I  see 
that  cottage  in  m^  mind's  eye,  outside  the  village,  wìth  & 
fine  fig-tree  peening  over  the  wall  ,  ,  .  .' 

'  No,  no  ;  don  t  let  ub  talk  about  it.' 
I  waa  only  going  to  tiay,  that  whenever  one  passed 
that  cottage,  there  was  the  reel  alwaya  goiug,  going, 
going.  And  that  Doa  Bodrigo  !  even  in  my  time  he  was 
inclined  that  way;  but  now  he's  playing  the  devil  out- 
rigfat,  from  what  I  bear,  so  long  as  Ood  leavea  him  to 
take  bis  own  course.  Well,  as  1  waa  aaying,  bere,  too, 
we  are  eufferìng  a  little  from  the  famine  ....  Apropoa, 
how  are  you  for  appetite  P  ' 

*  I  got  Homething  to  eat,  a  little  while  ago,  on  the  road.' 

'  And  how  are  you  for  money  t  ' 

Bonzo  held  out  one  of  hia  banda,  and  putting  it  to  hìa 
mouth,  gently  pufied  upon  it. 

'  Never  mina,'  said  Bortolo  :  '  l've  plenty  ;  pluck  up 
heart,  for  1  hope  thinga  will  aoon  change,  piease  God  ; 
and  then  you  can  repay  ine,  und  lay  up  also  a  little  l'or 
youraelf.' 


XVII.J  THE   BETROTHED.  321 

'  l're  a  trifling  bdid  at  home,  and  vili  oeud  for  it,' 

'Very  well;  and,  in  the  roeau  time,  you  may  depend 
upoa  me.  G-ud  has  giren  me  wealth,  that  I  migfat  gire 
to  others  ;  and  wbom  should  I  servo  so  aooa  as  my  own 
relatioDB  and  friends  ?' 

'  I  said  I  should  be  prorided  for  !  '  eiclaimed  Benzo, 
affection&telj  pressing  hìs  good  cousin's  hand. 

'  Thea,'  reioiaed  his  companion,  '  they've  had  a  regniar 
uproar  at  Milan  !  I  thinb  they're  ali  a  little  mad.  The 
rumour  had  already  reeched  here  ;  but  I  want  you  to  teli 
me  thinga  a  little  more  particularly.  Ah  !  we  ve  plenty 
to  talk  about.  Here,  however,  you  see,  we  go  about  it 
more  quietly,  and  do  things  witn  rather  more  prudence. 
The  city  purchaaed  two  thouaand  Ioads  of  coro,  from  a 
merchaut  who  Uvea  et  Venice  :  the  com  came  from 
Turkey  ;  but  when  life  depends  upon  it,  such  things  ara 
not  loohed  into  very  narrowly.  See  now  what  this  oc- 
casioned:  the  governors  of  Verona  snd  Brescia  atopped 
np  the  passes,  and  said,  *  No  com  shall  pass  this  way.' 
What  did  the  Bergamaacans  do,  think  you  F  They  de- 
spatched  a  man  to  Venice,  who  knew  how  to  talk.  The 
messenger  went  off  in  baste,  presented  himself  to  the 
Doge,  and  asked  him  what  waa  the  meauing  of  such  a 
trick.  And  such  a  speech  he  made  !  they  say,  fit  to  be 
printed.  What  a  thing  it  is  to  bave  a  man  who  knows 
what  to  say  !  An  order  was  immediately  issued  for  the 
free  transit  of  corn,  requiriog  the  governors  not  only  to 
let  it  pass,  but  to  assist  in  forwarding  it  ;  and  now  it  is 
on  ita  way.  There  is  proTÌsion  also  for  the  surrounding 
country.  Another  worthy  man  gave  the  sonate  to  under- 
atand  that  the  people  in  the  country  were  starving;  and 
they  have  ordered  them  four  thousand  bushels  of  millet. 
This  helps,  you  know,  to  make  bread.  And  then  I  oeedn't 
say,  that  if  there  isn't  bread  for  us,  we  will  est  meat. 
God  has  given  me  wealth,  as  I  told  you.  Now,  then,  l'Il 
take  you  to  my  master  :  l've  often  mentioned  you  to  him, 
and  Ikoowhe'll  welcome  you.  He's  a  Bergaraascan  of 
the  old  sort,  and  a  kind-hearted  man.  Certaioly,  he 
doean't  expect  you  just  now;  but  when  he  hears  yoar 
histury  ....  And  betides,  be  knows  how  to  value  good 


lAiooi^lc 


322  1  FROMESai  BPOSI.  [CH. 

workmen;  for  the  famine  must  come  to  an  end,  tasd 
business  will  go  on.  But,  first  of  ali,  I  must  vani  tou 
of  one  thing.  Do  jon  know  what  they  cali  us  Milanese, 
in  tbis  country  ?  ' 

'  No  ;  wbat  ts  it  F  ' 

'Tliey  cali  ub  blockheads.' 

'  That's  not  a  Tery  nice  name.' 

'  So  it  ie  :  whoever  is  boni  in  the  territory  of  Milan, 
and  would  make  a  Lvìng  in  tbat  of  Bergamo,  must  be 
coDtent  to  bear  it  patientlj.  It  ia  as  common,  among 
these  people,  to  give  ine  name  of  "  blockbead  "  to  a  Milan- 
ese, aa  "  your  illustrious  lordship"  to  a  cavalier." 

'  They  oiily  say  ho,  I  fancy,  to  tbose  wbo  will  put  np 
with  it.' 

'  My  dear  fellow,  if  you  are  not  diapoaed  continunlly  to 
brook  the  title,  don't  reckon  thatyou  can  live  bere.  Tou 
votild  be  oblised  always  to  bave  a  knife  in  your  band  ; 
and  when  you  bave  killed,  we  will  suppose,  two,  three,  or 
four,  of  your  neighbours,  yon'd  meet  with  somebody  who 
would  kill  you  ;  and  what  a  niee  prospect,  to  bave  to 
appear  before  God'a  tribunal  with  three  or  four  murdera 
on  your  head  !  ' 

'  And  a  Milanese  who  has  a  little  .  .  .  .'  bere  he  tapped 
bis  forebead  witb  bis  forefinger,  aa  he  bad  before  done  at 
the  sign  of  the  Full  Moon.  '  I  mean,  one  wbo  under- 
standfl  bis  busineee  ?  ' 

'  It's  ali  the  same  ;  he,  too,  would  be  a  blockbead.  l>o 
you  know  wbat  my  master  says  when  be's  talkiog  of  me 
to  bis  frìends  ?  "  Heaven  has  sent  me  thia  hlockhead,  to 
conduct  my  business  ;  if  it  wera  not  for  tbis  blockhead,  I 
flhouid  do  very  badly."    It's  the  custom  to  say  so.' 

'  It's  a  very  foolish  custom,  cspecially  considering  wbat 
we  do  ;  for  wbo  was  it,  in  fact,  tbat  brougbt  the  art  bere, 
and  now  carnea  it  on,  but  uà  F  la  it  posaible  tbere's  no 
belpforit?' 

'Not  bitberto ;  tbere  may  be,  in  the  couree  of  tiroe, 
among  the  young  people  who  are  growing  up  ;  but  in  thia 
eeoeration  there  la  no  remedy  ;  tbey've  acquired  the 
bobit,  and  won't  leave  it  off.  AÀer  ali,  what  is  it  f  It'a 
Dothing  to  the  tricka  tbey've  played  upon  you,  utd  tbat 


,»oglc 


XVII.]  THB  BBIROTHEO.  323 

motti  of  Olir  precious  fellon-countrymen  would  stili  fìaj 
upon  you.' 

'  Well,  thflt's  trite  :  if  them'a  no  other  eril .  .  . .' 
'  Now  that  you  are  persuaded  of  this,  ali  will  go  well. 
Come,  let  ub  go  to  my  master,  and  be  of  good  heart.' 

Everything,  in  fact,  did  go  well,  and  so  ezactly  in 
accordùice  witb  Bortolo's  promises,  that  it  is  needless  to 
give  any  particalar  description.  And  it  was  truly  au 
ordering  of  Providence  ;  for  we  ahall  soon  see  how  little 
dependence  waa  to  be  placed  upon  the  small  sayìngs 
Beneohad  lell  at  home. 


;dbv  Google 


I    PBOHESSI   SfOSI.  [CH. 


CHAPTEB  IVIir. 

BHAT  eame  day,  the  13th  of  November,  sa 
1  expreaa  arrived  to  the  Signor  Pode*tà  of 
Lecco,  aad  presented  hìm  with  a  despatch 
from  the  Signor  the  high  sberiff,  containìng 
an  order  to  make  every  poBsible  strict  inresti- 
gation,  to  aacertain  whether  a  certsin  young  man,  hear- 
ing the  nanie  of  Lorenzo  Tramaglino,  silk-weaver,  who 
had  eacaped  from  the  hatids  priedicti  egregii  domini  eapi- 
ianei,  had  retumed,  palam  tei  elam,  to  hiB  o^'n  country, 
ignotuin  the  exact  village,  verum  in  ferrilorio  Leuei  : 
quod  ti  eomperlam  fuerii  tic  ente,  the  Signor  Podetlà  must 
endeavour,  quanta  maxima  diligentia  fieri  poterit,  to  get 
htm  into  bis  hands  ;  and.  having  flufGciently  secured  him, 
viàelicet,  with  stroug  handculfii,  (eeeing  that  the  inauffi- 
ciency  of  smaller  manacles  fur  the  afore-mentioued  per- 
Bon  naa  been  prored,)  must  cause  bim  to  be  conducted 
to  prison,  and  there  detalned  under  atroog  custody, 
unttl  he  be  consigned  to  the  officer,  who  shall  be  sent 
to  take  him  :  and  in  case  either  of  succeea,  or  non-auc- 
ceaa,  accedati*  ad  domum  pradieli  Lawenlii  Tramalini  ; 
etfaeta  debita  diligentia,  quid  quid  ad  rem  repertum  faerit 
ttùferati»  ;  et  informatìonei  de  ilUu»  prava  qualtlale,  vita, 
et  oomplieibiu,  tumalit  ;  and  of  ali  bis  Bayings  and  doin^, 
what  la  found  and  uot  found,  what  la  taken  and  not 
taken,  dUigenler  referati*.  After  humanely  aasuring  him- 
aelf  that  the  object  of  inquiry  had  not  returned  home, 
the  Signor  Fodeilà  Bummoned  the  vill^e  constable,  and 
under  hia  direction,  proceeded,  with  a  large  retimie  of 
notaries  and  bailiffe,  to  the  above-mentioned  house. 
The  door  wbb  locked,  and  either  no  one  bad  the  key,  or 
he  waa  not  to  be  found.  They,  therefore,  forced  the  focka 
with  ali  due  and  praiaeworthyzeal,  which  ia  equiralent  to 
eaying  that  they  proceeded  as  if  taking  a  city  by  aaaault. 


,»Ogk' 


xml,]  THE    BETROTHED.  329 

The  report  of  this  expeditioa  immediately  Bpread  io  the 
neighbourhood,  and  reached  the  ears  of  Father  Cristo- 
foro, who,  no  lesa  astonUhed  thau  grìeved,  sought  for 
some  ìnfonnatioa  as  to  the  canee  of  ao  imeipeeted  an 
event,  from  everybodj  he  met  «ith  ;  he  could  oaly, 
however,  gather  airj  conjecturea,  and  contradìctor/ 
reports  :  aod,  at  laat,  therefore,  wrote  to  Pather  Bona- 
ventura, from  whom  he  imagined  he  should  be  able  to 
acquìre  some  more  precìse  information.  In  the  mean 
while,  Kenso's  relations  and  friends  were  eummoned  to 
depose  ali  that  they  knew  about  hia  depraved  hahitt  :  to 
bear  the  name  of  Tramaglino  became  a  miafortuoe,  a 
disgrace,  a  crime;  and  the  Tillage  wae  quite  in  a^com- 
tDotion.  By  degreea,  it  became  known  that  lienzo  had 
eecaped  from  the  banda  of  justice  during  the  disturbance 
at  Milan,  and  had  net  since  been  seen.  It  voa  whia- 
pered  about  that  be  had  been  ^uilty  of  Botne  high  crime 
tnd  misdemeanour,  but  what  it  was  no  one  could  teli, 
or  thej  told  it  in  a  hundred  dìfferent  waya.  The  more 
beinone  the  offence  with  which  he  waa  charged,  the  lem 
waa  it  believed  in  the  villiige,  where  Renzo  was  unÌTer»- 
ally  known  as  an  honest,  respectable  youth  ;  and  many 
coDJectured  and  spread  tbe  report,  that  it  wae  merelj  a 
machinatioD  set  on  foot  by  the  powerful  Don  Eodrigo, 
to  briug  about  the  ruin  of  his  unfortunate  rivai.  l5o 
true  is  it  that,  judging  only  by  ìnduction,  and  without  <' 
tbe  neceesary  knowledge  of  facta,  eveu  the  greateat 
vtllaina  are  aometimes  wroDg^illy  accused. 

But  we,  who  bave  the  facts  in  our  poBsession,  as  the 
saying  ìs,  can  affirm  that,  if  Don  Eodrigo  bad  had  no 
ahare  in  BenEo's  misfortuaea,  yet  that  he  rejoiced  in 
them  as  if  they  had  been  his  own  work,  and  trìumphed 
over  them  amoog  his  confidante,  especially  with  Count 
Attilio.  This  friend,  according  to  bia  first  intention, 
should  bave  been,  by  thìs  time,  at  Milan  ;  but,  on  the 
first  announcement  of  the  disturbancea  that  had  ariaen 
there,  and  of  tbe  rabbie  vbom  he  might  encounter  in  a 
far  dilferent  mood  than  tamely  to  submit  to  a  beating, 
be  tbought  it  eipedient  to  postpone  bis  joumey  until 
bereceived  better  account*;  and  tbe  more  so  becauae 


,CK,glc 


326  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI,  [CH. 

having  offeaded  manj',  be  hftd  good  reaBon  to  fear  that 
some  wbo  had  remained  passive  onìj  from  impotency, 
migbt  now  be  encouraged  hj  circunistancpa,  and  judge 
it  »  favourable  opportunitj  for  takìng  tbeir  revenge. 
The  joumey,  however,  waa  not  long  delayed  ;  the  order 
deniatcbed  Irom  Milan  for  the  eiecutìou  agaicat  Beazo, 
had  alreadf  given  some  indication  that  tbÌDgs  had 
retuTDed  to  tbeir  ordinary  course,  and  tbe  positive 
Botices  wfaicb  foUowcd  quick  upoa  it,  canfirmed  the 
trutb  of  these  appearances.  Count  Attilio  set  off  imme- 
diately,  eDJoining  bis  couaia  to  persisi  in  bis  undertaking, 
and  bring  it  to  an  isaue,  aod  promising,  on  bis  part, 
that  be  would  use  every  means  to  rid  him  of  the  friar, 
to  whom  the  fortunate  accident  of  bis  cousiu's  beggarly 
rivai  would  be  a  lyotidi'rfiil  blaw.  Scarcely  had  Attilio 
gone,  wbeu  Ori^ìo  arrived  safe  and  sound  from  Monza, 
and  related  to  bis  master  what  he  had  been  able  to 
gatber  : — that  Lucia  had  found  refuge  in  such  a  tnonas- 
tery,  under  the  protection  of  the  Signora  So-aad-so; 
that  aite  waa  concealed  there  as  if  she  n'ero  a  nun  berseli', 
never  aetting  foot  outside  the  thresbold,  and  assisting  at 
the  Services  of  the  church  behiad  a  little  grated  window  : 
«Il  arrangement  wbìcb  waa  unsatisfactory  to  manj  wbo, 
having  beard  some  tnention  of  ber  adventures,  and  great 
reporta  of  ber  beauty,  were  aniious,  for  once,  to  see  what 
she  wae  like. 

This  account  inspired  Don  Sodrigo  witb  every  evil 
passion,  or,  to  speak  more  trulj,  rendered  stiU  more 
ui^overuable  those  witb  which  he  was  alreadv  possessed. 
So  manj  circumatances  favourable  to  bis  design,  had 
oiily  further  inflamed  that  mixture  of  punctilio,  rage,  aud 
infamouB  desire  of  which  bis  passion  wae  composed. 
JJenzo  absent,  banished,  outlawed — ao  that  any  proceed- 
ings  against  hitn  became  bivrluli  and  eveo  tbat  bia 
becrothed  bride  might  be  considered,  in  a  measure,  as 
tbe  property  of  a  reoei  :  the  only  man  in  tbe  world  wbo 
would  and  could  interest  himself  far  ber,  and  moke  a 
stir  that  would  be  noticcd  in  bead-quarters,  and  at  a 
distance — the  enraged  friar — would  himself,  probably,  be 
Boon  ÌDcapable  of  actiug  for  ber.     Yel  bere  wap  a  aew 


,»Ogk' 


XVIII.]  THE   BETBOTHSD.  327 

impediment,  which  not  oaìy  outweighed  ali  theee  advan- 
tages,  but  rendered  them,  ìt  migbt  be  aaid,  unaTailing. 
A  momuteiy  &t  Moiua,  «ven  had  there  not  been  a 
prìnoeBS  ia  the  way,  was  a  bone  toc  hard  even  for  the 
teeth  of  a  Bodrigo  ;  and  wnnder  in  bis  £uic;  round  thia 
retreat  as  he  nould,  he  could  deviee  no  way  or  meanB  of 
aasaulting  it,  eìtber  br  force  or  fntud.  He  was  almoat 
reeolved  to  give  up  the  enterprìse,  to  go  to  ìlilan  hy  a. 
Ctrcuitous  Foute,  bo  as  to  avoid  paasing  through  Monza, 
and  there  to  plunga  himself  into  the  society  of  bis 
frienda,  and  tbeir  recreations,  so  aa  to  drawn,  in  thougbts 
of  gaiety,  the  one  idea  which  had  nov  become  bo  tor- 
mentiug.  But,  but,  but,  hia  frieiids! — aofily  a  little 
with  these  friends.  Iii8t«ad  of  divertipg  bis  mind,  he 
migbt  reasonably  ezpect  to  liad  in  tbeir  company  an 
inceasant  renewal  and  memento  of  bis  vpxation  :  for 
Attilio  would  certainly  hnve  published  the  affair,  and  put 
them  ali  in  eipectation.  Everybody  vouid  make  inquiriea 
about  the  mountain  girl,  and  he  must  give  some  ansver. 
He  had  wished,  he  had  tried  ;  and  how  had  he  aucceeded  F 
He  had  engaged  in  an  undertaking—ratber  an  unwortby 
oae,  certainly  ;  but  what  of  tbat  i*  One  cannot  alwaya 
regniate  one's  caprìcea  ;  the  point  ìs  to  satiafr  tbem  ;  and 
how  had  be  come  off  in  the  enterpriseP  How  P  Put 
down  by  a  peaaant,  and  a  friar  1  Ub  !  and  wben  an  un- 
ezpected  tum  of  good  fortune  had  rìd  him  of  one,  and  a 
■kilful  friend  of  the  otber,  witbout  any  trouble  on  the 
part  of  the  priucipal  person  concemed,  he,  like  a  fool, 
knew  not  how  to  profit  oy  the  junctiire,  and  baaely  with- 
drew  from  the  undertaking  !  It  would  be  eaougb  to 
make  him  never  again  dare  to  hold  up  hia  head  amoug 
men  of  apirit,  or  compel  him  always  to  keep  hia  band  ou 
hia  Bword.  And  tben,  again,  bow  could  he  ever  retura 
to,  how  erer  remain  io,  tbat  rillage,  and  tbat  country, 
where,  )et  alone  tbe  inceasant  and  bitter  remenibrancea 
of  bis  paesion,  be  abould  always  bear  about  with  bira 
tbe  disgrace  of  ìts  failure  ?  where  public  hatred  would 
bare  increased,  white  bia  reputatìon  for  power  and 
BUperìority  would  bave  proportionably  diminiahedP 
wbere  he  migbt  read  in  the  tace  of  erery  ragamuffin. 


,c,oglc 


338  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

even  tbrougb  the  veil  of  profound  reverences,  a  galling 
'  Tou're  beai  gulied,  and  l'm  gtad  of  it  !  '  The  patb  cS 
iniquità,  aa  our  tn&nuecrìpt  bere  renurks,  ie  broad,  but 
that  doea  net  msan  that  it  ia  easy  ;  it  bas  ita  stumbluig- 
block8,aiid  ita  thorns,  and  ita  couroe  is  tedioua  aud 
wearisome,  though  it  be  a  downward  course. 

In  this  perpleiity,  uQwiUing  either  to  give  np  bis  pur- 

Siose,  to  go  back,  or  to  stop,  and  unabte  by  himself  to  go 
orward,  a  pian  occuired  to  Don  Bodrigo's  mind,  oy 
wbich  be  faoped  to  effect  bis  design.  Thìa  wss  to  take  a« 
a  partner  and  aasiatant  in  bia  enterprìae,  one  wboee  handt 
coald  often  reach  bejond  the  vieies  of  othen — a  man  at 
once,  and  devil,  to  whom  the  difficulty  of  an  undertaking 
was  frequently  an  incentive  to  engagé  in  it  But  tbia 
courae  alao  had  ita  inconTeniencea  and  ita  dangera  ;  the 
more  preaaing,  the  lesa  they  could  be  calcnlated  upoa 
beforehand  ;  aìnce  it  was  iinpoaaìble  to  foresee  wbere  one 
might  be  led,  when  once  embarked  in  an  affair  wìtb  tbia 
man  :  a  powerful  auxiiiary,  certainly,  but  a  not  lesa  abao- 
Iute  and  dangerous  guide. 

These  thoughts  kept  Don  Bodrigo  for  seTeral  daya  ia 
a  atate  of  worae  tban  tedioua  perplexlty.  In  the  mean 
while,  a  letter  arrÌTed  from  bia  couain,  iaforming  him  that 
the  plot  against  the  friar  waa  going  on  very  wetl.  Fol- 
lowing  cloae  upon  the  lìghtning  buiats  forth  the  thunder- 
clap  ;  ODO  fine  moming,  Don  Kodrigo  beard  that  Pather 
Cristoforo  had  loft  tfae  conrent  at  Pescarenico.  Thia 
succeaa,  ao  prompt,  and  ao  complete,  together  with 
Attilio'a  lett«r,  encouraging  him  oQward,  and  tiireaten* 
ing  him  with  intolerable  ridicule  if  he  withdrew,  inclined 
Don  Bodrigo  stili  more  to  hazard  everything  rather  than 
give  up  ;  but  that  which  finally  decided  him,  waa  the  un> 
expected  news  that  Agnese  had  returned  home,  tbua 
remofing  one  obatacle  &om  around  Lucia.  We  will 
relat«  how  these  two  circumatancee  were  brongbt  about, 
beginnìng  with  tbe  laat. 

The  two  unfortuuate  women  were  acarcely  aettled  in 
their  retreat,  when  the  report  of  the  diaturbancea  ia 
Mìlan  apread  rapidly  over  Monii^  and,  conscquently, 
througb  the  monastery  ;  and  foilowiag  tbe  grand  newa, 


,»Ogk' 


ZTII1.]  TRE   BBTSOTHBD.  389 

carne  an  in6nite  Buccessìoii  of  particulun,  whìch  molti- 
plied  and  varied  every  mument.  The  portress,  aituated 
just  between  the  Street  and  the  monasterr,  waa  the  chan- 
Del  of  informatioa  both  from  within  and  from  withoat, 
and,  eagerij  receiving  tbete  reporta,  retailed  them  at  will 
to  her  gueata.  'Two,  sii,  eight,  four,  aeven,  had  beea 
ìmprÌBoned:  tbey  would  bang  them,  aome  before  the 
bskehouse  of  the  Orutehet,  some  at  the  end  of  the  atreet 
where  the  Superintondent  of  proviaiona  lived.  .  .  .  Ay, 
ay,  juat  liateo,  nowl^one  of  them  escaped — a  man 
■omewhere  from  Iiecco,  or  thereabouti.  I  don't  koow  the 
lume  ;  but  some  one  wìli  be  pasaing  who  will  be  able  to 
teli  me,  to  aee  if  you  kiiow  him.' 

Thia  aimouncemeiit,  together  with  the  circumatance 
thftt  Renso  would  juat  bave  arrived  at  Mìiaa  on  the  fatai 
day,  oocaaioned  a  good  deal  of  diaquìetude  to  the  women, 
aud  eapecially  to  Iiucia;  but  what  muot  it  have  been, 
wben  tne  portresa  carne  to  telL  them — '  It  ia  a  man  from 
your  very  village  who  haa  eacaped  being  hung — a  ailk- 
weaver,  of  the  name  of  Tramaglino  ;  do  you  know  him  f  ' 

Lucia,  wbo  wna  aìtting  hemming  aome  needleworb, 
ìmmediately  let  it  fall  from  her  banda  ;  ahe  became  ex- 
tremeiy  pale.aad  changed  countenance  ao  much,  that  the 
portreas  would  certainly  bave  obaerred  it,  had.she  been 
nearer  to  her.  Fortunately,  bowever,  ahe  wos  standing 
at  the  door  with  Agnese,  who,  though  much  dieturbed, 
yet  not  to  such  a  degree  aa  her  daughter,  preaerved  a 
calm  countenance,  and  forced  berself  to  reply,  that  in  a 
little  TÌllage,  everybody  knew  everybody  ;  that  ahe  was 
acquainted  with  him,  and  couid  scarcely  bring  beraelf  to 
believe  that  anything  of  the  kind  had  bappened  to  him, 
be  waa  so  peaceable  a  youth.  iShe  then  aaked  if  it  waa 
known  for  certain  that  he  had  eacaped,  and  whither. 

'  Every  one  aays  he  haa  eacaped,  where  to,  they  caonot 
■ay  ;  it  may  be  they  will  catch  him  agaia,  or  it  may  be  he 
ia  in  aafety  ;  but  if  they  do  get  hold  of  him,  yotu-  peace- 
able youth.  .  .  .' 

Fortunatoly,  at  thia  juncture,  the  portreas  waa  called 
away,  and  left  them — the  reader  may  imagine  in  what 
gtate  of  mind.     For  more  tlian  a  day  wure  the  poor 


,„oglc 


330  I    FROHESSI  8P08I.  [CB. 

wom&n  and  her  afflicted  daugbter  obliged  to  remain  in 
thia  painfut  suapeaae,  imaginÌDg  the  causes,  way s,  and 
GODBei^uences,  of  thia  unhappy  event,  and  commenting, 
in  their  own  mindti,  or  in  a  low  voice  with  each  other,  ou 
the  terrible  worda  their  informer  had  left  unfiniihed. 

At  length,  one  Thunda^ ,  a  man  Birired  at  the  monaa- 
tery  in  eearch  of  Aenese.  It  waa  a  fiahmonger,  of  Pes- 
carenico,  going  to  Milan,  as  usuai,  to  diapoee  of  hia  fiah  ; 
and  the  good  Father  Cristoforo  had  requested  bim,  in 
paaeing  tarough  Monza,  to  cali  in  at  the  monastery ,  to 
greet  the  women  in  bis  name,  to  teli  them  ali  he  knew 
about  thia  sad  affair  of  Benzo's,  to  beseech  them  to  bave 
patience,  and  put  their  trust  in  God  ;  and  to  assure  them 
that  he  would  certainly  not  forget  them,  but  would  watch 
hifl  opportunità  for  rendering  tbem  asaiatuice;  and,  in 
the  mean  time,  would  Dot  fall  to  aend  them  ali  the  news 
he  could  collect  every  week,  either  by  tbis  means,  or  a 
aimilar  one.  The  measeiiger  could  teli  nothing  new  or 
certain  about  Benzo,  eicept  of  the  eiecution  put  into 
hia  honae,  and  the  aearch  tuat  was  being  made  for  bim  ; 
but,  at  the  same  time,  that  tbis  had  been  hitherto  in  vain, 
and  that  it  nas  known  for  certain  that  he  had  reached  the 
territory  of  Bergamo.  Such  a  certainty,  it  ia  unneccseary 
to  Bay,  waa  a  balm  to  poor  Lucia's  wounded  heart:  from 
that  time  her  tears  flowed  more  freely  and  calmly  ;  she 
felt  more  comfortcd  in  her  secret  bursts  of  feeling  with 
ber  mother  ;  and  expreaaions  of  thankfulneae  began  to  be 
mingled  with  ber  prsyera. 

Gertrude  frequentJy  invited  ber  into  ber  private  apart- 
ment,  and  Bometimes  detained  ber  there  a  long  whtie, 
feeling  a  pleasure  in  the  ingenuonaness  and  gentleuesa  of 
the  poor  girl,  and  in  hearing  the  thankaand  blesainga  she 
poured  upon  ber  benefactress.  She  even  related  to  her, 
in  confidence,  a  part  (tbe  blamelese  part)  of  her  bis- 
tory,  and  ùf  wbat  she  had  suffered,  that  she  might  come 
there  to  Buffer,  tiJI  Lucia's  first  suspicious  astonishment 
gradually  changed  to  compasaion.  In  that  bistory  she 
found  reasons  more  than  enougb  to  eiplain  wbat  she 
thought  rather  strange  in  the  behaviour  of  her  patronesB, 
especially  when  she  brought  in  to  her  aid  Agnese's  doti- 


,»Ogk' 


XVriI.]  THB    BBTROniED.  331 

trine  abont  the  dioracterB  of  the  nobility.  XeverthelesB, 
though  Hometimes  iuduced  to  return  the  confidence  which 
Gertrude  repoeed  in  ber,  yet  ehe  carefully  avoided  any 
meatioD  of  ner  freah  causea  of  alami,  of  ber  new  mie- 
fortune,  and  of  the  tiea  wbich  bound  ber  to  the  eacaped 
ailk-weaver,  test  sbe  ebould  rua  &aj  risk  of  epreading  a 
report  so  full  of  shame  and  sorrow.  She  alBO  parried,  to 
the  beat  of  ber  ability,  ali  Oertrude's  inquisitive  questiona 
about  beraelf  previous  to  ber  betrothal,  but  tbia  was  not 
so  much  from  prudential  motivefi,  ae  becauee  such  an  ac- 
count appe&red  to  the  aim pie-min ded  girl  more  perpleiing, 
more  difficult  to  relnte,  tban  ali  ehe  bad  beard,  or  tbought 
ìt  poseible  to  bear,  from  the  Signora.  In  the  bistory  of 
tbat  lady  thero  was  oppreBBÌon,  iutrigue,  aufiering — aad 
and  maumful  tbinga,  but  which,  nevertbelesa,  could  be 
named  :  in  ber  own  there  was  a  pervadìng  Bentiment,  a 
vord,  whicb  ebe  did  not  feel  it  poseible  to  pronounce, 
when  apeaking  of  herself,  and  as  a  substitute  for  which 
ohe  could  never  find  a  periphraais  tbat  did  not  seem  to 
ber  raind  indelicate  :  love  I 

Gertrude  was  aometimea  tempted  to  be  angry  at  these 
repulaes  ;  but  there  alwaya  appeared  behind  tbem  so  much 
anection,  ao  much  respect,  so  much  gratitude,  and  even 
•0  much  truetfiilnesa  !  Hometimea,  perbapn,  tbat  modesty, 
BO  delicate,  aenaitÌTe,  and  mysterious,  diapleaaed  ber  stili 
more  oa  anotber  account;  but  ali  was  quickly  forgotten 
in  the  Bootbing  tbought  tbat  every  moment  recurred  to 
ber  mind  when  contemplatine  Lucia  ;— I  ain  doiug  ber 
irood. — And  thìs  waa  true  ;  lor,  beaidea  the  aaylum  abe 
hfld  provided,  theae  conTeraationa  and  ber  familiar  treat- 
ment were  some  comfort  to  Lucia.  The  poor  girl  alao 
found  anotber  satiafaction  in  Constant  employment  ;  she 
always  petitioned  for  something  to  do,  and  when  she  went 
into  the  Signora'a  parlour,  geuerally  took  a  little  needle- 
work  with  ber,  to  keep  ber  iingers  employed  :  but  vbat 
melancboly  thougbta  crowded  ber  miud,  wberever  abe 
went  I  Wbile  plying  ber  ueedle, — anoccupatìon  to  wbich  - 
hitherto  she  bad  given  little  attention, — her  reel  con-  v" 
Btantly  presented  itaelf  to  ber  view  ;  and  with  the  reel, 
how  mony  otber  things  ! 


;dbv  Google 


33S  I  PROUEEISI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

The  eecond  Thureday,  tbe  aame,  or  anottier  messenger 
arrìved,  briuging  salutationi  and  encouragement  frotn 
Fatber  CriBtoforo,  and  an  additioual  couGrmatìoD  of 
Beiuo's  escape  ;  but  no  more  positive  isformation  about 
bis  misfortunes.  The  reader  may  remember  tbat  the  Ca- 
pucliih  bad  boped  for  aomc  account  from  hia  brotber-rHar 
at  Milan,  to  wboni  he  had  giveu  Beozo  a  letter  of  recom- 
mendation  ;  he  only  replied,  bowever,  that  he  had  seen 
seither  letter  nor  person  :  tbat  a  stranger  from  the  country 
hftd  certainly  been  to  the  convent  in  search  of  bini,  but 
finding  him  out,  had  gone  avay,  and  bad  not  agaìn  made 
bis  appearance. 

The  tbird  Thursday,  no  toesseuger  carne;  wbich  wsa 
not  onlj  deprìving  the  poor  vomen  of  an  antìcipated  and 
hoped-for  bouree  of  consolation  ;  but,  as  it  usually  bappena, 
on  every  trifling  occasion,  to  those  in  sorrow  and  suspense, 
was  also  a  subject  of  much  diaquietude,  and  a  hundred 
tormenting  Buspicions.  Agnese  had,  for  some  time,  been 
contemplati ng  a  visit  to  ber  native  village,  and  tbis  unei- 
pected  non. appearance  of  tbe  promised  measenger,  deter- 
mined  ber  upon  taking  such  a  atep.  Lucia  felt  very  strange 
at  tbe  thought  of  heing  left  without  the  ahelter  of  ber 
mother's  wìng  ;  but  the  tongìng  desire  she  felt  to  knov 
Bomething,  and  her  sense  of  securitj  in  tbat  guarded  and 
sacred  asylum,  conquered  ber  great  unwillingneaa  ;  and  it 
was  arranged  between  them  that  Agnese  sbouìd  watch  in 
the  Street  tbe  following  day  for  the  fishmonger,  who  must, 
necesaarily,  pass  tbat  wey  on  bis  return  from  Milao,  and 
that  slie  would  ask  him  to  he  so  good  ae  to  give  ber  a  seat 
in  hia  cart,  to  take  ber  to  her  own  mountains.  She  met 
with  bim,  accordingly,  and  asked  if  Fatber  Cristofuro  had 
given  bim  no  commission  for  ber.  Thefishmonger  said, 
that  he  had  been  out  fishìng  the  nhole  day  before  hia  de- 
parture,  and  bad  received  neither  news  nor  mesaage  from 
the  Fatber.  Agnese  then  made  her  request,  whicn  being 
granted  vitbout  besitation,  she  took  leave  of  tbe  Signora 
and  ber  daughter,  with  many  tears  ;  and  promiaìng  to 
BC-nd  tbem  some  news  soon,  and  return  as  quickly  as  poB- 
eible,  «he  eet  off. 

Tbe  jouroey  waa  performed  nithont  accident.    Tbey 


,»Ogk' 


XVIII.]  THS    BETBOTHED.  333 

passed  part  of  the  night  io  an  inn  od  the  road-side,  as 
usuai,  and  setting  off  on  their  waj  before  Bun-rise,  arrived 
early  in  the  moming  at  Pescarenico.  Agnese  alight«d 
on  the  little  square  before  the  convent,  dismissed  ber  con- 
ductorwith  niBDjthanka  ;  and,  BÌnceshenasat  the  place, 
determined,  before  going  home,  to  see  her  benefactor,  the 
vorthy  frìar.  She  rang  the  hell  ;  the  peraon  who  caiue 
to  open  the  door  was  fra  Galdino,  the  mit-Beeker. 


'  Oh,  my  good  woman,  what  wind  has  brought  you 
heref" 

'  I  want  to  see  Father  Cristoforo.' 

'  Father  Cristoforo  ?     He's  not  here.' 

'  Oh  !  will  he  be  lon^  before  he  comes  back?  ' 

'Long  !'  said  the  friar,  ehrugging  bis  shouldera,  so  aa 
■Imost  to  bury  bis  shora  head  in  bis  hood. 

'  Where  baa  he  gone  ?  ' 

'  To  Eimini.' 

'  To  . . . .  ?  ' 

'  To  Bimini.' 

'  Where  istbatP' 

'  Eh  I  eh  !  eh  I  '  replied  the  friar,  vertically  waving  hU 
extended  hand  in  the  air,  to  «ignifj  a  great  distance. 


334  I   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  AIm  me  I  But  vhj  ha«  he  gene  away  so  Buddenly  ?  ' 

'  Because  the  Father  provini;ial  ordered  ìt.' 

'  And  wby  bave  they  Beat  him  awav  at  ali,  when  he  waa 

doing  so  much  good  bere  ?    Ab,  poor  me  !  ' 

'  If  BuperìorB  were  obliged  to  render  a  reason  for  ali 

the  orders  thej  gi?e,  wbere  would  be  our  obedience,  atj 

good  woman  Y 

'  Yes  ;  but  thÌB  ìb  mj  rum.' 

'Tliia  ìb  the  way  it  will  be.     Tbejr  will  bare  wanted  a 

rd  preacber  at  Kìmini  (there  are  some  everywhere,  to 
Bure,  but  eometìmes  they  want  a  psrticular  niau,  on 
purpose)  ;  the  Father  provincial  there  will  bave  written 
to  the  Fatber  provincial  bere,  to  know  if  be  had  Buch 
and  sucb  a  persoli:  and  the  Fatber  provincial  will  bave 
Baid,  "Father  Orìstoforo  is  tbe  man  for  hitu;"as,  in 
iàct,  you  Beo  it  is.' 

'  Oh,  poor  US  I     When  did  he  go  ?  ' 

'The  day  before  yesterday.' 

'  See  Qow  ;  if  I  had  only  done  as  I  firet  wisbed,  nnd 
come  a  few  dajs  Booner  !  And  don't  you  know  when  be 
may  return  P     Can't  you  gueaa  at  ali  F  ' 

'Eh,  my  good  womaii  !  ^obody  ìnowB,  eicept  the 
Father  provincial,  if  even  be  doee.  Wben  once  one  of 
our  preaching  friara  baa  taken  the  wing,  one  can  never 
foresee  on  what  branch  he  will  finally  alight.  They  are 
Bought  after  bere,  and  there,  and  everywhere  ;  and  we  bave 
conventB  in  ali  the  four  quai-ters  of  tbe  globe.  Best  as- 
Bured,  Father  Cristoforo  will  make  a  great  noise  with  hia 
coarse  of  Lent  eermoaa,  at  Bimini  ;  for  he  doeso't  always 
preach  eitempore,  aa  he  did  bere,  that  tbe  poor  people 
might  underBtand  him  ;  for  the  city  pulpits  he  bas  bis 
beautiful  written  sermone,  and  bis  beat  robes.  The  fame 
of  thÌB  great  preacher  will  spread  ;  and  they  may  ask  for 
bim  at  .  .  .  .  1  don't  know  wbere.  Besides,  we  ought  to 
gire  bim  up  ;  for  we  live  on  the  cbsrìty  of  tbe  whole  world, 
and  it  ìb  but  just  that  we  sbouid  Berve  tbe  whole  world. 

'  Oh  dear,  dear  1  '  ogain  crìed  Agnese,  almost  weeping  : 
'What  con  1  do  without  biro  ?  He  was  like  a  father  to 
11B  I     It  ìb  the  undoing  of  ub.' 

*  LiBten,  my  good  woman  ;  Fatber  Cristoforo  waa  cer- 


,»OglC 


XVIII.]  THE   BKTKOTHED.  336 

tainly  sd  admirable  man  ;  but  we  have  otlien,  you  kaow, 
full  of  clisrity  aod  ability,  and  wbo  know  how  to  deal 
with  either  rich  or  poor.  Will  yon  bave  Father  Ata- 
nasio P  or  Father  Girolamo  ?  or  Father  Zaccaria  F  Father 
Zaccaria,  ;ou  know,  is  a  man  of  great  worth.  And 
don't  70U  wonder,  as  some  ignorant  people  do,  that  he  is 
Bo  thiQ,  and  has  auch  a  weak  voice,  and  such  a  mÌBcrable 
beard  :  I  don't  saj  that  he  ìb  a  good  preacber,  because 
everjrbody  has  bis  particular  gifts  ;  but  he  ia  just  the 
man  to  give  advice,  you  know.' 

'  Ob  boly  patience  1  '  eiclaimed  Agnese,  witb  that 
miiture  of  gratitude  and  impatience  that  one  feela  at  an 
offer  in  which  there  ia  more  good  nature  than  Buitable- 
nesa  :  '  Wbat  does  it  matter  to  me  vhat  a  man  ia  or  ia 
not,  when  that  good  man,  who'a  no  ionger  bere,  waa  he 
wbo  knew  ali  our  affaire,  and  had  made  preparationa  to 
helpuaP' 

'  Then  you  muet  bave  patieoce.' 

'  I  know  that,'  replied  Agnese  :  'forgive  me  for  trou- 
bling  you.' 

'  Oh  don't  Bay  a  word,  my  good  woman  ;  I  am  very 
■orry  for  you.  And  if  you  deterraine  upon  conaulting 
aoy  of  the  Fatbers,  tbe  convent  ìb  here,  and  won't  go 
away.     I  ahall  eee  you  soon,  wben  I  collect  the  oÌI.' 

'  Good-bye,'  Baid  AgneBe  ;  and  ehe  turned  towarda  her 
little  village,  forlom,  perplexed,  and  dìscoucerted,  lìke  a 
bliud  man  who  bas  lost  hiB  atafi*. 

Bather  better  informed  than  &a  Galdino,  we  will  uow 
relate  how  tbings  had  really  bappened.  Immediately  on 
Attilio's  arrivai  at  Milan,  he  went,  as  he  had  promised 
Don  Bodrigo,  to  pft^  a  viatt  to  their  common  uncle  of  tbe 
Privy-council.  (ThiB  waa  a  committee,  composed,  at  tbat 
time,  of  tbirteen  perBona  of  rank,  witb  wnom  the  go- 
vemor  usually  consulted,  and  who,  wben  he  eitber  died 
or  reeigned  hia  office,  temporarily  asBumed  tbe  co mm and.) 
Tbeir  uncle,  the  Count,  a  robed  member,  and  one  of  tbe 
oldest  of  tbe  Council,  enjojed  there  a  certain  autboriiv  ; 
but  in  displaying  tbis  authorìty,  and  makìng  it  felt  oj 
those  around  nim,  there  waa  not  bia  equal.  Ambiguous 
l&nguage,  aigniflcant  silence,  abrupt  pausee  in  apeuing, 


,c,oglc 


336  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

a  wink  of  the  e^e,  that  seemed  to  uy,  '  I  may  not  epe&k,' 
flattery  without  promisea,  and  formai  threateningB — ali 
were  directed  to  tbis  end  ;  and  ali,  more  or  leaa,  produced 
the  desired  effect  ;  so  that  even  the  positive  declaration, 
'  I  can  do  nothing  in  this  buainesB,*  pronounced  sorne- 
timee  in  absolute  truth,  but  pronounced  so  tbat  it  was  not 
believed,  only  served  to  increaee  the  idea,  and,  therefore, 
the  reality,  of  hia  power  :  like  the  japanned  boies  which 
may  stili  be  occaeionallr  Been  in  an  apothecary's  shop, 

ywith  sundry  Arabie  coaructers  etamped  upon  tbein, 
actually  containing  nothing,  yet  aerving  to  keep  up  the 
ereditar  the  shop.  That  of  the  Count,  which  had  been 
for  «long  timo  increaBiog,  by  very  gradua]  atepa,  had,  at 
laat,  made  a  giant's  strìde,  aa  the  aaying  is,  on  an  eitra- 
yordìnary  occasion;  namely,  ajourney  toMndrid,  onanem- 
baesy  to  the  Court,  where  the  reception  that  he  met  with 
shouid  be  related  by  himaelf.  To  mention  nothing  else, 
the  Count  Duke  had  treated  bini  with  particular  ponde- 
scenaion,  and  admitted  him  into  hia  confidence  so  far  as 
to  bave  aaked  him,  in  the  preaence,  he  might  say,  of  half 
the  Court,  how  he  liked  Madrìd,  and  to  bave  told  him, 
another  time,  when  standing  in  the  recese  of  a  wìndow, 
that  the  Cathedra!  of  Milan  was  the  largeat  Chrietiaa 
tempie  in  the  king'a  dominìons. 

After  payingalldue  ceremony  to  bis  uncle,  and  delirer- 
ing  his  cousin's  complimenta,  Attilio  addressed  him  n'ith  a 
look  of  aerìouanesB,  such  aa  he  knew  bow  and  wben  to 
assume  :  I  think  I  am  only  doing  my  duty  without  be- 
traying  Bodrigo's  confidence,  wben  I  acquaint  my  uncle 
with  an  affair,  which,  unlesa  you  interfere,  may  become 
aerious,  and  produce  conaequencea  . .  .  .* 

'  One  of  bis  usuai  acrapes,  I  suppose  P  ' 

'I  can  assure  you  tbat  the  fault  ia  not  on  Bodrìgo's 
side,  but  bis  spirit  is  roused  ;  and,  aa  I  eaid,  no  one  but 
you  can  . .  ,  .' 

'  Well,  let  UB  bear,  let  us  bear.' 

'  There  is  a  Capuchin  friar  in  that  neigbbourhood,  wbo 
beare  a  grudge  agaìnat  my  couaìn  ;  and  thinga  bave  gona 
to  such  a  pitch  that .  .  .  .  ' 

'  How  oft«n  bave  I  told  you  both  to  let  tbe  mouke 


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XVIII.]  THE    BETROTHED.  33T 

fry  their  own  AbIi  ?  It  ia  quite  sufficient  for  those  to 
bave  to  do  wìth  them  ivho  are  obliged  ....  wlioBe  buBÌ- 
oesa  it  ìb  .  .  .  .'  and  bere  he  eigbed.  '  But  you  can  avoid 
them  .  .  ,  .' 

'  Signor  UBcle,  I  am  bound  to  teli  you  tbat  Eodrigo 
would  bave  let  them  alone,  bsd  it  been  possible.  It  ìb 
the  friar  who  ìb  determined  to  quarrel  with  him,  and  has 
tried  in  erery  way  to  provoke  bim.' 

'  What  the has  this  friar  to  do  with  my  nephew  ?  ' 

'  First  of  ali,  be  is  well  known  bb  a  reatlesB  spirit,  wbo 
pridea  bimeelf  upon  quairelling  with  gentlemea.  This 
ìellow,  too,  has  taken  under  bis  protection  and  direction, 
and  I  don't  know  what  besidea,  a  country  girl  of  the 
village,  whom  he  regards  with  an  afiection  . .  . .  an  affec- 
tion  ....  I  don't  say  of  what  kind  ;  but  a  ver/  jealoue, 
euspiciouB,  and  Bulica  aSection.' 


'  I  underatand,'  raid  the  Count,  and  a  ray  of  cunning 
intelligence  abot  acrosB  the  depth  of  dulnesB  nature  had 
Btammd  upon  bis  countenance,  now,  bowever,  partially 
veiled  under  the  mask  of  a  politician. 

'N'ow,  for  Bome  time,'  continued  Attilio,  'this  friar 


;dbv  Google 


338  I  FROHBaai  spofli.  [ch. 

hu  takm  a  bncj  th&t  Bodrìgo  hab,  I  doa't  know  what 
deaigne  npoa  thia  .  .  .  .' 

'  !^ken  a  f&Dcr,  eh,  tskes  a  faacj  ?  I  know  tbe 
Signor  Don  Bodrigo  too  well;  and  it  needs  another 
advocate  beside*  jour  lordahip  to  justif^  him  in  these 
matterà.' 

'l^iat  Bodrigo,  Signor  anele,  may  have  had  Boino  idle 
jestiug  with  this  girl,  when  be  mot  ber  on  tbe  road,  I 
can  easily  beliere  :  be  »  youog,  and  beflides,  not  a  Capu- 
cbin  :  but  tbese  are  mere  non«en(«8,  nut  wortb  mention- 
ing  to  mj  noble  uacle  :  thè  aerious  pari  of  the  buBineM 
ìb,  that  the  friar  bas  begun  to  talk  of  Bodrigo  as  be 
woold  of  a  common  fellow,  and  baa  tried  to  ìnatigate  ali 
tbe  country  againat  him.* 

'  And  the  other  friars  P  ' 

They  don't  meddle  with  ìt,  becaiue  the;  know  bim  to 
be  a  bot-headed  foot,  and  bear  a  great  reepect  to  Bod- 
rìgo ;  but,  on  the  other  side,  this  monk  has  great  reputa* 
tioQ  among  the  villagers  aa  a  saint,  and  .  .  . .' 

'  I  fancjr  be  doean't  know  tbat  Bodrigo  ia  my 
nephew  .  .  . .' 

'  Doean't  be,  tbougb  ?  It  ia  just  thia  that  urges  bim 
onward.' 

'How?  bowP" 

'  Becsuge— and  be  ecrupIeB  not  to  publiab  it — be  takea 

greater  delight  in  vexing  Bodrigo,  ezactlj  becauae  be  has 

a  naturai  protector  of  auch  autborìty  as  your  lordsbip  ; 

'  he  laugha  at  great  people  and  politiciana,  and  eaya  tbat 

the  cord  of  8t  Ftancia  tunda  eres  sworde  and  .  .  .  .' 

■  The  raah  viUain  !     What  ia  hie  nanw  P  ' 

'  Fra  Crìatoforo,  of  *  *  *,'  Miid  Attilio  ;  and  bis  uncle, 
taking  a  tablet  &om  bis  deak,  and  conaiderablf  incensed, 
inacnbed  within  it  the  unfortuoate  name.  Id  tbe  mean 
while  Attilio  continued  :  '  ThÌB  fellow  haa  alwaja  had 
aucb  a  diapoaition  :  hia  former  life  ia  weU  known.  Uè 
was  a  plebeian,  who  poeBeaaed  a  little  money,  and  wouid, 
therefore,  compete  with  the  noblemen  of  bis  country  ; 
aod  out  of  lage  at  not  being  able  to  make  them  ali  yi^d 
to  bim,  be  kilMd  one,  and  thea  tumed  ùiax  to  eacape  the 
gallo  WB.' 


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XVni.]  niK   BSTROTHEI>,  339 

'  Bravo  I  capital  I  we  will  see,  w»  will  iee,'  exdaimed 
the  Count,  ponting  and  pufflag  with  an  important  air. 

'Latelj,'  continued  Attilio,  'he  ì*  more  enraged  thao 
erer,  because  he  hu  iiiOed  in  a  design  which  he  wu  very 
eager  aboat  ;  and  from  this  mj  nobia  nnole  will  nndei^ 
stand  what  aort  of  man  he  la.  This  fellow  wanted  to 
many  hia  protégée  ;  whether  to  remove  ber  Irom  the 
perìla  of  the  worid,  yon  nnderatand,  or  whatever  it  might 
be,  at  anj  rate  he  vaa  detenoined  to  marrr  ber  ;  and  he 
had  found  the  ....  the  man,  another  of  nig  protégéa,  a 
person  whoae  name  mv  hononred  nncle  maj  not  improba- 
bly  bave  heard  ;  far  I  dare  aay  the  FriTv-counoil  have 
hàd  some  tranaactiona  with  thia  worthy  snbiect.' 

'WhoiaheP' 

'A  8Ìlk-weaver,  Lorenzo  Tramaglino,  he  who  . .  . .' 

'Lorenao  Tramaglino!'  exclaimed  bis  unde.  'Well 
done,  my  brave  &iaT  I  Certainly  I  . .  .  indeed  ....  he 
had  a  letter  for  a  .  .  .  .  A  crime  tbat  ....  Bat  it  matterà 
not  ;  very  welL  And  why  did  Don  Bodrìgo  teli  me  no- 
tbing  of  ali  tfaia  ;  but  let  thinga  go  ho  far,  without  apply. 
ing  to  one  who  ia  both  able  asd  willing  to  direct  and  hetp 
himf 

'  I  vili  be  candid  with  yoa.  On  the  one  band,  knov- 
ing  how  many  intriguea  and  affiiin  you  had  in  your  head 
. .  . .'  (bere  Lia  uncle  drew  a  long  breath,  and  jiut  bis 
band  to  bis  forefaead,  sa  if  to  intimate  the  fatigue  he 
underwent  in  the  aettlement  of  io  many  intricate  under- 
takinga),  '  he  fèlt  in  a  mauser  bound,'  continued  Attilio, 
'  not  to  give  you  any  additional  tronble.  And  beaides,  I 
will  teli  you  the  whole  ;  from  what  I  can  gather,  he  ia  so 
veied,  ao  ongry,  ao  Bnnc7«d  at  the  insulta  offered  him  by 
this  friar,  tbat  he  ia  more  desiroua  of  getting  justice  for 
himaelf  by  aome  summaiT  means,  than  of  obtainìng  it  in 
the  regular  way  of  prudenee  by  the  aaaietance  of  your 
lonlship.  I  have  tried  to  eitinguisb  the  flame  -,  but  aee- 
in^  thinga  taking  a  wrong  courae,  I  thougbt  it  my  daty 
to  inform  your  Lordahip  of  everything,  who,  after  ali,  la 
the  head  aod  cfaief  prop  of  the  houae  . . . .' 

'  You  wonld  bave  dome  batter  to  have  apt^en  a  little 


b,C,oo'^lc 


SI.  [CH. 

'Trae;  bnt  I  contìnued  to  bope  th&t  the  thing  would 
die  off  of  ìteelf,  or  that  the  triar  would,  at  laat,  come  to 
hia  BenaeB,  or  would,  perhapa,  leave  the  couvent,  aa  ia 
often  the  case  among  the  mooka,  who  are  one  day  here 
and  tmother  there  ;  and  then  ali  would  bare  been  quìetly 
ended.     But .  .  . .' 

'  lHow  it  ÌB  mv  buainesB  to  settle  it.' 

'So  I  bave  thought.  I  ssid  to  myaelf:  The  Signor, 
tnj  imcle,  with  bis  dlBcretion  and  authorìty,  witl  know 
weU  enougb  how  to  prevent  a  quarrel,  and  at  the  same 
time  aecnre  Bodrigo'a  nonour,  which  ia  almoet,  as  it  were, 
bis  own.  This  friar,  tbought  I,  is  alwaya  boaating  of  tbe 
girdle  of  St  Francia  ;  but  to  employ  ttiis  girdle  Beaaon- 
abljr,  it  ia  not  necessary  to  bave  it  always  buckled  round 
ODe'a  waiat.  My  noble  uncle  has  many  meana  tbat  I 
know  not  of  :  I  only  know  that  the  Father  proviucial  bas, 
sa  ia  but  right,  a  great  respect  for  bim;  and  if  my 
bonoured  nude  tbougbt  that  the  beat  courae,  in  this  in- 
etance,  would  be  to  give  tbe  firiar  a  change  of  aii  ;  two 
word» .  . . .' 

'  Tour  Lordsbip  will  be  pleaeed  to  leare  the  arrange- 
ment to  tbe  persoQ  it  bélooga  to,'  aaid  hia  unde,  ratber 
abniptly. 

'  Oh,  cerfcaìnly  !  '  ezclaimed  Attilio,  with  a  toaa  of  hia 
head,  and  a  diaguised  amile  of  diadainful  compasaion.  '  I 
am  not  intending  to  give  advioe  to  your  Lordehip  !  But  tbe 
regard  I  bave  for  tbe  reputation  of  tbe  family  made  me 
apeak.  And  I  am  afraid  I  bave  been  guitty  of  another 
error,'  added  he,  with  a  thoughtful  air  ;  '  I  fear  I  bave 
wronged  Eodrigo  in  your  Lordship'a  opinion.  I  abould 
bave  no  peace  if  I  were  the  cause  of  making  you  tbink 
tbat  Boi&igo  bad  not  ali  the  confidence  in  you,  and  ali  tbe 
aubmiaaion  to  your  will,  that  he  ought  to  bave.  Believe 
me,  Signor  uncle,  tbat,  in  this  inatance,  it  it  merely  .  .  .  .' 

'  Come,  come  ;  you  two  won't  wrong  each  other,  if  you 
can  help  it  ;  you  will  be  alwaya  frienda,  tiU  one  of  you 
becomea  prudent.  Ever  gettine  into  some  acrape  or 
other,  and  expecting  me  to  aettie  Jt  :  for  ....  you  will 
force  me  to  say  eo,  you  give  me  more  to  tbink  about,  you 


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XVIII,]  THE    BETSOTHED.  341 

two,  than  .  .  .  .'  here  he  hesTed  a  profound  eigb — '  &I1 
theae  blesBed  affain  of  state.' 

Attilio  niade  a  few  more  ezcueea,  promieee,  and  com- 
plimenta, and  then  took  hia  leave,  accompanied  by  a — 
'  Be  prudant,'— the  Coimt's  usuai  form  of  dismÌBsal  to 
bis  nepbewB. 


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I   FKOHBSBI   SPOSI.  [CB. 


CHAPTEK  ZIX 

a  weed  be  discoTered  in  a  badly  cultivated 
field,  B  fioe  root  of  aoirel,  for  ezample,  and 
the  Hpectator  wish  to  ascertain  witb  cer- 
taint;  whether  it  has  etiruD|;  up  from  seed, 
either  ripened  in  the  n^ld  itself,  or  wafl«d 
tDitner  or  the  wind,  or  dropped  there  hj  a  bird  in  ita 
flight,  let  Lim  think  as  be  will  about  ìt,he  will  aevercome 
to  a  Batiafactorv  conclueioa.  For  the  Bame  reaaon  we  are 
unable  to  decìde  whether  the  resalutioa  formed  by  the 
Count  of  making  use  of  tbe  Father  provincial  to  cut  in 
two,  B8  the  beet  and  easieat  inethod,  this  intricate  knot, 
aroae  from  bis  own  unaasisted  imagination,  or  from  the 
•uggeatious  of  Attilio.  Certain  it  ìb,  tbab  Attilio  had  not  ^ 
thrown  out  the  hint  unintentionall;  ;  and  however 
naturallj  he  might  ezpect  that  the  jealous  baughtinesB 
of  bis  noble  rebitiTe  would  recoil  at  bo  open  an  insinu- 
ation,  he  was  determined  at  any  rate  to  make  the  idea 
of  Buch  a  reaource  flash  before  bis  ejea,  and  let  him 
know  the  coiirse  which  he  desired  he  should  pureue. 
On  the  otber  band,  the  pian  nas  bo  eiactly  conaonant 
witb  bÌB  uncle'a  diapoaition,  and  bo  naturally  marked 
out  by  circumetancee,  that  oue  might  safely  venture  the 
aaaertion,  that  be  bad  thought  of,  and  embraced  it,  witb- 


,»Ogk' 


XIX.]  THB   BSTROTHED.  343 

out  the  lugemtion  of  «117  one.  It  wh  a  moat  eMeoti»! 
poiat  towams  the  reputatioo  of  power  wbicb  he  had  m 
much  nt  heart,  that  one  of  hifi  oame,  a  uephew  of  hia, 
should  not  be  wonted  in  k  dìspute  of  >uch  notoriety. 
The  Batisfactìon  that  bis  nepfaew  would  takcrfor  bimBeu, 
wouìd  bare  been  a  remedj  worae  than  the  dìieaae,  a 
foundation  for  Alture  troublea,  wbìch  it  was  necesBar7 
to  overthrow  at  any  coat,  aod  without  taaa  of  time. 
Command  him  at  once  to  qutt  bis  palace,  and  he  would 
not  obey;  and,  eren  shoiud  be  aubmit,  it  would  be  a 
surrenderìn^  of  the  cootest,  a  sabraiisioQ  of  tbeir  house 
to  the  Bupenoritj  of  a  couvent.  Commanda,  legai  force, 
or  anr  terrors  of  that  nature,  were  of  no  value  ageinst 
an  adversaTj  of  such  a  character  aa  Father  Cristoforo  : 
the  regular  and  aecular  clei^  were  entìrely  ezempt, 
not  only  in  tbeir  persone,  but  in  tbeir  places  of  abode, 
from  ali  lay-jurìsaicttoii  (as  must  bave  been  obeerved 
even  br  one  wbo  haa  read  no  other  story  than  the  one 
before  nim)  ;  otbenrìse  they  would  often  bave  fared  very 
badly.  Ali  that  could  be  attempted  aeainat  sucb  a  rivai 
was  bis  remoTsl,  and  the  only  meana  for  obtainine  this 
wsH  the  Father  prorincial,  at  whose  pleaaure  Fatber 
Crìatofora  waa  either  stationary,  or  on  the  tnoTe. 

Between  thia  Father  provincial  and  the  Count  of  the 
Privy-council  there  ezisted  an  acquaintanc-eship  of  long 
standing:  they  aeldom  saw  each  other,  but  whenever 
tbey  met,  it  was  with  great  demonstrations  of  friendahip, 
and  reiterated  offera  of  serrice.  It  is  sometimes  easier 
to  transact  business  advantageously  with  a  pereon  wbo 
presides  over  many  individuale  than  with  only  one  of 
those  Rame  indiTÌduals,  who  seea  but  bis  own  motiree, 
fcels  but  bis  own  paeeions,  Beehs  only  hia  own  ends  ; 
while  the  former  instantly  perceives  a  hundred  relatioDS, 
continKonciee,  and  interests,  a  hundred  objecte  to  secure 
or  aToid,  and  can,  therefore,  be  taken  on  a  hundred  dif- 
ferent  ddes. 

When  ali  had  been  well  arranged  in  bis  mind,  the  Connt 
one  day  invited  the  Father  proTincial  to  dinner,  to  meet 
^  cìrcle  of  gueets  selected  with  superlatiTe  judgment  : — 
an  assemblige  of  mea  of  the  highest  tank,  wbose  fsmily 


ogic 


344  I    FBOSIESal   SPOSI.  [CH, 

alone  bore  a  lofty  title,  and  wbo  bf  tbeir  c&rnage,  bj  a 
certain  native  boldneas,  bj  a  lordly  air  of  dìedain,  and  bj- 
talking  of  great  things  in  familiar  terme,  eucceeded,  even 
witbout  intending  it,  in  impreesing,  and,  on  everj  occaeion, 
keeping  up,  the  idea  of  tbeir  superiority  and  power  ;  to- 
gether  with  a  few  clients  bound  to  the  house  by  aa  hered- 
itar;^  devotion,  and  to  ita  head  bj  the  semtude  of  a  whote 
Itfe  ;  who,  beginnln^  with  the  soup  to  sav  '  ^es,'  with  their 
lipa,  their  eyea,  their  ears,  tbeir  head,  their  whole  body, 
and  their  whole  heart,  had  inade  a  man,  by  desert-tìme, 
almoBt  forget  how  to  say  '  no.' 

At  table,  the  noble  bost  quickly  tnmed  the  convereatioa 
upon  Madrid.  There  are  many  wayu  and  meaos  of  ac- 
compliahing  one's  object,  and  he  tried  ali.  He  apoke  of 
the  court,  the  Count-duke,  the  minìsters,  and  the  govem- 
or's  familv  ;  of  the  bull-baita,  whicb  he  could  accurately 
describe,  having  beea  a  apectator  from  a  very  advantage- 
oiiB  post  ;  and  of  the  Eacurial,  of  whicb  he  could  give  a 
minute  account,  becauae  oneof  the  Count-duke's  pagea  had 
conducted  him  through  every  nook  and  corner  of  it.  For 
Bome  time  the  company  continued  tike  an  audience,  at- 
tentire  to  him  alone  ;  but,  by  degreee,  they  divided  into 
amali  groups  of  talkere,  and  he  tnen  proceeded  to  relate 
further  anecdotea  of  the  great  thìnga  he  had  aeen,  as  in 
conGdence,  to  the  Fathei*  provincia!,  who  waa  seated  near 
him,  and  who  suffered  him  to  talk  on  witbout  interrup- 
tion.  But  at  a  certain  point  he  gave  a  turn  to  tbe  con- 
Tereation,  and,  leaving  Madrid,  proceeded  from  court  to 
court,  aud  from  dignitarjto  dìguìtary,  till  he  had  brought 
upon  the  tapia  Cardinal  Barberini,  a  Capuchin,  and  bro- 
ther  to  the  then  reigning  Pope,  TI rban  Vili.  The  Count 
waa  at  laat  obliged  to  cease  talkiag  for  a  while,  aud  be 
content  to  Haten,  and  remember  tbat,  after  ali,  there  were 
Bome  people  in  the  world  who  were  not  bora  to  live  and 
act  only  for  him.  Shortly  after  leaving  the  table,  he 
requeated  the  Father  provincial  to  step  with  him  into 
another  apartment. 

Twomen  of  autbority,  age,  and  conaum  mate  eiperience, 
DOW  found  themaelves  etanding  oppoaite  to  each  other. 
The  noble  lord  requeated  tìio  revereod  Father  to  take  a 


,»oglc 


Xre.]  THE    BKTROTHED,  945 

■eat,  and,  placiag  bitnself  at  bis  side,  began  oa  follovs  : 
'  Conaidenug  the  friendship  tbat  eziata  between  ìia,  I 
thouglit  I  might  ventine  to  speak  a  word  to  your  Bever- 
enee  on  a  matter  of  mutuai  interest,  which  it  wouid  be 
better  to  settte  between  ourselvea,  without  tahing  any 
otber  courBea,  which  niight .  . .  But,  without  further  pre- 
face, I  will  candidly  teli  you  to  what  I  allude,  aad  I  doubt 
not  you  will  immediatety  agree  witb  me.  Teli  me  :  in 
your  conveiit  of  Pescarenico  there  is  a  certain  father 
Cristoforo  of  .  .  .  P  ' 

The  Frovincial  bowed  asaent. 

'  Tour  Patemity  will  be  good  enough  then,  fìvnkly,  like 
a  friend,  to  teli  me  .  .  .  ttÙB  peraou  .  .  .  thie  Father  ...  I 
don't  know  faim  personally  ;  I  am  acquainted  with  several 
Capuchin  fathera,  lealoua,  prudent,  humble  men,  who 
are  wordh  their  weight  in  gold  :  I  have  been  a  friend  to 
the  order  froi»  my  boyhood  ....  But  in  eyery  rather 
numero  (IH  fami  ly  .  .  .  there  isalnaya  some  individuai,  Bome 
wild  ....  And  thia  Pather  Cristoforo,  I  know  by  aeveral 
occurrencea  that  he  is  a  person  ....  rather  inclined  to 
disputea  ....  who  haa  not  ali  the  prudence,  ali  the  cir> 
cumspection  ...  I  dare  aay  he  haa  more  than  once  given 
your  Patemity  Bome  anxiety.' 

— I  understand;  tbia  is  a  specimen, — thougbt  the 
Frovincial  in  the  mean  time. — It  is  my  fault  ;  I  knew  that 
tbat  blesaed  Cristoforo  waa  fitter  to  go  about  from  pulpit 
to  pulpit,  than  to  be  set  down  for  aiz  montha  in  one  place, 
specialty  in  a  country  coment. — 

'  Oh  !  '  said  he  aloud,  '  I  am  really  very  aorry  to  bear 
tbat  your  Highneaa  entertains  aucb  an  opÌDÌon  of  Father 
Cristoforo  ;  tor,  ae  far  as  I  know,  he  is  a  moat  esemplary 
monk  in  the  convent,  and  ìb  held  in  mucb  esteem  also  in 
the  neigbbourhood.' 

'  I  underatand  perfectly  ;  your  Beverence  ougfat  .... 
However,  aa  a  sincere  friend,  I  wiah  to  inform  you  of  a 
thing  which  it  is  important  for  you  to  know  ;  and  even 
if  you  are  already  acquainted  with  it,  I  tbink,  without 
eiceeding  my  du^,  I  sbould  caution  you  againBt  the  (I 
only  say)  ^>oBSÌble  coDaequencea.  Do  you  know  that  this 
father  Cnatoforo  haa  takea  under  bla  protectioa  a  man 


,»OglC 


346  I  l'BOirBSgl  SFDSI.  [CH. 

of  that  aonntrj,  a  mas .  .  .  of  whom  jonr  Fiteraity  hu 
doubtlsM  faeard  mention  ;  him  who  escaped  io  such  dù- 
gnce  irom  the  hsnda  of  juatioe,  aiW  baving  done  thìnga 
on  that  temble  day  of  8t  Martin  . . .  tbiuga  . . .  Loreiuo 
Tramaglino  P  ' 

— Alai  ! — tboaght  the  Frovincial,  aa  be  replied  :  '  Thta 
partìcular  ia  quite  Dew  to  me,  but  joar  Highness  ìb  eutB- 
cieatly  aware  that  ìt  ia  a  part  of  our  office  to  aeek  tbone 
wbo  bave  gone  aatray,  to  recali  tbem  .  .  .' 

'  Tee,  yen  ;  but  intercourse  with  offendere  of  a  certaia 
kind  I .  . .  is  rather  a  dMigerouH  thing — a  very  delicate 
afiair  .  .  .'  Aud  bere,  inatead  of  pn&ig  out  bis  cheeks 
sud  panting,  he  compreased  bis  lip«,  and  drew  in  aa  much 
air  aa  be  was  accuatomed  to  sena  tbrtb  witb  aucb  pro- 
found  importanoe.  He  then  reaumed  :  '  1  thought  it  aa 
well  to  give  you  thia  bint,  becauee  if  ever  bis  Escellency 
....  He  may  bave  bad  aoine  busineas  at  Bome  ....  I 
don't  know,  tbough  . . .  and  there  might  come  to  yoa 
from  Bome  . .  .  .' 

'  I  am  mucb  oblìged  to  your  Lordebip  for  tbia  inform» 
atioD,  but  I  feel  coofident,  tbat  if  tbey  would  make  in- 
qairiea  on  tbis  eubject,  tbey  would  find  tbat  Tather  Cris- 
toforo hae  bad  no  intercouree  with  the  peraon  yoa 
mention,  unlesB  it  be  to  try  sud  aet  him  right  again.  I 
know  Father  Cristoforo  well.' 

'  You  know,  probably,  already,  better  tban  I  do,  what 
kind  of  a  man  he  waa  as  a  laymau,  and  the  life  he  led  in 
bis  youth.' 

'  It  ia  one  of  tbe  gloriea  of  our  babit,  Signor  Count, 
that  a  man  «ho  bas  given  erer  ao  mucb  occasion  in  the 
world  for  men  to  talk  about  bim,  becomea  a  different  per- 
80D  wben  he  baa  aaaumed  tbis  drees.  And  ever  Bince 
Father  Cristoforo  has  wom  the  habit .  .  .  .' 

'  I  would  gladly  believe  it,  1  aaaure  you — I  «rould  gladly 
beUeve  ìt  ;  but  sometimea  .  .  .  .  as  the  proverb  aays  .... 
"  It  ìb  not  tbe  oowl  that  makea  the  friar."  ' 

Tbe  proverb  waa  not  exactly  to  the  purpose,  but  tbe 
Couat  nad  rated  ìt  ìnatead  of  another,  which  bad  crossed 
hla  mind  ;  '  The  wolf  changes  ita  skìn,  but  not  ita  nature.' 

'  I  bave  factB,'  continued  ne  i  '  I  bave  positive  proofB ' 


,»oglc 


xul]  THB  BSTROTHED.  347 

'  If  yoa  know  for  oeitun,'  intermpted  the  Frovìncùl, 
'  that  thie  friar  luw  been  guilty  of  vaj  fkult,  (and  we  are 
ali  liable  to  err,)  you  tìU  do  me  a  &vaur  to  inforni  me  of 
it.  I  am  his  auperior,  though  uDworthily  ;  but  it  ìb,  ^ere- 
fore,  mv  dutr  to  correct  ftud  reprore.' 

'  I  mll  teli  Toa  ;  together  with  the  unpleasing  circum- 
■tance  of  the  ATOUT  thÌB  Fat^er  diaplays  towarda  the  per 
Bon  I  bare  mentioned  ;  there  u  another  ^evous  thmg, 
whicb  may  ....  But  we  will  settle  ali  thu  between  our- 
aelres  at  once.  Thia  aame  Fatber  Cristoforo  hsa  begua 
K  quarrel  with  my  nephew.  Don  Bodri^  •••••' 

'  Indeed  !  I  am  very  lorry  to  bear  it  ! — very  aorry  in- 
deedl  ' 

'Mt  nephew  is  yoimg,  and  hot~tempered  ;  he  feelg 
what  Ite  is,  and  ia  net  accuatomed  to  be  provoked.  .  .  .* 

'  It  shall  be  my  busiaeea  to  make  erery  ìnquity  oq  the 
tubject.  Ab  I  bave  often  told  your  LoFibbip,  aita  aa  you 
must  know,  with  your  great  ezperience  in  the  world,  and 
your  nobte  judgmeut,  far  better  than  I,  we  are  ali  human, 
«od  liable  to  err  . . . .  some  one  way,  some  another  ■  and 
if  our  Fatber  Criatoforo  haa  failed  .  .  .  .' 

'  Tour  fiererence  must  percetve  that  these  are  matterà, 
aa  I  Baìd,  which  bad  better  be  Bettled  between  ouraelvea, 
Aod  remaio  buried  with  us — tìiinga  which,  if  much 
meddled  with,  will  only  be  made  worae.  You  know  how 
it  often  happeoB  ;  theoe  strifea  and  disputea  frequeutly 
originate  &om  a  mere  bagatelle,  and  become  more  and 
more  Berious  as  tbey  are  Buffered  to  proceed.  It  ia  better 
to  atrike  at  the  root  before  tbey  grow  to  a  head,  or  be- 
come the  caUBOB  of  a  hundred  other  contentiona.  Sup- 
prese  it,  and  cut  it  short,  moet  reverend  Fatber  ;  Buppreaa, 
and  cut  it  short.  My  nephew  is  young  ;  the  monk,  &om 
wbat  I  bear,  haa  atilì  ali  the  ipìrit— ^1  the  ....  inclina- 
tione  of  a  young  man  ;  and  it  belongs  to  ub  who  bave 
Bome  yeara  on  cor  ahouldera — (too  many,  are  there  net, 
most  reverend  PaCher  P)  it  belooga  to  uà,  I  aay,  to  bave 
iudgment  for  the  young,  and  try  to  reinedy  their  enora. 
f  ortunately  we  are  stili  in  good  time  i  tue  matter  haa 
mnde  no  atir;  it  ìa  stili  a  case  of  a  good  prineipiù  obtta. 
Let  US  remore  the  straw  &om  the  flame.    A  man  wbo 


348  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [cH. 

has  not  done  well,  or  who  may  be  a  cause  of  some  trouble 
in  One  place,  sometimea  gets  on  eurprìsingly  in  auother. 
Tour  Fateroity ,  daubtlesB,  knows  where  to  find  a  conve- 
nient  poat  for  tbis  friar.  Thia  will  also  meet  the  other 
circumetauce  of  bis  having,  perhaps,  fallen  under  tbe 
BUBpìciouB  of  aae  .  .  .  ,  wbo  would  be  very  glad  tbat  he 
ehouìd  be  removed  ;  and  tbuB,  by  placiug  him  at  a  little 
distance,  we  shall  kiU  tvo  birds  with  one  stoae  ;  ali  «ili 
be  quieUv  settled,  or  rather,  tbere  will  be  no  harm  done.' 

Tìie  Esther  proviucial  had  expected  this  conclusion 
from  the  beginning  of  the  interview, — Ay,  ay  ! — thougbt 
he  to  himaelf  ; — I  eee  well  enough  what  jou  would  bnng 
me  to.  It's  the  ueual  waj  ;  if  a  poor  friar  haa  an  en- 
counter  with  you,  or  with  any  one  of  you,  or  gives  roa 
any  offeuce,  right  or  wrong,  the  auperìor  must  make  him 
march  immediately. — 

WLen  the  Count  waa  at  laat  eilent,  and  had  puffed 
forth  a  loDg-drawn  breath,  which  wbb  equivalent  to  a  full 
stop  :  '  I  underatand  very  well,'  eaid  the  Proviucial, 
'  wbat  your  noble  Lordship  would  aay  ;  but  before  tahing 

'  It  ìs  a  step,  and  it  ia  not  a  atep,  most  rererend  Father. 
It  ìs  a  naturai  thing  enough — a  very  common  occuirence; 
aud  if  ìt  does  not  come  to  thia,  and  quickly  too,  I  foreeee 
a  mountain  of  diaordera — on  liiad  of  woea.  A  miet^e 
.  .  . .  my  nephew,  I  do  not  believe  ....  I  am  bere,  for 
this  ....  But,  at  the  poiut  at  which  matterà  bave  now 
arrived,  if  we  do  not  put  a  stop  to  it  between  ourselves, 
without  iosa  of  time,  by  one  decided  blow,  it  ia  not  posei- 
ble  that  it  ahould  remaiu  a  secret  ....  and  tfaen,  it  is  not 
oaly  my  nephew  ....  we  raise  a  bomet's  nest,  moat 
reverend  Father.  You  know,  we  are  a  powerful  family — 
we  bave  adhereuts  .  .  .  .' 

'Plainly  euough  .  .  . .' 

'  Tou  underatand  me  :  they  are  ali  penons  who  have 
some  blood  in  their  Teina,  and  who  ....  count  as  some- 
body  in  the  worid.  Their  honour  will  come  in;  it  will 
become  a  common  affair  ;  and  then  ....  evea  one  who  is 
a  friend  to  peace.  .  . .  .  It  will  be  a  great  grJef  to  me  to 
be  obliged  . .  . .  to  find  myaelf ....  I,  who  bave  alvaya 


,l)OglC 


XtX."]  THS  BETROTHBD-  349 

bad  80  mncli  kind  feeling  towarda  the  Capuchin  Fathen  ! 
Tou  r^vereod  Fathen,  to  continue  to  do  good,  aa  yoa. 
bave  hitherto  done,  with  so  much  edification  among  the 
people,  stand  in  need  of  peace,  ahonld  be  free  from  strifes, 
ana  in  harmony  'with  thoae  who  ....  And,  beaidea,  jou 
have&iendsìntheworld  ....  and  tbne  affaire  ofhonour, 
ìf  they  go  any  length,  extend  tbemselves,  branch  out  on 
eveiy  aloe,  and  draw  in  ...  .  holf  the  world.  I  un  in  a 
situation  which  obliges  me  to  maintain  a  certain  dìgni^ 
....  Hìb  Excellancy  ....  my  noble  colleaguea  .  .  .  .  it 
becomes  quite  a  party  matter  ....  particularly  with  that 
other  circumatance  ....  You  know  bow  these  things  go.' 

'  Certainly,'  eaid  the  Tather  provincial,  '  Fatber  Cristo- 
foro is  a  preacber;  and  I  bad  already  some  thoughts 
....  I  bave  just  been  oaked  ....  But  at  this  iuncture, 
tijod  under  the  present  circurnstancea,  it  might  look  like 
a  puniebment  ;  and  a  poniahment  before  having  taìly  aa- 
certained  . . .  .' 

'  Pshaw  I  puniahment,  pahaw  ! — merely  a  prudential 
urangement— a  convenient  resource  for  preventing  evils 
wbicb  might  ensue  ....  I  bave  explainea  myielf.' 

'  Between  the  Signor  Count  and.  me  tbings  stand  in 
this  light,  I  am  aware  ;  but  sa  tout  Lordshiphaa  related 
the  circurnstancea,  it  is  impossible,  I  ahould  aay,  but  that 
aomething  is  known  in  tbe  country  around.  There  are 
ererywhere  firebrande,  mischid'-makerB,  or,  at  least, 
maliciona  prìera,  «ho  take  a  tnad  delight  in  seeing  tbe 
nobility  and  tbe  religious  orden  at  cananee  ;  tbey  ob- 
aerre  it  immediately,  report  it,  and  enlarge  upon  it  .  .  .  . 
Everybody  haa  bis  dignity  to  maintain  ;  and  I  also,  as 
Superior,  (tbough  unwortbily,)  bare  an  expreaa  duty  .... 
Tbe  hoQOur  of  tbe  habit .  .  .  .  ia  not  my  private  concem 
. .  . .  it  is  a  depoeit  of  which  ....  Tour  noble  oephew, 
since  he  is  so  bìgh-spirited  aa  your  Lordship  deacribea 
bim,  might  take  it  m  a  satiafactioa  offered  to  bim,  aad 
....  I  do  not  aay  boast  of  it,  and  triumph  over  bim, 
but ■ 

'  Is  your  Patemity  joking  with  me?  My  nephew  is  a 
f^tleman  of  some  consideratìon  in  tbe  world  .  . .  that 
is,  according  to  bis  rank  and  the  claims  be  boa  ;  but  in 


,„oglc 


330  I    PK0ME3SI  SPOSI.  [CB 

mj  pnaence  he  ù  &  mere  bojr,  nnd  wìll  do  neitber  more 
sor  leM  thftn  I  bid  him.  I  will  go  forther,  snd  teli  you 
that  my  Dephew  bIiaII  know  nothing  about  ìt.  Whj  need 
we  give  anj  account  of  what  we  do  P  It  ia  ali  tmuacted 
between  ouraelTes,  as  old  friends,  and  never  need  coma 
to  light.  Don't  gire  younelf  a  thought  abont  this.  I 
ought  to  be  accottomed  to  be  ailent.'  And  he  heared  a 
deep  sigb.  *  Aa  to  gouips,'  reaumed  he,  '  what  do  jaa 
auppose  thej  can  aajrf  The  depsitare  of  a  monk  to 
presch  aomewhere  etie,  ia  nothiog  ao  very  nncommon  ! 
And  then,  we  who  aee . .  .  we  wbo  foreaee  ...  ire  who 
ought . . .  we  need  not  gire  ouraelvea  any  conoem  about 
goaaipinga.' 

■  At  aaj  rate,  ìt  would  be  well  to  try  and  pravent  them 
OH  thia  occaùon,  hj  jaur  nohìa  nephew's  making  Botne 
demonstration,  giiing  some  open  proof  of  frìendamp  and 
deference  .  .  .  not  for  our  auea,  as  indindoala,  but  for 
the  aoke  of  the  habit .  .  .  .' 

'  Certainlj,  certami;,  tbis  ia  but  fair  ....  Howerer, 
there  ia  no  need  of  it  ;  I  know  that  the  Capndiina  are 
alwajB  received  aa  tbey  ought  te  be  by  roy  nephew.  He 
does  Bo  from  inclination  ;  it  is  quite  the  diaposition  of 
the  famiir  ;  and  besideB,  he  knowa  it  is  gratifying  to  me. 
In  this  mstance,  however, .  .  .  eomething  more  marked 
. .  . .  ia  <mìy  rieht.  Leare  me  to  settle  it,  most  reverend 
Father;  I  will  order  my  nephew  .  .  .  that  ia,  I  must 
cautiously  suggeet  it  to  him,  le«t  he  sbouM  auspect  what  ' 
has  paaaed  between  us.  It  would  not  do,  you  know,  to 
lay  a  plaister  where  the»  ia  no  wouud.  And  os  to  what 
we  bave  detennined  upon,  the  quicker  the  better.  If  you 
con  fiud  aome  post  at  a  little  distance . . .  to  obviate 
every  occaaion  .  . . .' 

'  I  bave  juat  been  aeked  for  a  preacher  at  Biminì  ;  and 
perhapa,  even  wìthout  any  otber  reaaon,  I  abould  bave 
thougbt  of ,  . ,  ■' 

'  Eiactly  tqtropo»,  exactlr  apropo».    Aad  when  .  . .  P  ' 

'  Since  the  thing  muat  be  done,  it  had  better  be  doue 
at  once.' 

'  Directly,  dire^ly,  moat  reverand  Father  ;  better  to- 
day  than  to-moirow.    And,'  continued  he^  as  he  roae  from 


Xnc]  THE    BBTROTHSD.  361 

bis  Beat,  '  if  I  can  do  anTthing,  1  or  my  frienda,  for  our 
worthy  Gapuchin  Fathera .  .  .  .  ' 

'  '  We  know,  by  ezperience,  the  kindneaa  of  your  houee,' 
■aid  the  Father  provincial,  also  rÌBÌtig,  and  advanciog 
towards  tbe  door,  behind  bis  vanquÌBher. 

'  We  bave  eitinguìshed  a  apark,'  uid  the  Count,  walk- 
ìag  slowly  forward  ;  '  a  spark,  most  reverand  Fatbar,  wbich 
inight  bave  heea  fanned  into  a  wid»«preadmg  and 
dangeroiu  flome.  Between  friende,  two  or  tbree  worda 
will  oft«D  aettle  ereat  things.' 

On  reaching  the  otber  apartment,  he  threw  open  the 
door,  and  iniiated  apon  the  Father' e  first  entering  : 
then  followìng  him  in,  they  mjngled  witb  the  reat  of  the 
company. 

Tbie  nobleman  employed  a  atudied  politei^aB,  great 
deiterity,  and  fine  words,  to  accompUah  bis  deaigns  ;  and 
tfaey  produced  correaponding  efibota.  In  &ct,  he  suc- 
ceeded,  by  tbe  eonvenatioD  we  bave  related,  in  makìng 
Father  Cristoforo  go,  on  foot,  irom  Pescarenico  to  Bimini, 
wbich  is  a  rery  tolerable  distance. 

One  evening,  a  Capucbin  arrived  at  Pescarenico,  from 
ì{ilan,  witb  a  deapatcn  to  tbe  Father-guardian.  It  con- 
tained  an  order  for  Father  Cristoforo  to  repair  at  once  to 
Bimini,  whero  he  waa  appointed  to  preacb  tbe  coorae 
of  Lent  Sermona.  The  letter  to  tbe  giiardian  containcd 
inatructiona  to  insinuate  to  the  aaid  &iar,  that  he  muat 
give  up  ali  thougbts  of  any  buaineaa  he  might  bave  in 
band  in  tbe  neighbourhood  he  was  about  to  leave,  and 
waa  not  to  keep  up  any  correspondenee  tbere  :  the  bearer 
would  be  bis  cotnpanion  by  tbe  way.  The  guardian  said 
oothing  that  evening  ;  but  nezt  moming  he  sommoned 
Father  Criatoforo,  ahowed  him  tbe  command,  bade  bi(s 
take  bis  wallet,  stafii  maniple,  and  girdle,  and,  with  the 
Father  whom  be  presented  to  him  ae  a  oompanion, 
immediately  aet  off  on  bis  joumey, 

Wbat  a  blow  this  would  be  to  the  poor  friar,  the 
reader  most  imagine.  Benso,  Lucia,  A^ese,  instanti/ 
rushed  into  bis  mind  ;  and  be  exclaimed,  ao  to  Bay,  to 
himaelf  : — Oh  my  Qod  I  what  will  theoe  poor  creaturea 
do,  wbea  I  sm  no  longer  bere  !— But  inataotly  nising 


.,c,oglc 


3!i3  t    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  fCH. 

bis  efes  to  heaTen,  he  reproached  Kimself  for  want  of 
futh,  aad  fot  haviug  eupposed  that  he  waa  necessary  in 
aQTthìn^.  He  croued  nu  bande  ou  bis  breast,  in  token 
of  obedience,  and  bowed  bis  bead  before  the  guardina, 
.  wbo,  taking  him  aaide,  told  him  the  reet  of  the  mesaage, 
addtng  a  few  words  of  odvice,  aad  some  eensible  precepta. 
Fatber  Crigtoforo  tben  weut  into  hia  celi,  took  bis  basket, 
and  placed  therein  bis  breriaiy,  bie  Bermene,  and  the 
bresa  of  forgivenese,  bound  round  bie  waiet  a.  leathern 
girdle,  took  leave  of  bis  hrethrea  whom  be  found  in  tbe 
convent,  vent  to  req^ueet  tbe  guardian's  bleeeing,  aud 
tben,  witb  bis  companion,  took  tbe  route  wbicb  bad  been 
prescrìbed  for  bim. 

We  bave  eaid  tbat  Don  ^drigo,  more  than  ever 
reeolved  to  accompliah  bla  praiaewortby  undertaking,  had 
determined  to  seek  tbe  awistance  of  a  very  fomudable 
character.  Of  thie  personage  we  can  gi?e  neither  the 
name,  aumame,  nor  title,  nor  can  we  even  venture  a 
oonjecture  ou  any  one  of  tbem  ;  wbicb  ia  tbe  more 
remarkable,  aa  we  find  mention  of  bim  in  more  than  one 
publìahed  hook  of  tbose  times.  Tbat  it  ia  the  aame 
personage,  tbe  ideutity  of  facts  leavee  no  room  for  doubt  ; 
Dut  ererTwbere  a  etudioue  endeavour  may  be  traced  to 
conceal  bis  name,  aa  if  the  mention  of  it  would  bave 
ignited  tbe  pen,  and  ecorched  tbe  writer'a  band.  Fran- 
cesco Bivola,  in  bla  Life  of  tbe  Cardinal  Federigo  Borro- 
meo, epeaking  of  tbie  peraon,  saya  :  '  A  nobleman,  as 
powerful  by  wealth  aa  illuatriooe  by  bìrtb,'  and  notbing 
more.  Giuseppe  Bipamonti,  wbo,  in  the  fiftb  hook  of 
the  fiftb  decade  of  bis  Storia  Patria,  makea  more  eiclu- 
eive  mention  of  bim,  describes  bìm  aa  'one,'  '  tbis  peraon,' 
'tbat  persoD,'  'tbia  man,'  'tbat  peraonage.'  'I  will 
relate,'  aays  be,  in  bis  elegant  Latin,  wbicb  we  translate 
aa  followa, — '  the  case  of  one,  wbo,  being  among  the  first 
of  tbe  great  men  of  tbe  city,  took  up  bis  residence  in  tbe 
country  ;  wbere,  aecuring  nimself  by  the  force  of  crime, 
be  aet  atnougbt  juatice  and  judgea,  ali  maglaterial,  and 
even  ali  sovereign  power.  Situated  on  tbe  very  confinea 
of  tbe  state,  be  lea  an  ìndependent  life  ;  a  horbourer  of 
outlawe,  an  outlaw  at  one  time  bimself)  and  theu  safely 


,»oglc 


XIX.]  THE  BBntoram).  3S3 

retumed  . . . .  '  We  wìll  eztract,  in  the  seqoel,  eomo 
other  pasBagee  froni  this  writer,  which  will  serre  to  con- 
fimi and  elucidate  the  account  of  our  onon^moiia  author, 
with  whom  we  are  traveUing  onward. 

To  do  what  was  forbidden  by  the  public  laws,  or  - 
rendered  dìfficult  hy  an  oppoiing  power  ;  to  be  the 
arbiter,  thejudge  in  other  neople'a  affai ra,  wìt^nt  furtber 
interest  in  them  tban  the  lore  of  command  ;  to  be  feared 
hj  ali,  aud  to  bare  the  upper  hand  among  those  who 
were  accuatomed  to  bold  the  asme  etation  over  others  : 
■uch  bad  erer  been  the  principal  objecta  and  deaires  of 
thÌB  man.  From  bis  youtb  he  had  alwaya  hod  a  mtngied 
feeling  of  contempt  and  impatient  envy  at  the  eight  or 
report  of  the  power,  rencouuters,  atrifee,  or  oppreaiive 
tyranny  of  otoera.  Toung,  and  living  in  a  city,  he 
omitted  no  oppartunity,  nay,  even  aought  for  them,  of 
aetting  himBeli  up  against  the  moBt  reuowned  of  tbis 
profeaBÌon,  either  entirely  to  aubdue  them,  to  atruggle 
with  them,  and  keep  them  in  awe,  or  to  induce  them  to 
soUcit  bis  frìendahip.  Superìor  to  most  in  rìchea  and 
retinue,  and,  perbaps,  to  ali  in  presumption  and  intre- 
pidity,  be  compelled  many  to  retire  irom  competition  ; 
iome  he  treated  with  haugbtiness  or  conterapt,  some  he 
took  as  friends  ;  not,  however,  on  an  equalit^  with  htm- 
self,  but,  ae  alone  would  satisfy  bis  prond  and  arrogaut 
mind,  Bs  subordinate  friends,  who  would  be  content  to 
acknowledge  their  inferiority,  and  use  their  banda  in  hie 
eerrìce.  In  fact,  howerer,  he  became  at  length  the 
grand  aotor,  and  the  inatruraeut  of  bis  companious,  wbo 
never  fsiled  to  aolicit  tlie  aid  of  so  powerful  an  ausiliary 
in  ali  their  undertakinga,  wbile  for  bim  to  draw  back, 
would  be  'to  forfeit  bis  reputation,  and  come  short  of 
what  be  bad  aseumed.  He  went  oc  thui,  till,  on  bis  own 
serrice  and  tbat  of  others,  he  bad  gone  to  such  a  lengtb, 
tìiat  neìtber  bis  name,  family,  friends,  nor  eren  bis  own 
aadacity,  sufficed  to  secure  bim  againat  public  proclam- 
ations  and  outlawry,  and  be  was  compelled  to  give  way 
and  leave  the  etate.  I  believe  it  ii  to  tbis  ciroumstance 
tbat  a  remarkable  ìncident,  related  by  Ripamonti,  refers, 
'  On  one  occuion,  when  obliged  to  quit  the  country,  the 


,c,oglc 


8H  I  PBOUBSSt  SPOSI.  [CII. 

tterecj  he  ased,  and-tbe  i««pect  and  timidity  he  display  ed, 
were  snch,  that  be  rode  torough  the  city  on  horsebsck, 
foUowed  by  a  pack  of  hounds,  aad  accompanied  with  the 
sound  of  the  irumpet  ;  and,  ìn  psHing  before  the  palace 
of  the  court,  left  an  iaBolent  tneaaage  with  the  guarda,  for 
tìie  govemor.' 

Doriog  ÀÒB  abaence  he  continued  the  same  practicea, 
not  evoD  utermitting  faia  coireepondence  with  thoBe  of 
hiB  friende  who  remained  uuited  to  him  (to  translate 
literally  from  Bipamonti),  'in  the  eecret  alliauce  of 
atrocioue  couBultstiona  and  fatai  deeda.'  It  even  appeara 
that  he  engaged  the  foreign  courts  in  other  new  ana  for- 
midable  undertabinga,  of  whicb  the  above-cited  hiatorian 
apeaks  with  mysterious  brevity.  '  Some  foreign  princea 
severa!  tiniee  availed  themaelvea  of  bÌB  BMÌstance  ìq 
important  murdera,  and  irequeutly  Bttnt  hiin  reinforce- 
menta  of  aoldien,  from  a  conaiderable  distance,  to  act 
under  hii  ordera.' 

AC  len^h  (it  ia  not  exsctly  known  how  long  after- 
varda)  eiiher  the  seotence  of  baniahment  a^ainat  bim 
being  witbdrawn,  by  acme  po.werful  interceesion,  or  the 
•udacity  of  the  man  aerring  him  in  place  of  any  other 
liberation,  he  reaolved  to  return  bome,  and,  in  fact,  did 
return  ;  not,  however,  to  Milan,  but  to  a  caatle  on  hia 
manor,  aituated  oa  the  confinea  of  the  Bergamaacan 
territoty,  at  that  time,  aa  moat  of  our  readera  know, 
under  Yenetian  govemment  ;  aud  bere  he  fized  hia  abode, 
'  Tbia  dwelling,*  we  again  quote  Ripamonti,  *  waa,  aa  it 
were,  a  dispenaary  of  aanguinary  maodatee  :  the  Berrauta 
were  outlaws  and  murderers  ;  the  very  cooka  and  scul- 
liona  were  not  exempt  from  homicide  ;  the  banda  of  the 
chiidren  were  atained  with  blood.'  Beaidea  tbia  amiable 
domeatic  circle,  he  had,  oa  the  sanie  hiatorian  affirms, 
anotber  set  of  dependeots  of  a  aimilar  character  dispereed 
«broad,  and  quartered,  so  to  say,  at  different  posta  in  the 
two  atatea  on  tfae  borderà  of  which  be  li*w,  wbo  were 
alwara  ready  to  execnte  hia  ordera. 

Ali  the  tyrannical  nobtemen  for  a  considerable  distance 
round,  had  been  obliged,  on  one  occasion  or  anotber,  to 
cboosebetweeutbe&iendahip  or  the  e&mity  of  thìaauper' 


,»Ogk' 


XIX.]  TtlB   BETROTHED.  3SS 

eminent  tyrant.  Thcae,  howerer,  who  at  first  attempt^d 
to  reeiat  him,  carne  off  ao  badlj  ia  the  contesi,  that  no  one 
ytaa  ever  induced  to  make  a  second  trial.  Neither  waa  it 
possible,  bj  maintaining  a  nei:i,tral  course,  or  standing,  as 
the  sajing  ìb,  in  their  own  ahoes,  to  keep  themseWes  iude- 
pendent  of  him.  Ifatneflsagearrived,  intimating  that  Buch 
a  peraon  must  desiat  from  ench  an  undertaking,  pr  ceaae  to 
nolest  Buch  a  debtor,  or  ao  forth  ;  ìt  was  necessarj  to  giva 
a  decìded  anawer  one  way  or  other.  Wben  one  party  come, 
with  the  homage  of  a  vaesal,  to  refer  any  buaineas  to  bis 
arbìtration,  the  other  party  waa  reduced  to  the  hard 
alternative  of  either  abiding  by  hie  eeatence,  or  publicly 
declariog  hostilìties  ;  wbicfa  waa  equivoleot  to  beiag,  ss  tbe 
gayin^  ia,  in  the  laat  stage  of  conaumption.  Many  who 
were  in  the  wrong,  had  recourse  to  bim  that  they  mJeht 
be  right  in  efiect  ;  maoy  being  in  the  right,  yet  resorteo  to 
hiiD  to  pre-engage  ao  powerful  a  patronage,  and  cloae  the 
way  againat  their  adverearies;  tnus  both  bad  and  good 
carne  to  bedependent  uponhim.  it  eometimee  h&ppened  , 
that  the  «eak,  oppreased,  haraBsed,  and  tyrannized  over  by 
some  powerfij  lord,  tumed  to  bim  for  protection  ;  he  would 
then  take  the  part  of  tbe  oppreaaed,  and  force  the  oppreaa- 
or  to  abatain  from  further  injuriea,  to  repair  the  wronge  he 
had  committed,  and  eveo  to  stoop  to  apologies  ;  or,  in  case 
of  bis  proving  etubbom  and  unbending,  he  vonid  com- 
pletely  cruah  hia  power,  constrain  him  to  quit  the  place 
where  he  had  exercised  euch  nnjuat  influence,  or  even  make 
him  pay  a  more  expedìtioua  and  more  terrible  penalty.  In 
these  faaea,  bis  name,  usiially  ao  dreaded  and  abhorred, 
became,  for  a  time,  an  obiect  of  bleeaing  :  for  (I  will  not 
Bay,  this  juetice,  but)  tnia  remedy,  tbis  recompenae  of 
aome  aort,  could  not  bare  been  expected,  under  the  cir- 
curnatancea  of  tbe  timea,  from  any  other  either  public  or 
prirate  Bouree.  More  frequently,  and  indeed  ordinarily,  hia 
power  and  authority  ministered  to  iniquitouB  deaires, 
atrocioua  revenge,  or  outrae;eoua  caprice.  But  the  very 
oppoaite  uaea  he  made  of  this  power  produced  in  the  end 
tbe  aelf-aame  efiect,  that  of  impreeaing  ali  mìnda  with  a 
lofty  idea  of  how  much  be  could  will  and  execute  in  apite 
of  eqnity  or  iui^uity,  thiwe  two  thinga  which  interpose  ao 


,CK,glc 


356  I  PB0MBS3I  gpoat.  [CH. 

inuijiiDpedìmentstothe  accomplishment  of  nun'a  desiiea, 
ftnd  Bo  ofWi  force  him  to  tum  back.  The  fame  of  ordinary 
oppresaorB  waa  for  the  most  port  restrìcted  to  the  limited 
tract  of  country  where  they  continuftllT  or  frequenti^  eser< 
cised  their  oppresaion  :  each  districi  tmd  ita  own  tyrant  ; 
and  these  so  reaembled  each  other,  that  there  waa  do 
reaaon  that  people  ahould  interfere  with  those  from  wboni 
thuj  Buataiued  neither  iajuiy  nor  moleetatioD.  But  the 
fame  of  tbia  maubad  ìoag  been  diffused  tbroughout  every 
corner  of  the  Milanese:  hislife  waseverywheretheaubject 
of  popular  storiea  ;  aad  hia  vcry  name  carrìed  with  it  the 
idea  of  eomething  fonnidable,  dark,  and  fabuloua.  The 
suspicioaa  that  were  eveT^wbere  entertained  of  hia  confede- 
ratea  and  tools  of  aasassmation,  contributed  to  keep  alive 
a  Constant  memeotoof  him.  They  were  nothins  more  than 
BUBpiciona  ;  aince  who  wouM  bave  openly  ai^nowledfed 
Buch  a  dependence  P  but  every  tyrant  migbt  be  hia 
associate,  every  robber  one  of  hia  aasaasins  ;  and  the  rery 
uucertainty  of  the  fàct  rendered  the  opinion  more  general, 
and  the  terrormore  profound.  Ateverj  appearance  of  an 
unkuown  ruffian,  more  savage-iooking  than  usuai  ;  at  erery 
enormouB  crime,  the  author  of  which  could  not  be  at  first 
pointed  out  or  conjectured,  the  name  of  this  man  was  pro- 
nounced  and  whispered  about,  whom,  tbanks  to  the  happy 
drcumspectìon,  te  give  it  no  other  epithet,  of  our  author' a, 
we  shall  be  obliged  to  deaignate  The  Unnamed. 

The  distance  between  his  castle  and  the  palace  of  Ood 
Bodrìgo  was  not  more  than  Beven  miles  :  and  no  sooner  had 
the  latter  become  a  lord  and  tyrant  than  be  could  not  belp 
aeeing  that,  at  so  short  a  distance  from  Buch  a  peraonage, 
it  would  not  be  posaible  to  carry  on  this  profeBsion  without 
either  coniing  to  blowa,  or  walking  band  in  band  witb  bim. 
He  liad,  therefore, afiered  himself  and  been  accepted  fora 
friend,  in  the  eame  way,  that  ie,  oa  the  reat  :  he  had  render- 
ed bim  more  than  one  aerrìce  (the  manuecrìpt  aays  nothing 
furtber)  ;  and  had  each  time  been  rewarded  by  promiaea 
of  requital  and  aasistance  in  any  caaes  of  emergency.  Ho 
took  great  pains,  bowever,  to  conceal  such  a  friendabip, 
or  at  leaat  of  wbat  nature  and  how  strici  it  waa.  Don 
£odrigo  liked  well  enough  to  play  the  tyrant,  but  not 


,l)OglC 


XIX.]  THE    BETROTUED.  357 

the  fierce  and  gavage  tjrant:  the  profeBsioD  was  to  him  a 
'  meanH,  not  an  ead  ;  he  wiehed  to  live  at  ^«edom  in  the 
city,  to  eajoj  the  convenieucee,  diversione,  and  honours  of 
social  life;  &nd  forthia  end  he  waa  obliged  to  keep  up 
a  certain  appearance,  make  much  ofhis  family,  cultivate 
the  friendahip  of  persona  in  place,  And  keep  one  hand  oa 
the  scoles  of  justìce,  so  as  on  any  occasion  to  make  them 
preponderate  in  his  farour,  eitber  removing  them  altoge> 
ther  from  vievr,  or  bringing  them  to  bear  with  doublé  force 
on  the  head  of  aome  indiridual,  ou  vfaom  he  could  thus 
more  easilj  accomplish  his  desigtts  than  by  the  arm  of 
private  violence.  Now,  an  iatimacy,  or  it  would  be  better 
to  Bay  an  alliance,  ifith  a  person  of  auch  notoriety,  an  open 
enemy  of  the  public  power,  would  certainly  not  bave  ad- 
vonced  hia  interests  in  these  reapecta,  and  particulorly  with 
bis  uncle.  H.owever,  the  slight  acquaintance  which  he  was 
unable  toconceal,  migbtpasavery  well  tbran  indispenaable 
attention  towarda  a  man  whose  enmity  was  much  to  be 
deprecated,  and  tbua  itmight  receive  eicuse  irom  neces- 
sity  ;  since  one  who  asaomes  the  charge  of  providingfor 
another  without  the  will  or  the  means,  in  the  long  ruo  con- 
«enta  that  bis  protégé  shall  provide  for  himaelf  up  to  a 
certain  point  in  hia  own  affaire  ;  and  if  he  does  not  ex- 
pressly  give  hia  conaent,  at  leaat  he  wiaka  at  it. 
'  Oue  morning,  I>od  Rodrigo  set  off  on  horseback,  in  the 
guise  of  a  hunter,  with  a  sm^l  eacort  of  bravoes  on  fbot, 
Grìso  at  bis  side,  and  fotir  others  foUowing  behind  him,  oad 
took  the  road  to  the  castle  of  the  Unnamed. 


;dbv  Google 


PEOMESSI    SPOSI. 


[ai. 


CHAPTEE  XS. 

HE  caitle  of  tfae  TTnnamed  wai  conunandingl^ 
eituAted  over  a  dark  and  narrow  ralley,  on 
the  Bummit  of  a  cliff  projecting  from  a  rugged 
S  ridge  of  hills,  whether  united  to  them  or 
separated  from  them  it  ia  difficult  to  aay,  by  ft 
18  of  crags  and  rocka,  and  by  a  boundary  of  caverna  ' 
and  abrupt  prectpices,  both  fl&nkiag  ìt  and  on  the  rear. 
Tbe  aide  which  overlooked  the  Talloy  waa  the  only  acceaa- 
ible  one  ;  rather  a  ateep  acclivity,  certainly,  but  even  and 
unbroken  :  the  aummit  waB  uaed  for  paaturage,  nbile  tbe 
lower  grounds  were  cultìvated,  and  acattered  bere  and 
there  with  habitations.  The  bottoni  waa  a  bed  of  large 
atonea,  the  t-hannel,  accordine  to  tbe  aeaaoD,  of  either  a 
rivulet  or  a  noisy  totrent,  which  at  that  time  formed  tbe 
houndary  of  tlie  two  statea.  Tbe  oppoaite  ridgea,  form- 
ine:, so  to  speak,  the  other  walt  of  the  Tallev,  had  a  amali 
cultivated  traci,  gently  inclining  from  the  Sase  ;  tfae  rest 
wsa  covered  with  crage,  atones,  aud  abrupt  riaings,  un- 
trodden,  and  deatitute  of  vegetatton,  eicepting  bere  and 
tbere  a  aolitory  buah  in  tbe  interaticee,  or  on  tbe  ed^ea 
of  the  rock  a. 


lA'OOi^lc 


XZ.]  TUE   BETROTHED.  399 

From  the  height  of  this  cutle,  lìke  ha  esgle  from  fais 
auiguin&ry  neit,  the  savage  nofalemaa  aurrejed  eveiy 
spot  arouiid  where  the  foot  of  man  could  tread,  and 
beard  no  humaa  sound  above  him.  At  one  TJew  he 
could  orerlook  the  whoie  vale,  tbe  declivities,  the  bed  of 
the  etream,  and  the  practicable  paths  interaecting  the 
Talley.  That  which  approached  hia  terrible  abode  by  & 
zigtxa  and  serpentine  coune,  appeared  to  a  spectator 
from  below  like  a  wìnding  thread;  while  from  the  Windows 
and  loop-holen  on  the  summit,  the  Signor  could  leiaurely 
obaerre  any  odo  who  waa  ascending,  and  a  hundred  timea 
catch  a  view  of  him.  With  the  garrison  of  braroea  wbom 
he  there  maintained,  he  could  even  oppose  a  tolerably 
numerous  troop  of  aasailanta,  atretching  any  number  of 
tfaem  on  the  ground,  or  hurliog  them  to  tbe  bottom, 
before  they  could  succeed  in  gaining  the  heigfat.  He 
waa  not  very  likely,  bowever,  to  be  put  to  the  trial,  since 
no  oae  who  was  not  on  good  terms  with  the  owner  of  tbe 
CMtle  would  venture  to  set  foot  within  ita  walls,  or  even 
io  the  valley  or  ita  environs.  The  bailiff  who  should 
bave  chanced  to  be  seeu  there  would  bave  been  treated 
like  an  eoemy'a  spy  seised  within  the  camp.  Tragica! 
stories  were  related  of  the  laat  who  bad  darea  to  attempt 
the  undertaking;  buttheywerethen  talee  ofby-gonedays; 
and  none  nf  the  vill&ge  youths  could  remember  having 
■een  one  of  this  race  of  beinga,  either  dead  or  alive. 

Such  is  the  deacription  our  anonymous  author  gives  of 
the  place  :  nothing  ih  said  of  the  n&me  ;  and  for  feir  of 
putting  US  in  the  waj  of  discovering  it,  he  avoids  ali 
notice  of  Don  Bodrigo'a  joumey,  bringin^  him  at  one 
Jump  into  the  midst  of  the  valley,  and  settmg  him  down 
at  tne  foot  of  tbe  ascent,  just  at  the  entrance  of  the 
iteep  and  vrìnding  footpath.  Here  stood  an  inn,  vbich 
mignt  aUo  be  called  a  guard-house.  An  antique  aiga 
■uapended  over  the  door,  dieplayed  on  each  side,  in  glow- 
ing  colours,  a  radiant  sun  ;  but  the  public  voice,  which 
iometimes  repeats  names  as  they  are  first  pronounced, 
uid  Bometimea  remodets  tfaem  after  its  own  foshion,  never 
deoignated  this  taveru  but  by  tbe  title  of  the  MalaiutU.* 
•  BmI  Night. 


;dbv  Google 


360  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

At  the  iound  of  a  party  approachìng  on  liorBeback,  an 
ill-looking  lad  appeared  at  the  door-way  well  ormed  with 
kniTes  and  ^iatoh,  and  after  givmg  a  glance  at  tbem,  re- 
entered  to  mform  three  ruffiana,  who,  aeated  at  table, 
were  playing  with  a  very  dirtj  pack  of  carda,  reveraed 
and  laid  one  upon  another  iike  so  many  tiles.  He  who 
aeemed  to  be  the  leader  roee,  and  advaDciog  towarda  the 
door,  recognized  a  friend  of  hie  maater'a,  and  saluted  bim 
with  a  bow.  Don  Eodrigo,  retuming  the  salutatioo  with 
great  politeneaB,  ìnquired  if  bis  master  were  in  the  caatle, 
and  receÌTiDg  for  an  answer  tbat  be  beliered  so,  he  dis- 
mouuted  from  hia  horae,  throwing  the  reiua  to  Tiradrìtto, 
one  of  hia  retinue.  Tben,  taking  hia  muaket  from  hia 
shoulder,  he  banded  it  to  Montanarolo,  aa  if  to  dia- 
encuraber  hìmself  of  a  uaelesa  weisht,  and  render  hia 
ascent  easier  ;  but  In  reality,  becauee  he  knew  well  enough 
tbat  no  one  waa  permitted  to  mount  tbat  ateep  wbo 
carrìed  a  gun.  Tnen  taking  out  of  bis  purse  two  or 
threefrerltnjrAA,  he  gave  them  to  Tanabuao,  eayine  :  '  Wait 
for  me  bere  ;  and  in  the  mean  time  enjoy  TounelTeB  with 
tbese  good  people.'  He  tben  prasented  the  eatimable 
chief  of  the  party  with  a  few  gold  crowna,  one  half  ime 
bimself.and  the  rest  tobedivided  amonghiBCompaoiona; 
and  at  length,  in  company  with  O-riao,  who  had  alao  laid 
aaide  hia  weapoiu,  began  to  oacend  the  cliff  on  foot.  In 
the  mean  wbde,  the  tbree  abore-mentioned  bravoea,  to- 
gether  with  their  fourtb  companion,  Squintemotto,  (what 
amiable  namea  to  be  preaerred  with  ao  mucb  care  !)  ro- 
mwned  behind  with  the  three  players,  and  the  unforton- 
ate  bor,  who  waa  training  for  tbe  gallows,  to  game,  djink, 
asd  relate  by  tnma  their  Tarìons  feate  of  proweas. 

Another  bravo  belenging  to  the  TJnnamed  ehortly 
overtook  Don  Bodrigo  in  bis  aacent  ;  and  after  ejeing 
.  bim  for  a  moment,  reconiized  a  friend  of  hia  master'», 
and  bore  bim  company  ;  Dy  tbia  meana,  aparing  bim  the 
annoyance  of  telling  bis  name,  and  giving  a  furthcr  ac< 
conni  of  himaelf,  to  the  many  otben  whom  he  met,  and 
witb  wbom  he  waa  unacquainted.  On  reaching  the  caatle, 
and  being  admitted,  (haTÌng  lefl  Griao,  however,  outaide,) 
he  waa  conducted  a  rouniubout  way  tbrongh  dark  cor- 


,»Ogk' 


XX.J  THE   BETROTHRD.  361 

iidore,Bnd  TarioQB  apartmentsbung  with  miukets,  ubret, 
and  partiBBDB,  in  encn  of  which  &  braro  atood  oq  guard  ; 
and  ailer  havine  waited  Bome  time,  waa  at  laat  uahered 
ìnto  the  Toom  wnere  tbs  Unnamod  wbs  ezpecting  him. 

Tbe  Signor  advanced  to  meet  Don  Bodrigo,  returning 
bis  aalutation,  and  at  tbe  Bame  time  eyeing  him  from 
head  to  foot  with  the  cloBeet  acrutinj,  according  to  his 
UBual  habìt,  now  almost  an  involuntary  one,  towarda  anj 
one  who  approacbed  him,  eveu  towarda  bis  oldest  and 
moat  trìed  Menda.  He  waa  tali,  eun-burot,  and  batd; 
and  at  Arat  aigbt  thìa  baldoeflo,  tbe  wbiteneae  of  his  few 
remaioing  baìre,  and  the  wrinklea  on  bia  face,  would  bave 
induced  the  judement  that  he  was  considerfiblv  bevond 
the  aistj  yean  he  bad  acarcely  yet  attained  :  thougn  <m 
a  nearer  aurrey,  his  carriage  and  movementa,  the  cutting 
Barcasm  of  bia  features,  and  the  deep  fire  that  iiparkled  in 
bla  ève,  indicated  a  vigour  of  body  and  mind  whicb 
would  bave  been  remarkable  even  in  a  young  man. 

Dan  Bodrigo  told  him  that  he  carne  to  aolicit  hisadvire 
■nd  atsistance  ;  tb&t,  fìndiug  himself  eugaged  in  a  difB- 
cult  uudertaking,  from  wbicn  bis  honour  would  not  now 
Buffer  him  to  retire,  he  bad  called  to  mind  the  promiaes 
of  his  noble  friend,  wbo  nerer  promiaed  too  much,  or  in 
Tain;  and  he  then  proceeded  to  relate  his  in&maus  en- 
terpriae.  The  Unnamed,  who  already  bad  aome  indefinite 
knowledge  of  the  affair,  liatened  attentively  to  tbe  recita], 
both  beniuae  he  waa  naturally  foud  of  such  storiea,  and 
becauae  there  waa  implìcated  in  it  a  name  well  kuown 
and  ezceedingly  odious  to  him,  that  of  Father  Cristoforo, 
the  open  enemy  of  tyranti,  not  only  in  word,  but,  when 
posaihle,  in  deed  also.  The  narrator  then  proceeded  to 
exaggerate,  in  evidence,  the  difGcultiea  of  the  undertak- 
ing : — the  dìstance  of  theplace,  a  monaatery,  the  Signora  t 
.  . .  .  At  tbis  word,  the  Dnnamed,  aa  if  a  demon  bidden 
in  his  heart  had  auggeated  ìt,  abruptly  interrupted  bim, 
•aying  that  he  would  take  the  enterprìse  upon  himself. 
He  took  down  the  name  of  our  poor  Lucia,  and  dismiaaed 
Don  Bodrigo  with  the  promiae  :  *  Tou  aball  ehortly  bear 
from  me  what  you  are  to  do.' 

If  the  reader  remembera  that  infunons  lE^idio  whosa 


,»OglC 


362  1   rROMESSI   SPOST.  [CH. 

residence  adjoined  tbe  monaatery  wbere  poor  Lucia  bad 
found  B  retreat,  we  will  dow  inforni  him  that  hewaa  on» 
of  the  neareet  and  most  intimate  associates  in  inìquifr^ 
of  the  Unnamed;  and  it  waa  for  tbis  reaaon  thst  the 
Utter  had  ho  promptlj  and  reaolutely  taken  apon  him  to 
pledge  his  nord.  NevertheleaH,  he  was  no  Hooner  left 
alone,  tban  he  begaii  to  feel,  I  will  not  aay,  repentanoe, 
but  vexation  at  faaving  made  the  promise.  For  some 
time  past  he  had  expenenced,  oot  exactlf  remorse,  but  > 
kìnd  of  weariness  of  his  wicked  course  of  life.  Tfaeee 
feelingB,  which  had  accumulated  ratber  io  his  memorj 
tban  on  bis  conscHence,  were  renewedeacb  time  any  new 
crime  waa  committed,  and  eacb  time  they  seemed  more 
muitìplied  and  intolerable  :  it  w&«  like  coostantly  addiog 
and  adding  to  an  alreadj  incommodioua  wei|;ht.  A  cer- 
tain  repugnaace  experienced  on  the  commission  of  bis 
earlier  cnmes,  aftervards  overcome  and  almost  entirel^ 
excluded,  sgain  retumed  to  make  itself  felt.  But  iu  hu 
first  misgivines,  the  im^e  of  a  distant  and  uncertain 
future,  togetaer  with  the  consciouioess  of  a  Tigomas 
habit  of  bodj  and  a  atrong  coniti tution,  had  omj  con- 
firmed  him  in  a  Bupìoe  and  presumptuoua  oonfidence. 
Now,  on  the  contrarj,  it  was  tne  thoughts  of  the  future 
that  embittered  the  retroapect  of  the  paat. — To  gtow 
old!  To  diel  And  then  P — It  is  worthj  of  notiee,  thst 
the  imago  of  death,  which  in  preaent  danger,  when  faoine 
an  enem;,  nmially  only  nerved  hie  apirit,  and  inspired 
him  witb  impetuoua  conrage, — this  aame  image,  when 
presented  to  bis  mind  in  the  solemn  stilineei  of  night, 
and  in  tbe  security  of  his  own  castìe,  waa  alwars  accom- 
panied  witb  a  feeling  of  unde&ned  horror  and  aiarm,  It 
was  not  death  tbreatened  by  an  enemy  wbo  was  hìmsetf 
mortai  j  it  was  not  to  be  repulsed  by  stronger  weapona, 
or  a  reikdier  arni  ;  it  carne  alone,  it  was  suggested  from 
within  ;  it  might  stili  be  diatant,  but  every  moment 
brougfat  it  a  stop  nearer  ;  and  even  while  he  was  hope- 
lessly  Htruggling  to  bsniab  tbe  remembrsoce  of  tnis 
dreaded  enemy,  it  waa  coming  fast  upon  him.  In  bis 
early  days,  the  fniqueut  examples  of  TÌoleace,revengei  and 
murder,  which  were  perpetually  ezbibitod  to  his  riew, 


,»oglc 


XX.]-  THB  SBTKOTHSD.  363 

wbile  they  inspired  him  with  a  darìug  emulation,  lerred 
ftt  the  same  time  as  a  kind  of  authorit^  agatnst  the  voioe 
of  coniicience  :  now  an  indistiiict  but  teirible  idea  of  in- 
dividuai reeponsihilitr,  and  judgment  independent  of 
«lample,  incesaantty  haunted  nie  mìnd  ;  now  the  thought 
of  his  having  left  the  ordìnarj  crowd  of  wicked  doen, 
and  Burpaaaed  them  ali,  Bometimea  impreaned  bim  with  a 
feeling  of  dreadful  solitade.  That  Gk>d,  of  whom  he 
hod  once  board,  but  wbom  he  had  long  ceaaed  eitber  to 
deny  or  acknowledge,  solelf  occupied  bb  he  waa  in  actiag 
aa  tbough  he  eiisted  not,  now,  at  certain  moments  of 
depreeaioa  witbout  cause,  and  terror  wìthout  danger,  he 
ìmagìned  he  heard  repeating  withìn  him,  '  Neverthelem,  I 
am.'  In  the  firet  beat  of  jouthful  pasaion,  the  laws  wbich 
be  had  heard  announced  in  His  name  had  only  appeared 
bateful  to  bim  ;  now,  when  tbey  retoraed  tmbidden  to  hia 
mìnd,  be  regarded  them,  iu  ipite  of  himeelf,  as  something 
which  would  bave  a  fulfilment.  But  that  be  might  euffer 
nothing  of  this  new  disquietude  to  be  apparent  eitber  in 
word  or  deed,  be  carefully  endeavoured  to  conceal  it  under 
the  mask  of  deeper  and  more  vehement  feroci^  ì  and  hj 
thia  meanH  also  be  aought  to  diaguiae  it  from  bimself,  or 
entirely  to  atifle  it,  Earfiag  (since  he  could  neither 
onnìbilate  nor  forget  them)  me  days  in  wbich  he  had 
been  accustonied  to  commit  iniouity  without  remone, 
and  witbout  further  lolicitude  tnan  for  ita  aucceM,  be 
used  everj  endeavour  to  recali  them,  and  to  retain  or  r»- 
cover  hÌB  forraer  unfettered,  daring,  and  undiaturbed  wìU, 
that  he  migbt  conrince  himielf  he  wsa  stili  the  aame  man. 
On  this  occaaioD,  thereforo,  he  had  baatily  pledged  hia 
word  to  Don  Kodrìgo,  that  he  might  cloee  the  door 
agaiort  ali  heaitatìon.  Feeling,  howerer,  on  bia  TÌaitor'§' 
departure,  a  failing  of  tbe  reaolution  tbat  be  had  aummoo- 
ed  up  to  make  tbe  promise,  and  gradually  overwhelmed 
with  tbou^bts  preaenting  themaelves  to  hia  mind,  whicb 
tempted  him  to  break  bis  word,  and  which,  if  yielded  to, 
wouid  bave  made  bim  aìnk  ven  low  in  the  ejes  of  bis 
friend,  a  aecondnry  accomplice,  be  resolved  at  once  to  cut 
short  the  paiaful  conflict,  and  summoned  Nibbio  '  to  hia 
•  AUto. 


I.,  Cioo'^lc 


304  I   FROME68I   SPOSI.  [CH. 

premnce,  one  of  the  most  desterous  and  venturetome 
miKiatera  of  Mb  enormitieB,  and  the  one  whom  he  waa 
accuetomed  to  amploy  in  hia  correspondence  with  Ek^dio, 
With  a  revolute  conntenance  he  oroered  him  immedistely 
to  motmt  hiB  bone,  to  go  etraight  to  Monza,  to  inform 
Egidio  of  the  engagement  he  had  made,  and  to  requeat 
hia  counael  and  aasiatance  in  fulfilling  it. 

The  worthleaa  measenger  retumed  more  ezpeditioualy 
tban  hÌB  master  expected,  with  Egidio'»  reply,  that  the 
undertAkiog  waa  easy  and  secure  :  if  the  Unnamed  vould 
eend  a  carriage  which  would  not  he  known  as  his,  with 
two  orthree  well-dieguised  bravoes,  Egidio  woold  under- 
take  the  charge  of  ali  the  reet,  and  would  mauage  the 
whole  affair.  At  tbis  annonncement,  the  Unnamed,  what^ 
erer  night  be  passine  in  bis  mind,  hoatily  gave  orden  to 
Nibbio  to  arrange  ali  sa  ^E^dio  required,  and  to  go  him- 
■elfjwith  twoothen  whomhenamed,upan  thia expedition. 

Had  Egidio  been  obliged  to  reckon  only  on  ordinar^ 
means  far  the  accompUshment  of  the  horrìble  service  fafl 
had  been  requeated  to  undertake,  he  certaiulj  would  not 
thuB  readilj  bave  gireu  ao  unhesitating  a  promise.  But 
in  that  verj  aavlum,  where  it  would  seem  ali  ought  to 
faave  been  an  obstacle,  the  atrocious  viUain  had  a  resource 
known  only  to  himself  ;  and  that  which  would  bave  been  the 
greatest  difficulty  to  others  became  an  inatrumentto  him. 
We  bave  already  related  how  the  unhappy  Signora  on  one 
occasion  lent  an  ear  to  bis  addresaea  ;  and  the  reader  ma; 
ture  underatood  that  tbis  waa  not  the  last  time, — that  it 
waa  but  the  first  etep  in  a  career  of  ahomination  and 
bloodshed.  The  same  voice,  rendered  imperative,  and 
almost  authorìtative  through  guilt,  now  imposed  upon 
ber  the  aacrìfice  of  the  innocent  creature  who  had  been 
committed  to  ber  care. 

The  propossl  was  frightful  to  Oertrude.  To  lose  Lucìa 
by  an  unforeseen  accident,  and  without  anj-  fault  on  ber 
part,  would  bave  seemed  to  ber  a  misfortune,  a  bitter 
panishment  :  but  now  she  was  enjoined  to  deprive  heraelf 
of  ber  society  by  a  base  act  of  perfldy,  and  to  convert  a 
means  of  ezpiation  into  a  fresb  subject  for  remorse.  The 
unbappj  lady  trìed  every  method  to  extrìcate  herself  from 


,»OglC 


XX.]  THE    BBTROTHED.  36S 

the  horrìble  commaudi — èrerj'  method,  except  tb«  ouly 
one  which  would  bave  been  iofallible,  and  which  itili  rè- 
mained  iu  ber  power.  0-uilt  ìh  a  ngid  and  ìuflexible 
^rant,  againat  whom  ali  are  powerleBS  biit  tfause  ivho 
eotirely  rebel.  Oa  thia  Gertrude  could  uat  reaolve,  and 
■he  obéf  ed. 

It  vaa  the  dar  Gzed  ;  tbe  appointed  honr  approached  ; 
Gertrude  retired  with  Lucia  uito  ber  private  apartment, 
and  there  laviahed  upon  ber  mora  careaaes  than  usuai, 
which  Lucia  received  and  retumed  with  increaaìng  affec- 
tion:  aa  tbe  lamb,  trembling  under  the  hand  of  tbe 
■bepberd  as  he  coazea  and  gently  urges  it  forward,  turna 
to  lick  that  Tecy  hand,  unconscious  that  the  buCcber 
waita  outside  the  aheepfold,  to  whom  the  shepherd  a 
moment  before  has  eold  it. 

'  I  want  you  to  do  me  a  great  service  ;  one  that  nobodj 
but  you  can  da  I  bave  plentj  of  penona  ready  to  obey 
me,  Dut  none  whom  I  dare  trust.  Oa  aome  verr  import- 
ant  business,  which  I  will  teli  you  about  afterwards, 
I  want  to  apeak  to  the  Fatber-guardiau  of  the  CapuchiiiB 
who  brought  you  bere  to  me,  my  poor  Lucìa;  but  it  is 
abaolut«lj  necesaary  that  no  one  ahould  know  I  bave 
■ent  for  nim.  I  bave  nobody  but  you  who  can  eecretly 
carry  thia  message  .  .  .  .' 

Lucia  waa  tcrriSed  at  auch  a  request  ;  and  with  ber 
own  native  modeaty,  yet  not  without  a  strong  eipreosion 
of  aurprise,  ahe  endeavoured  to  dissuade  ber  by  adducing 
reasoua  which  the  Signora  ouglit  to  bave  understood  and 
foreseen  :  without  ber  mother,  vithout  an  eiicort,  by  a 
Bolitary  road,  in  an  unknown  country  ....  But  Gertrude, 
inatructed  in  an  infemal  achool,  manifested  much  surpriae 
and  diapleasure  at  finding  this  stubbom  opposition  in  one 
whom  ahe  hsd  ao  greatly  benefiCed,  and  pretended  to 
think  her  excusee  very  frivolous.  In  broad  day-light — a 
mere  step — a  road  Lucia  had  travelled  only  a  few  daya 
before,  and  which  could  be  so  described  that  eveu  a 
peraon  who  bad  never  aeen  it  could  net  poaaihly  go 
astray!  ....  In  short,  she  said  so'much,  that  the  poor 
girl,  toucbed  at  once  with  gratìtude  and  ahame,  su^red 
the  worda  to  eacape  :  '  Wel^  what  am  I  to  do  P  ' 


b,C,oo'^lc 


36S  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  Qo  to  the  ooDvent  of  the  Capuchins  ;  '  and  here  ehe 
ogain  described  the  road;  'aak  for  the  Father-guardian, 
aud  teli  bim  to  come  to  me  aa  <iuickl7  as  possible;  but 
not  to  let  any  one  know  that  he  cornea  at  tnv  request.' 

'  But  what  shall  I  aay  to  the  portrasB,  wbo  has  never 
seeu  me  go  out,  and  will  therefore  be  Bure  to  aak  whither 
I  am  going  P  ' 

'  Try  to  get  out  without  her  aeeing  joa  ;  aod  if  you 
can't  manage  it,  teli  her  yuu  are  going  to  euch  a  churcb, 
where  you  ha»»  vowed  to  offer  up  soine  prayera.' 

Here  was  a  new  difficuity  for  Lucia, — to  teli  a  fatse- 
bood;  but  the  Signora  again  ehowed  berself  so  veied 
by  ber  repulsea,  aad  made  her  ho  aaha:nedjof  herself  for 
ioterposing  a  vaia  ecruple  in  the  way  of  gratitude,  tbat 
the  poor  girl,  atupefied  mther  than  convinced,  and  greatly 
affected  by  ber  words,  replied  ;  'Very  wellj  I  wiJl  go. 
And  mar  GtoA  help  me  !  '     And  she  set  off. 

But  Gertrude,  who  from  her  grated  window  followod 
ber  with  a  fiied  and  aniioùs  look,  no  sooner  aaw  ber  set 
foot  on  the  threehold,  than,  overcome  by  an  irreeistible 
emotion,  she  eiclainied  :  '  Listen,  Lucia  !  ' 

Lucia  tumed  round,  and  adraaced  towards  the  nindotr. 
But  aaother  thought,  the  tbought  accustomed  to  pre- 
dominate, had  already  prevailed  over  Gertrude's  nubappr 
mind.  Fretending  that  ehe  was  not  yet  satiefied  with 
the  inatructions  she  had  given,  she  again  described  to 
Lucia  the  road  ebe  must  lollow,  and  dismiseed  her,  say- 
in^:  'Do  everything  as  I  bare  told  you,  and  return 
quickly.'     Lucia  departed. 

She  paaaed  the  gate  of  the  cloister  unobaerred,  and 
took  the  road  along  the  side  of  the  wail,  with  ber  eyee 
bent  to  tbe  ground  ;  by  the  help  of  the  directioas  ehe 
bad  received,  and  ber  own  recoDections,  ehe  fouad  tha 
city  gate,  and  went  out.  Self-possessed,  but  atìl!  ratbcr 
tremblìng,  she  proceeded  along  the  high  road,  sud  sbortly 
reached  the  tum  to  the  convent,  whicb  she  immediatcly 
recognized.  This  road  waa,  and  etili  is,  buried,  Uke  the 
bed  of  a  river,  between  two  high  banks  bordered  witli 
treee,  which  spread  their  brancfies  over  it  like  a  vaulted 
TOoL     Lucia  lelt  her  fears  increase,  aud  quickened  her 


XX.]  THE   BBTBOTHSD.  367 

Bteps,  sa  Bbe  fonnd  herself  qnite  alone  on  enterin^  it  : 
but  a  few  paces  further  ber  courage  revived  on  seeing  a 
travelling  carriage  Btanding,  and  two  travellerB  lookìng 
thisaud  that  way,  aa  il' uucertaiu  of  theroad.  On  drav- 
ing  nearer,  ahe  overheard  ose  of  tbem  eajing  :  '  Here  ìs  a 
good  woman,  «ho  vili  show  us  the  waj.'  In  fact,  when 
ehe  had  got  opposite  the  caniage,  the  urne  peraon,  wìth 
a  more  cauiteouB  manner  than  countenance,  turned  and 
addreaaed  ber  ;  '  My  good  girl,  can  jou  teli  us  wkich  ia 
the  way  to  Monza  ?  ' 

'  You  bave  taken  the  wrong  direction,'  replied  the 
poor  girl:  'Monaa  is  tbere  . . . .'  and  tuming  to  point 
it  out  witb  b^T  finger,  the  other  componion  (it  waa 
Kibbio)  seized  ber  uiiexpecl«dly  round  the  waist,  aud 


lifted  ber  from  the  ground.  Lucia,  in  great  alarm, 
turned  her  head  round,  and  uttered  a  acream  ;  tbe  ruffian 
pushed  ber  into  the  caniage  ;  a  tbird,  who  waa  seated 
m  the  back  of  it,  conceaied  from  view,  received  ber,  and 
forced  ber,  in  apite  of  her  Btrugglea  and  enea,  to  ait  down 
opposite  to  him  ;  wbile  anotber  put  a  handkerchief  orer 
ber  moutb,  and  atifled  ber  criea.  Nibbio  now  baatily 
threw  himself  into  tbe  caniage,  ihut  the  door,  and  they 


,„oglc 


368  I  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

■et  off  at  a  npid  pace.  The  otfaer,  who  bsd  made  the 
treocherouB  ioquiiy,  rem&ined  in  the  road,  aud  looked 
hurrìedlf  arotind  :  do  oae  woh  to  be  seen  :  he  therefore 
epnng  upoa  the  bsnJt,  graaped  a  branch  of  the  bedee 
wfaich  WBB  planted  upon  tbe  summit,  pusbed  tbrough  the 
fence,  and  entering  a  pìantatioa  of  green  oaka,  wbich, 
for  a  ebort  distance,  ran  alon^  the  side  of  the  road, 
Btooped  down  there,  that  fae  migbt  not  be  seeo  by  the 
people  who  would  probablr  be  attracted  by  tbe  criee. 
Thts  man  was  one  of  Egidio's  Tillains  ;  he  had  beea  to 
natch  near  the  gate  of  the  monasteij,  bad  aeen  Lucia  go 
out,  had  noticed  ber  dress  and  figure,  and  bad  then  ruu 
b;  a  shorter  way  to  wait  for  her  at  tbe  appointed  spot. 

Who  can  represent  tbe  tenar,  the  anguiah  of  tbe  un- 
fortunate  ^rl,  or  deacribe  wbat  was  pasaing  in  ber  mind  P 
8be  opened  ber  temfied  eyea,  from  anxietv  to  aacertaìn 
ber  horrible  aituation,  and  quickly  cloBed  them  agaiu 
with  a  abudder  of  fear  at  tbe  aight  of  tbe  dreadful  faces 
that  met  ber  view  ;  she  writbed  ner  body,  but  found  that 
she  was  held  down  on  ali  aidea  :  abe  collected  ali  ber 
Btrength,  and  made  a  deaperate  effort  to  puah  towards 
tbe  dooT;  but  two  ainewy  arma  held  ber  aa  if  ahe  were 
nailed  to  the  bottom  of  tbe  carriage,  wbile  four  otber 
powerful  bande  aupported  ber  there.  At  every  aignal 
abe  gave  of  intending  to  utter  a  cry,  the  baudaerchief 
waa  inatautly  atuffed  into  her  mouth  to  amotber  the 
Bound,  while  three  ìnfemat  moutbs,  witb  voices  more 
human  than  tbey  were  accuatomed  to  utter,  continued 
to  repeat  :  '  Be  stili,  be  atill  ;  don't  be  afraid,  we  don't 
want  to  do  you  any  harm.'  After  a  few  momenta  of 
agonised  atruggle,  sbe  seemed  to  become  quieter  ;  ber 
arma  aank  by  ber  aide,  ber  head  fell  backwarda,  ahe  halt 
opened  ber  eyelida,  and  ber  eyes  became  fiied;  the 
horrible  faces  whicb  aurrounded  ber  appeared  to  mingle 
and  flock  belbre  ber  in  one  monatroug  imago  ;  the  colour 
£ed  from  her  cheek  ;  a  cold  moiature  overapread  ber  face  ; 
ber  conaciouaneaa  vaniahed,  and  ihe  faintod  away. 

'  Come,  come,  couiage,'  Baid  Nibbio.  '  Cour&ge,  cou- 
rage,'  repeated  tbe  two  otber  ruffiana  ;  buttheproatratton 
of  every  facull^  preserred  Lucia,  at  that  moment,  from 


,»Ogk' 


XX.]  THE   BETBOTHED.  369 

hearing  the  conaolationB  addreased  to  ber  by  those  hotnble 

'  The  — '- —  !  she  aeema  to  be  dead,'  said  one  of  them  : 
'  if  ehe'B  really  dead  !  ' 

'  Febav  !  '  aa,\ò  the  other  :  '  It's  only  a  Bwoon,  such  as 
'women  often  fall  into.  I  know  well  enough  that  wbeu 
l've  waated  to  seud  another,  be  ìt  man  or  voman,  into 
the  other  world,  it  haa  required  eomethin^  more  thau 
this.' 

Hold  your  touguea,'  aaid  Kibbio.  '  Attend  to  your 
own  busineBB,  aod  miad  nothins  else,  Take  your  mua- 
kets  from  under  the  Beat,  and  Reep  them  in  readinesa  ; 
for  there  are  always  some  vìUaini  hidden  in  the  wood  we 
are  entcring.  Not  in  your  handa,  the  — —  !  piit  them 
bebind  your  baoke,  and  let  them  He  there  :  don't  you  Bee 
that  she'a  a  cowardly  chicken,  who  faints  for  nothing?  If 
ahe  eeea  fire-arma,  it  will  be  enough  to  kill  her  ontrìght. 
And  when  ahe  recovera,  take  good  care  yoii  don't  frightea 
her;  don't  touch  her  unleas  I  beckon  to  you;  I  am 
enough  to  loanage  her.  And  hold  your  tonguee  :  le&ve 
me  to  talk  to  her.' 

In  the  mcaa  while  the  carriage,  wbich  waa  proceeding 
at  a  very  rapid  pace,  entered  the  wood. 

After  some  time,  the  unhappy  Lucia  gradually  begaa 
to  come  to  ber  seDses,  as  if  awaking  from  a  profound  and 
troubled  sleep,  and  alowl^  opened  her  eyes.  At  firat  ahe 
found  it  difficult  to  dìatinguish  the  gloomy  objecta  that 
Burrounded  her,  and  collect  ber  acattered  thoughta  ;  but 
Bhe  at  last  succeeded  in  reealling  her  fearful  aituation. 
The  flrat  uae  ahe  made  of  her  newly-recovered,  though 
stili  feeble  powers,  waa  to  rush  towarda  the  door,  and  at- 
tempt  to  throw  beraelf  out  ;  but  she  was  forcibly  re- 
Btrained,  and  had  only  tiiue  to  get  a  glauce  at  the  wild 
solitude  of  the  place  througb  which  tbev  were  paBsing. 
She  again  uttered  a  cry;  but  Nibbio,  holding  up  the 
bsndkerchief  in  bis  dreaded  band,  '  Come,'  aaid  he,  in  the 
gentleat  tono  he  coald  command,  '  be  quiet,  and  it  will  be 
better  for  you.  We  don't  want  to  do  you  any  harm  ;  but 
if  you  don't  hold  your  toogue,  we'll  make  you. 

'  Let  me  go  !     Who  «re  you  ?     Wbere  are  jou  taking 
2b 


,„oglc 


370  I   FS0ME8SI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

me  t  Whj  htYe  you  setzed  me  F  Let  me  go,  let  me 
gol' 

'  1 1«11  you,  70U  Deedn't  be  nfraìd  :  yoa're  net  a  babr, 
ani  f  ou  ought  to  undentand  that  we  don't  want  to  ao 
you  aoy  barm.  Boa't  you  see  that  «e  night  bave  mnr- 
dered  you  a  hundred  time8,if  we  hadany  bad  intentionsF 
— ao  be  q»ùet.' 

'  No,  no,  let  me  go  on  my  own  boainesB  ;  I  dou't  kiiow 
jon.' 

'  We  know  you,  however.' 

'  0  most  hoLy  Yirgin  !  Let  me  go,  for  pity's  st^e. 
Wbo  are  you  ?    Whj  have  yen  taken  me  ?  ' 

'  Because  «e  HaTe  been  bid  to  do  so.* 

'  Wbo  V    Wbo  ?    Wbo  can  bave  bid  you  P  ' 

'  HuBh  !  '  aaid  Nibbio,  witb  a  atem  look  ;  '  you  mustn't 
aak  me  Huch  queations.' 

Lucia  made  a  tbird  attempt  to  tbrow  heraelf  auddenly 
out  of  the  window;  but  finaing  it  iu  vain,  ebe  again  bad 
recourse  to  entreaties  ;  and  witb  ber  bead  bent,  ber 
cheeka  batfaed  vith  teara,  ber  voice  iaterrapted  by  eoba, 
and  ber  banda  claeped  befure  ber,  '  Oh  !  '  cried  abe,  '  for 
tbe  loTO  of  Ood  and  the  moat  holy  Virgin,  let  me  go  I 
Wbat  barm  bave  I  doue  P  I  am  an  ianocent  creature, 
and  bave  done  nobody  any  barm.  I  forgive  you  the 
vronga  you  bare  done  me,  from  the  bottom  of  my  beart, 
•od  will  pray  Qod  for  you.  If  any  of  you  bare  a  daugh- 
ter,  a  wife,  a  motber,  think  what  they  would  suffer,  if 
they  were  in  thia  atate.  Bemember  tbat  we  must  oli  die, 
and  tbat  you  will  one  day  want  Ood  to  be  inerciful 
towards  yon.  Let  me  go  ;  leave  me  bere  ;  the  Lord  will 
teach  me  to  find  my  way.' 

'  We  cannot.' 

*Ton  cannot  !  Oh  my  God  !  Wby  can't  youP 
Where  are  you  taking  me  ?    Wby  P  ' . . .  . 

'  We  cannot  ;  it'a  no  use  aakiag.  Don't  be  afraid,  for 
we  won't  harm  you  :  be  quiet,  and  nobody'U  touch  you.' 

Overcome  witb  diatresa,  agony,  and  tcrror  at  finding 
that  ber  vorda  made  no  impreaaioQ,  Lucia  tumed  to  Him 
wbo  holda  the  hearta  of  men  in  Hia  band,  and  can,  whea 
it  pleasetb  Uim,  aoften  the  moat  obdurate.     She  aank 


,»Ogk' 


XZ.]  THS   BBTBOTHKD,  371 

back  iato  the  coraer  wbere  stie  had  beea  placed,  croaved 
ber  arma  on  h«r  bivaat,  and  pn^ed  ferventi^,  from  the 
bottom  of  ber  beart  ;  tben,  drawiag  out  ber  rosary,  she 
begau  to  repeat  the  praTera  witb  more  faitb  and  devotion 
than  ahe  baa  erer  belare  done  in  ber  life.  From  time  to 
time  abe  would  tnm  to  entreat  ber  companiona,  in  hopei 
that  abe  migbt  gain  the  mere?  ahe  imploredi  but  abe  ita* 
plored  in  vain.  Tben  abe  fell  back,  and  ^gBÌo  became 
aenaeleaB,  onij  to  awake  to  new  anguiab.  But  we  bave 
noi  the  beart  to  relate  these  agonizing  Ticissitodes  more 
st  leugth  ;  a  feeling  of  overpowering  compaBiion  makea 
US  haaten  to  the  close  of  tbia  mouraful  joumey,  wbich 
laated  for  more  thau  four  boura;  aucceeding  nhicb  we 
aball  be  obliged  todeacribe  many  houraof  stili  more  bìttor 
anguiab.  We  will  tranaport  ouraelves  to  the  castle  where 
the  uohappy  girl  wae  expectcd. 

8he  waa  awaited  bv  the  Unnamed  witb  a  eolicìtude  and 
anxietr  of  mÌQdwhion  vere  ver;  unuaual.  Strange  !  that 
ha  «ho  had  dispoeed  of  so  manj  livea  witb  an  imper- 
turbed  heart,  who  in  so  many  undertakings  had  conaidered 
u  nothing  the  sufferings  he  inflicted,  unleas  it  were  aome- 
tiniea  to  glut  bis  appetite  witb  the  fierce  enjoytnent  of 
rerenge,  atiould  now  feel  a  recoiling,  a  regret — I  migbt 
almoat  aay,  a  feeling  of  alarm,  at  the  autbority  he  waa 
exercieing  over  tbia  Lucia, — a  slranger,  a  poor  peasant- 
girl  !  From  a  lofty  window  of  bis  castle  he  had  been  for 
some  time  vatcbing  the  entrance  of  the  valley  ;  by  and 
br  tbe  carriage  made  ita  appearance,  alonly  advanciiig 
along  the  road  ;  for  the  rapid  pace  at  wbich  they  had  at 
first  etarted,  had  curbed  tbe  mettle  and  cooled  theardonr 
of  the  borses.  And  altbough,  from  the  post  where  he 
stood  to  watch,  tbe  convoy  looked  no  lai^r  than  one  of 
thoee  diminutive  rehicles  with  wbich  children  are  wont  to 
amuae  theniaelves,  jet  he  beaitated  net  a  moment  to  re- 
cognize  it  ;  and  bis  heart  began  afreab  to  beat  violently. 

—Will  abe  ho  there  ? — thought  he-  immediatel^  ;  and 
he  continued  to  aay  to  himself  : — Wbat  trouble  tfais  crea- 
ture gives  me  !    I  will  freo  myself  from  it. — 

And  he  prepared  to  aummon  one  of  bis  men,  and  de> 
■patch  him  immediately  to  meet  the  carriage,  with  oiden 


372  1  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [ch; 

to  Nibbio  to  tum  round,  and  conduct  ber  at  once  to  Doa 
Bodrigo'a  pklace.  But  an  imperativa  no,  tbat  inatantly 
flaabed  aerosa  hie  mind,  made  bim  at  once  abandon  tbis 
desigli.  Wearìud  at  length  by  tbe  desire  of  orderiog 
BomethÌDg  to  be  done,  sna  intolerabl^  tired  of  idly  wait- 
ing  the  approacb  of  the  carriage,  ai  it  advanced  atowly, 
atep  by  step,  lite  a  traitor  to  bis  punisboient,  be  at  leagth 
Bummoned  an  old  woman  of  bis  boiuebold. 

Tliia  peraon  wos  tbe  daughter  of  a  former  keeper  of  tbe 
CBatle,  bad  been  born  within  ite  walls,  and  spent  ali  ber 
life  there.  AH  tbat  abe  bad  seen  and  beard  around  ber 
from  ber  very  iafancy,  bad  contributed  to  imprese  upOD 
ber  mind  a  lofty  and  terrible  idea  of  tbe  power  of  ner 
masters  ;  and  the  prìncipal  maiim  tbat  sbe  bad  acqaired 
from  inetruction  and  ezample  waa,  tbat  they  muat  be 
obeyed  in  ererything,  becauae  the;  were  capable  of  doing 
either  great  good  or  great  hann.  The  idea  of  duty,  de- 
posited  lìke  a  germ  in  tbe  heatts  of  ali  men,  and  mingling 
in  bere  with  sentimeuta  of  reapeet,  dread,  and  servile  de- 
votion,  was  aaaociated  with,  and  solely  dìrected  to,  these 
objects.  When  the  Unnamed  became  ber  lord,  and  began 
to  make  such  terrible  use  of  bis  power,  abe  felt,  from  the 
first,  a  kind  of  horror,  and,  at  the  same  tirae,  a  more  pro- 
found  feeling  of  subjectiou.  In  tiene  she  became  habitu- 
ated  to  what  sbe  daily  saw  aad  beard  around  ber  :  the 
potent  and  unbridled  will  of  such  a  Signor  was,  in  ber 
idea,  a  kind  of  juatice  appointed  by  fate.  When  sorae- 
what  adranced  in  years,  abe  had  marrìed  a  servant  of  tbe 
bousebold,  wbo,  being  eent  on  aome  hazardoua  eipeditìon. 
sbortly  afterwarda  left  hie  bones  on  tbe  highway,  and  ber 
a  widow  in  the  caatle.  The  vengeance  whicb  the  Signor 
quickly  tooli  on  the  instnimenta  of  his  death,  yìelded  ber 
a  savage  conaoìation.and  incressed  berpride  at  being  under 
Buob  protectioa.  From  tbat  time  forwnrd  she  rarely  set 
foot  outside  the  castle,  and,  by  degrees,  retained  no  other 
ideas  of  human  life  than  such  aa  she  received  ivitbin  ita 
preoinf^ts.  She  was  not  conBned  toany  particular  branch 
of  service,  but  among  such  a  crond  of  ruffiane,  one  or 
otber  was  constantly  finding  her  something  to  do,  whìch 
fomisbed  ber  vith  a  never-failiug  aubject  for  grumbling. 


XX.]  THE  BBTKOTHBD.  373 

Sometimes  Bbe  would  havo  dothea  to  rapair,  sometimea  a 
meal  to  provide  ìd  baste,  for  one  who  had  retunied  fram 
aa  expeditioa,  and  Bometìmes  ehe  naa  called  upon  to  ei- 
ercìse  ber  medicai  ekill  in  dreesing  a  wound.  Ihe  com- 
mands,  reproachee,  and  tbaoka  of  these  rufSana,  wera 
generally  seasoned  witfa  jokes  aad  rude  epeeches  :  '  old 
woman'  wu  ber  nsnal  appellatìon;  whtle  tbe  adjuncts 
whioh  were  perpetuai!/  attached  to  it,  varied  accordine 
to  the  circumetances  and  humourof  thespeaker.  Croised 
thus  in  ber  idleneM,  and  irritatod  in  ber  peeviah  temper, 
wbich  were  ber  twa  predominuit  pasaiooH,  she  sometimea 
returued  these  complidentB  with  language  in  wbicb  Satan 
migbt  bave  recognized  more  of  bis  own  spirit  tban  in  tbat 
of  her  tortnentors. 

'  You  see  tbat  cairiage  doim  tbere  V  '  iiaid  tbe  Signor 
to  tbis  amiable  specimen  of  woinan-kind. 

*  I  aee  it,'  replied  sbe,  pratruding  ber  sbarp  cfain,  and 
starine  with  her  sunken  eyes,  aa  if  trj'ing  to  force  them 
out  of  tbeir  sockets. 

'  Bid  them  prepare  a  litter  immediately  ;  get  into  it 
yourseir,and  let  it  be  carried  to  Malanotte  instanti/,  tbat 
you  may  get  tbere  before  the  carrioge  ;  it  is  cornine  on 
at  a  funeral  pace.  In  tbat  carriage  there  is  .  .  .  .  there 
ought  to  be  .  . .  .  a  young  girl.  If  sbe's  there,  teli 
Niobio  it  is  mj  order  tbat  ehe  should  be  put  into  the 
litter,  and  tbat  he  must  come  directi;  to  me.  You  will 
come  up  in  the  litter  with  the  ....  girl  ;  and  wjien  you 
are  up  here,  take  ber  into  your  own  room.  If  sbe  aska 
you  where  you  are  toking  ber,  whom  the  caatle  belongs 
to,  take  care  .  .  .  .' 

'  Oh  1  '  said  tbe  old  woman. 

'But,'  continued  the  Unnamed,  'try  to  eocourage 
her.' 

'  Wbat  must  I  say  to  ber  ?  ' 

'  What  must  you  say  to  ber  ?  Try  to  encourage  her,  I 
teli  you.  Have  you  come  to  ibis  age,  and  don't  know 
how  to  encourage  othera  wben  they  vant  iti  Have  you 
ever  known  sorrow  of  beart?  Have  you  never  t>een 
afraìd  ?  Don't  you  know  wbat  words  soothe  and  com- 
fort at  aucb  momenta  ì    Say  thoae  wnrds  to  ber  ;  find 


374  I    FBOHB33I   SPOSI.  [CB. 

them  in  the  remembrance  of  your  own  eorrowg.    Go 
directly.' 

Ab  80on  aa  she  had  taken  ber  departure,  he  stood  for 
a  while  at  the  window,  with  bis  eyei  fized  od  tbe  c&r- 
riage,  whicb  had  already  coneiderablj'  increased  ìa  eÌEe  ; 
aflerirnrdB  be  watched  the  aun,  at  thst  moment  aìaking 
behind  tbe  mountain  ;  then  he  contemplated  the  fleecy 
clouds  ecattered  above  the  aettìng  orb,  and  from  tbeir 
uaual  greyiah  bue  almoat  inatantaneouely  asauming  a 
fierj  tinge.  He  drew  back,  cloaed  the  window,  and  be- 
gan  to  pace  up  and  down  the  apartment  witb  the  atep  of 
a  hurried  trafeller. 


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CHAPTEE  XXI. 

Il  HE  old  woman  immediately  haatened  to  obej, 
1  and  to  give  cammaads,  uuder  the  sanction  of 
I  that  name,  wbich,  bj  wbornsoever  pronounced, 
I  alirays  «et  the  whofe  household  od  the  alert  ; 
for  it  uever  entered  the  iraaginatiop  of  any 
one,  that  another  person  would  venture  to  use  it  ud- 
authorized.  She  reaehed  Malanotte  ahortly  before  the 
carnale  arrived  ;  aud  oii  seeing  it  approach,  got  out  of  the 
litter,  beckoned  to  the  driver  to  stop,  advaaced  tonarda 
the  door,  and  whispered  to  Nibbio,  it  ho  put  hie  head  out 
of  the  wiadon,  the  wishea  of  hia  inaater. 

Lucia  aroused  heraelf,  on  feeling  thecarria^  stop,  and, 
awakìng  froin  a  kind  of  lethorgy,  was  Beised  with  reQewed 
terror,  aa  she  wildly  gazed  aruund  ber.  Nibbio  had 
pushed  himself  back  on  the  seat,  and  the  old  woman, 
vith  ber  chin  reating  on  the  door,  was  looking  at  Lucia, 
and  Bajing,  '  Come,  ray  good  girl  ;  come,  70U  poor  thing  ; 


376  I   FROUESSI   SPOSI.  [CK. 

come  with  me,  for  I  bave  ordera  to  trest  jou  well,  and 
try  to  comfort  you.' 

At  the  sound  of  a  female  voice,  the  poor  girl  felt  a  ray 
of  comfort — a  momentary  fiaah  of  courage  ;  but  ahe 
quicklf  relapeed  into  Btill  more  terrible  fenr».  '  Who 
are  fouF'  asked  ahe,  in  a  tretnbling  voice,  fixing  ber 
astonished  gazo  on  the  old  woman's  t'iice. 

'Come,  come,  you  poor  creatore,'  \niB  the  unvaried 
answer  she  receired.  Nibbio,  and  Lia  two  companìond. 
gatheritig  from  the  worda,  and  the  unuBualIy  sofcened 
tonea  of  the  old  hag,  what  were  the  iotentions  of  their 
lord,  endeavoured,  by  kind  aud  aoothing  words,  to  per- 
suade the  unhappy  girl  to  obey.  Slie  only  continued, 
however,  to  etare  wildTy  around  ;  and  though  the  unknown 
and  lavage  character  of  the  place,  and  the  dose  ^uardian- 
Bhip  of  her  heeper»,  t'orbad  her  iodulging  a  hope  of  relief, 
ube,  nevertlieles,  attempted  to  cry  out  ;  but  seeing  Nibbio 
caat  a  glance  towarde  the  handkerchief,  ahe  atopped, 
tremhied,  gave  a  momentary  ahudder,  and  was  then 
seized,  and  placed  in  the  Utter.  The  old  womon  entered 
after  her;  Nibbio  left  the  other  two  villains  to  follow 
behind  as  an  eacort,  while  he  himself  took  the  sbortest 
ascent  to  attend  to  Che  cali  of  liia  mast«r. 

'  Who  are  you  p  '  ansiouely  deraanded  Lucia  of  her  un- 
known and  ugly-visaged  companion  :  '  Why  am  1  with 
you  P     Wbere  am  I  P     Where  are  you  taking  me  P  ' 

'  To  one  who  wiahea  to  do  you  good,'  replied  the  aged 
dame  i  '  to  a  great ....  Happy  are  they  to  whom  he 
wiabea  ^ood  !  You  are  very  1  ucky,  I  can  teli  you.  Don't 
be  afraid — be  cheerful;  he  bid  me  try  to  encourage 
you.  Ton'U  tei!  him,  won't  you,  that  I  tried  to  comfort 
youF' 

'  Who  ia  he  P — why  ? — what  doea  he  want  with  me  ? 
I  don't  belong  to  liim  !  Teli  me  where  I  am  !  let  me  go  ! 
hid  theae  people  let  me  go — bid  them  cairy  me  to  aome 
cburch.  Oh  !  you  whn  aru  a  wumaii,  in  the  uame  of 
Mary  the  Virgin  !....' 

Thia  holy  and  aoothing  name,  once  repeated  with 
veneration  in  her  early  years,  and  uow  for  ao  long  a  timo 


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ZZI.]  THE    EETROTHBD.  377 

unmToked,  and,  perhapa,  unheard,  produced  in  the  mind     ^ 
of  the  unhappy  creature,  on  again  reacbing  her  ear,  a  \/ 
strange,  confiiBed,  and  distant  recoìlectìon,  like  the  re- 
membrance  of  liglit  and  form  in  an  aged  peraon,  who  has 
been  blind  from  lofancy. 

In  the  niean  while,  the  Unnamed,  standing  at  the  door 
of  bis  castle,  waa  looking  dovnwards,  and  watchins;  the 
litter,  as  before  he  had  watched  the  carriage,  wbile  it 
alowly  aaoended,  step  by  step  ;  Nibbio  rapidly  adrancing 
before  it  at  r.  diatance  which  every  moment  became 
greater.  Wheii  he  had  at  length  attained  the  summit, 
*  Come  this  way,'  cried  the  Signor  ;  and  taking  the  lead, 
he  entered  the  castle,  and  went  into  oue  of  the  apart- 

'  Welt  P  '  aaid  he,  making  a  stand. 

'Everything  eiactly  right,'  replied  Nibbio,  witli  a  pro- 
found  obeisance  ;  '  the  intelligence  in  time,  tha  girl  in 
time,  nobody  on  the  spot,  only  one  scream,  nobody  at< 
tracted  by  it,  the  coachman  ready,  the  horses  Bwiit,  no- 
body met  with  :  but .  .  .  .' 

'But  what?' 

'  But ....  I  will  teli  the  truth  ;  I  would  rather  bave 
been  commanded  to  ahoot  her  in  the  back,  without  hear- 
ing ber  apeak — without  seeiug  her  face.' 

'  What  ?  . .  .  what  ? what  do  you  mean  ?  ' 

'  I  niean  tbat  ali  this  time  ....  ali  this  time  ....  I 
bave  felt  too  much  compassion  for  her.' 

'  Compasaion  1  What  do  yoa  knov  of  compassion? 
What  Ì8  compassion  f  ' 

'  I  never  underatood  so  welt  what  it  was  as  tbiB  time  ; 
it  Ì8  eomething  that  rather  resetnbles  fear  ;  let  it  once 
take  poBBeetion  of  you,  and  you  are  no  loager  a  man.' 

'  ueX  me  bear  a  little  of  what  ahe  did  to  escìte  your 
compasBJOD.' 

'  0,  most  noble  Signor  t  siich  a  time  ! . . . .  weeping, 
praying,  and  looking  at  one  wìth  such  eyes  !  and  beùom- 
ing  pale  as  death  1  and  then  sobbing,  and  praying  again, 
and  certain  words  . .  .  .* 

— I  won't  ha?»  this  creatUM  in  my  house, — thaught 


lA'OOi^lc 


378  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [ca. 

the  Unnamed,  meauwhile,  to  himeelf. — In  an  eril  hour  I 
eagaged  to  do  it  ;  but  l've  promiBed — l've  proinised. 
Wheii  she'e  far  away  .  .  .  .— Ànd  raÌBÌng  hia  face  with  an 
imperiouB  air  towarda  Nibbio,  '  Now,'  said  he,  '  yòu  must 
lay  aaide  compauioa,  moiint  rour  borse,  take  a  companion 
— two,  if  jou  like — aod  ride  awaj,  till  voa  ^t  to  tbe 
palace  of  tbie  Con  Bodrigo,  jou  know.  iteli  him  to  eend 
immediatelf  ....  immediatelj,  or  else  . . . .' 

But  another  interual  no,  more  imperative  tban  tbe 
first,  prohibited  bis  finishing.  '  No,'  said  he,  Ìq  a  resolute 
tono,  almoat,  as  It  were,  to  eipreiia  to  hiroself  tbe  com- 
maud  af  tbie  secret  voice.  'No  :  go and  take  some  rest  ; 
and  to-morrow  moroing  ....  jou  sball  do  as  I  will  teli 
you.' 

— Tbis  girl  must  bave  some  demon  of  ber  owd, — 
tbought  be,  wben  left  olone,  atandÌDg  with  bis  arma 
croseed  oa  bis  breaat,  and  bis  gaze  fiied  upon  a  spot  oa 
tbe  floor,  vhere  the  rays  of  the  moon,  enterìng  through 
a  lofty  wiodow,  traced  out  a  situare  of  pale  ligb^  cbequeiv 
ed  like  a  drought-board  by  the  massive  iron  bara,  and 
more  minutely  divided  iiito  Binalier  compartments  by  tbe 
little  paaes  of  glaas.^Some  deiiioa,  or  ...  .  some  luigel 
wbo  protects  ber  ....  Compaasion  in  Nibbio  !  ,  .  .  ,  To- 
morron*  morniog — to-morrow  moming, early,  sbe  must  be 
off  from  thia  ;  sbe  must  go  to  ber  place  of  deatination  ; 
and  she  shall  net  be  spoken  of  agaia  ;  and, — continiied 
te  to  himself,  with  tbe  resolution  with  which  oiie  givea  a 
Gommand  to  a  rebellioue  child,  knowing  tbat  it  will  not 
he  obeyed  ; — and  she  shall  not  be  thought  of  again,  either. 
Tbat  animai  of  a  Don  Sodrìgo  must  not  come  to  pester 
me  «itb  tbanka  ;  for  .  .  .  .  I  don'twautto  bear  ber  apoken 
of  ao^  more.  I  baveserved  him  because  ....  because  I 
promised  ;  and  I  promised,  because  .  .  .  .  it  waa  tnj  des- 
tìny.  But  l'm  determìned  tbe  fellow  shall  pay  me  veli 
for  tbis  piece  of  eerrice.     Let  me  see  a  little  . .  . . — 

And  he  tried  to  deviae  some  intricate  undertaking,  to 
impose  upon  Don  Rodrigo  by  way  of  compensatìon,  and 
almost  aa  a  punishment  ;  but  the  words  again  ahot  acroaa 
hit  mind — CompaaaioQ  in  Nibbio  I — Wbat  «an  tbia  ^1 


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XXI.]  THB   BBTROTHED.  379 

bare  done  f — cootinued  he,  foUowìiiz  out  the  thonght  ; — 
I  must  see  her.    Yet  no — yea,  I  wifi  see  ber. — 

He  went  from  ooe  rooni  to  another,  canie  to  the  foot  of 
A  flight  of  etaìre,  and  irreaolutely  oscendìiig,  proceeded  to 
the  old  woman's  apartment  ;  bere  he  knocked  with  his 
foot  at  the  door. 

'  Who'8  the»  f  ' 

'  Open  the  door.' 

The  old  woman  made  thres  bounds  at  the  sound  of 
bis  voice  ;  the  bolt  waa  quickly  faeard  grating  harahly  in 
the  Staples,  and  the  door  was  thrown  wide  open.  The 
Unnamed  cast  a  glance  round  the  room,  aa  he  paused 
in  the  door-wav  ;  and  by  the  light  of  a  lamp  wbicb 
Btood  on  a  tbree-legged  table,  dieeovered  Lucia  crouch- 
ed  down  on  the  floor,  in  the  corner  fartfaest  from  the 
eutrance. 

'  Wiho  bid  jou  throw  ber  there,  ]ike  a  bag  of  rags,  you 
nncivil  old  beldame  ?  '  said  he  to  the  aged  matron,  with 
an  angiy  &own. 

'  Sbe  chose  it  heraelf,'  replied  she,  in  un  humble  tone  ; 
'  r«e  done  my  beat  to  encourage  her  ;  ahe  can  teli  yen  ao 
heraelf;  but  ahe  won't  mind  me.' 

'  Get  up,'  aaid  he  to  Lucia,  approachiug  her.  But 
ebe,whoBe  already  terrified  .raind  had  experienced  afreah 
and  mysterioue  addttion  to  ber  terror  at  the  knocking, 
the  opening  of  the  door,  hia  footatep,  and  bla  voice,  on^ 

Sthered  heraelf  etili  cloaer  into  the  corner,  and,  with  her 
;e  buried  in  ber  banda,  remained  per£ect]y  motionleas, 
ezceptiug  tfaat  ahe  trembled  from  head  to  foot. 

*  Oet  up  ;  I  vili  do  you  no  faarm ....  and  I  can  do 
you  some  good,'  repeated  the  Signor  .  . .  .  '  Get  up  !  ' 
thnndered  he  fortb  at  last,  irritated  at  having  twice  com- 
manded  in  rain. 

As  if  inrigorated  by  fear,  the  unbappy  girl  inatantly 
raised  faerself  upon  her  kneea,  and  joinmg  ber  banda,  aa 
ahe  would  bave  knelt  before  a  aacred  image,  lifCed  bear 
eyee  to  the  face  of  the  Unnamed,  and  inatantly  drapping 
tbem,  aaid  ;  '  Here  I  am,  kill  me  if  you  will.' 

'  I  bare  tcld  you  I  would  do  you  no  harm,'  replied  the 


3a0  I   PKOME63I   SPOSI.  [CH. 

TTiinamed,  in  a  Boftened  tone,  gazing  at  her  agoDÌzed 
features  of  grief  &nd  terror. 

'  Courage,  courage,'  said  tlie  old  woman  ;  'if  he  him- 
aelf  teils  you  he  wUl  do  you  no  harm  . .  .  .  ' 

'  And  wby,'  rejoined  Lucìa,  with  a  voice  in  whìcfa  the 
daringneBB  of  deepairing  indigDatioii  was  niingled  with 
the  tremor  of  fear,  'why  tnake  me  sufier  the  agooiea  of 
hall  ?     "What  bave  I  done  to  you  ?  .  . .  . 

'  Ferhapa  they  bave  treated  you  badly  ?     ToU  me  .  . . .' 

'Treated  me  badly!  They  ha»e  aeized  me  hy  trea- 
chery — by  force  !  Why — why  bave  they  seized  me  ? 
Wby  am  I  here  ?  Where  am  I  p  I  am  a  poor  harmlesa 
girl.  What  have  I  doae  to  you  F  la  the  name  of 
God ' 

'  God,  God  !  '  ioterrupted  the  tTunamed,  '  always  God  I 
They  who  cannot  defend  tbemselves — who  bave  not  the 
atreagth  to  do  it,  munt  alwaya  brÌDg  fornard  thta  God, 
as  if  they  had  apoken  to  him.  "What  do  you  eipect  by 
tbis  word  F  To  make  me  P . . . .  '  aud  he  left  the  aentence 
uafinisbed. 

'  O  Signor,  eipect  !  What  can  a  poor  girl  like  me 
eipect,  escept  that  you  ahouid  bave  mercy  upon  me? 
God  pardon»  so  many  sias  for  one  deed  of  mercy.  Let 
me  go  ;  for  cbarity's  sake,  let  me  go.  It  will  do  no  good 
to  one  wbo  mnat  die,  to  make  a  poor  creature  aufier 
thua.  Oh  !  you  wbo  can  give  the  commaud,  bid  tbem 
let  me  go  !  They  brou^ht  me  here  by  force.  Bid  tbem 
aead  me  ^ain  with  thia  woman,  and  take  me  to  *  *  *, 
where  my  mother  ia.  Oh  !  most  holy  Virgin  !  My 
mother  !  my  mother  I — for  pity'a  aahe,  my  mother. 
Perhapa  abe  ìb  not  far  from  nere  ....  I  aaw  my  moun- 
taina.  Wby  do  you  give  me  ali  thia  suffering  P  Bid 
tbem  take  me  to  a  church  ;  I  will  pray  for  you  ali  my 
life.  What  will  it  coat  you  to  eay  one  word  ?  Ob,  aee  ! 
you  are  moved  to  pity  ;  aay  one  word,  oh  Bay  it  !  God 
pardon»  so  many  ains  for  one  deed  of  mercy  I  ' 

— Oh,  why  ian't  she  the  daugbter  of  one  of  therascalty 
doga  that  outlawed  me  ! — thought  the  Uunamed  ; — of 
oue  of  the  villaina  who  wiah  me  dead;  tben  I  should 
enjoy  ber  aufferings;  but  inatead  . . . . — 


byCOO'^IC 


XXI.]  THE    BBTKOTHED.  381 

'Don't  drive  anay  a  good  inapiration  !  '  contìnued 
Lucia,  earneatly,  reanimated  by  seeing  a  oertaio  air  of 
hesitatioa  in  the  countenaii,ce  and  beliaviour  of  her 
oppreasor.  '  If  you  don't  grant  me  this  mercy,  the  Lord 
witl  do  it  for  me.  I  shall  die,  and  ali  will  be  over  with 
me  ;  but  you ....  Ferhaps,  some  day,  even  tou  .... 
But  no,  no  ;  I  will  alwaya  pray  the  Lord  to  Keep  you 
from  every  erìl.  Wbat  will  it  cost  rou  to  aay  one  word  F 
If  you  knew  what  ìt  waa  to  enffer  tnis  agony  ! . . .  .  ' 

'  Come,  take  courage,'  intemipted  the  Unnamed,  with 
a  geutleneae  that  astoDiahed  tlie  old  woman.  '  Have  I 
dono  you  any  harm  ?    Have  I  tbreatened  you  7  ' 

'Oh  no  !  I  geo  that  you  have  a  kind  heart,  and  feel 
aome  pity  for  an  unhappy  creature.  If  you  choee,  you 
could  terriry  me  more  thau  ali  the  othera  :  tou  could 
kill  me  with  fear  ;  but  iustead  of  tbat,  you  bave  .... 
rather  tightened  my  heart  ;  Q^od  will  reward  you  for  ìt. 
Finish  your  deed  of  mercy  :  set  me  free,  aet  me  free.' 

'  To-morrow  morning .  ,  ,  ,  ' 

'  Oh  !  Bet  me  free  now— now  .  , ,  ,  ' 

'  To-morrow  moming,  1  will  see  you  again,  I  say. 
Come,  ia  the  meau  while,  be  of  good  courage.  Take  a 
little  rest  ;  you  must  want  «ometbing  to  eat.  They  ehall 
bring  you  eomething  directly.' 

'  No,  no  ;  I  ehall  die,  if  anybody  cornea  bere  ;  I  ahall 
die  !  Take  me  to  a  church  ....  God  will  reward  you  for 
that  atep.' 

'  A  woman  ahall  bring  you  something  to  eat,'  said  the 
Unnamed  ;  and  having  aaid  so,  he  atood  wondering  at 
faimaelf  how  such  a  remedy  had  entered  hta  mind,  and 
how  the  wish  had  arieea  to  eeek  a  remedy  for  the  sorrowa 
of  a  poor  humble  villager. 

'  Ànd  you,'  resumed  he  hastily,  turning  to  the  aged 
matron,  '  persuade  her  to  eat  something,  and  )et  ber  lìe 
down  to  reet  an  thia  bed  ;  and  if  ahe  ia  wiJling  to  have 
you  ag  a  companion,  weil  ;  if  not,  you  can  aleep  well 
enough  for  oue  night  on  the  floor.  Eocourage  ber,  I  aay, 
and  keep  her  cbeerful.  Beware  tbat  sbe  haa  no  cause  to 
coro  pia  in  of  you.' 

So  iiaying,  he  moved  quicUy  towarde  the  door.    Lucia 


,„oglc 


382  I    PBOKBSSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

iprang  up,  and  rati  to  detain  him,  and  renev  her  ea- 
treaties  ;  but  he  was  gone. 

'Oh,  poorme!  8hut  the  door  quicklj.'  And  having 
heard  the  door  cloped,  and  the  bolt  agnia  drawn,  she 
returaed  to  seat  heraelf  in  ber  corner.  '  Oh,  poor  me .'  ' 
repeated  «he,  sobbing;  'whom  shall  I  jmplore  nowi" 
where  am  I  P  Do  you  teli  me— ^tell  me,  for  pity's  aake, 
wbo  is  this  Signor .  .  .  .  be  wbo  haa  béen  epeaking  to 
me  P  • 

'  Who  is  he,  eh  ì — who  ie  he  P  Do  jon  think  I  mar 
teli  you  ?  Wait  ti'l  he  telU  you  bimself.  Tou  are  proud, 
because  be  protects  you  ;  and  you  waiit  to  be  aatiefied, 
Bnd  make  me  your  gobetween.  Aak  him  bimself.  If 
I  were  to  teli  you  thiB,  I  abouldn't  get  the  goodwords  he 
bas  just  given  you.  I  am  an  old  woraan,  an  old  womaji,' 
contÌDued  she,  mutterìng  between  her  teeth.  '  Hang 
these  young  folks,  who  may  make  a  fine  show  of  either 
laughing  or  crying,  just  as  they  ìike,  and  yet  are  alwaya 
in  the  rìght.'  But  hearing  Lncia'B  Bobe,  and  the  com- 
muids  of  her  master  retummg  in  a  threatening  manner 
to  her  memory,  ahe  stooped  towarda  the  poor  croucbing 
girl,  and,  in  a  gentler  and  more  humane  toae,  resumed  : 
*  Come,  I  bave  aatd  no  harm  to  you  ;  be  cheerful.  Don't 
aak  me  questiona  which  l've  no  buainese  to  answer  ;  but 
pluck  up  heart,  my  good  girl.  Ah  !  if  you  knew  how 
maoy  people  would  be  glad  to  bear  him  speak,  as  be  haa 
apoken  to  you  1  Be  cheerful,  for  he  will  aend  you  Bome- 
tning  to  eat  just  no*r  ;  and  I  know . .  .  .  by  the  way  fae 
spoke,  l'm  tiure  it  vili  be  something  good.  And  then 
you  will  lie  dotvn,  and  ....  you  will  leare  junt  a  little 
corner  for  me,'  added  ahe,  with  an  accent  of  auppresaed 
rancour. 

'  I  don't  want  to  eat,  I  don't  waut  to  sleep.  Let  me 
alone  ;  don't  come  near  me  ;  but  you  won't  leave  the 
roomp' 

'  No,  no,  not  I,'  saìd  the  old  woman,  drawing  back, 
and  seating  heraelf  on  an  old  arm-chair,  vhence  she  cast 
Bundry  glances  of  alarm,  and  at  the  same  tinie  of  enry, 
towarda  the  poor  girl.  Then  ahe  looked  at  the  bed, 
Texed  at  the  idea  of  being,  perbapa,  excluded  from  it  for 


,l)OglC 


ZXI,]  THS   BSnCOTHED  8S3 

the  wbole  night,  and  grumbling  at  the  cold.  But  sbe 
comforted  hereelf  with  the  tboughta  of  siipper,  aad  with 
the  hope  that  there  might  be  some  to  spare  for  ber. 
Lucia  waa  aensihle  of  neìtker  cold  norbunger,  and,  almoat 
RB  if  deprived  of  ber  «enses,  bad  but  a  cont'used  idea  of 
ber  rerr  ^ief  and  terror,  Hke  the  undefined  objects  seen 
bv  a  deliriouB  patient. 

'  She  roused  nerself,  wben  ehe  beard  a  knocking  at  the 
door  ;  sud  raiaing  ber  head,  exclùmed,  in  much  alarm, 
'  Wbo's  tbere  P^who'a  there  ?    Bon't  let  anv  one  in  !  ' 

'  Kobodv,  nobody  ;  good  news  I  '  eaid  the  old  woman  ; 
'  it'B  Martha  bringing  something  to  eat.' 

'  Shut  the  door,  ahut  the  door  I  '  cried  Lucia. 

'Ay,  directlr,'  replied  the  old  woman;  and  taking  & 
basket  oat  of  Mnrtba's  band,  she  faastily  nodded  to  ber, 
shut  the  door,  and  carne  and  set  the  basket  on  a  table, 
in  the  middle  of  the  room.  Bhe  then  repentedly  invited 
Lucia  to  come  aod  partake  of  the  tempting  repast,  and 
emploring  words,  which,  according  to  ber  ideas,  were 
most  likely  to  be  efficacious  in  reetoring  the  poor  girl'a 
appetite,  broke  fortb  into  eiclamatioiia  on  tbe  ezcelleace 
of  the  food  ;— '  Morsele  which,  wben  common  people  bare 
once  got  a  toste,  they  don't  forget  in  a  hurry  1  Wine, 
which  ber  master  drank  with  bis  friends  ....  when  any 
of  them  happened  to  «rrive  ....  and  they  wanted  to  1» 
merry  !  Eem  I  '  But  eeeing  that  ali  these  charms  prò- 
ducea  no  effect — 'It  is  you  who  won'l  eat/  said  she. 
'  Don't  you  be  saying  to-morrow  that  I  didn't  try  to  per- 
suado you.  l'Il  eat  Bomething,  bowever  ;  sud  then  therell 
be  moro  than  enough  left  for  you,  whea  you  come  to 
your  Bensea,  and  are  wìIIìdìt  to  do  as  you  are  bid.'  So 
saying,  she  apptied  hereelf  with  aridity  to  the  refresb- 
ments.  When  sbe  had  satisfied  hereelf,  she  rose,  advanced 
towards  tbe  corner,  and  bendìng  over  Lucia,  again  in- 
vited ber  to  take  something,  and  then  tìe  down. 

'  No,  no,  I  don't  waut  anytbing,'  replied  she,  with  a 
feeble  and  almost  drowar  voice.  Then  witb  moreener^y 
ohe  continued  ;  '  la  the  door  locked  P — is  it  well  secured  ?  ' 
And  haviDg  looked  around,  sbe  rose,  and  feeling  with  ber 
banda,  wolied  witb  a  suspicioua  itep  towards  the  door. 


..notale 


364  I   PKOUESSI   SPOSI.  [cH, 

The  old  vomaa  Rprane  tbither  before  her,  stretcbed 
out  her  haad  to  the  lo^,  seUed  the  baudle,  shook  it, 
rattled  the  bo1t,  and  mode  it  grate  against  the  Btapte  th&t 
received  and  Becured  it,  '  Do  you  hear  f — do  you  see  P — ■ 
ia  ìt  well  locked  P     Are  you  coatent  bow  P  ' 

*  Oh,  content  !  I  content  here  !  '  said  Lucia,  again 
arraDging  herself  in  ber  corner.  'But  tbe  Lord  knona 
l'm  here  !  ' 

'  Come  to  bed  ;  what  Touid  you  do  there,  croucbing 
like  a  dog  P  Dìd  ever  anybody  see  a  person  refuse  com- 
forts,  vhen  be  could  get  them  P  ' 

'  No,  no  ;  let  me  alone.' 

'  Well,  it's  your  own  wish.  See,  l'il  leave  you  the 
beat  piace  ;  l'm  lyi&g  bere  on  the  very  rdge  ;  I  shall  be 
uncomfortabje  euough,  l'or  your  sake.  It'  you  waat  to 
come  to  bed,  you  know  what  you  have  to  do.  Bemera- 
ber,  l've  aaked  you  very  oìten.  So  aayiug,  ahe  crept, 
dreased  aa  she  was,  under  the  counterpone,  aud  soon  ali 
waa  Bilent. 

Lucìa  remained  motionlesa,  sbrunk  up  iuto  the  corner, 
ber  kneee  drawn  dose  to  ber  breast,  her  banda  reating 
ou  ber  knees,  and  her  face  buried  in  ber  hands.  She 
waa  neither  aaleep  nor  awake,  but  worn  out  with  a  rapid 
auucesaion — a  tumultuoue  altemation,  of  thoughts,  antici- 
pations,  and  heart-tbrobbìng».  Hecalled,  in  some  degree, 
to  consci oueness,  and  recoUectìng  more  dìstinetly  tbe 
borrors  slie  had  aeen  and  sufTered  that  terrible  day,  she 
would  now  dwelt  moumfulLy  on  the  dark  and  formidable 
realities  in  whìch  she  found  beraelf  involved  ;  tben,  ber 
niind  being  carried  onivard  into  a  stili  more  obscure 
region,  she  had  to  atruggle  against  the  phantoms  coq- 
jured  up  by  uncertainty  and  terror.  In  thls  diatressing 
state  she  continued  fora  long  tinie,  which  we  would  bere 
prefer  to  paaa  over  rapidly  ;  but  at  length,  eibausted  and 
overcome,  she  relaxed  ber  hold  od  her  benumbed  limbs, 
and  sinking  at  full  lengtb  upon  the  fiour,  remained  for 
some  time  in  a  state  more  closely  resembling  real  aleep. 
fiat  Buddenly  awaking,  aa  at  some  inward  cali,  Bhe  trìed 
to  arouse  herself  oompletely,  to  regaìn  ber  scattered 
BcQBes,  and  to  temember  where  she  was,  and  bow,  and 


,»Ogk' 


XZI.]  THE    BETROTHED.  386 

why.  Sba  liatened  to  some  sound  that  caught  ber  ear; 
ìt  was  the  slow,  deep  brcatbiiig  of  the  old  woman.  She 
opeaed  her  eyes,  and  saw  a  faint  ligbt,  now  glimmering 
for  a  moment,  and  then  again  dying  away:  it  was  the 
wick  of  the  lamp,  which,  almoat  ready  to  eipire,  emitted 
a  tremulouB  gleam,  and  quickly  drew  it  baca,  so  to  say, 
lìke  the  ebb  and  &ovr  of  a  wave  oq  the  sea-shore;  and 
thus,  withdrawing  from  tbe  surrounding  objects  ere  there 
was  time  to  display  tbem  in  distinct  colounng  and  relief, 
it  merely  presented  to  tbe  eye  a  succession  of  confuaed 
and  indutmct  glimpses.  But  the  recent  impressione  sba 
had  recei?ed  quickly  returned  to  ber  mind,  and  assieted 
ber  in  distinguìahing  what  appeared  so  disorderly  to  her 
visual  organa.  When  fully  aroused,  the  unhappy  girl 
recognized  ber  prison  ;  oli  the  recolle ctioos  of  the  horri- 
ble  day  that  was  fled,  ali  the  oncertain  terrors  of  the 
future,  rusbed  at  once  upon  her  mind  :  the  Tery  calili  in 
wbich  ehe  now  found  hcrself  after  so  much  agitation,  the 
Bort  of  repoae  she  had  just  tasted,  the  desertion  in  whicb 
sbe  waa  left,  ali  combined  to  inspire  her  with  new  dread, 
tilt,  overoome  by  alarm,  sbe  earnestly  longed  for  deatb. 
But  at  this  juncture,  she  remembered  that  she  could  stili 
pray  ;  and  with  that  thought  there  seemed  to  ihine  fortb 
a  auddcn  ray  of  comfort.  She  once  more  took  out  her 
Tosary,  sod  began  to  repeat  the  prayera  ;  and  in  propor- 
tion  as  the  words  fell  from  ber  tremhlìng  Itps,  ahe  felt  an 
indefinite  confiding  faith  takiug  poasession  of  her  heart. 
Suddenly  another  thought  ruahed  into  her  mind,  that  her 
prayer  inight,  perhaps,  be  more  readily  aecepted,  and 
more  certainly  beard,  if  she  were  to  make  some  offerÌDg 
in  her  desolate  condition.  Sbe  tried  to  remember  whac 
sbe  moBt  prized,  or,  ratber,  what  she  had  once  most 
prized  ;  for  at  tbis  moment  her  heart  could  feel  no  other 
affection  than  that  of  fear,  Qor  conceive  auy  other  desire 
tban  that  of  delirerance.  She  did  remember  it,  and  re- 
BoUed  at  once  to  make  the  sacrifice.  Biaing  upoo  ber 
knees,  and  clasping  her  hands,  from  whence  the  rosary  waa 
Buapended  before  her  breast,  she  ratsed  her  face  and  eyes 
to  heaven,  and  said,  '  0  most  holy  Yirgin  !  thon  to  whom 
I  bave  so  often  recommetided  myself,  and  wbo  hast  ao 


,„oglc 


366  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

ofben  Gomforted  me  !— thou  who  baat  borne  ao  rnany  èot- 
rows,  and  art  now  no  glorious  !— thou  who  baat  wrought 
so  man/  miraclea  for  the  poor  and  afflìcted,  help  me  I 
Brìng  me  out  of  thia  daoger  ;  bring  me  safel;  to  my 
mother,  O  Mother  of  our  Lord  ;  and  I  vow  unto  thee  to 
continue  a  vìrgin  !  I  renounce  for  ever  my  unfurtunate 
betrothed,  that  from  Lenceforth  I  may  belong  onlj  to 
tbee !  ' 
Having  uttered  these  words,  she  bowea  ber  head,  ftnd 

Elaced  the  beadB  around  ber  neck,  almoat  aa  a  tokeii  of 
er  conaecration,  aad,  at  tbe  aame  time,  as  a  safeguard, 
a  part  of  tbe  armour  for  tbe  new  warfare  to  whicb  sbe 
bail  devoted  heraelf.  Seatiug  herself  agaÌQ  on  tbe  floor, 
a  kind  of  traaquillity,  a  more  childlike  relìanee,  graduaily 
diffused  tbemselves  over  ber  soni.  The  to-morrow  mom- 
in^,  repeated  by  the  unknown  nobkmaQ,  carne  to  her 
mind,  and  seemed  to  ber  ear  to  convey  a  promiee  of  de- 
lirerauce.  Her  aenses,  weariedby  auob  atrugglea,  gradu- 
ally  gare  yiaj  before  tbese  sootbing  thougfata  ;  untìl  at 
leugth,  towarda  day-bi'^ak,  and  wich  the  name  of  ber 
protectress  upon  ber  lips,  Lucia  sauk  iato  a  profouad 
and  unbroken  sleep. 

But  in  tbie  game  caatle  there  'waa  one  nbo  would  vill- 
ìngly  bave  followed  ber  exampre,  yet  who  tried  in.  vatn. 
After  departing,  or  rather  escapiug,  from  Lucia,  giving 
ordere  for  ber  aupper,  and  paying  bis  cuatomaty  visita 
to  several  posta  in  bis  castle,  witbner  image  ever  vÌTÌdly 
before  bis  eyea,  and  her  worda  resounding  in  bis  eara,  tbe 
nobleman  had  hastily  retired  to  bis  cbamber,  inipetuoualy 
shut  the  door  bebind  bim,  and  burriedly  uiidreasing,  bad 
laiu  down.  But  that  image,  which  now  jnore  cloBely 
tbaa  ever  baunted  hìa  miad,  aeemed  at  tliat  moment  to 
Bay:  'Thou  abalt  not  sleep  !  ' — What  abaurd  woraanly 
curiosity  tempted  me  togo  aee  ber? — thougbt  be. — That 
fool  of  a  Nibbio  waa  right  :  one  is  no  longer  a  man  ;  yea, 
one  ia  no  longer  a  man  !  ....  I  ?  ....  am  I  no  longer  a 
man  ?  "Wbat  baa  happened  P  Wbat  devil  has  got  poa- 
aesaion  of  me  ?  "What  is  there  new  in  ali  tbis  ?  Didn't 
I  know,  before  now,  tbat  women  always  weep  and  ìm- 
plore  ?    Even  meo  do  aometìmes,  when  they  bave  not 


byClOO'^IC 


XXI.]  THB  BSTBOTHED.  387 

the  power  to  rebel.    "Wlist  the !  bave  I  never  heard 

women  ory  before  ? — 

And  bere,  witbout  giving  himself  much  trouble  to  task 
bis  inemorf,  ìt  auggeated  to  him,  of  ita  own  accord,  more 
than  one  instaare,  iawbicb  neitberentreatieanorlament- 
atioiu  availed  to  deter  him  from  the  completioa  of 
enterprìBCB  ujion  wbicb  he  bad  once  resolved.  But  theae 
remembrances,  iostead  of  inspiring  him  wìth  the  courage 
he  now  needed  to  prosecnte  bis  present  design,  as  it 
wouid  seem  he  eipected  and  wishea  tbej  might,  inetead 
of  helping  to  dispel  bis  feelings  of  compasBion,  onìj  added 
to  them  thoae  of  teiror  and  consternation,  until  they  com< 
pelled  him  to  return  to  that  first  imago  of  Lucia,  agaìnst 
wbicb  he  had  been  srebius;  to  fortify  bia  courage. — Sbe 
BtUl  liree, — eaid  he  : — She  la  bere  ;  I  un  in  timo  ;  I  caa 
yet  Bay  to  her,  Go,  and  be  happy  ;  I  can  yet  see  that 
countenance  change  ;  I  can  even  aay,  Forgive  me  .... 
Forgire  me  P  I  ask  forgivenesa  7  And  of  a  woman,  too  ? 
IP....  Ah,  bowBTer  I  if  one  word,  one  such  word  could 
do  me  good,  could  rid  me  of  the  demon  tbat  now  possesses 
me,  I  would  MV  it  ;  yea,  I  feel  that  I  would  aay  it.  To 
what  am  I  reduced  !  l'm  no  longer  a  man  ;  surely,  no 
longer  a  man  1  . . .  .  Away  1 — said  be,  tuming  himaelf  with 
impetuoatty  on  the  couch  wbicb  bad  now  become  ao  hard, 
under  the  corering  whicb  had  now  become  so  intolerable 
a  weight  '.—Away  !  theee  are  fooleriea  wbicb  hare  many  a 
timo  pasaed  througb  my  head.  Tbia  wiU  take  ita  flight 
too. — 

And  to  efiect  auch  a  riddance,  he  began  seeking  aome 
important  aubject,  aome  of  the  many  whicb  ot'ten  ao 
buBÌly  occupied  bis  mind,  in  bopes  he  might  be  entirely 
engroaaed  oy  it  ;  but  be  flought  in  Tain.  Ali  appeared 
changed  :  that  wbicb  once  most  urgently  stimulated  hìi 
deetres,  now  no  longer  posaesaed  any  cbarms  for  him  : 
bis  pasaions,  ]ike  a  steed  auddenly  bwome  reative  at  the 
sight  of  a  shadow,  refused  to  carry  him  any  further.  In 
reflecting  on  enterprisea  engaged  in,  and  not  yet  con< 
cluded,  instead  of  animating  himaelf  to  their  completioD, 
and  feeling  irritated  at  the  obataclea  interposed,  (for  anger 
at  thta  moment  would  bave  been  aweet  to  bim,)  be  teìt 


Aiooi^lc 


388  1   PHOMKSSI   SPOSI,  [CH. 

tvgret,  n^,  almoat  constemstion,  at  the  ntepe  alreadj 
taken.  Hia  life  presented  itself  to  bis  mìad  devoid  of 
ali  interest,  deprìved  of  ali  will,  dìveeted  of  every  action, 
aod  only  laden  with  insupportable  recoUectioas  ;  every 
hour  reseuibling  that  which  now  rolled  ao  elonlj  and 
heavily  over  his  head.  He  drew  out  before  bis  Eancy  ali 
bis  ruffiana  in  a  kind  of  battie-array,  and  conld  contrive 
notbing  of  importaoce  in  which  to  employ  one  of  them  ; 
najt,  tbe  very  idea  of  ieeiug  them  agaìn,  and  mixing 
among  them,  was  an  additional  weigbt,  a  fresh  ohject  of 
annoyance  and  deteatation.  And  when  he  aought  an 
occupa  tion  for  the  n)orrow,a  feasible  employment,  he  could 
only  remember  tbat,  ou  the  morrow,  be  might  liberate  bis 
unfortunate  priaoner. 

— 1  will  Bct  ber  free  ;  yes,  I  will.  I  will  fly  to  her  by 
day-break,  and  bid  het  depart  aafely,  She  ehall  he  ac- 
companied  by  . .  .  ,  And  my  promise  ?  My  engagement  ? 
Don  Kodrigo  P  ,  .  .  ,  Who  ia  Don  Sodrigo  r"— 

Like  one  suddenly  aurpriged  by  nn  unexpected  and 
embarraasing  question  from  a  Bupcrior,  the  Unnamed 
haatily  eought  for  an  answer  to  the  query  he  had  just 
uut  to  himself,  or  rather  which  had  heen  auggested  to 
him  by  tbat  new  voice  which  hnd  ali  at  once  niade  itself 
heard,  and  eprung  up  to  be,  as  it  were,  a  Judge  of  bis 
former  self.  He  tried  to  imagine  any  reosons  wbich 
could  bave  induced  him,  almost  before  beiug  requested, 
to  engagé  in  inflictìug  so  much  suSering,  witbout  any 
incentivea  of  hatred  or  fear,  on  a  poor  unknown  creature, 
only  to  render  a  aervice  to  thia  man  ;  but  inatead  of  sue- 
ceeding  in  discovering  sucb  motivea  as  be  would  now 
bave  deemed  sufficient  to  eicuse  the  deed,  he  could  not 
even  imagine  how  be  bad  ever  been  induced  to  undertake 
it.  The  williugness,  rather  than  the  determination  to  do 
so,  had  been  the  inatantaneoua  impulse  of  a  mind  obedient 
to  ita  old  and  habitual  feeliugs,  the  conaequence  of  ft 
thousaud  autecedent  actitftiB  ;  aud  to  account  for  thia  one 
deed,  the  nnhappy  self-examiuer  Ibund  hioiaelf  involved 
in  an  eiaminaiion  of   bis  nbole  lil'e.    Backwards  fram 

{ear  to  year,  from  engagement  to  engagement,  from 
loodahed  to  bloodshed,  from  crime  to  crime,  each  one 


,»oglc 


XXI.]  THB  BKTEOTttBD.  389 

stood  before  hia  coaBcience-Btricken  bouI,  divested  ot  the 
feelìngs  wbich  had  induced  hitn  to  will  and  commit  it,  &ad 
tberet'ore  appearìng  ia  ali  ita  monetrouSDess,  whìch  those 
feeliugB  had,  at  the  timo,  preveuted  his  perceiring.  They 
were  ali  his  own,  they  made  up  himself  ;  and  tlie  horror 
of  this  thought,  renewed  with  eoch  fresh  remembrauce, 
and  clearÌDg  to  ali,  ÌDCreased  at  last  to  desperation.  He 
Bpnitig  up  impetUDUsL;  in  his  bed,  eagerly  atretched  out 
biB  band  towardB  the  wall  at  bis  aide,  touched  a  piato!, 

Oìd  it,  reached  it  down,  and  .  .  .  .  at  tbe  raonieiit  of 
ing  a  Life  which  had  be<;oiiie  iosupportahla,  hia 
thoughta,  Bsized  with  terror  and  a  (ho  to  sa;)  supereti- 
tious  dread,  rushed  forward  to  tbe  time  which  would  stili 
CODtiuue  to  flow  on  after  bis  end.  Ile  pictured  with 
horror  his  dielìgiired  corpse,  Ifing  motiouIesB,  and  in  the 
power  of  his  vilest  sumvor  ;  tbe  astoni  a  hment,  the  coa- 
fusioDi  of  the  castle  in  tbe  moming  :  everythiog  turned 
upstde  down  ;  and  he,  powerleas  and  voìcoIobb,  tbrown 
aside,  hekoew  not  whither.  He  fuicied  the  reparta  tbat 
would  be  spread,  the  oonversationB  to  which  it  would  give 
rise,  both  in  the  castle,  the  aeighbourhood,  and  at  ft  dis- 
tance,  togetber  with  the  rejoicings  of  bis  enemiee.  «Tbe 
darkneas  and  eilence  araund  him  presented  death  in  s  stili 
more  moumful  and  frigbtful  ospect  ;  it  seemed  to  him  tbat 
he  would  nat  bave  hesitated  io  open  day,  out  of  doors, 
and  in  tbe  presence  of  apectators,  to  throw  himself  into 
tbe  water,  and  vaaish.  Absorbed  in  auch  tormenting 
reflections,  he  contìnued  altemately  anapping  aad  un- 
snapping  tbe  cock  of  his  pistol  with  a  convulsive  move- 
ment  of  hia  thumb,  when  another  thoueht  Bashed  acrona 
hÌ8  mind. — If  tbie  otber  life,  of  which  tbey  told  roe  wbea 
I  was  a  boy,  of  which  everybody  talks  now,  as  if  it  were 
a  certain  thing,  if  there  be  not  auch  a  tbiog,  if  it  be  au 
invention  of  the  priests  ;  what  am  I  doing  ?  why  ahould 
I  die  F  what  matterà  ali  tbat  I  bare  djue  ?  wbat  matterà 
it  ?  It  ìb  an  absurdity,  my  .  . . .  But  if  there  really  be 
aootherlife!  .  .  .  . — 

At  such  a  doubt,  at  such  a  riak,  he  was  seized  with  a 
blacker  and  deeper  despair,  from  which  eveo  denth 
afforded  no  escspe.    He  dropped  the  pistol,  and  lay  with 


390  I   FB0HES8I   SPOSI.  [cH. 

hJB  fiugen  twined  among  hìi  hiìr,  his  teeth  chatt? ring, 
and  trembling  in  everj  limb.  Suddenly  the  worde  he 
had  heard  repeated  a  few  houra  before  rose  to  hìs  re- 
niembniiice  : — God  pardona  bo  many  eins  for  one  deed 
of  mercy  ! — Thej'  did  not  come  to  him  with  that  tone  of 
humble  snpplication  in  whtch  they  had  been  pronouDced; 
they  carne  with  a  voice  of  authority,  which  at  tbe  aame 
time  excited  a  diatant  ^HmmerÌDg  of  bope.  It  was  a 
moment  of  relief  :  be  raised  bis  haudn  from  hia  t«mpleH, 
and,  in  a  more  compoaed  attitude,  fixed  bis  mind'a  eye  on 
ber  who  bad  uttered  tbe  nordai  she  seemed  to  him  no 
longer  like  hia  prisocer  and  suppliant,  but  in  tbe  posture 
of  one  who  diepenHes  mercy  nnd  consolation.  He 
anxiously  awaited  tbe  dawn  of  day,  tbat  he  mìgbt  fly  to 
hberate  ber,  aud  to  bear  from  ber  Hps  otber  worda  of 
alleTiation  and  bfe,  and  even  thóught  of  conductin^  ber 
himself  to  ber  mother, — And  then  ?  what  aliali  I  do  to- 
moTTOw  for  tbe  rest  of  tbe  day  P  Wbat  aball  I  do  tbe 
day  after  to-morrow  F  And  the  day  after  tbat  again  F 
And  at  night?  the  night  which  wili  return  in  twelve 
lioura  P  Oh,  the  night  !  no,  no,  the  night  ! — And  falling 
again  ìnto  the  weary  void  of  tlie  future,  he  eought  in 
vain  for  some  employment  of  time,  some  way  of  living 
through  tbe  daya  and  nìghts.  One  moment  he  proposed 
learing  hia  castle,  and  goiug  into  aome  diatant  country, 
wbere  he  had  never  been  known  or  heard  of;  but  he 
felt  tbat  he  sbould  csrry  himself  witb  him,  Then  a  dark 
bope  wouid  ariae  that  he  sbould  resumé  bis  former 
courage  and  inclinntions,  and  that  thia  wouId  prove  only 
atransient  delirium.  Now  he  dreaded  the  hght  whicn 
vould  show  him  to  hia  followera  ao  miaerably  changed  ; 
then  be  longed  for  it,  as  if  it  would  brìng  lìght  aUo  to 
bis  gloomy  tbougbta.  And,  lo  !  about  break  of  dav,  a 
few  moments  after  Lucia  bnd  follen  asleep,  while  be  wae 
seated  motionleea  in  bis  bed,  a  floating  and  confused 
murmur  reached  bis  ear,  brìnging  witb  it  somethisg 
joyous  and  festive  in  its  sound.  Aasuming  a  listening 
posture,  be  distinguished  a  diatant  cbimìng  of  bells  ; 
and,  giving  stili  more  attention,  couid  bear  tbe  mountain 
echo,  erery  now  and  then,  langnidly  repeeting  tbe  bar- 


,»oglc 


ZXI.]  TUE    BSTBOTHED.  391 

rnouY,  aod  mingling  itself  with  it.  Immediately  after" 
wanu  hit  ear  cnught  another,  and  stili  uearer  paal- 
tben  another,  and  another. — What  rejoicio^B  are  theae  ? 
What  are  they  ali  ao  merry  about  p  What  la  their  cause 
of  Kladness  p — He  eprang  from  hie  bed  of  thorna  ;  and, 
balf-dreasìng  himBelf  in  haate,  went  to  the  windon, 
threw  np  the  eash,  and  looked  out.  The  mountaine  were 
atill  nrapt  in  gloom  ;  the  aky  waa  net  bo  mach  cloudy,  aa 
compcaed  of  one  entire  lead-coloured  cloud  ;  but  hy  the 
alreòdy  glimmering  light  of  day,  he  diatinguished  in  the 
road,  at  the  bottoni  of  the  volley,  numbers  of  people 
pasaing  eagerìy  alongi^aoma  leaving  their  dn'ellinga  and 
moving  on  with  the  crowd,  and  ali  taking  the  aame  direc- 
tion tonarda  the  outlL-t  of  the  vale  on  the  right  of  the 
oaatle;  he  couid  even  diatinguish  the  joyoua  bearing  and 

holiday  dreaa  of  the  paaaengera. — What  the ia  the 

nutter  with  theae  people  ?  What  cause  of  raerritnenG 
can  there  be  in  thia  cureed  neighbourhood  P— And  ealling 
a  conGdential  bravo  who  slept  in  the  adjoìning  room,  he 
uked  him  what  was  the  cause  of  thia  morement.  The 
man  replied  that  he  knew  no  more  than  hia  master,  but 
would  go  directly  to  make  inquiry.  The  Signor  remained 
«ith  bis  eyea  rìreted  upon  tìie  moringapectacle,  vbìcli 
increaaing  day  rendored  every  moment  more  dìatìnct.  He 
vatched  crowda  paaa  by,  and  new  crowda  conatantly 
*  appear  ;  men,  iromen,  chìJdren,  in  groupa,  in  couples,  or 
olone  ;  one,  orertaking  another  who  v/aa  before  him, 
walked  in  company  with  him  ;  another,  juat  leaving  bis 
door,  accompanied  the  first  he  fell  ìn  with  by  the  way  ; 
and  ao  they  prooeeded  together,  like  friends  in  a  precon- 
certed  journey.  Their  btthaviour  evidently  indicated  a 
common  haate  and  Joy  ;  and  the  unharmonioua,  but  aimul- 
taneoua  burst  of  the  difierent  chimea,  aome  mora,  some 
leaa  contiguoue  and  distinct,  aeemed,  so  to  say,  the  com- 
mon voice  of  theae  gt;sture8,  and  a  snpnlement  to  the 
words  which  could  not  reach  him  from  below.  He  looked 
and  looked,  till  he  felt  more  than  common  curìceitr  to 
know  what  could  communicate  so  nnanimouB  a  wìll,  so 
general  a  feativìty,  to  ao  many  different  people. 


byCOO'^IC 


;  FRouEsst  SPOSI.  [uh. 


CHAPTER  XXIl. 

IHORTLT  aflerwards  the  braro  returned  witb 

1  the  information,  that  Cardinal  Tederigo  Bor- 
),  archbishoi)  of  Mìlan,  had  arrived  the 
day  before  at  — - — ,  with  the  purpose  of  Bpend- 
ÌDg  there  that  whìch  waa  nowJuBt  dairniag; 
that  the  newB  of  hÌB  arrivai,  whìcb  had  beeu  apread 
around  for  a  considerahle  diatance  the  precediug  evening, 
had  excited  a  deaire  in  the  people  to  go  and  see  this  great 
man  ;  and  that  the  bella  were  rìnging,  both  to  express 
their  Joy,  and  more  widely  to  diffuse  tlie  glad  intelligence. 
When  again  alone,  the  Signor  eontinued  to  look  down 
into  the  valley,  stili  more  abaorbed  in  thought. — For  a 
man  !  Everybody  eagnr,  everyhody  joyful,  at  the  sight 
of  a  man  !  And  yet,  doubtUss,  each  has  bis  onn  demon 
that  tormenta  bini.  But  none,  none  will  have  one  like 
mine!  None  will  have  pasaed  such  a  night  aa  I  bave! 
What  has  tbis  man  about  bim  to  make  so  many  people 
merryf,    Some  pence,  perhaps,  that  he  will  distrìbute  at 


,»Ogk' 


XXII.]  THB   BBTROTHeD.  393 

random  among  them Bat  ali  these  cannot  be  going 

for  alma.     Well  then,  a  few  acknonledgmeDtB  aad  a^uta- 

tiona — a  word  or  two Oh  !  if  he  had  any  worda  for 

me  that  couid  impart  peace!  if  ! . , . .  Why  ehouldn't  I 
go  too?  Why  not?  ....  I  will  gol  what  eUe  can  I 
do  ?  I  will  go  ;  and  I  will  talk  with  hìm  :  face  to  face  l'II 
bave  some  talk  wìth  him.  What  shall  I  mj,  thougli  ? 
Well,  whatever,  whatever  . . . ,  l'il  hear  firat  what  the 
man  bos  to  aay  for  himself  ! — 

Having  come  to  thia  vague  deterniination,  he  haatily 
finidhed  dressing  himaeir,  and  put  on,  over  ali,  a  great 
coat,  wbicb  bad  eometbiiw  of  a  military  cut  aboiit  ìt  ; 
be  then  took  up  the  pietolwhich  lay  upon  the  bed,  and 
secured  it  on  one  side  of  bia  belt,  faatenìng  at  tbe  other 
ita  fellow,  which  hung  upon  a  nail  in  tbe  wall  ;  atnck  a 
dagger  into  tbis  aame  girale  ;  and  taking  a  carabine  from 
the  wall,  which  was  almost  as  famoua  as  bimaelf,  awung 
it  aerosa  hia  ahoulden  ;  then  be  put  on  hia  hat,  ^uitted 
the  apartment,  and  repaìred  at  once  to  that  in  wbicb  he 
had  lefb  Lucìa.  Setting  down  hia  carabine  in  a  corner 
near  the  door,  be  knocked,  at  the  same  time  letting  them 
know,  by  bis  voice,  who  be  wae.  The  old  woroan  sprang 
out  of  bed,  threw  aome  article  of  clothiog  around  her, 
and  fiew  to  open  the  door.  The  Signor  entered,  and, 
casting  a  glance  around  the  room,  aaw  Lucia  lying  in  ber 
little  corner,  and  perfectly  quiet. 

'  Doea  ahe  aleep  ?  '  askeil  be,  in  an  under-tone,  of  the 
old  womon:  'But  ia  ahe  sleeping  there  F  were  these  my 
ordera,  you  old  hag  P  ' 

'I  dìd  ali  I  could,'  replied  the  woman;  'but  she 
wouldu't  eat,  and  ahe  woulan't  come  .  .  .  .' 

'  Let  her  sleep  quietly  ;  take  care  you  don't  diaturb 
her;  and  when  she  awakes  ....  Martha  ahall  wait  in 
the  neit  room  ;  and  you  mnat  «end  ber  to  fetch  anytbing 
that  sbe  may  ask  for.  Wben  ahe  awakes  ....  teli  ber 
that  I . . . .  that  tbe  master  baa  gone  out  for  a  little 
while,  that  be  will  be  bac-k  eooo,  and  that ....  he  will 
do  ali  that  ahe  wìabea.' 

The  old  woman  stood  perfectly  astoniahed,  tbinking  to 
herself  ^— Thia  girl  must  aurely  be  some  prìnceas  ! — 


ogic 


394  I  PROHBBSt   SPOSI.  [CH. 

The  Signor  then  ìs(t  the  room,  took  np  hìs  carabine, 
sent  Martha  to  wait  in  the  sdjoinìng  npartment,  and  the 
first  bravo  whom  he  met  to  keep  guard,  that  no  one  buk 
thJB  «Oman  mìght  presume  to  approacb  Lucia  ;  and  then, 
leaving  the  castte,  took  the  deacent  with  a  rapid  step. 

The  manuacrìpt  her^  fails  to  niention  the  distance  from 
the  castle  to  the  village  where  the  Cardinal  nas  Btafing: 
it  cannot,  however,  bave  been  more  tban  a  moclerate 
walk.  We  do  not  infer  the  proximity  merely  from  the 
flockingthitherof  the  inhabitaats  of  thevalley;  BÌncewe 
£nd,  in  the  historìes  of  these  timoB,  that  people  carne  far 
tventy  miles,  or  more,  to  get  but  one  aight  of  Cardinal 
Federigo.  From  the  circumstances  that  we  are  about  to 
relate,  aa  happening  on  thie  day,  ve  may,  however,  eaaily 
conjecture  tbat  the  distance  cannot  bave  been  very  great. 
The  bravoee  whom  he  met  oscending,  atopped  reepectfully 
aa  their  lord  paseed,  vaiting  to  eee  if  he  had  any  ordera 
to  give,  or  if  he  wìshed  nny  of  them  to  accompany  him  on 
some  eipedition,  and  eeemed  perfectly  astooisbed  at  hia 
countcuance  and  the  glauces  he  retumed  in  answer  to 
their  salutati ons. 

When,  howeyer,  he  reaclied  the  baae,  and  entered  the 
public  road,  it  waa  a  Tery  different  matter.  There  waa 
a  general  whispering  among  the  firat  paaaengera  who 
observed  bim,  an  ezchange  of  auapicioua  looka,  and  aa 
endeavour  on  each  side  to  get  out  of  hia  reach.  For  tbe 
whole  length  of  the  way  he  couid  not  take  two  steps  by 
the  aide  of  another  paaaenger  ;  for  every  one  who  found 
bim  quicklr  gaining  upon  him,  cast  an  uneoay  look 
around,  made  him  a  low  bow,  and  alackened  bis  pace  ao 
as  to  remain  behind.  On  reaching  the  village,  he  found 
a  large  crowd  assembled  ;  bis  name  spread  rapìdly  from 
moutb  to  mouth,  the  moment  he  maae  bis  appearance, 
and  the  throng  fell  back  to  make  way  for  bim.  He 
accosted  one  of  theae  prudent  gentry,  and  asked  wbere 
the  Cardinal  waa.  '  In  the  Curate'»  bouae,'  replied  the 
addresaed  party,  reverently,  at  the  same  time  pointing 
out  the  manaion.  The  Signor  went  forward,  entered  a 
little  court,  wbere  many  prieata  were  aaserabled,  ali  of 
whom  regarded  him  wìth  surprìsed  and  doubtful  looka. 


XXn.]  THK  BETKOTHBD.  39S 

ftnd  Mw  before  hìm  ta  open  door,  which  gare  admÌBBÌon 
ìnto  a  Binali  hall,  where  there  was  also  collect«d  a  con- 
aiderable  number  of  pnests.  Taking  bis  carabine  from 
bis  aboulden,  he  depoaited  it  in  one  corner  of  the  little 
court,  and  tben  entered  the  ball,  where  he  was  received 
with  aignificant  glancea,  murmurs,  and  bis  oft-repeat«d 
uame  ;  then  ali  waa  ailent.  Turning  to  one  of  tbose  who 
Burronnded  him,  he  asked  where  the  Cardinal  waa,  and 
aaid  tbat  he  viehed  to  apeak  to  btm. 

'I  am  a  atranger,'  replied  the  priestj  but  hastily 
glancing  around,  be  calted  tbe  cbaplam  and  croaa-bearer, 
who,  Beated  in  a  corner  of  tbe  hall,  waa  Bajing,  in  an 
under-tone,  to  bis  companion,  'Tbia  manP  tbia  notorìoua 
character  p  what  caa  he  bave  to  do  bere  P  Make  way  1  ' 
However,  at  tbia  cali,  wbicb  reaounded  in  the  general 
ailence,  he  was  obliged  to  come  forward  ;  he  tnnde  a  lowlj 
rererence  to  the  Unnamed,  liatened  to  bis  inquiry,  raiaed 
bis  eyes  witb  uneasy  curiosity  towards  bis  face,  and 
instantly  bending  them  on  tbe  ground,  etood  heaitating 
for  a  moment,  and  tben  aaid,  or  ratber  stammered  cut  : 
'I  don't  know  wbether  hia  illustrious  Lordabip  . .  .just 
now  .  .  .  ia  to  be .  .  .  can  .  ,  .  may  .  .  .  Biit  I  will  go  and 
aee.'  And  be  very  unwillingly  carried  the  message  into 
the  adjoining  room,  where  the  Cardinal  waa  by  himaelf. 

At  this  point  in  our  etory,  we  cannot  do  lesa  tban  pause 
for  a  little  wbile  ;  aa  the  traveller,  wearied  and  worn  out 
with  a  lengthened  jouniey,  through  a  wild  and  sterile 
country,  retarda  bis  pace,  and  balta  for  a  little  time  under 
tbe  ahade  of  a  noble  tree,  reclinine  on  the  graaey  bank  of 
a  stream  of  running  water.  We  nave  now  falleii  upon  a 
peraon,  wbose  name  and  memory,  occurring  when  they  will 
to  tbe  mind,  refreab  it  with  a  calm  emotion  of  reTerence, 
and  a  pleaaurable  feeling  of  aympatby  ;  bow  mucb  more, 
then,  after  ao  many  moumful  pictures — after  the  cantem- 
plation  of  Bucb  fearful  and  bateful  depravity  I  On  the 
nistory  of  tbia  personage,  we  miut  abaolutely  ezpeud  a 
few  words  :  he  who  cares  not  about  hearing  them,  and  ia 
anziouB  to  proceed  witb  the  story,  may  paea  on  at  once  to 
tbe  aucceedi^  chapter. 

Federigo  Borromeo,  boro  in  1564,  waa  among  tboae 


,c,oglc 


306  I   PBOlfESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

charactera,  rare  in  whateTcr  age,  who  liaye  employed, 
eingtilar  talenta,  ail  the  reeourcea  of  great  wealth,  aìl  thu 
advaàtagea  of  priviJeged  rank,  and  an  unweaiying  dilìgenee 
in  the  Bearch  and  eierciae  of  the  highest  objectB  and  pria- 
cìplee.  Hìh  life  reaembiea  a  rivulet,  which,  issuing  limpid 
from  the  rock,  flowB  in  a  censeless  and  unniiQed,  tbough 
lengthened  couree,  tbrough  various  lande,  and,  clear  and 
limpid  etili,  falle  at  laet  into  the  ocean.  Amidst  comforts 
aaa  luxurìea,  he  atteiided,  even  from  childhood,  to  those 
lesBona  of  eelf-deaial  and  liuniilìty,  and  thoee  maxime  oq 
the  vanityof  worldly  pleaeuree,  and  the  einfulnesa  of  pride, 
OD  true  oigoity  and  true  riches,  which,  whetber  acknow- 
ledged  or  not  in  the  heart,  bave  been  tranamitted  from  one 
generatioQ  to  anotber  in  the  mòet  elementary  inatruction 
in  religioQ.  He  attended,  !  sav,  to  these  leasons  and 
maxime  ;  he  received  them  in  rea!  eamest  ;  he  tried  tbem, 
and  found  them  tnie  ;  he  eaw,  therefore,  tbat  otber  and 
contrarf  leaeona  and  maxima  could  not  possibly  be  tme, 
which  yet  were  tranemitted  from  age  to  age,  witb  the  aame 
aseeveration,  and  eometimea  by  the  aame  lipa  ;  and  he  re- 
Bolved  to  take,  ae  the  rule  of  hie  thoughte  and  actiona, 
thoee  which  were  indeed  rigbt.  By  theae  he  underatood 
tbat  life  wuB  not  deeigned  to  be  a  burden  to  many,  and 
a  pleasure  to  only  a  few  ;  but  woa  intended  aa  a  time  of 
employmeat  for  ali,  of  whìch  every  one  would  bare  to  give 
an  account  ;  and  be  began  from  a  child  to  conaìder  how  he 
could  render  bia  uaeful  and  holy. 

In  1580  he  declared  bia  resolution  of  dedicatinghimaelf 
to  the  ministry  of  the  Churcli,  and  received  ordinatiou  from 
the  banda  of  hia  couain  Carlo,  whom  long  and  univeraal 
sufTrage  had  already  aignalìzed  sa  a  saìnt.  Shortly  after» 
wards,  he  entered  the  college  founded  by  this  relative  in 
Pavia,  which  etili  beara  the  name  of  their  house  ;  and  bere, 
wbile  applying  himeelf  with  aeeiduity  to  the  occupatione 
which  were  preaeribed,  he  added  to  them  two  othera  of  hia 
own  free  wiU  ;  and  these  were,  to  gire  instruction  to  the 
moet  ignorant  and  ueglected  among  the  population,  in  the 
doctrìnea  of  the  Chrietian  relìgion  ;  and  to  viait,  aasiet, 
comfort,  and  relieve  the  aick  and  needy.  He  employed 
the  authority  oonceded  to  bim  by  ali  around,  in  inducing 


,l)OglC 


IXII.]  THB   BBTROTHED.  397 

bis  companioDB  to  aecond  him  in  luch  works  of  cfaarìtT^; 
Aod  set  a  noble  example  of  spendiug,  in  everjr  honest  and 
beneficiai  employment,  a  pre-eniineace  which,  considerine 
bis  Huperiar  mind  ood  talenta,  he  would,  perhapB,  equally 
bave  attaiued  bad  he  been  tbe  lowest  in  Tank  and  fortune. 
Tbe  advantages  of  a  difierent  nature,  wbicb  the  citcum- 
Btances  of  fortune  could  bave  procured  for  bim,  be  not 
only  Bougbt  not  afl«r,  but  iitudioualy  neglected.  He  kept 
a  table  rather  meagre  than  frugai,  aud  nore  a  dresa  rather 
mean  thaa  deceut  ;  vrbile  tbe  wbole  tenor  of  bla  life  and 
bebaviour  waa  in  conformity  witb  tbese  particulara.  ^or 
did  be  think  it  necesaary  to  alter  it,  because  some  of  bia 
relatives  exclaimed  loadly  against  aucb  a  practice,  and  com- 
plained  that  b;  tbis  meaus  he  would  degrade  tbe  dignity 
of  tbe  bouae.  He  bad  alao  anotber  warfare  to  maintain 
against  bia  inatructora,  who  ^tealtbily,  and  as  it  were  by 
surprise,  endeavoured  to  placa  before,  bebind,  and  around 
bim,  more  noble  appendoges,  sometbing  wbicb  raigbt  dis- 
tinguieb  bim  from  others,  and  make  bim  appear  the  first  in 
the  place  :  eiCber  tbinkin:;,  by  this  means,  to  ingratiate 
themselvea  witb  bim  in  the  long  run  ;  or  influenced  by 
tbat  servile  attnchment  wbicb  pridea  itself  in,  and  rejoices 
at,  the  Bplendour  of  others  ;  or  being  among  the  number 
oftboseprudent  persona  who  sbriakbock  witb  alarmfrom 
the  estreme  of  virtue  aa  well  as  vice,  are  for  ever  pro- 
claìming  that  per fection  li ea  in  a  medium  betweea  the  two, 
and  fix  tbat  medium  eiactly  at  tbe  point  wbicb  tbey  bave 
reached,  and  where  tbey  find  themselTea  vcry  much  at  their 
ease.  Federigo  not  only  refused  tbese  kindlj  o£cea,  but 
rebuked  the  officious  instrumenta  :  and  that  between  tbe 
ages  of  cbildhood  and  youth. 

That,  during  tbe  life  of  the  Cardinal  Carlo,  bia  aenior 
by  twenty-aix  yeara,  in  bis  authoritative  and,  so  to  say, 
solemn  presence,  surrounded  by  bomage  and  respectful 
ailence,  incited  by  the  fame,  and  impressed  with  the 
tokena  of  saactity,  Federigo,  as  a  boy  and  a  youth,  ehould 
bave  endeavoured  to  conform  hiroself  to  the  behaviour 
and  talenta  of  aucb  a  cousln,  is  certainly  not  to  be  won- 
dered  at  ;  but  it  js,  indeed,  much  to  be  abte  to  eay,  that, 
after  bia  deatb,  no  one  could  perceìve  that  Federigo,  then 


,»OglC 


388  I  paoMEasi  flposr.  [ch. 

twenty  years  of  i^,  had  loat  &  guide  and  censor.  l%e 
iocreaamg  fame  of  bis.  talenta,  erudition,  and  piety  ;  tbe 
relationahip  and  connectioo  oF  more  than  ooe  povrerful 
Cardinal  ;  the  credit  of  bis  family  ;  bis  rerj  name,  to 
wbich  Carlo  bad  almost  aniiexed  in  people's  minds  an 
idea  of  eanctity  and  sacerdotal  pre-emineoce  ;  ali  that 
ebould,  and  ali  that  could,  lead  men  to  eccleaiaatical  dig- 
nities,  ooncuired  to  predict  them  for  him.  But  he,  per- 
Buaded  in  beart  of  wbat  no  one  who  professes  Chriatiantty 
can  deny  witb  tbe  lips,  that  there  is  no  real  superiority 
of  a  man  over  bis  iellow-men,  ezceptiog  in  so  far  as  he 
devote»  bimaelf  to  their  seirice,  both  dreaded  exaltation, 
and  Bougbt  to  avoid  it  ;  net,  indeed,'  tbat  he  migbt  ebrink 
from  aerving  otbera — for  few  lives  bave  been  more  devoted 
to  tbÌB  object  than  hìa  own — but  because  he  coneidered 
himself  neither  n'orthy  enough  of  eo  high  and  perìlouB  a 
aervice,  nor  aufficienlly  competent  for  it.  l'or  these 
reaeons,  the  Archbisbopric  of  Milan  being  offered  to  bim 
in  1695,  by  Clement  Vili.,  he  eeemed  much  diaturbed, 
and  refuaed  the  ebarge  witbout  hesitation.  He  yielded 
afterwards,  bowever,  to  the  expresa  commaud  of  the  Pope. 

Sucb  demonatrationa  (nho  knows  it  not  P)  are  neither 
difficult  nor  uncommon  ;  and  it  requires  no  greater  effort 
of  subtiety  for  bypocriay  to  make  them,  tban  for  raillery 
to  deride  them,  and  boìd  them  cheap  on  every  occaBÌon. 
But  do  they,  tlierefore,  cease  to  be  the  naturai  expresaion 
of  a  wiae  and  virtuoua  prìncipleF  Ooe's  life  is  the 
touchstone  of  profesaion  ;  and  tbe  proteasion  of  this 
sentiment,  thougb  it  may  bave  been  on  the  tongue  of  ali 
tbe  impo3toi<8  and  ali  tbe  scofiera  in  tbe  world,  wìll  over 
be  wortby  of  admiration,  when  preceded  and  followed  by 
a  life  of  disinterested  self-sacriiice. 

In  Federigo,  aa  Archbisbop,  waa  apparent  a  remarkable 
and  Constant  carefulneas  to  devote  to  himself  no  more  of 
hia  wealtb,  bis  time,  bis  care-^in  ahort,  of  bis  whole  aelf, 
than  waa  abeolutely  neceasary.  He  aaid,  as  everybody 
saya.that  eccleaiaetical  revenues  are  the  patrimony  of  the 
poor  ì  bow  he  abowed  be  understood  euch  a  maxim  in 
reality,  will  be  evident  from  tbis  fact.  He  caused  an 
estimate  to  be  taken  of  tbe  sum  required  for  bis  own  ex- 


,»oglc 


XXtl.]  THE    BETOOTHED.  399 

penditure,  and  that  of  thoae  in  bia  personal  serrice  ;  and 
being  told  that  eix  handred  tcudi  would  be  sufScient, 
(tetiJo  was  at  that  tinte  the  name  of  a  golden  coin  which, 
retaining  the  aame  weight  and  vaine,  waa  afterwards 
called  a  zecchino,)*  he  gave  orders  that  this  Bum  abonld 
annnally  be  aet  apart  out  of  hia  patrimonial  estate,  for 
the  expenaeB  of  the  table.  So  sparing  and  icrupuloaB 
was  he  in  hìs  personal  outlaj,  tbat  he  waa  careful  never 
to  leave  off  a  dress  which  waa  not  complete!;  wom  out  ; 
uniting,  however,  os  waa  recorded  by  contemporary 
wrìten,  to  this  habit  of  aimplicity,  that  of  sia^ulor  nea^ 
nesa;  two  reuarkable  qualitìea,  in  fact,  in  thia  age  of 
osteatatioa  and  uncleanliness.  Tliat  nothing,  again, 
might  be  waated  of  the  reinnants  of  hia  fmgal  table,  he 
aaeigned  them  to  a  hospital  for  the  poor;  one  of  whom 
came  duily,  by  hia  orders,  to  the  dining  apartment,  to 
gather  np  ali  that  remained.  Such  instancee  of  economy 
tnight,  perhaps,  auggest  the  idea  of  a  dose,  parsimonious, 
OTer-careful  virtue,  of  a  miud  wrapt  up  in  atteution  to 
minuti»,  and  ÌBcapable  of  elevated  designs,  were  it  not 
for  the  Ambrosiaa  Library,  stili  stauding,  which  Federigo 
projected  with  such  noble  magnifìcence,  and  eiecuted, 
Irom  the  foundatiuns  upwarda,  with  such  munificent 
liberality;  to  supply  which  witb  bouks  and  maauscripts, 
besides  the  presentation  of  those  he  had  already  collected 
with  great  lahour  and  eipense,  he  sent  eight  of  the  moet 
leamed  and  eiporienced  meo  he  could  fina,  to  make  pur- 
choses  throughout  Italy,  Trance,  Sp&in,  Gierniany,  Flan- 
ders,  Greece,  Lebanon,  and  Jenisalem.  By  thìa  meaas, 
he  Bucceeded  in  gatherìng  together  about  thirty  thonsand 
printed  volumes,  and  fourteen  thousand  manuscripts. 
To  tbis  library  he  united  a  college  of  doctors  (niue  in 
number  at  first,  and  maintained  at  bis  charge  while  he 
lived;  afterwards,  the  ordinary  income  not  sufficing  for 
thisexpense,  tbey  were  reduced  to  two).  Their  office  was 
to  cultivate  yarious  branchea  of  study,  theology,  history, 
polite  literature,  and  the  Orientai  languages,  obliging 
each  one  to  pnblish  some  work  on  the  subject  assìgned  to 
*  Ssqma  :— sn  ItaUsn  gold  ooin,  «orth  about  tea  ihilliDg»  of  Eag- 


byCOO'^lc' 


400  I   PH0MBS81  SPOSI.  [CH. 

him.  To  tbia  he  also  added  s  college,  which  he  called 
Trilingue,  for  the  atudy  of  the  Greek,  Latin,  and  Italian 
languagea  ;  a  college  of  pupile,  for  ìnBtructioa  io  tbeao 
Beventi  facultìea  and  languagee,  that  they  might  become 

Erofeaaors  in  tbeirtum;  a  printing-office  for  the  Orientai 
.nguages,  for  Hebrew,  that  is  to  sav,  Chaldaic,  Arabie, 
f  ersian,  and  Armenian  ;  a  gallery  of  paintings,  another 
of  statuea,  and  a  school  for  the  three  priucipal  arta  of 
desigD.  For  theae  taat  he  could  Jind  professora  abeady 
ezisting  ;  but  as  to  the  rest,  we  bave  seen  the  trouble  it 
cost  him  tocollect  bookBandmanuacriptB.  Undoubtedly, 
it  would  be  more  difBcult  to  meet  with  typea  in  tboae 
languagea,  then  much  lesa  cultivated  ìn  Europe  than  they 
ara  at  preaent  ;  and  stili  more  difficult  than  types,  would 
be  men  who  understood  them.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that, 
out  of  nine  profeasora,  eìght  were  taken  from  among  the 
young  pupìls  of  the  aerainary  ;  from  which  circumstance 
we  may  infer  what  waa  bis  opinion  of  the  aohools  then 
establiahed,  and  the  celebrity  gained  in  thoae.  days;  an 
opinion  agreeing  with  tbat  whii:h  posterity  seems  to  bave 
formed  of  tbem,  by  aufiering  botb  one  and  the  other  to 
aink  into  oblivion.  In  the  regulations  which  be  loft  for 
the  uae  and  govemment  of  the  library,  a  proviaion  for 
perpetuai  utility  is  conapicuoua,  not-  only  admirable  io 
itaelf,  but,  in  many  particulara,  judicious  and  elegant,  far 
beyond  tbe  generai  ideas  and  babita  of  the  age.  He  re- 
quired  the  librarian  to  keep  up  a  correspondence  with  tbe 
moat  leamed  men  in  Europe,  that  hemjght  bave  intbrma- 
tion  of  tbe  state  of  science,  and  intelligonce  of  the  best 
Works  on  any  aubject  that  ahould  be  published,  and  im- 
medistely  purchase  tbem.  He  gave  him  in  eharge  to 
point  out  to  the  studente  thoae  works  which  might  a^eìat 
tbem  in  their  designs  ;  and  ordered  that  the  advantages 
of  Consulting  the  worke  bere  preaerved  should  be  open  to 
ali,  whetber  citisens  orstrangers.  Such  a  regulation  will 
now  appear  quite  naturai— one  and  the  aatae  thing  with 
the  founding  of  a  library  ;  but  in  tbose  daya  it  waa  Dot 
Bo.  In  a  history  of  the  Ambroslan  Library,  written 
(with  the  precision  and  elegance  uaual  in  that  age)  by 
one    Pier-paolo  Boaca,  a  hbrarian,  after  the   death  <^ 


,»Ogk' 


XXII.]  THE    BETROTHED.  401 

Federigo,  it  ia  expressly  noted  as  a  remnrkable  foct,  that, 
ìq  thia  Itbrarj',  built  by  a  private  individuai  almoat  en- 
tirely  at  hia  own  eipeaae,  the  booka  vere  acceasible  to  tfae 
TÌew  of  ali,  Mid  brought  to  any  one  who  ahould  demand 
thetn,  with  liberty  to  BÌt  down  and  stud;  thera,  and  tbe 
provÌBÌDii  of  pen,  iiik,  aad  paper,  to  take  notes  ;  wbile,  ia 
some  other  celebrated  public  libraries  in  Italy,  the  volumes 
were  not  onty  noi  visitile,  biit  conceaied  iti  dosets,  where 
they  'were  never  disturbed,  except  when  the  humanity,  as 
be  Bava,  of  tbe  presidente  prompted  tbem  aometimea  to 
display  tbem  for  a  moment.  Ab  to  accommodation  and 
conveiiiences  for  study  provided  for  those  vbo  frequented 
it,  tbey  bad  not  tbe  letiat  idea  of  such  a  thing.  So  tbat,  to 
furnisQ  such  libracies,  was  to  witbdraw  boobs  from  the 
use  of  the  public;  one  of  thoBe  means  of  cultivatioD, 
many  of  which  were,  and  stili  are,  eiuployed,  that  ouly 
Berve  to  render  tbe  soil  more  sterile. 

It  were  useless  to  inquire  what  were  the  eifects  of  tbis 
foundatioQ'  of  Borromeo  oa  public  educutioa  ;  it  would  ba 
easy  enough  to  demouatrate  in  two  words,  according  to 
the  geoeru  method  of  demo ust rat ion,  tbat  tbey  were 
minculouB,  or  tb&t  they  were  notliing  ;  butto  investigate 
and  explain,  up  to  a  certaia  point,  wba.t  they  really  were, 
would  be  a  work  of  much  difficulty,  little  advantage,  and 
Boraewhat  ill-timed.  Rather  let  us  think  what  a  geiier- 
ous,  judicious,  benevolenti  peraevering  lover  of  tbe  iin- 
provement  of  mankind  be  must  bave  beeu.  who  plaaued 
Bucfa  an  undertaking — who  planned  it  od  so  grand  a 
scale,  and  who  eiecuted  it  in  tbe  midst  of  ignorance,  in- 
ertness,  and  general  contempt  of  ali  atudìoua  application, 
and,  conaequently,  in  spite  of  '  What  doe»  it  mailer  ì  ' 
aud  '  Therei  tomelhing  eìte  to  think  abrmt;'  and,  '  WAat 
a  fine  itioenticn/  '  and,  '  TAit  tea*  certainli/  waniinj  ;  '  and 
sitnilar  remarks,  which,  undoubtedlv,  will  bave  beeu  more 
in  number  than  tbe  teudi  eipended  bv  him  in  the  ncider- 
takiug,  amounting  to  a  bundred  ano  five  tbouaand,  tbe 
greatest  part  of  bis  property. 

To  st^le  such  a  man  beneScent  and  Uberai  in  a  high 
degree,  it  would  be  unnecessary,  perhaps.  tbat  he  shomd 
bave  apeat  mucb  in  the  immediate  relief  of  the  needy  ; 


403  T    PAOUESBl   BFOSt.  [CH, 

and  the»  are,  beaides,  muiy  in  vhoee  opiniou  eipendi* 
ture  of  the  cl)arftct«r  we  bave  deBcribea,  and,  indeed,  I 
may  say  ali  eipenditure,  ia  the  beat  and  more  beneficiai 
almagiring.  But  in  Federigo's  opinion,  almagiving,  pro- 
perlj  Bpeaking,  was  a  paramount  dutj;  and  bere,  aa 
in  eTerjthing  else,  bis  octiona  were  in  accordance  with 
bis  principles.  His  life  «sa  one  continuai  overfiowing 
charitT.  Un  occasion  of  thia  veiy  acarcity,  to  whicb  our 
story  baa  alraady  alluded,  wo  aball  bave  preeently  to 
relate  aeveral  traita  wbich  wiil  eibibit  the  judginent  and 
delicscy  he  knew  how  to  employ  even  in  hia  liberalitr. 
Of  the  many  remarkable  eiampSea  whicb  hia  biognphere 
bave  recorded  of  this  virtue,  we  wilì  bere  cite  but  one. 
Having  beard  tbat  a  certain  nobleman  waa  uaing  artlGcea 
and  compulaion  to  force  into  a  convent  one  of  his 
daughtera  who  wiahed  rather  to  he  married,  he  had  aa 
interview  with  her  fatber  ;  and  drawing  from  bim  the 
acknowledgment  tbat  the  true  motive  of  thia  oppresaion 
waa  the  want  of  four  thouBand  geudi,  whicb,  according  to 
his  idea,  were  necesaary  towarda  marrying  hia  daugbter 
aaitably,  Federigo  immediately  presented  the  required 
down.  Some  may  perbapa  think  thia  an  extravagant 
act  of  bounty,  not  well-judged,  and  too  condescendìng  to 
the  foolisb  capricea  of  a  vaia  nobleman  ;  and  that  (our 
tliouaaod  teudi  might  bave  been  better  employed  in  thia 
or  tbat  manner.  To  whicb  we  bare  nothing  to  anawer, 
«xcepting  tbat  it  were  devoutly  to  be  wiahed  tbat  one 
conld  more  frequently  aee  exwasee  of  a  ȓrtue  so  unfettered 
by  prevailìng  opinion,  (erery  age  baa  ita  own,)  and  so 
£ree  from  the  general  tendency,  aa  in  thia  inatance  that 
muat  bave  been,  which  induced  a  man  to  give  four  thou> 
Band  tcudi,  that  a  young  person  might  not  be  made  a  nun. 
The  inexhauatible  charìty  of  thia  man  appeared,  not 
only  in  hia  almagiving,  but  in  hia  whole  behaviour. 
Eaay  of  acceaa  to  ali,  he  conaidered  a  cbeerful  coante- 
nance  and  an  affectionate  courtesy  particalarly  due  to 
those  in  the  lower  ranks  of  life  ;  and  the  more  ao  in 
proportion  aa  they  were  little  tbought  of  by  the  world. 
Hera,  therefore,  be  had  to  combat  with  the  gentlemen  of 
the  ne  quid  nimit  acbool,  who  were  anxìoua  to  keep  bim 


,»OglC 


XX^l.]  THE    BKTSOTHED.  403 

vithÌQ  limita,  i.e.  vithÌD  their  limita.  One  of  tliese,  on 
occaaioti  of  a  TÌeit  to  a  wild  and  mountainaua  country, 
when  Federigo  waa  teaching  Home  poor  children,  and 
durine  the  interrogationa  and  instruction  waa  fondly 
careBsmg  them,  beeought  bim  to  be  more  cautiouB  in 
handling  Buch  children,  sa  tbey  were  dirty  and  repelling  : 
as  if  the  worthy  gentleman  suppoaed  tbat  Federigo  had 
not  discemment  enough  to  make  the  discovery,  or  ttcuinen 
enougfa  to  BU^eat  tliis  recondite  counael  ibr  himaelf. 
Such,  in  certain  circumstancea  of  timea  and  tbinga,  ie  the 
miafortune  of  men  eialted  to  bìgh  atations,  that  while 
they  ao  aeldom  find  any  one  to  intbrm  them  of  their  fail- 
inga,  tbere  ia  no  lack  of  peraona  courageous  enougb  to 
reprove  them  for  doing  rignt.  But  the  good  Bishop,  not 
witbout  anger,  replied  :  '  They  are  my  lamba,  and  perhapa 
may  never  again  aee  my  fece  ;  and  would  you  not  bave 
me  careaa  them  P  ' 

Very  aeldom,  bowerer,  did  he  exhibit  any  anger,  being 
admiréd  for  bia  mild  and  imperturbable  gentlenesa  of 
bebaviour,  vhicb  might  be  attrìbuted  to  an  eitraor- 
dinarily  happy  temperament  of  mìnd  ;  while,  in  truth,  it 
waa  the  effect  of  Constant  diacipline  over  a  naturaliy  haaty 
find  pasaionate  dispoaition.  If  ever  he  ahowed  oimaelf 
aevere,  nay,  eveo  narab,  it  waa  towarda  tboae  paatora 
under  bia  authority  vchom  be  diacovered  guilty  of  avarioe, 
or  negligence,  or  any  otber  conduci  oppoaed  to  the  apirit 
of  tbeir  bigb  vocation.  Tlpon  what  might  affect  bia  owa 
interest  or  tempora!  gioir,  ne  never  betokened  either  Joy, 
regret,  eagemesa,  or  anxiety  :  wonderful  iudeed  if  theee 
emotiona  were  not  excited  in  his  mind  ;  more  wonderful 
if  they  were.  Not  only  in  the  many  cooclavea  &t  which 
he  had  aaaieted,  did  be  acquire  the  reputation  of  having 
never  aapired  to  that  lofty  poat  ao  deairable  to  amhition, 
and  ao  terrìble  to  piety  ;  but  on  one  occaaion,  when  a 
colleague,  who  poaaeaaed  considerable  influence,  came  to 
oSér  bim  bia  vote  and  tboae  of  hia  (ao,  alaa  I  it  was  t«rmed) 
{action,  Federigo  refused  the  propoaal  in  auch  a  mauner 
that  bis  friend  immediatety  abandoned  the  idea,  and 
turned  hia  viewa  etaewhere.  Thia  eame  humility,  tfaia 
dread  of  pre-emineuce,  was  equally  appareut  in  the  more 


404  1    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

common  occurrencea  of  life.    Careful  and  indefatigable 

in  ordering  and  goveming  everything,  where  he  con- 
BÌdered  it  nìa  diity  to  do  so,  he  always  shrauk  trom  iti- 
truding  jnto  the  aflairs  of  othere,  and  eren  wben  Bolii;ìted, 
refused,  if  possible,  to  interfere  ; — diacretion  and  temper-  ■ 
ance  far  froin  common,  a»  everybody  knowa,  in  men  as 
zealou8  in  the  cause  of  good  aa  Federigo  was. 

Were  we  to  allow  ouraelTea  to  proaecute  the  pleasing 
task  of  collecting  together  the  remarliable  poJnta  Jn  hìs 
character,  the  reault  would  certainly  he  a  complication  of 
virtniBB  in  apparent  opposi tion  to  each  other,  and  aseuredl; 
difficult  to  find  combined.  We  cannot,  however,  omit  to 
notice  one  more  escellency  in  his  excellent  life  :  replete 
as  it  was  with  action,  govemmcnt,  functions,  instruetion, 
audiences,  diocesan  vÌBJtationB,  joumcys,  and  controTer- 
eies,  he  not  only  found  time  for  etudv,  but  devoted  aa 
much  to  tbis  object  as  a  professor  et  lìterature  would  . 
have  required.  Indeed,  among  maiiT  other  and  varioua 
titlea  ot  commendati on,  he  poBsessed  in  a  high  degree, 
among  bis  contemporarìes,  that  of  a  man  of  learning. 

We  must  not,  however,  conceal  that  he  held  with  finn 
persuBsion,  and  maintained,  in  fact,  with  persevering 
constane^,  some  opinione  whicb,  in  tbe  present  dar, 
wouldappear  to  eTery  one  rather  singular  tban  ill-founded  ; 
even  to  auch  os  would  be  aniious  to  consider  them  sound. 
For  any  oiie  wbo  would  defend  him  on  tbis  head,  there  is 
the  current  and  commonlj-receìved  excuse,  that  they 
were  the  errora  of  tbe  age,  rather  tban  bis  owu  ;  au  ex- 
tinse,  to  say  the  truth,  whìch,  when  ìt  results  from  tbe 
minute  consideration  of  facts,  may  be  valid  and  aignìfi- 
csnt  ;  but  whicb  generali/,  applied  in  tbe  usuai  naked 

',  and  as  we  muit  do  in  tnìe  instance,  conies  ia  the 
)  mean  eiactlf  nothing  at  ali.  And,  besidea,  not 
wiBtìing  to  resoWe  complicated  questiona  with  simpJe 
formulffi,  we  will  venture  to  leave  tbis  unsoìved  ;  resting 
satisfied  with  baving  tbua  curaorilj  mentioaed,  that  in  a 
cbaracter  so  odmìrable  as  a  wbole,  we  do  not  pretend  to 
affina  that  erery  particular  was  equally  so,  lest  we  should 
seem  to  have  intended  making  a  funeral  oration. 

We  ahall  not  be  doing  injuatice  to  our  readers  to  aup- 


,»Ogk' 


»ay,  ant 
Hid  to  I 


XXII.]  THE    BETROI'HED.  406 

E  ose  that  some  of  tbem  ma/  ìnquire,  whether  thie  peraoo 
as  lefì:  anr  raonument  of  so  much  talent  and  erudition. 
Whether  ne  bas  left  any  !  The  worka  remaining  Jrom 
him,  great  and  email,  Latin  and  Italìan,  publiahed  and 
monuacript,  amount  to  about  a  hundred  volumes,  pre- 
aerved  ia  the  ]ibrarj  he  bimaelf  foundisd  :  moral  treatisea, 
discoursL-B,  disBertationa  oa  history,  Bacred  and  profane 
antiquities,  literature,  arte,  and  various  other  Bubjecta. 

— And  however  does  it  happen, — thìa  inquirer  may 
aak, — that  so  many  worke  are  forgotten,  or  at  least  ao 
little  known,  sa  little  aought  after  p  How  is  it,  that 
witb  Btich  talenta,  such  learning,  such  eiperience  of  men 
and  tbiug«,  such  profound  thuught,  such  a  aense  of  the 
good  and  the  beautiful,  auch  purity  of  raind,  and  so  many 
other  qualities  wbich  conetitute  the  elegaut  author  ;  how 
is  it,  that  out  of  a  bundred  works,  he  baa  net  left  even 
one  to  be  consìdered  excelleat  by  those  who  approve  not 
of  the  whole,  and  to  be  known  by  title  even  by  those 
wbo  have  never  read  it  p  How  ia  it  that  ali  of  tbem  to- 
gether  bave  not  suiBced,  at  least  by  their  number,  to 
procure  for  bis  name  a  literary  fame  among  paaterity  P — 
The  inquiry  ia  undoubtedly  reasonable,  and  the  ques- 
tion  BuEGciently  interestiog  :  because  the  reasons  of^thia 

Sihenomenon  are  to  be  found,  or,  at  least,  must  be  sought 
or,  in  many  general  facte  ;  and  when  found,  wouid  lead 
to  tbe  explanation  of  other  eimilar  pbenomena.  But 
they  would  be  many  and  prolix  :  and  what  if  they  sbould 
not  prove  aatisfactory  P  if  they  should  make  the  reader 
tum  away  in  disgust  ?  So  that  it  will  be  better  to  resumé 
our  'walk  through  '  tbe  story,  and  tnstead  of  digreasing 
more  at  length  on  the  character  of  thie  wonderful  man, 
proceed  to  obaerve  him  in  action  under  the  conduct  of 
our  auonymous  author. 


;dbv  Google 


I   PROMESSI    SPOSI. 


CHAPTEE   IXUI. 

llSDmAL  FEDERIGO  vae  employed,  ac- 

cording  to  bis  usuai  cuetom  in  every  leisnra 
intetrai,  in  study,  uatil  the  hour  arrived  for 
uiring  to  the  chtirch  for  the  celebratìon  of 
'ine  Service,  when  the  chaplain  and  erosa 
bearer  entered  with  a  disturbed  and  gloooiy  counteoance. 

'  A  Btraoge  viaitor,  mv  noble  Lord, — strange  indeed  !  ' 

'  Who  P  •  asked  the  Cardinal. 

'  So  lees  a  pereonnge  than  the  Signor  .  .  .  .'  replied  the 
cha]>)ain;  ana  prnnouncing  the  ayllablee  with  a  very 
■ignificant  tone,  he  uttered  tbe  name  wbich  we  canmt 
give  to  our  readera.  He  then  added  :  '  He  ie  here  out- 
aide  in  peraon  ;  and  demande  nothing  lesa  thau  to  be  in- 
troduced  to  your  illustrious  Grace." 

'  He  !  '  said  the  Cardinal,  with  an  animated  look,  shut- 
tiug  his  book,  and  risÌMg  from  bis  aeat  ;  'let  bim  come 
in  ! — let  bim  come  in  directly  I  ' 

'  But .  .  .  .'  rejoÌQeH  the  chaplnin,  without  att«mpting 
to  move,  'your  illuntriouB  Lord ship must  surely  be  aware 
who  he  ìs  :  that  outlaw,  tbat  famoua  ,  .  .  .' 

'And  is  it  not  a  most  happy  circumatance  fora  hisbop, 


,»Ogk' 


XXIII.]  THE   BBTBOTHSD.  407 

that  sucb  a  man  ahould  feel  a  wish  to  come  and  seek  an 
interview  witfa  him  P  ' 

'  Bai:  .  .  .  .'  insisted  the  chapl&in,  '  we  raaj  nerer  speak 
of  certain  thingg,  because  mj  Lord  aayB  that  it  ih  alt 
nonaeuBe  :  but,  wheu  it  Comes  to  the  point,  I  think  it  ia  a 
dut;  ....  Zeal  makee  maaj  enemiea,  my  Lord  ;  and  we 
know  posltively  that  more  than  one  ruffian  hsa  dared  to 
boaat  that  some  daj  or  other  .  .  .  .' 

*  And  what  have  they  done  f  '  iatermpted  the  Cardinal. 

'1  saj  that  tbie  man  ie  a  plotter  of  miichief,  a  deape* 
rate  character,  who  holda  correspondence  with  the  most 
Tiolent  deaperadoes,  and  who  may  be  sent ,  .  .  .' 

'  Oh,  what  discipline  is  thie,'  again  interrupted  Fede- 
rigo, smilÌDg,  'for  tbe  soldiers  to  eihort  tbeìr  general  to 
cowardìce  F  '  Tben  resutniog  a  grave  and  thoughtful  air, 
he  coatinued  :  '  Saint  Carlo  would  not  have  delibented 
whether  he  ought  to  receive  Buch  a  man  :  he  would  bave 
gone  to  aeek  bim.  Lethim  be  admitted  diieotly  :  he  haa 
already  waited  too  long.' 

The  chaplaìn  mored  towardethe  door,  gaying  in  bis 
heart  : — There'a  no  remedy  :  tbese  saints  are  ul  obsti- 
nate, — 

Having  opened  the  door,  and  surreyed  the  room  where 
the  Signor  and  bis  companions  were,  he  eaw  that  the 
lattar  had  crowded  together  on  one  side,  where  they  sat 
whispering  and  cautiously  peeping  at  their  TÌaitor,  while 
be  was  left  alone  in  one  corner.  The  cbaplatn  advanced 
towards  him,  eyeing  bim  guardedly  from  head  to  foot,  and 
wooderìng  what  weapooa  he  might  have  hidden  under 
tbat  great  coat  ;  tbinking,  at  tbe  same  time,  that  really, 
before  admitting  him,  he  ought  at  leaat  to  bave  propoaed 
....  but  he  could  not  resolve  what  to  do.  He  approaohed 
him,  aaying  ;  '  His  Oroce  naita  for  your  Lordship.  Will 
you  be  good  enough  to  come  with  me  V  '  And  aB  he 
preceded  him  through  the  little  crowd,  which  inatantly 
gave  way  for  him,  he  kept  casting  giances  on  eacb  Bidè, 
which  meant  to  Bay  :  What  could  I  do  F  don't  you  know 
youfBelves  tbat  he  alwaya  haa  hia  own  way  P 

On  reaching  the  apartment,  tbe  cbaplain  oponed  tbe 
door,  and  introduced  the  Unnamed.     Federigo  advanced 


,c,oglc 


408  I  pBOUEsst  eposi.  [CH, 

to  meet  him  vith  a  happy  and  serene  look,  and  bis  Iiand 
eitended,  as  if  to  welcome  an  expected  guest,  at  the  aame 
time  raaking  a  BÌgn  to  tbe  chnplaiu  to  go  out,  vbich  was 
immedintelj'  obeyed. 

WhentbuB  lefc  alone,  thej  both  stood  fora  moment 
aileat  sud  ia  suspense,  thougb  froni  widely  difierent 
feelings.  The  Unnaraed,  who  bad,  as  it  were,  been  forei- 
blf  carrìed  there  hy  an  inexplicable  compulaion,  rather 
than  led  hj  a  determinate  intention,  now  etood  tbere,  also 
ae  it  were  by  compulHÌon,  torn  by  two  contending  feet- 
ÌDgB  :  on  tbe  one  aide,  a  deaìre  and  confueed  bope  o{ 
meeting  nith  eome  allevìntion  of  bis  inward  torment  ;  on 
the  otber,  a  Teeling  of  aelf-rebuked  shame  atbaTing  come 
thither,  like  a  penitent,  subdued,  and  wretcbed,  to confess 
himaelf  guilty,  and  to  make  aupplication  to  a  man  :  he 
waa  at  a  loss  for  wortlii,  and,  indeed,  acarcely  Bought  for 
them.  Baifling  his  eyea,  howerer,  to  the  AFcfabÌBhop's 
face,  be  became  graduali^  QUed  witb  a  feeling  of  Tenera- 
tion,  authoritative,  and  at  tbe  same  time  aoothmg  ;  nhicb, 
while  it  increased  bia  confidonce,  gentlj  subdued  his 
haugbtineM,  and,  without  offending  his  prìde,  compeUed 
it  to  give  way,  and  imposed  silenee. 

The  hearing  of  Federigo  waa,  in  fact,  one  whioh  an- 
nounced  superiorìty,  and,  at  tbe  same  time,  excited  love. 
It  was  naturally  sedate,  and  alraost  involuntarily  com- 
manding,  his  Scure  beiag  not  in  the  lenst  howed  or  wasted 
by  age  ;  while  bis  soìemn,  yet  aparkling  eye,  his  open  and 
thoughtful  forehead,  a  kind  of  TÌrginal  floridnesB,  which  • 
might  he  distinguished  even  among  ^y  locks,  palenew, 
and  the  traccs  of  abstinence,  meditation,  and  labour  :  in 
short,  hU  htB  featurea  indicated  that  they  had  once  pos- 
aessed  tbat  which  is  most  strictly  entitled  beauty.  Tha 
habit  of  aeriouB  and  beoevoleat  thought,  tbe  inward  peace 
of  a  long  life,  the  love  that  be  felt  towarda  his  fellow-crea- 
turea,  and  the  unintemipted  enjoyment  of  an  ìneffable 
hope,  had  now  substituted  tbe  beauty  (so  to  Bay)  of  old 
age,  whicb  sbone  forth  more  attractively  fromthe  magni- 
ficent  simpHcity  of  tbe  pnrple. 

He  fixed,  for  a  moment^  on  the  countenance  of  the 
TJonamed,  a  penetratiug  look,  long  accustomed  to  gather 


,»Ogk' 


XXIII.]  TBB   BETROTKED.  4Q9 

ttom  tìàa  index  wliat  waa  passiug  in  the  miai;  and 
imagining  he  diacovered,  under  that  dark  and  troubied 
mìen,  aomethmg  every  moment  more  corresponding  with 
the  hope  be  had  conceived  oq  the  first  aanouncement  of 
Buch  fv  TÌait,  '  Oh  )  '  crìed  he,  in  an  animated  Toice,  '  wbat 
a  welcome  viait  is  thìs  !  and  how  tbankful  I  ought  to  be 
to  you  for  taking  auch  a  atep,  alttough  it  may  convey  to 
me  n  little  reproof  !  * 

'  Beproof  !  ezclaimed  the  Signor,  much  enrprised,  but 
Boothed  by  faia  words  and  manner,  and  glad  that  tbe 
,  Cardinal  had  broken  the  ice,  and  atarted  aome  sort  of 
converaation. 

'  Certainly,  it  conveya  to  me  a  reproof,'  Toplied  the 
ArchbÌBbop,  'for  allowing  you  to  be  beforehand  wìth  me 
when  ao  often,  and  for  bo  long  »  time,  I  might  and  ought 
to  bare  come  to  you  myaelf.' 

'You  come  to  me!  Do  you  know  who  I  am  ?  Did 
tbey  deiiver  in  my  nanie  rightly  ?  ' 

'And  the  happineas  1  feel,  and  which  muat  surely  be 
evideut  in  my  count«nance,  do  you  thìuk  I  should  feel  it 
at  the  announcement  and  Ttait  of  a  stranger  F  It  ia  you 
vho  mahe  me  ezperience  it  ;  you,  I  say,  wbom  I  oueht  to 
bave  aougbt  ;  you  wbom  I  bave,  at  least,  loved  and  wept 
o»er,  and  for  wbom  I  bave  bo  often  prayed  ;  you,  among 
sii  my  children,  for  each  one  I  love  from  the  bottom  of 
my  beart,  wbom  I  should  most  bave  deeired  to  receive 
and  embrace,  if  I  had  thonght  I  mlght  hope  for  such  a 
thing,  But  &od  alone  knowa  how  to  work  wondera,  and 
BUppliea  tbe  weaknesa  and  tardinesa  of  Hia  uaworthy 
Berrante.* 

Tbe  Unnamed  etood  aatoniahed  at  tbia  warm  reception, 
in  laogu^e  which  correaponded  ao  exactly  vcith  that 
irhich  ne  nad  not  yet  eipressed,  nor,  indeed,  had  fully 
determined  to  express  ;  and,  affected,  but  eiceedingly 
Burpriaed,  beremainedailent.  '  Well  l'reaumed  Federigo, 
stili  more  affectionately,  '  you  bave  good  newa  to  teli  me  ; 
and  you  keep  me  so  long  eipecting  it  P  ' 

'  0^>od  newa  I  I  bave  beli  in  my  beart  ;  and  can  I  teli 
you  any  good  tidings  ?  Teli  me,  if  you  know,  wbat  good 
news  you  can  ezpect  from  anch  as  I  am  F 

.      .A.coglc 


410  I   FROMB36I   SPOSI.  [cH. 

'  Thftt  Ood  bu  touched  jour  heart,  and  would  make 
70U  Hia  own,'  replied  the  Cardioal,  calmlT. 

'Godi  God!  Ood!  If  I  could  lee  £Gm  !  IflconJd 
hear  Him  !     Where  ia  thia  God  ?  ' 

'Doyou  ask  thia  P  jou?  And  vho  has  Him  uearer 
tlian  you  ?  Do  you  not  feel  Him  in  your  heart,  over- 
comiog,  agitating  you,  uever  leaving  you  at  eaae,  and  at 
the  Bame  time  drawing  you  forwarit,  presenting  to  your 
TÌew  a  hope  of  tranquìllity  and  couaolation,  a  coDBOIatioQ 
whìch  aliali  be  full  and  boundlesi,  afi  sooa  as  you  recog- 
nize  Him,  acknowledge,  aud  implure  Him  P  ' 

Oh,  eurely  !  there  is  aomethiug  within  that  oppreases, 
that  cousumea  me  I  But  God  !  If  thia  be  Ood,  il'  He  be 
Bucb  OS  tbey  aay,  what  do  you  suppose  He  cau  do  with 
meP' 

These  worda  were  attered  with  an  accent  of  deapair; 
but  Federigo,  witb  a  aolemn  tooe,  aa  of  cairn  inapiration, 
replied  :  '  What  cau  God  do  nith  you  P  Wbat  would  He 
wiab  to  make  of  you  F  A  token  of  His  power  and  good- 
neifs:  Ke  would  acquire  tbroiigh  you  a  glory,  auch  aa 
othera  could  not  give  Him,  The  world  haslong  cried  out 
sgaioet  you,  buodreda  and  thouaands  of  Toicea  bave  de- 
cmred  their  detestation  of  your  deeda  .  .  .  ,'  (The  TTn- 
named  ahuddered,  and  felt  for  a  moment  eurprìaed  at 
hearing  auch  unuaual  language  addressed  to  him,  and  etili 
more  surpriaed  that  he  felt  no  anger,  but  rather,  almost  a 
relief.)  '  Wbat  glory,'  puraued  Pederigo,  '  will  thua  re- 
dound  to  God  1  Tkey  may  be  voices  of  alarm,  of  self- 
interest  ;  of  juatice,  perhaps — a  juatice  bo  easy  !  so  natur- 
ai !  Some  perbapa,  yea,  too  maoy,  may  be  voicea  of  envy 
of  your  wretched  power;  of  your  hitherto  deplorablo 
aecurity  of  beart.  But  wheu  you,  youraelf,  rise  up  to  con- 
demn  your  past  life,  to  become  your  own  accuaer,  then  I 
then,  indeed,  God  wilL  be  glorified  !  And  you  aak  wbat 
God  can  do  with  you.  Who  am  I,  a  poor  mortai,  that  I 
can  teli  you  what  use  sucb  a  Being  may  chooae  heacefortb 
to  make  of  you  P  how  He  can  eraploy  your  impetuoua 
will,  your  unwavering  perseverance,  when  He  aball  bave 
auimated  and  invigorated  them  witb  love,  witb  bope,  with 
repeutance  F     Wbo  ore  you,  weak  man,  that  you  should 


,»oglc 


XXIIt.]  THB    BBTKOTHBD.  4H 

tmaffine  Touraelf  capable  of  deTising  and  ezecutiiig  greftter 
deeOB  01  erìl,  thaa  Ood  can  make  ^ou  will  and  accompliah 
ia  the  cause  of  good  F  What  can  God  do  with  jou  P 
Pardon  JOU  !  save  jon  !  finish  in  vou  the  work  of  redemp- 
tion  1  Are  not  these  things  noble  and  worthy  of  Hiin  ? 
Oh,  just  think  !  if  I,  aa  humble  and  feeble  creature,  so 
worthleas  and  full  of  mjself — I,  such  as  I  am,  long  so 
ardentlj  far  jour  salvation,  tliat,  for  ita  aake,  I  would 
jo^ullf  give  (and  He  is  my  witneaa  !)  the  few  days  that 
Stili  remein  to  mo  ;  oH,  think  what,  and  how  great,  must 
be  the  love  of  Him,  Who  inspires  me  with  this  imperfect, 
but  ardent  affection  ;  how  must  He  love  vou,  what  must 
He  deeire  for  jou,  Who  hai  bid  aud  enabied  me  to  regard 
you  with  a  charity  that  consumes  me  1  ' 

While  theae  words  fell  from  bis  lips,  hÌB  face,  bis  ex- 
preeaion,  hia  whole  manuer,  evinced  hia  Jeep  feeling  of 
what  heuttered.  The  countenanceof  hia  auditor  changed, 
from  a  wild  and  convulsive  look,  firat  to  astonisbmeot 
and  attentioQ,  and  then  graduali^  yielded  to  deeper  and 
le»  painful  emotions  ;  bis  eyes,  which  from  infancy  b&d 
been  unaccustomed  to  weep,  became  sufTused  ;  and  when 
the  worda  ceased,  he  coverèd  bis  face  with  his  banda,  and 
burat  luto  a  flood  of  tears.  It  was  the  ouly  and  most 
erident  reply. 

'  6reat  and  good  God  !  '  exclaìmed  Federigo,  laising 
hia  hands  and  eyes  to  heaven,  '  what  bave  I  eier  done, 
SD  unprofitable  aervant,  an  idle  abepberd,  that  Thou 
ehouldest  cali  me  to  tbie  banquet  of  grace  !  that  Thou 
ahouldest  make  me  worthy  of  being  an  instrument  in  so 
jojful  a  miracle  I  '  So  aaring,  he  eitended  bis  band  to 
take  that  of  the  Unnamed. 

'  No  !  '  cried  the  penitent  nobleman  ;  '  no  !  keep  awav 
from  me  :  deRle  not  that  innocent  and  benefioent  band. 
Tou  doa't  know  ali  that  the  one  jou  would  grasp  bas 
committed.' 

'  Sufier  me,'  t&id  Federigo,  tsking  it  wìtb  afiectìonate 
TÌoIence,  'sufier  me  to  presa  the  band  which  will  repair 
Bo  manj  wrongs,  dispense  so  many  benefits,  comfort  so 
manr  imicted,  and  be  extended,  disarmed,  peacefully, 
and  biunblf ,  to  so  manj  eoemìea.' 


..notale 


412  I  FBOHESai   SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  It  ìh  too  much  !  '  aaid  the  TJnnamed,  Bobbing,  '  leave 
me,  my  Lord  ;  good  Federigo,  leave  me  !  A  crowded 
asBembly  awaita  you  ;  so  many  good  people,  so  tnany 
innocent  creatures,  so  mauy  come  from  a  distance,  to  eee 
you  for  once,  to  bear  you  :  and  you  are  staying  to  talk 
....  with  whom  !  ' 

'  We  will  leave  the  ninety  and  nine  aheep,'  replied  the 
CardÌQal  ;  '  they  are  in  safety,  upou  the  mountain  :  I 
wiah  to  remain  with  that  which  «-aa  Ioat.  Their  mizidg 
are,  perhapa,  dow  more  aatisfied  tban  if  the?  vere  seeiiig 
their  poor  bishop  Perhaps  God,  Who  haa  wrought  in 
you  this  miracle  of  mercy,  ia  diffusing  in  their  bearta  a 
joy  of  which  they  know  not  yet  the  reauoii.  These  people 
are,  perhaps,  united  to  uà  without  being  aware  of  it  : 
perchaace  the  Spirit  may  be  inatilling  iato  their  bearta 
an  undefined  feeling  of  charity,  a  petition  which  He  wiU 
grant  for  you,  an  offering  of  gratitude  of  which  you  are, 
as  yet,  the  unkriowu  object.'  80  aaying,  he  threw  bis 
arma  round  the  neck  of  the  Unnamed,  who,  after  at- 
tempting  to  dieengage  himaelf,  and  making  a  momentary 
reeietaace,  yielded,  completely  overcome  by  thia  Tebement 
expreasion  of  aSection,  einbraced  tbe  Cardinal  in  bis 
tura,  aud  buried  in  bis  sboulder  biatrembling  andaltered 
face.  H(8  buraing  teara  dropped  upon  the  atainleas 
purple  of  Federigo,  while  the  guihleas  banda  of  the  hoìy 
DJahop  aSectionately  preesed  thoae  merabera,  and  touched 
that  garment,  which  bad  been  accuatomed  to  bold  the 
weapons  of  violence  and  treaphery. 

Disengagìng  himaelf,  at  length,  from  thia  embrace,  tbe 
TTnnamed  agaia  covered  bis  eyea  witb  bis  band,  and  raia- 
ing  bia  face  to  beaven,  eiclaimed;  '  Ood  is, indeed,  great  ! 
Ood  ia,  iodeed,  good  !  I  know  mysejf  now,  uow  I  under- 
Btand  what  I  am  ;  my  aiae  are  present  before  me,  and  I 
ahiidder  at  the  thougbt  of  rayself  ;  yet  1  .  .  ,  .  yet  I  feel 
aa  alleviation,  a  joy  ;  yea,  even  a  joy,  auch  as  I  bave  never 
before  known  during  tbe  wbole  of  tny  bomble  life  !  ' 

'  It  ia  a  little  taate,'  aaid  Federigo,  '  which  God  givea 
you,  to  incline  you  to  Hie  aervice,  and  encourage  you 
resolutely  to  enter  upon  tbe  new  course  of  life  whicb  liei 


b,Coot^lc 


XXm.]  THB   BETBOTHED.  413 

before  you,  and  in  which  jou  vili  have  ao  much  to  undo, 
Bo  mucii  to  repair,  so  much  to  mouru  over  !  ' 

'  Unhapp;  man  that  I  am  !  '  eiclaimed  the  Signor  : 
'how  many,  oh,  how  inany  ....  thinga  fop  which  I  can 
do  nothing  beaidea  moura  j  But,  at  least,  I  hare  under- 
takings  scarcely  set  on  foot  which  I  can  break  off  in  the 
midst,  if  nothing  more  :  one  there  is  which  I  can  quickly 
aireet,  which  I  can  eaaily  undo,  and  repair.' 

Pederìgo  listened  attentively,  while  the  Unnamed 
brieBy  related,  in  terme  of,  pcrhaps,  deeper  esecratinn 
than  we  bave  employed,  bis  attempi  upon  Lucìa,  the 
Bofferinga  and  terrora  of  tbe  unhappy  girl,  her  importun- 
ate entreatiea,  the  frenzy  that  theac  entreatiea  had  aroused 
witbin  bim,  and  how  ahe  was  etili  in  the  caatle  .... 

'  Al),  tben  !  let  uà  Iobo  no  time  !  '  exclaimed  Federigo, 
breathleea  with  eagerncBS  and  compaseion.  '  You  are 
indeed  bleseed  !  Tbis  ie  an  eameat  of  Qod'a  forgÌTenees  ! 
He  makes  you  capable  of  becoming  the  instniment  of 
Bafety  to  one  whom  you  intended  to  min.  God  blesa 
you  !  Nay,  He  has  bleased  you  !  Do  you  know  where 
our  unhappy  protègge  cornee  from  p  ' 

The  Signor  named  Lncia'e  village. 

'It's  not  far  Irom  this,'  said  the  Cardinal,  '  Qod  be 
praieed  ;  and  probably  .  . .  .'  So  aaying,  be  wenttowarde 
a  little  table,  and  rang  a  beli.  The  croas-bearing  chaplain 
immediately  atteuded  the  eummona  with  a  look  of  anxiety, 
and  inatantlj  glanced  towards  tbe  Unnamed.  At  the 
sight  of  his  altered  countenance,  and  hia  eyes  stili  red 
with  weeping,  he  turaed  an  inquiring  gaze  upon  tbe 
Cardinal  ;  and  perceiving,  amidsC  the  iuTariable  com- 
poBUre  of  hia  countenance,  a  look  of  eolemn  pleaaure  and 
iinuaual  aolicitude,  he  would  bave  atood  with  open  moutb, 
io  a  Bort  of  ecstasy,  had  not  the  Cardinal  quickly  aroused 
bim  from  hiB  contemplations,  by  asking  whether,  among 
the  parish-pricBts  who  were  asaembled  in  the  ueit  room, 
there  were  one  from  •  •  *. 

'  There  ia,  your  illuatrioua  Grace,'  replied  tba  cbapbùn. 

'  Let  bim  come  in  directly,'  said  Federigo,  '  and  witb 
bim  the  prieBt  of  this  parish.' 


;dbv  Google 


414  I   PBOBTBSSI  SFoet.  [CH. 

The  chaplatn  qaitted  the  room,  and  on  enterìng  the 
hall  where  the  clei^  were  aBsembled,  ali  eyee  were 
immedintely  turned  upon  him  ;  wbile,  witb  a  look  of 
blank  aetoaishment,  ana  a  countenance  in  wbich  «aaatìll 
depicted  the  rapture  he  faad  lèlt,  he  lifted  up  big  bande, 
and  waving  them  io  the  air,  eiclaimed,  '  Signori  !  Sig- 
nori !  Itiee  mtUatio  dextene  ExeeUi.'  And  he  stood  tot  a 
moment  without  nttering  another  word.  Tben  asaoming 
the  tone  and  laoguage  of  a  message,  he  added,  '  Hìb  moaC 
noble  and  very  reverend  Lordabip  deaires  to  Speak  witb 
tbe  Siirnor  Curate  of  tbia  parish,  and  tbe  Signor  Curate 
©?•••.' 

The  first  party  eummoned  immediately  carne  forwaH  ; 
and,  at  tbe  aame  time,  there  isaued  from  tbe  midat  of  tbe 
crowd,  an  '  I  F  '  drawled  fortb  witb  an  intonation  of  sur- 
prise. 

'  Are  you  not  the  Signor  Curate  gf  •  ■  •  ?  '  replìed  the 
chaplaiu. 

'Iato;  but ' 

'  Bis  moat  noble  and  Tery  reverend  Lordship  aska  for 
you.' 

'  Me  P  '  again  replied  the  rame  voice,  clearly  eipreeaing 
in  tbia  monosyllaSle,  '  "Wbat  con  they  want  with  tae  P  ' 
But  tbia  time,  togetber  witb  the  voice,  carne  fortb  tbe 
liring  being,  Don  Abbondio  hìmself,  with  an  unwilling 
Btep,  and  a  countenaace  hetween  aetonishment  and  dia- 
gnat.  Tbe  chaplain  beckoned  to  him  witb  hia  band,  as 
if  he  meant  to  say,  '  Come,  let  us  go  ;  ìh  it  so  very  alarm- 
ing  P  '  and  escorting  tbem  to  the  door,  he  opened  it,  and 
introduced  them  into  tbe  apartment. 

Tbe  Cardinal  reliaquìebed  tbe  band  of  the  Unnamed, 
with  wbom,  meanwhile,  he  bad  been  concerting  arrang»- 
menta,  and  witbdrawing  a  little  aside,  beckoned  to  the 
curate  of  tbe  village.  Briefly  relating  the  circumstancea, 
beaaked  wbetherhe  couldimmediately  find  a  trustwortby 
woman  who  would  he  willing  to  go  to  the  caatle  in  a 
litter,  and  fetch  away  Lucia  ;  a  kind  and  clever  peraon, 
who  would  know  bow  to  conduct  heraelf  in  ao  novel  an 
eipeditìon,  and  whoae  manners  and  tanguage  would  be 
mont  likely  to  encourage  and  tranquiUlze  the  unfortunate 


,»oglc 


XXm.]  THE   BETBOTHED.  415 

girl,  to  wbom,  after  so  mucb  ao^ish  and  altum,  erea 
hberatìoii  ìtself  might  tw  an  additioaal  cauHe  of  appre- 
hensiou.  After  a  moment'a  thought,  the  Curate  said 
that  be  knew  just  the  very  person,  aud  then  took  bis 
departure.  The  CardÌDal  now  callìng  to  hitn  the  chap- 
lain,  desired  him  to  bave  a  litter  and  bearers  im  media tely 
prepared,  and  to  aee  that  two  mulee  vere  aaddled,  for 
nders  ;  and  aa  soon  as  he  had  quitted  the  apartment, 
turned  to  Don  Abbondio. 

Thia  wortby  gentleman,  who  had  kept  toIerabW  dose 
to  the  Arcbbiahop,  that  he  inight  he  at  a  reapectnil  die- 
taoce  from  the  other  Signor,  and  had,  in  the  mean  timo, 
been  casting  side  glances,  tirat  to  otie,  and  then  to  the 
other,  dubitating  the  wbile  within  himself  what  erer  ali 
tbis  Btrange  manceuvring  might  mean,  now  advanced  a 
atep  forward,  and,  making  a  rmpectfnl  bov,  said,  '  I  was 
told  that  your  moat  illuatriouB  Lordabip  wanted  me  ;  but 
1  think  there  must  be  some  misunderatanding.' 

'  There  is  no  miBunderatanding,  I  aasure  you,'  repUed 
Federigo  ;  '  I  have  glad  newa  to  give  you,  and  a  pleasant 
and  most  agreeahle  task  to  impose  upon  you.  One  of 
Tour  parishioners,  whom  you  must  bare  lamented  aa  loat. 
Lucia  Mondella,  is  agaiu  found,  and  ia  near  at  band,  in 
the  house  of  my  good  friend  bere  ;  and  yoa  will  go  now 
with  him,  and  a  woman,  whom  the  Signor  Curate  of  thia 
|dace  bas  gone  to  aeek  j  you  will  go,  I  say,  to  fetch  thence 
one  of  your  own  children,  and  accompany  ber  hither.' 

Don  Abbondio  did  bis  beat  to  conceal  the  Texation — 
the  what  shall  I  gay  P — the  alarm,  the  diamay  escited  by 
thia  propoaal,  or  command  ;  and  nnable  any  longer  to  re- 
■train  or  dismiBs  a  look  of  inexpreasible  dittcontent  already 
gatnering  in  bis  countenance,  he  could  onìy  bidè  it  by  a 

SrofoundreTerence,  in  token  of  obedient  acceptance;  nor 
id  he  again  raiae  bis  face,  but  to  make  another  equally 
profound  obeisance  to  the  tJnnamed,  with  a  piteous  look, 
whìcb  seemed  to  say,  '  I  am  in  your  bandi,  have  pity  upcm 
me;  Pareere  avbjeetii.' 
The  Cardinal  then  asked  him  what  relations  Lucia  bad. 
'  Of  osar  relationa,  with  whom  sbe  livea,  or  might  live, 
Bbe  bai  only  a  mother,'  replied  Don  Abbondio. 


lA'OOi^lc 


416  I   PB0HBS8I   BFOai.  [cH. 

'  la  sbe  at  home  7  ' 

'Tea,  my  Lord,' 

'  Well,'  replied  Federigo,  'aince  this  poor  girl  cannot 
be  Bo  directly  restored  to  nerown  home,  itnill  be  a  great 
coQBaJatiaii  io  ber  to  aee  ber  motber  aa  quìckly  aa  possi- 
ble;  so,  if  tbe  Signor  Curate  of  tbia  village  doeen't 
return  before  I  go  to  church,  I  request  you  will  teli  him 
to  fiud  a  cart,  or  some  kind  of  coaveyance,  and  deapatcb 
a  peraon  of  dìscretìon  to  fetcb  ber  motber  bere.' 

'  Uad  not  I  better  go  ?  '  aaid  Doa  Abbondio. 

'  No,  no,  not  you  ;  l've  already  requested  you  to  under- 
take  anotber  commigaion,'  replied  tbe  Cardinal. 

'  I  proposed  ìt,'  rejoined  Doti  Abbgudio,  '  to  prepare 
ber  poor  motber  fur  the  newa.  Sbe  is  a  very  senaitive 
woman,  and  it  requires  one  who  kuowe  ber  dispoaìtion, 
and  how  to  go  to  work  with  ber  the  rigbt  way,  or  he  will 
do  ber  more  barm  than  good.' 

'  And  tberefore  I  bave  requeated  you  to  acquaint  the 
Signor  Curate  of  my  wiah  that  a  proper  person  abould  be 
chosen  for  this  office  :   you  will  do  better  elaewbere,'  re- 

?lled  tbe  Cardinal.  And  be  would  willingly  bave  added: 
'bat  poor  girl  at  tbe  caatle  has  far  more  need  of  abortly 
eeeing  a  kaown  and  truated  countenaace,  after  so  many 
houTB  of  agony,  and  in  sucb  terrible  ignoraoce  aa  to  the 
future.  But  tbia  was  not  a  rv.aBon  to  be  ao  clearly  ex- 
preaaed  before  the  preaent  third  party.  Indeed,  the  Cur< 
dinal  tbougbt  it  very  atrange  that  it  had  not  immedìately 
occurred  to  Don  Abbondio  ;  that  be  had  not  thought  of 
it  himaelf  ;  and  the  profier  he  had  made,  and  ao  warmly 
inaistfld  upon,  aeemed  so  much  out  of  place,  that  be  couid 
not  belp  auBpectÌDg  tber«  must  be  something  bidden  be- 
neath.  He  gazed  upon  bia  face,  aod  tbera  readily  detecti^ 
bis  fear  of  joumeying  with  that  torrible  peraon,  and  oN»^ 
being  bis  gueet  even  for  a  few  momenta.  Anxious,  there-  "  \ 
fore,  entirely  to  dìsaipate  these  cowardly  apprehenaiona, 
yet  unwilling  to  draw  the  curate  aaide  and  whisper  with 
him  in  aecret,  while  hta  new  friend  formed  tbe  third  of 
their  party,  be  judged  that  the  beat  pian  would  be  to  do 
what,  indeed,  he  would  bave  done  without  auch  a  motive, 
that  is,  addreaa  the  Unn&med  himself  ;  and  tbuB  Doa 


XXin.]  THE    BETROTHKD.  417 

Abbtmdìo  might  at  lengtb  nnderatand,  irom  bis  repliea, 
thab  he  waa  no  longer  an  object  of  fear.  He  retumed, 
therefore,  to  the  TJimamed,  and  addreasìng  him  wìth  that 
&ank  cordiality  which  mar  be  met  with  in  a  new  and 
powerful  affection,  aa  well  as  in  an  intimacr  of  long 
standing,  '  Don't  think,'  said  be,  '  tfaat  I  eball  be  contetit 
with  tbu  Tiait  for  to-ÓMj.  Tou  will  letum,  won't  you, 
with  tbiB  worthy  clergjman?' 

'  Will  I  return  P  '  replied  tbe  Unnamed.  '  Sbonld  jrou 
lefuse  me,  I  wonld  obetioately  remain  outeide  roor  door, 
like  the  beggar.  I  want  to  talk  with  you  ;  I  want  to 
bear  you,  to  aee  you  ;  I  deeply  neeà  you  !  ' 

Federigo  took  bis  band  and  preaaed  it,  aayìng  :  '  Do  tbe 
clergymoQ  of  thia  vilWe.  tben,  and  me,  the  &Tour  of 
diningwithuB  to-day.  I  ehall  expect  you.  Intbemean 
while,  I  must  go  to  offer  up  prayera  and  praisea  witb  the 
peonie  i  and  you  to  reap  the  first-fruite  oi  mercy.' 

Don  Abbondio,  at  these  demonstrationB,  ertood  libo  a 
cowardly  cbild,  wbo  watobea  a  peraon  boldly  petting  and 
Btroking  a  largo,  Burly,  ahag^  dc^,  with  gwisg  eyea,  and 
a  notoriously  bad  name  for  biting  and  growling,  and  hears 
ite  master  sar  that  bis  dog  ia  a  good  and  very  quìet  beast  : 
he  looka  at  tue  owner,  and  neitber  contradicta  nor  asaenta  ; 
he  looka  at  the  animai,  a&aid  to  approacb  him  forfear  tbe 
'  Tery  gentle  beaat  '  ahould  show  hia  teeth,  were  it  only 
&om  habit  ;  and  equally  afraid  to  run  away,  leat  be 
abouid  be  tbought  a  coward  ;  and  can  only  uttor  aa 
internai  aapiration  : — Would  that  I  were  safe  in  my  own 
houao! 

On  quitting  tbe  apartment,  in  company  with  the  TJn- 
named,  whose  band  he  stili  grasped,  tbe  Cardinal  caat 
anotber  glance  upon  the  poor  man  wbo  remained  behind, 
looking  Tery  awkward  and  mortified,  and  with  a  doleful 
expression  of  countenance.  Thinking  that  poaaibly  hia 
vetation  arose  from  being  apparently  overlooked,  and 
left,  as  it  were,  in  a  corner,  particularly  in  contrast  witb 
tbe  notoriously  wicked  charactor  now  so  warmly  received 
and  welcomed,  he  tumed  towards  bim  in  pasaing,  and 
bung  back  for  a  moment,  and  aaid  to  bim,  with  a  friendly 
amile  :  '  Signor  Curate,  thou  wert  ever  witb  me  in  the 


,„oglc 


418  1  PROMESSI   AFOSI.  [CH. 

boQBe  of  Olir  Idnd  Fath«r,  but  this  ....  tbis  one  perierat, 
et  inoentu*  ett.' 

'  Oh,  how  glad  I  am  to  bear  iti  '  uid  Don  Abbondio, 
making  a  profound  reverence  to  the  two  together. 

The  Archbishop  thea  went  od,  gave  a  slight  puah  to 
the  door.which  wm  immediately  opened  frojn  without  by 
two  servante  who  atood  outside,  and  the  ootable  pair  stood 
before  the  longing  eyea  of  the  clergy  aasembled  in  the 
apartment.  They  gazed  with  interest  upon  their  two 
countenances,  both  of  which  bore  the  tnicee  of  a  very 
^ifferent,  but  equally  profound  emotion  :  a  grateful  ten- 
demesB,  an  humble  joy,  on  Federigo'a  venerable  fea- 
tures  ;  and  on  tboee  of  the  Unnamed,  confuaion,  temper- 
ed  wìtb  conaolation,  a  new  and  unuBual  modesty,  and  a 
feeling  of  contrìtion,  through  which  the  vigour  of  hia 
wild  and  Gery  temper  waa,  neverthelesa,  stili  apparent. 
It  waa  afterwards  fouud  that  the  passage  in  the  propliet 
Isaiah  had  occurred  to  more  than  one  of  the  apectatora; 
!Bte  wolf  and  the  lamb  thallfeed  tooether,  and  ihs  lion  thaU 
eat  itraw  like  the  bviloek.  (Isa.  kv.  25.)  Behind  them 
carne  Don  Abbondio,  to  whom  no  one  paid  any  attention. 


When  they  had  reached  the  middle  of  the  roum,  the 
Cardinal'fl  groom  of  the  chamber  entered  on  the  oppraite 
flide,  and  infonned  bis  master  that  he  had  exeoated  ali 


,l)OglC 


XXIII.]  THE   BETKOTHBD.  41S 

the  ordera  comiDiiDicated  >to  faim  hj  tlie  ahaplain;  th&t 
the  litter  and  mules  were  in  readmeae,  and  they  only 
waited  the  arrivai  of  the  female  w.hoin  the  curate  was  to 
hriag.  The  Cardinal  bid  him  teli  the  priest,  wheo  he 
carne  back,  tbat  Dea  Abbondio  wisbed  to  spet^  with 
him  ;  and  then  ali  the  rest  waa  leti  under  the  direction 
9f  the  latter  and  the  TTnaamed,  whom  the  Cardinal  again 
•hook  warmly  bj  the  band  on  takine  leave,  uiTingT  'I 
ahall  expeot  jou.'  Then,  turaing  to  uuute  Don  Abbondio 
wìtb  a  bow,  he  set  off  in  the  direction  of  the  church, 
fullowed  by  the  clergy,  halF  zrouped  and  half  in  pro- 
ceasion,  wlule  the  tèlloH-t»Tellera  remained  alone  in  the 
apartment. 

The  TTmiamed  atood  wrapt  up  in  Jiia  own  thoughts,  and 
ìmpatient  for  the  moment  when  he  might  go  to  liberate 
his  Lucia  from  ber  BuSeringe  and  confinement, — hii,  now, 
in  a  veiT  dilTerent  aenae  &oin  tbat  in  which  ehe  was  so  the 
day  before  :  and  bis  face  ezpreased  a  feeling  of  intense 
agitation,  whicb,  to  Don  Abbondio'»  suapidous  ève,  might 
eaail^  appe&r  sometbiug  none.  He  peeped  and  glaaced 
at  him  from  the  corner  of  hiii  eye,  and  longed  to  start 
some  friendly  converaation  : — But  what  can  I  aay  to  him  ? 
— thought  he  :— muat  I  aay  again,  I  am  gladf  Glad  of 
what?  that  having  hitherto  been  a  devil,  he  has  at  laat 
reaolved  to  become  a  gentleman,  like  otbers  ?  A  fine 
compliment,  indeed!  Eh,  eh,  eh!  however  I  may  turn 
the  words,  I  am  glad  can  mean  nothing  elae.  And,  after 
ali,  will  it  he  true  tbat  he  haa  hecome  a  gentleman  P  ho 
on  a  Budden  !  There  ore  so  many  display  a  made  in  the 
world,  and  from  so  many  tnotives  1  What  do  I  knov 
sbput  it  ?  And,  in  the  mean  time,  I  bave  to  go  with 
him  :  and  to  that  cafltle  !  oh,  what  a  tale  !  what  a  tale  I 
what  a  tale  is  this  to  teli  !  who  would  bave  told  roe  this, 
this  moming  I  Ah,  if  I  can  but  escape  in  safe^,  my 
lady  Perpetua  sba'n't  soon  bear  the  end  of  it  from  me, 
for  having  sent  me  bere  by  force,  wben  tbere  waa  no 
neceaaity  for  it,  out  of  my  own  parisb  :  wìtb  her  fine 
plausible  reasona,  that  aU  the  priests,  for  many  a  inile 
round,  would  &oc^  hither,  even  thoae  who  were  furtber 
off  thóa  I  ;  and  tbat  I  muata^t  t»  bebindhand  ;  and  thia, 


490  I  FEOMSSSI   8F08I.  [chI 

tbat,  and  the  otber  ;  ftndthento  embarkme  in  a  busiuees 
of  thJB  Bort  !  Oh,  pooF  me  t  But  I  must  aaj  sometbing 
to  thÌ8  man. — And  oe  had  just  thonsht  of  that  aomething, 
and  waa  on  the  point  of  opening  hÌB  mouth  to  say  : — I 
never  snticipated  the  pleasure  of  being  thrown  into  auch 
hanourable  company, — wfaen  the  groom  of  the  chamber 
entered,  with  the  corate  of  the  parish,  who  announced 
that  the  woman  waa  waiting  in  the  litter;  and  thea 
tumed  to  Don  Abbondio,  to  receive  from  bim  the  further 
commiagion  of  the  CanUnal.  Don  Abbondio  delivered 
himaelf  as  veli  as  he  coutd  in  the  confiiBion  of  mind  under 
which  he  waa  labouring  ;  and  tben,  drawing  up  to  the 
groom,  eaid  to  him  :  '  Pray  gire  me,  at  least,  a  quiet  beaat; 
for,  to  teli  the  trutfa,  I  am  hnt  a  poor  horseman.' 

'Toumayimagine,'  replied  the  groom,  withabalf-emile: 
*it  Ì8  the  secretary'a  mule,  who  ia  a  very  leamed  man.' 

'  That  will  do ....  '  replied  Don  Abbondio,  and  he  con- 
tinued  to  ruminate  : — Heaven  eend  me  a  good  one. — 

The  Signor  had  readily  set  off  the  moment  he  heard  the 
annouacement  ;  but  on  reaching  the  door,  and  perceÌTÌng 
tbat  Don  Abbondio  waa  remaining  behind,  he  stood  etiU 
to  wait  for  him.  When  he  carne  up,  haatily,  with  an 
apologizing  look,  the  Signor  bowed  and  made  him  pass  od 
firit,  with  a  courteous  and  humble  air,  which  soniewhat 
reanimated  the  spirita  of  the  unfortunate  and  tormented 
man.  Bnt  acarcely  had  he  aet  foot  in  the  court-yard, 
wben  he  saw  a  new  objeot  of  alarm,  which  quickly  dia- 
aipated  ali  bis  reviving  confidence  ;  he  beheld  the  Un- 
named  go  towarda  the  corner,  take  hold  of  the  b&rrel  of 
bis  carbine  with  one  hand,  and  of  the  Btrap  with  the 
other,  and  with  a  rapid  motion,  aa  if  performing  the  mili- 
tary  eiercise,  swing  it  over  bis  ahoulder. 

— Alaa  I  aiae  !  woe  ia  me  ! — thought  Don  Abbondio  : 
— what  would  he  do  with  that  weapon  P  Suitable  aack- 
cloth,  truly  [  fine  diacipline  for  a  new  contert  !  And 
BUpposing  some  fancy  ebould  take  him  ?  Oh,  what  an 
ezpedition  I  what  on  expedition  ! — 

Could  thia  Signor  bare  Buepected  for  a  moment  what 
kind  of  thoughts  they  were  which  were  passing  through 
hii  companion'B  mind,  it  ia  difficult  to  aay  wn&t  he  woiud 


zzili.]  THS   BETKOTRSD.  .4EX 

not  bave  done  to  reosaure  him  ;  but  he  wai  far  mough 
away  from  aucb  a  auspicion,  and  Dod  Abbondio  carefuQj 
avoided  any  movement  which  would  diatioctly  express — 
I  don't  trust  your  Lordabip. — Oq  reacbing  the  door  iutu 
the  Street,  tbey  found  the  two  animalB  ia  readioese .-  the 
Unnamed  mounted  ooei  vbìch  was  beld  for  him  bf  aa 
hoBtler. 

'  lan't  it  TÌciaua  t  '  aaid  Don  Abbondio  to  the  valet,  aa 
he  atood  wìth  one  foot  auapended  on  the  atirrap,  and  the 
other  stili  reating  on  the  ground. 

'  Tou  may  go  vith  a  perfectly  easy  mind  ;  it's  a  very 
lamb,'  replied  the  man  ;  and  Don  Abbondio,  graaping  the 
■addio,  and  osaisted  by  the  ^room,  graduidly  mounted 
upwarda,  and,  at  laat,  found  himself  Mfely  aeated  on  the 
creature' a  back. 

The  litter,  which  atood  a  few  paces  in  advance,  and  was 
bome  by  two  tnules,  moved  forward  at  the  word  of  the 
attendant,  and  the  whole  party  set  off. 

They  had  to  pass  before  the  cburcb,  wbìcb  waa  fiitl  to 
overflowing  with  people  ;  and  through  a  little  square,  alao 
swanning  with  the  vìUagers,  and  newly  arrived  viaitara, 
whom  the  building  could  not  aceommodate.  The  glad 
news  had  already  apread  ;  and  on  the  appearance  of  the 
party,  and  more  eepecially  of  him  who,  only  a  few  boun 
Defore,  bad  been  an  object  of  terror  and  execration,  but 
waa  now  the  object  of  joyful  wonder,  there  aroae  from  the 
crowd  atmoet  a  murmur  of  applauae  ;  and  as  they  made 
vay  for  him,  even  their  eagemesa  waa  buahed  in  the 
deaire  to  obtain  a  near  Tiew  of  him.  The  litter  pasaed 
OD,  tbe  TTimained  followed  ;  and  when  he  arrired  before 
the  open  door  of  the  cburcfa,  took  off  bis  bat,  and  bowed 
bis  hitherto  dreaded  forehead,  tiU  it  almost  toucbed  the 
tnimal'a  mane,  amidat  tbe  murmur  of  a  bundred  Toicea, 
eiclaimìag,  '  Ood  blees  you  !  '  Don  Abbondio,  alao,  took 
off  bis  hat,  and  bending  low,  recommended  bimself  to 
Hearen  ;  but  hearing  tne  aolemn  harmony  of  bis  bre- 
thren,  aa  they  chanted  in  chorus,  he  was  so  overcome  with 
.  a  feeling  of  enry,  a  moumful  tendemeaa  of  apirit,  and  a 
nidden  ferrour  ^  heart,  tbat  it  waa  with  difficulty  he  re- 
«trained  hit  tea». 


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4S2  I  pBoiresst  SPOSI.  [ch. 

Wbea  they  got  bejond  tbe  habitstions  into  the  open 
country,  and  in  the  often  entirely  deserted  vindings  of 
tbe  road,  a  stili  darker  cloud  ovenpresd  hia  thougbta. 
The  only  object  on  which  hia  eye  could  rest  with  any 
confidence,  was  tbe  attendant  on  the  litter,  who,  belong- 
ìng  to  the  Cardinal'a  houaehold,  must  certaìnly  be  on 
honeet  man;  and  who,  beaides,  did  nat  look  like  a 
coward.  From  time  to  time  paasengere  appeared,  Bome- 
timea  even  in  groupe,  who  were  flocking  to  aee  tbe 
Cardinal,  and  tbìa  waa  a  great  relief  to  Don  Abbondio  ; 
it  was,  however,  but  transitoiy,  and  he  waa  advaiicing 
towards  that  tremendoua  valley,  where  he  ahould  meet 
none  but  the  vosaals  of  hia  companion  ;  and  what  Taasala  ! 
He  now  more  tban  over  longed  to  euter  into  converaatioa 
witb  tbia  uompanion,  both  to  sound  him  a  little  more,  and 
to  keep  bini  in  good  humour  ;  but  even  this  wiah  vaniahed 
òn  Beeinghim  Bo  completely  abaorbed  in  hia  own  thougfats. 
He  muBt  then  talk  to  himaelf  ;  and  we  will  present  tbe 
reader  with  a  part  of  the  poor  man'e  aoliloquy  during  bis 
joumey,  for  it  wonld  require  a  volume  to  record  the 
wholo. 

— It  ìb  a  fine  thing,  tmly,  that  gainta  ae  well  aa  ainnera 
muat  bave  quickailver  in  their  campoaitiona,  and  cannot 
be  content  with  fueaing  aboat  and  bueying  themaelvea, 
but  must  alao  bring  into  the  dance  witb  them  the  wbole 
vorid,  if  they  can;  and  that  the  greateet  bney-bodies 
iaust  just  come  upon  me,  who  never  meddle  with  any- 
body,  and  drag  me  by  the  hair  into  their  affairs  ;  me,  who 
ask  for  nothing  but  to  be  left  alone  1  That  mad  raacal  of 
a  Don  Bodrigo  !  What  does  he  want  to  make  him  tha 
bappieat  man  in  the  world,  if  he  bad  but  tbe  least  graia 
of  iudgment  F  He  is  rich,  he  is  young,  he  la  reapected 
ana  eourted  :  he  ie  sick  with  too  mnch  prosperity,  and 
must  needs  go  about  making  trouble  for  himself  and  bis 
beighbour.  He  might  follow  the  waya  of  Saint  Michael; 
oh,  no  !  my  gentleman  doean't  choose  :  he  choosea  to  Be£ 
np  the  trade  of  molesting  women,  the  moat  absurd,  thd 
tnost  vile,  the  moat  insane  buaineas  in  the  world  :  ht 
might  ride  to  heaven  in  bis  carriage,  and  choosea  rather 
to  walk  halting  to  the  devil'a  dwelling.    And  this  man  P 


,»Ogk' 


XXin.]  THE   BKTROTHBD.  493 

....  And  bere  ha  looked  at  him,  aa  if  he  siupected  ha 
eonld  bear  his  verj  thou^hte.— This  miut!  afì«r  turning 
the  world  upeide  dova  with  bis  wiehedn^,  aow  be  tnnu 
it  upside  down  with  bis  convereicm  ■  ■  .  ■  ìf  it  prove  really 
80.  In  the  mean  wbile,  ìt  falla  to  me  to  malw  the  trial  I 
. . .  .  So  it  ìb,  that  when  people  are  bora  with  tbia  mad- 
nees  in  tbeir  veins,  they  muet  always  be  making  a  noise  I 
la  it  so  difficult  to  act  an  honeet  put  ali  ona's  life,  aa  I 
bave  d<meP  Oh  uo,  mj  good  air:  they  must  kilt  and 
quarter,  play  the  devil  ....  oh,  poor  me  !  .  .  .  .  and  thea 
Comes  a  great  atir  even  when  doing  penance.  Kepent- 
antje,  when  there  is  aa  iccUnation  to  it,  caa  be  performed 
at  home,  quietly,  witbout  so  mucb  show,  without  giving 
BO  much  trouble  to  one'e  neichbours.  And  bia  illuatrioua 
j .  Lordahig,  inetantlv,  instantTy,  with  open  arma,  calling 
bim  bis  aear  frìena,  bis  dear  firiend  ;  and  tbis  man  liatena 
to  ali  be  aaya  aa  if  he  bad  aeen  him  wort  miracles  ;  and 
then  he  muat  ali  at  once  come  to  a  resolution,  and  mah 
into  it  band  and  foot,  ene  minute  bere,  and  the  neit 
there:  we,  at  home,  should  cali  thia  preoipitation.  And 
to  d^ver  a  poor  curate  iato  bla  nanda  without  the 
■mallest  aecunty  1  thia  may  he  called  playing  with  a  man 
at  great  odda.  A  holy  biahop,  aa  be  ia,  ought  to  Talu« 
bia  curatea  aa  tbe  appiè  of  bis  eye.  It  aeema  to  me  there 
(inigbt  be  a  little  moderation,  a  little  prudence,  a  little 
eharìty  along  with  sanctity  ....  Suppoeing  tbis  ahould 
be  ali  a  mere  show  P  Wbo  ean  teli  ali  the  intentiona  of 
men  F  and  particularly  of  euoh  a  man  aa  thia  t  lo  think 
tbat  it  ia  my  lot  to  go  with  him,  to  bis  own  house  I 
There  may  be  aome  underwork  of  the  deril  bere  :  oh, 
poor  me  I  it  is  beat  not  to  think  about  it  How  ia  Lucìa 
mixed  np  with  ali  thia  ?  It  ia  plain  Don  Bodrigo  had 
acme  deeìgaa  upon  ber  :  what  people  :  and  suppose  it  is 
flzactly  itiat,  how  tben  haa  tbia  man  got  her  into  bis 
cIutdiesF  Wbo  koowe,  I  wonderF  It  ia  ali  a  secret 
with  my  Lord;  and  to  ma,  whom  they  are  making  trot 
about  in  tbia  way,  they  dou't  teli  a  word.  I  don't  care 
ahout  knowing  otber  people'a  affairs  ;  but  when  I  bave 
to  risk  my  skin  in  the  matter,  I  bave  a  right  to  know 
aomething.    If  it  be  only  to  go  and  fetch  away  thia  poor 


4S4  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

creatare,  patience  T  tboneh  he  coald  easily  enough  brìng 
ber  straight  imnv  himBelf.  And  beaides,  ìf  he  is  reallj 
c<mvert«a,  if  he  oae  become  a  hol^  father,  what  need  la 
there  of  me  P  Oh,  what  a  chaos  I  Well  ;  it  ìb  fiearen'fl 
will  it  ahould  be  thus;  it  wiU  be  a  very  great  incon- 
venìence,  but  patience!  I  ahall  be  glad,  too,  for  this 
poor  Lucìa:  atie  alao  maet  bave  eacaped  some  terrible 
iBBue:  Heaven  knowa  what  ahe  must  bare  Bufiered:  I 
pitr  ber  ;  but  ahe  waa  born  to  be  mrjujp  ■  -  ■  ■  At  least, 
Iwish  I  cou]d  look  into  tua  beart,  oùd  see  what  be  ia 
tbiukiug  about.  Wbo  can  imderstand  bim  P  Juat  look, 
now  ;  one  minute  be  looka  like  Saint  Anton;  in  the 
desert,  the  next  he  ia  like  Holofemea  bimaelf.  Oh,  poor 
me  !  poor  me  I  Well  ;  Hearen  ia  under  an  obligation  to 
belp  me,  siuce  I  didn't  get  myself  into  tbia  dauger  wi^ 
my  own  good  wilL — 

III  fact,  the  thoughta  of  tbe  TTnnajned  migbt  be  aeen, 
BO  to  aay,  pasaing  over  hia  countenonce,  as  in  a  Btormy 
day  tbe  clouds  flit  aerosa  tbe  face  of  tbe  san,  producing 
every  now  and  tbeu  an  alternation  of  dazeling  light  and 
gloomy  ahade.  Hia  aoul,  stili  quite  abeorbed  in  reflectioa 
upon  Federìgo's  sootbing  words,  and,  aa  it  were,  renewed 
and  made  young  again  wìth  Ereeh  tife,  now  rose  with 
obeerful  hope  at  tbe  idea  of  mercy,  pardon,  and  love  ;  and 
then  again  sank  beneatb  tbe  weigbC  of  the  terrible  paat. 
He  anxioualy  tried  to  select  tbose  deeds  of  iuiquity  whicb 
were  yet  reparable,  and  tbose  which  he  could  stili  arrest 
in  the  midst  of  their  progress  ;  he  considered  what 
remediea  would  be  most  certain  and  ezpeditious,  how  to 
disentangle  so  many  knots,  what  to  do  witb  bd  mauy 
ftcoomplices;  but  it  waa  ali  obscurity  and  difBculty.  In 
tbia  very  espedition,  the  easieet  of  eiecution,  and  so  near 
ita  terminatiou,  he  went  with  a  willingnesa  mingled  with 
grìef  at  tbe  thought,  that  in  the  mean  wbile  the  poor  girl 
was  auffering,  God  knew  how  much,  and  that  he,  wbile 
huming  to  liberate  ber,  was  ali  the  wbile  the  cause  of  ber 
suffering.  At  every  tum,  or  fork  in  tbe  road,  tbe  mule- 
driver  looked  back  far  direction  as  to  the  way  :  the  Un- 
named  signified  it  with  bis  hand,  and  at  tbe  same  tìme 
becJumed  to  bim  to  m&ke  baste. 


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XZni.]  THX   BBTKOTHSD.  4SS 

They  entered  the  T&Uey.  How  must  Don  Abbondio 
bave  lelt  then  !  Th»t  renowned  valley,  of  wbich  be  bad 
heard  sucb  block  and  horrible  stones,  to  be  actually 
within  it  !  Those  men  of  notoriouB  fame,  the  flower  ut 
tbe  bravoes  of  Italy,  men  witbout  fear  and  witbont 
mercy, — to  see  them  in  flesb  and  blood, — to  meet  one, 
two,  or  tbiee,  at  every  tum  of  a  corner  !  Tbey  bowed 
BubmissÌTelf  to  the  Signor  ;  but  theìr  Bun-burat  visagee  I 
their  rough  muatachios!  their  lorge  fierce  eyes!  tbey 
seemed  to  Don  Abbondia's  mind  to  mean,— Shall  va 
diapatch  that  friest  ? — So  tbat,  in  a  moment  of  estreme 
eonsternation,  the  thought  ruabed  into  hia  mind, — Wouid 
tbat  I  had  married  them  !  worse  could  not  befall  me. — 
In  the  mean  while  they  went  forward  along  a  gravelly 
path  by  the  side  of  the  torrent  :  on  one  hana  waa  a  vietr 
of  iaolated  and  aohd  rocke  ;  on  the  other,  a  population 
which  wDuld  bave  made  even  a  deeert  aeem  déurable:  , 
Dante  was  not  in  a  worae  ntuation  in  the  midat  of  Male-  *^ 
bolge. 

Tkej  paaaed  the  &ont  of  Molanotte  ;  where  bravoet 
vere  lounging  at  the  door,  who  bowed  to  the  Signor,  and 
gazed  at  bis  companion  and  the  btter.  They  Knew  not 
vhat  to  think;  the  departure  of  the  Unnamed  in  tba 
moming  by  himself  had  alreadyseemed  extraordinary, 
and  his  return  was  not  lees  bo.  •  Was  it  a  captìve  tbat  ha 
was  conducting P  And  how  had  beaccompUahedit alone? 
And  wbat  was  tbe  meaning  of  a  atrange  litter  P  And 
wbose  could  this  Uvery  be  ?  They  looked  and  looked,  but 
no  one  moved,  because  sucb  waa  the  command  tbey  read 
in  hia  eye  and  expresaion. 

They  climbed  the  ascent,  and  reaohed  the  summit. 
The  bravoes  on  tbe  terrace  and  round  tbe  gate  retired 
on  either  side  to  make  room  for  him;  the  Unnamed 
motioned  to  them  to  retreat  no  &rtber,  spurted  fonrard 
and  pasaed  before  the  Utter,  beckoned  to  tbe  driTer  and 
Don  Abbondio  to  follow  him,  entered  an  outer  court,  and 
thence  into  a  aecond,  went  towards  a  amali  postem,  made 
ngna  to  a  bravo,  wbo  was  hastening  to  hold  his  atìmip,  to 
keep  back,  and  said  to  bim,  '  "^u  there,  and  no  one 
Dearer.'    He  tben  dìsmounteid,  and  holding  the  bridle, 


428  I   FBOHESSt   SPOn.  [CH. 

aàmtceA  tovardi  the  litter,  «ddreflaod  hinuelf  to  the 
female  wfao  bad  joBt  drawn  back  the  curtain,  and  uid  to 
her  in  ah  under-tone  :  '  Comfort  ber  direotl^  ;  let  her 
iinderet&nd  at  once  tbat  she  ìb  at  liberty,  and  among 
irienda.  GKnI  vili  nwvd  you  for  it.'  He  then  orderea 
the  drirer  to  open  the  door,  and  asBÌst  ber  to  get  out. 
Advancing,  then,  to  Don  Abbondio,  witb  a  look  of  greater 
Berenity  tban  the  poor  man  bad  yet  seen,  or  tbougbt  it 
posaible  he  couìd  see,  on  hia  oountenaDce,  in  which  there 
might  now  be  traced  jov  at  the  good  vork  which  waa  at 
length  Bo  near  ita  eompletion,  he  lent  him  bis  artn  to  dis- 
mount,  sajing  to  him  st  the  uma  time,  in  a  low  voice  : 
'  Signor  Ciuate,  I  do  not  apoìogiie  for  tbe  trouble  yon 
bave  had  on  mj  account  ;  you  are  hearing  it  for  One  who 
rewardB  bountifuUy,  and  for  thia  Hia  poor  creature  !  ' 

Thia  look,  and  theae  words,  once  more  pat  some  heart 
iuto  Don  Abbondio  ;  and,  drawing  a  long  breath,  whicb 
for  an  hour  poat  had  been  Btriving  ineffectuallj  to  fiud 
rent,  he  replied,  whether  or  not  in  a  BubmiBsire  tone  it 
need  not  be  aaked  :  '  la  your  Iiordahip  joking  with  me  ? 
But,  but,  hut,  but  I  .  .  ,  .'  And,  accepting  the  band  which 
iraa  so  oourteously  ofiered,  he  alid  dowu  from  the  aaddle 
aa  he  beat  could.  The  Unnamed  took  the  bridle,  and 
banded  it  witb  hia  own  to  the  driver,  bidding  him  wait 
tbere  outaide  for  them.  Taking  a  key  &om  dìb  pocket, 
he  opened  the  postem,  admitted  the  curate  and  the 
womBn,  foUowed  them  in,  advanced  to  tead  the  way,  west 
to  the  foot  of  the  atairs,  and  they  ali  three  aaceùded  in 
Bilenca. 


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XXIV.]  TRE   BSTROTHED'. 


CHAPTEB  XXIT. 

^TJCIA  had  arouaed  herself  oaìj  a  ihort  tima 
n  before  ;  and  part  of  that  time  ahe  had  been 
I  BtriTÌne  to  anakea  herseìf  thorouf^hlj,  and  to 
I  sever  the  disturbed  dreama  of  aleep  from  the 
remembrances  and  imageà  of  a  reality  wbioh 
too  much  resembled  the  fevehsh  visiona  of  sickneaa.  Ths 
old  womon  quìckly  made  np  to  her,  and,  witb  a  conatrained 
voice  of  hamilit^,  asid:  'Ahi  bave  joa  sleptP  Yoa 
mìzbt  bave  slept  in  bed  :  I  told  you  so  often  enougb  ]aat 
night.'  And  receivins  no  reply,  sne  continued,  in  a  tone  of 
pettìah  entreaty  :  '  Just  eat  Bomething ;  do  be  prudent. 
Oh,  bow  wretched  you  look  I  You  must  vant  something 
to  eat.  And  then  if,  wben  be  cornee  back,  he'a  angry  witb 
mei' 

'  Ko,  no  ;  I  want  to  go  away,  I  want  to  go  to  mf 
motber.  Tour  master  promia^  I  ahould  ;  he  aald,  to- 
morrow  momifig.     Wbere  ia  be  i" 

'  He'e  gone  out  ;  but  be  aaid  he'd  be  ÌMck  Boon,  and 
v'ould  do  ali  you  wjabed.' 


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428  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  Did  he  Bay  bo  P  did  he  say  80  ?  Very  well  ;  I  wUh 
to  Ko  to  my  mother,  directly,  directly.' 

And  behold  1  the  uoise  of  footateps  was  heard  in  the 
BdjoiniQg  room  ;  then  a  tap  at  the  door.  fhe  old  wom&ii 
ran  to  ìt,  and  asked,  '  Who'e  there  ?  ' 

'  Open  the  door,'  replied  the  well-known  voice,  gently. 

The  old  woman  drew  back  the  bolt,  and,  nith  a  slight 
puah,  the  Unnamed  half  opened  the  door,  bid  ber  come 
out,  and  hastily  luhered  in  Don  Abbondio  and  the  good 
woman.  He  then  nearly  closed  the  door  again,  and 
waitine  himself  outaide,  eent  the  aged  matron  to  a  distant 
part  of  the  caatle,  ag  he  had  before  dismiBBed  the  other 
one,  who  wae  keeping  watch  outBÌde. 

Ali  thiB  bustle,  the  moment  of  expectation,  and  the 
first  appearance  of  etrange  fisures,  made  Lncia's  heart 
bound  with  agitation  ;  for,  if  ber  present  condition  was 
ìntolerable,  every  change  waa  an  additional  cause  of 
alarm.  She  looked  ap,  and  beheld  a  priest  and  a  woman  ; 
tbia  somewbat  reanimated  her  ;  ehe  looked  more  cloael^  ; 
is  it  he  or  net  P  At  last,  she  recognized  Don  Abbondio, 
and  remained  with  ber  eyes  fiied,  aa  if  by  enchantmenL 
The  female  then  drew  near,  and  bending  over  ber,  looked 
at  her  compasaionately,  taking  both  ber  bande  aa  if  to 
caresa  and  raiae  her  at  the  same  time,  and  saying  ;  '  Oh, 
my  poor  girl  !  come  with  us,  come  with  uà.' 

'  Who  are  you  P  '  demanded  Lucia  ;  but,  witoout  list- 
ening  to  the  reply,  abe  again  turued  to  Don  Abbondio, 
who  waa  standing  two  or  three  yarde  distant,  eveu  bis 
countenance  expreasing  some  compasaion  ;  she  gazed  at 
him  again,  and  exclaimed  :  '  Tou  I  Is  it  you  P  The  Signor 
Curate  p  Where  are  we  t  •  .  .  .  Oh,  poor  me  !  I  nave 
loat  my  eenses  I  ' 

'  No,  no,'  replied  Don  Abbondio,  '  it  is  indeed  I  :  take 
courage.  Don't  you  eee  we  are  bere  to  take  you  away  ? 
I  am  reaUy  your  curate,  oome  hither  on  purpoae  on  horse- 
back  .  . , .' 

As  if  ahe  had  suddenly  regained  ali  her  etrength.  Lucia 
precipitately  Bprang  upoa  her  feet;  then  again  fixing  her 
eves  on  those  two  faces,  ghe  aaid  :  '  It  is  the  Mad<»uia, 
tnen,  that  has  sent  you.' 


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XXtT.]  THB   BETROTHED.  4S9 

'  I  belìere  indeed  it  is,'  said  the  good  womsn. 

*  But  caa  we  go  sway  ?  Can  we  reallj  go  away  ?  '  re- 
fumed  Lucia,  lowerìng  her  Toìce,  and  asBuming  a  tìmìd 
and  BuBpicioufi  look.  'Ànd  ali  these  peopleP*. . . .'  con- 
tiaued  she,  wìth  her  lips  compresaed,  and  quiverìng  with 
fear  and  horror:  'And  that  Lord  ....  tEÙt  ioaal .... 
He  did,  indeed,  promise . . .  .' 

'  He  ìb  bere  himaelf  in  peraon,  come  on  purpOBe  witli 
Tia,'  said  Don  Abbondio  ;  '  he  is  outside  waiting  for  no. 
Xiét  UB  go  at  once  ;  we  muatnt  keep  a  man  Ufee  Mm 
vaiting.' 

At  thia  moment,  he  of  whom  they  were  speaking  opened 
the  door,  and  ebowing  bimself  at  the  entrance,  carne  for^ 
ward  into  the  room.  Lucia,  who  but  just  before  had 
«iahed  for  him,  nav,  having  no  hope  in  saj  one  else  in  the 
world,  had  wished  lor  none  but  him,  now,  after  having  seen 
and  lietened  to  firiendly  faces  and  voicea,  could  not  restrain 
a  Budden  ahudder  ;  ahe  atarted,  beld  ber  breath,  and 
throwing  herself  on  the  good  voman'a  shoulder,  buried 
her  hcB  in  her  boaom.  At  the  first  aight  of  that  counte- 
nance,  on  wbìch,  the  evening  before,  be  had  been  unable 
to  maintain  a  eteadf  gaie,  now  rendered  more  pale,  lan- 
guid,  and  dejected,  by  prolooged  auffering  and  abstìnence, 
the  Unnamed  hsd  Huddenly  checked  hia  ateps  ;  now,  at 
the  night  of  her  impulse  of  terror,  he  cast  his  ejee  on  the 
ground,  stood  for  a  moment  aìlent  and  motionleea,  and 
ibeia  replving  to  whatthe  poor  girl  had  not  espresaed  in 
vorda,  '  It  ia  true,'  ezctaimed  he  ;  '  forgive  me  I' 

*  He  ia  come  to  set  you  free  ;  be'a  no  longer  what  be 
waa;  be  bas  become  good;  don't  yoa  bear  him  aeking 
youT  forgireness  F  '  saia  tbe  good  woman,  in  Lucia's  ear. 

'  Could  he  Bay  more  ?  Come,  lift  up  your  head  ;  don't 
be  a  baby;  we  can  go  directly,'  said  Don  Abbondio. 
Lucia  raiaed  her  face,  fooked  at  the  Unnamed,  and  seeing 
bis  head  bent  low,  and  bis  embarrassed  aod  bumble  loo^ 
she  wae  seized  with  a  mingted  feeling  of  comfort,  gratìtude, 
and  pity,  as  ehe  replied,  '  Oh  I  my  Lord  !  Qtod  reward  yon 
for  tnÌB  deed  of  mercy  1  ' 

'  And  you  a  thonsandfold,  for  tbe  good  yon  do  me  by 
theae  wcHFda.' 


,„oglc 


430  I   PROMEBSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

So'uyìng,  Iie  turned  round,  west  towaide  the  door,  and 
led  the  v&j  out  of  the  room.  Lucìa,  compietela  re- 
aasured,  followed,  leaniiig  oa  the  worthy  female's  arm. 


the  court.  The  Unnamed  opened  it,  went  towarda  the 
litter,  and,  vith  a  certaia  polìteneBs,  alnioat  mingled  with 
timidità,  (two  aovel  qualities  in  him,)  offered  his  arm  to 
Lucia,  to  aasist  her  to  get  in  ;  and  aflierwarda  to  the 
worthy  dame.  He  then  took  the  bridlee  of  the  two  muleg 
(rom  the  driver'a  hand,  and  gave  hie  arm  to  Doq  Abbondio, 
who  hod  approached  hìs  gentle  eteed. 

*  Oh  what  condescension  I'  Baid  Don  Abbondio,  as  he 
mouQted  touch  more  nimbly^  than  he  had  done  the  first 
time  ;  and  aa  eoon  as  the  Unnamed  waa  also  aeated,  the 
party  resumed  their  way.  The  Signor'e  hrow  waa  raìsed  : 
nia  countenance  had  regained  ita  cuatomary  eipreasion  of 
Ruthoritj'.  The  ruffiana  whom  the;  paaeed  on  their  wa;', 
discovered,  indeed,  in  hìa  face  the  marka  of  deep  tbought, 
and  an  eitraordinarv  aolìcitude  ;  but  thej  neither  under- 
Btood,  nor  could  understand,  more  about  it.  They  knew 
not  f  et  anything  of  the  great  change  which  had  taken 
place  in  their  master  ;  and,  undoubtedly,  none  of  them 
would  bare  divined  it  merely  from  coDJecture. 

The  good  woDian  immediately  drew  the  curtaina  over 
the  litt^  Windows  ;  and  then,  anectionately  taking  Luda's 
banda,  she  applied  henelfto  comfort  ber  with  exiiressiona 
of  pity,  congratulution,  and  tendemesa.  Seeing,  tnen,tbat 
not   only   fatigue   from    the  auSering  sbe  had    under- 

fone,  but  the  perplexity  and  obacurity  of  ali  that  bad 
ap^ened,  prevented  the  poor  girl  from  being  eeneible  of 
the  Joy  of  ber  delivcrance,  ahe  said  ali  ahe  could  tbìnk  of 
moat  likety  to  recali  her  recollection,  and  to  c)ear  up,  and 
set  to  righta,  so  to  aay,  ber  poor  Bcatt«red  thoughta.  She 
named  the  village  she  carne  from,  and  to  wbicb  tbey  vere 
nowgoing. 

*  Tea  I  said  Lucia,  who  knew  how  ahort  a  diatance  it 
was  from  ber  own.  '  Ah,  moat  holy  Madonna,  I  piaisn 
thee  1    My  mother  I  my  mother  1  ' 


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XXrr.]  THB  BETROTHED.  431 

We  will  sead  to  fètch  ber  directlr,'  said  ilie  good 
womau,  not  knowiug  that  it  vas  slreaoy  done. 

'  Yea,  yes,  and  GKjd  will  reward  70U  for  it . . . .  And 
yen,  who  are  you  P    How  bave  you  come  . . .  .' 

'  Our  Curate  sent  me,'  eaid  the  good  woman,  'because 
God  haa  touched  thia  Signor's  heart,  (bleased  be  Hìs 
Dame  1)  and  he  carne  to  our  village  to  speak  to  the  Signor 
Cardinal  Archbishop,  for  he  ia  tbere  inhìa  Tiaitation,  that 
ho]y  man  of  Gtoi  ;  and  he  haa  repented  of  bis  great  aina, 
And  wished  to  change  bis  life  ;  and  be  told  tbe  Cardinal 
,tbat  he  had  caueed  a  poer  innoceiit  to  be  aeized,  mettning 
you,  at  tbe  ìnetigation  of  anotber  peraon,  who  had  no  fear 
of  God  ;  but  the  Cnrate  didn't  teli  me  wbo  it  could  be.' 

Lucia  raiaed  ber  eyea  to  beaven. 

'  You  kaow  nbo  it  was,  perhaps,'  contioued  tbe  good 
woman.  '  Well  ;  "the  Signor  CÙdinal  thought  that,  as 
there  was  a  yonng  girl  in  the  question,  tbere  ought  to  be 
a  female  to  come  back  vith  ber  ;  and  he  told  tbe  Curate 
to  look  for  one  ;  and  the  Curate,  in  bis  goodneso,  carne  to 
me  .  . .  .' 

'  Oh,  tbe  Lord  recompenae  you  for  your  kindnesa  !  ' 

'Well,  just  lieten  to  me,  my  poor  cbild  I  And  tbe 
Signor  Curate  bid  me  encourage  you,  and  try  to  comfort 
you  directly,  and  point  out  to  you  how  the  Lord  haa 
aared  you  br  a  miracle  .  . . .' 

'  Ah  yes,  oy  a  miiacle  ìndeed  ;  through  the  interceaaioQ 
of  tbe  Madonna  I  ' 

'  Well,  that  you  ihould  bave  a  rigbt  apirìt,  and  forgive 
bim  wbo  boa  done  you  tbia  wrong,  and  Se  thankful  tbat 
God  haa  been  merciful  to  him,  yes,  and  pray  for  bim  too  ; 
for,  besides  that  you  will  be  rewarded  for  i^  you  will  also 
find  your  heart  lightened.' 

Lucia  replied  with  a  look  which  ezpremed  aaaent  as 
clearly  aa  worda  could  bave  dooe,  and  with  a  sweetneas 
which  worda  could  not  bave  conveyed. 

'  Noble  girl  1  '  reioined  tbe  woman.  '  And  your  Curate, 
too,  being  at  our  village,  (for  there  are  numbera  asaembled 
from  ali  the  country  round  to  elect  four  public  officerà,) 
the  Signor  Cardinal  thought  it  better  to  send  him  with 


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43S  I  PBOHEssi  SPOSI.  [cn. 

TU  ;  bnt  he  has  been  of  little  uae  :  I  had  before  beard  that 
he  waB  a  poor-spìrited  creature  ;  but,  oD  thia  occaaìoiit 
I  coutdn't  help  geeìng  that  he  waa  ae  firightened  aa  a 
chìcken  in  a  bundle  of  hemp.' 

'  And  this  man  . . .  .*  asked  Lucia,  '  thia  penon  wbo  has 
become  good  ....  who  ia  he  P  ' 

'  What  I  don't  you  knaw  bim  ?  '  aaid  the  good  woman, 
mentìoning  bis  nama 

'  Oh,  the  mercj  of  the  Lord  !  '  exclaimed  Ludo.  How 
oftea  bad  ahe  heard  tbat  name  repeated  with  borror  in 
more  thaa  one  atory,  in  which  it  alwaya  appeared  ao,  ia 
other  Btoriea,  tbat  of  the  monster  Orcus  !  And  at  the 
thougbt  of  bavias  once  been  in  hia  dreaded  power,  and 
beiug  Qow  under  dìs  mercifiil  protection — at  the  thought 
of  sucb  f earful  danger,  aad  euch  unlooked-for  deliverance  ; 
and  at  the  remembrance  of  whose  face  it  waa  that  bad  at 
first  appeared  to  ber  bo  baughtj,  afterwarda  bo  agitated, 
and  tben  bo  bumbled,  afae  remained  in  a  kind  of  ecatasf, 
only  occaaionally  repeating,  '  Oh,  what  a  mercy  !' 

'  It  ia  a  great  mercy,  indeed  I  '  aaid  the  good  woman. 
'  It  vili  be  a  great  relief  to  half  the  world,  to  ali  tbe  coun- 
try round.     To  tbink  how  many  people  he  kept  in  fear; 

and  now,  aa  our  Curate  told  me and  tben,  only  to  aee 

bis  £Ke,  he  ia  become  a  aaint  !  And  the  fruita  ara  aeen  ao 
directi j.' 

To  asaert  thia  worthy  peraon  did  not  feel  much  curioaity 
to  know  rather  more  explicitly  the  wonderfiil  circum- 
Btaacea  io  which  sbe  waa  called  upon  to  bear  a  part,  would 
Bot  be  tbe  truth.  But  we  must  say,  to  ber  honour,  that,  re- 
àtrùned  by  a  reapectful  pity  far  Lucia,  and  feeling,  in  a 
manner,  tbe  gravity  and  dignity  of  the  cbaive  which  had 
been  entruateid  to  ner,  sbe  never  even  thought  of  puttìng 
an  indiacreet  or  idle  queetion;  tbroughout  tbe  whole 
journey,  ber  worda  were  those  of  comfort  and  concera  fw 
the  poor  girl. 

'Heavenknowehow  long  itiaaince  you  bare  eatenany» 
tbing  !  ' 

'I  don't  remember  ....  not  for  some  time.' 

'  Poor  thìngi  you  muat  vant  aometbiog  to  atxeoigthen 
youp' 


ivCoO'^lc 


XXIT.l  THB   BBTSOTHKD.  433 

'  Tea,'  replied  Lucia,  in  a  faint  voice. 

'  Thank  God,  we  aliali  get  Bomething  at  home  directly. 
Take  beart,  for  it's  not  far  now,' 

Lucia  then  sank  languidly  to  the  bottom  of  the  litter, 
ai  if  oTercome  with  drowaines»,  and  the  good  wotnan  left 
her  quìetly  to  repoee. 

To  Don  Abbondio  the  return  waa  certainly  not  so  harass- 
ing  as  the  joumey  thither  not  long  bofore  ;  but,  neyerthe- 
lesB,  even  this  waa  not  a  ride  of  pleaaure.    When  hia  over- 


«helming  feara  had  subsided,  he  felt,  at  first,  a>  if  relieved 
from  every  burden;  Irat  very  aborti^  a  hundred  other 
fancicB  began  to  baant  his  ìmagination  ;  aa  the  ground 
whence  a  large  tree  has  been  upnwted  remains  bare  and 
empty  for  a  time,  but  ia  aoon  abundantly  corered  with 
Teeda.  He  had  become  more  aensitire  to  minor  cauaea  of 
alarm  ;  and  in  tboughta  of  the  pretent,  aa  well  aa  the 
future,  &iled  not  to  fiod  only  too  maoy  materiala  for  self- 


,c,oglc 


434  I  FxoHsssi  spoBi.  [cu. 

torment.  He  felt  now,  much  more  than  in  coining,  tbe 
iaconvenieDoeB  of  a  mode  of  tnveUiug  to  wbich  he  waa 
Dot  ftt  ali  accuitomed,  aad  particularlj  in  the  descent  boai 
the  castle  to  the  bottom  of  the  Talley.  The  mule^river, 
obedient  to  a  sign  from  the  Unnamed,  drare  on  the  animala 
at  a  rapid  pace  ;  the  two  riderà  fotlowed  in  a  line  behind, 
with  correaponding  apeed,  so  that,  in  Bundrv  ateep  placea, 
the  unfortunate  Don  Abbondio,  as  if  forceo  np  b;  alerer 
behind,  rolled  forward,  and  waa  obliged  to  keep  himaelf 
steady  hj  grasping  the  pommel  of  the  aaddle  ;  not  daring 
to  requeat  a  slower  pace,  and  anzioua,  atao,  to  get  out  of 
the  neighbourbood  as  quickty  as  he  could.  Beaidee  tbie, 
wherever  the  road  waa  on  an  eminence,  on  tbe  edge  of  a 
Bteep  bank,  tbe  mule,  according  to  tbe  custom  of  ita 
speciea,  Beemed  aa  if  aiming,  out  of  contempt,  alwaya  to 
keep  OH  the  outside,  and  to  aet  ita  feet  on  the  yerj  brink  ; 
and  Don  Abbondio  aaw,  almoat  perpendicularly  oeneath 
him,  a  good  leap,  or,  aa  he  thought,  a  precipice. — Eren 
Tou, — said  he  to  tbe  animai,  in  hia  beart, — bave  a  cuned 
mclìoation  to  go  in  eearcb  of  dangere,  when  there  ia  auoh 
a  aafe  and  wide  path. — And  he  pulled  the  brìdle  to  the 
opposìte  aide,  but  in  vain  ;  so  that,  grumblìng  with  vexa- 
tion  and  fear,  he  luffered  himaelf,  aa  usnal,  to  be  giiided  at 
tbe  will  of  othera.  The  ruffiana  no  tonger  gare  him  so 
inuch  alarm,  now  that  be  knew  for  certain  how  their  maa- 
ter  regarded  them. — But, — reflected  be, — if  tbe  newa  of 
thia  grand  convemon  sbould  get  abroad  among  them 
wbile  we  are  atill  bere,  wbò  knows  how  theae  fellowa  would 
take  it  ?  Wfao  knowa  what  raight  arise  from  it  ?  What, 
if  thejr  sbould  get  an  idea  that  I  am  come  bither  aa  a  mia- 
aionary  !  Heaven  preserve  me  !  they  would  martyr  me  ! 
. — The  baughty  brow  of  the  Unnamed  gave  him  no  uneaai- 
ness, — To  keep  those  viaageB  there  in  awe, — thought  he, 
— it  needa  no  lesa  tban  tbis  one  bere  ;  I  ondentand  tbat 
myaelf;  but  wby  baa  it  foUen  to  my  lot  to  be  tbrows 
tunongst  Bucb  péople  F — 

But  eoougb  ;  they  reached  the  foot  of  the  desoent,  and 
at  laogth  also  iseued  f^m  tbe  v^ley.  Tbe  brow  of  the 
Untuuned  became  gradually  emootber.  Don  Abbondio, 
too,  aaaumed  a  more  naturai  expreBsion,  releaaed  bis  head 


,»Ogk' 


XXIV.]  THE    BSTHOTHKD.  439 

aomewhat  &oin  imprisonmeiit  betneen  bis  shouldera, 
Btretched  bis  lega  and  arma,  trìed  to  be  a  little  more  at 
hÌB  ease,  whicb,  in  truth,  made  bim  look  like  a  diflìefent 
creature,  drew  bis  braatb  more  freelj,  and,  with  a  calmer 
mind,  proceeded  to  contemplate  other  and  reraoter  dangers. 
— What  will  that  Tillain  of  a  Don  Eodrigo  ear  P  To 
be  left  in  tbia  way,  wroaged,  and  open  to  ridicule  ;  just 
fanoy  whetber  tbat  vou't  be  a  bitter  dose.  Now'a  the 
time  TThen    be'U  play  the  deril  outright.     " 


alreadj  cboeen  to  Bend  thoBe  two  demona  to  meet  me  on 
the  high  road  with  Bucb  an  intimation,  vbat  wiU  be  do 
now,  Hearen  knows  I  He  can't  quarrel  with  bis  ìlluBtri- 
ouB  Lordship,  for  he'B  rather  out  of  bis  reach  ;  be'll  he 
obliged  to  gnaw  the  bit  with  him.  But  ali  the  while  the 
TfiDom  will  be  in  bis  veius,  and  be'll  be  Bure  to  vent  it 
npon  Bomebod^.  How  will  alt  these  tbings  end  P  Tbe 
hlow  muBt  alway B  fall  somenhere  ;  the  luh  must  be  up- 
lifted.  Of  conrse,  hie  illuatrionB  Lordehip  intenda  to 
place  Lucia  in  «afi^y  :  tbat  otber  unfortunate  miaguided 
jouth  ia  beyond  reacb,  and  haa  already  had  bia  abare; 
Bo  behold  the  toab  muat  fall  upon  my  ahouldere.  It  will 
indeed  be  cruel,  if,  after  so  many  inconveniencea  and  ao 
mucb  agitation,  «ithout  my  deaerving  it,  too,  in  the  leaat, 
I  abould  bave  to  bear  tbe  puniehment.  AVbat  will  bis 
moat  illuatrioua  Qrace  do  now  to  protect  me,  after  having 
brought  me  into  the  dance  P  Can  he  ensure  tbat  this 
curaed  wretch  won't  play  me  a  worse  trick  than  before  ? 
And,  beaidea,  be  baa  ao  many  thinga  to  tbink  of  ;  be  puts 
bia  band  to  ao  many  buaineaaes.  How  can  be  attena  to 
ali  P  Matterà  are  aometimes  left  more  entangled  than  at 
first.  Thoae  who  do  good,  do  it  in  tbe  groas  ;  wben  they 
bave  enjoyed  thia  eatiefaction,  tb^'ve  nad  enougb,  and 
won't  trouble  tbemselvea  to  look  after  tbe  conaequencea  ; 
but  they  who  bave  auch  a  tasto  for  evil-doinge,  are  mucb 
morediligent  ;  they  follow  it  upto  tbeend,andgivetbem- 
fletve8noreBt,beCBuse  they  bave  an  ever-derouring  canker 
within  them.  Must  I  go  and  aay  tbat  I  carne  bere  at 
the  expreBB  command  of  bia  illuatrious  Once,  and  net 


ogic 


436  I   PROMESSI   BFOSI.  [CH. 

with  my  own  good  will  P  That  would  se«m  «a  if  I 
fftvoured  the  wicked  (òde.  Oh,  sacred  Hesren  !  I  favour 
ths  wicked  lide  1  Far  the  pleasure  ìt  givea  me  1  Well  ; 
the  hest  pian  will  be  to  teli  Perpetua  the  caae  aa  it  ia, 
and  then  leave  it  to  ber  to  circuiate  ìt  ;  provided  my  Lord 
doean't  take  a  fancy  to  make  the  whole  matter  public, 
and  brìng  even  me  iato  the  scene.  At  any  rate,  aa  loon 
as  ever  we  airive,  if  he'g  out  of  church,  1  U  go  and  take 
my  leave  of  htm  as  quichly  aa  poaaible  ;  if  he's  Dot,  Vìi 
leare  an  apal<^,  and  go  off  home  at  once.  Lucia  ia  well 
attended  to  ;  there'a  no  need  for  me  ;  and  after  ao  much 
troublc,  I,  toc,  may  cUim  a  little  repoae.  And  beaìdea 
....  what  if  my  Lord  ahould  Teet  some  curioaity  to  know 
the  whole  hiatory,  and  it  ahould  fall  to  me  to  give  an  ac- 
count of  that  wedding  buainesa  I  Thìs  ia  ali  that  ia 
wanting  to  completo  it.  And  if  be  should  come  on  a 
TÌait  to  mr  parìsn  F  .  .  .  .  Oh,  let  it  be  what  it  will,  I  will 
not  trouble  myaelf  about  it  beforehand  ;  I  have  troublea 
enougb  already.  Far  the  preaent,  I  ehall  abut  myaelf  up 
at  home.  Aa  long  as  hia  Grace  ia  in  this  neighbourhood. 
Don  Bodrigo  won't  bare  the  face  to  make  a  atir.  And 
afterwards  .  . .  .  ob,  afterwarda  !  Ah,  I  see  that  my  last 
jeara  are  to  be  apent  in  aoirow  ! — 

The  party  arrired  before  the  aervicea  in  the  church 
wereover;  theypaesed  througb  the  stili  asaembled  crowd, 
which  muiifeated  no  leea  emotion  than  on  the  former 
occaaioD,  and  th^i  aeparated.  The  two  ridere  tumed 
Mide  into  a  amali  square,  at  the  extremity  of  which  atood 
the  Curate's  residence,  while  the  litter  went  forward  to 
that  of  the  good  woman. 

Don  Abbondio  kept  bis  word  :  scarcely  diamounted,  he 
paid  the  moat  obaequious  complimenta  to  the  Unnamed, 
and  begged  him  to  make  an  apology  for  him  to  bis  Grace, 
aa  he  must  return  immediately  to  bis  pariah  on  urgent 
busineas.  He  tben  went  to  aeek  for  what  he  called  bis 
borse,  that  ia  to  aay,  hia  walking-atick,  which  he  bad  left 
ìq  a  corner  of  the  hall,  and  set  off  on  foot.  The  Un- 
named  remained  to  wait  till  the  Cardinal  r«turaed  from 
church. 

The  good  woman,  haring  accommodated  Lucia  with 


,»Ogk' 


XXIT.]  THE    fiSTBOTHED.  437 

the  beat  Beat  ia  the  beat  place  in  ber  kitchen,  haitened 
to  prepare  a  little  refreshmeat  for  ber,  refiuiiig,  with  » 
kind  of  rustie  cordislity,  ber  reiterateci  expreasioiiB  of 
tluuiks  and  apology. 

Haitilf  putting  some  diy  sticka  under  a  veaael,  wbich 
she  had  replaced  upon  the  fire,  and  in  «hicb  floated  a 
good  capon,  she  quickly  made  tbe  broth  boìl  ;  and  theo, 
slling  from  it  a  porringer,  already  fumisbed  witb  eops  of 
bread,  ifae  vas  at  len^h  able  to  offer  it  to  Lucia.  And 
oo  seeing  the  poor  girl  re&esbed  at  erer^  epoonful,  ahe 
OODgratulated  nerself  aloud,  that  ali  tbia  had  bappened 
on  a  day  when,  ae  ebe  aaid,  the  cat  waa  not  eitting  on  the 
hearth-Btone.  'Eveiybody  contrives  to  set  out  a  table 
to-day,'  added  ehe,  'unless  it  be  tbose  poor  creatureswho 
can  scarcdv  get  bread  of  vetcbee,  and  a  polènta  of  millet; 
bowerer,  they  ali  bope  to  beg  something  to-day,  &om 
Bach  a  cbaritable  Signor.  We,  thank  Heaven,  are  not  h> 
badly  off:  what  with  mv  hosband'B  buainesa,  and  a  little 
plot  of  ground,  we  uan  Lve  very  well,  so  that  you  needn't 
nesitate  to  eat  irith  a  good  appetite;  the  'cbicken  will 
Boon  be  done,  and  you  can  then  refresb  yourself  witb 
Bomething  better.'  And,  receiving  the  little  porringn 
from  ber  hand,  she  tumed  to  prepare  the  dinner,  and  to 
set  out  the  table  for  the  &mily. 

Invigorated  in  body,  and  gradually  revived  in  beart, 
Lucia  now  hegan  to  settle  ber  dresa,  firom  an  inatinctiTa 
babit  of  cleanlineBB  and  modeatj:  sbe  tied  iip  and  ar- 
ranged  afreab  ber  looae  and  dishevelled  tresaee,  and  ad- 
jnsted  the  handkercbief  over  ber  boaom,  and  around  ber 
Deck.  Io  doìng  tbÌB,her  fingere  became  entangled  in  the 
chaplet  she  had  hung  there  ;  her  eye  reated  upon  it  ;  it 
arouBed  an  instantaneoas  agitation  in  her  beart;  tbe 
remembrance  of  her  vow,  httberto  auppreued  and  stifled 
by  tbe  preaence  of  bo  many  other  senaationa,  auddenly 
niehed  upon  ber  mind,  and  preaented  itaelf  clearly  and 
diatinctly  to  ber  view.  The  Bcarcely-recovered  powera 
of  ber  aoul  were  again  at  once  overcome;  and  had  she 
not  been  previoaBly  nrepared  by  a  life  of  innocence, 
reaignntion,  and  conÓding  faith,  the  conatemation  ahe 
experienced  at  that  momeot  would  bare  amountod  to 


438  I   TROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

despention.  ASter  &  tumuUuons  bunt  oF  snch  thoughtg 
u  wore  not  to  fae  expressed  in  wordi,  tbe  oolj  ones  ahe 
could  form  ia  ber  mind  were, — Oh,  poor  me,  whatever 
h&re  I  done  I — 

But  Bcarcelf  bad  ahe  indulged  th«  thought,  when  she 
felt  a  kmd  of  terror  at  harìng  doue  bo.  Sne  recoltected 
ali  the  circamstancea  of  the  vow,  ber  inBupportable 
anguìsb,  ber  deapair  of  ali  human  succour,  the  ferveacj 
of  her  prajer,  the  entirOQeas  of  feeling  witb  which  the 
promiae  bad  been  made.  And  after  baviug  obtained  ber 
petition,  to  repent  of  ber  promise  aeemed  to  ber  nothing 
lesB  than  aacrìlegious  ingratitude  and  perfida  towarda 
OodandtheYirginjabeimagi&ed  thnt  such  unfaithfulnesa 
wouid  draw  down  upoa  ber  new  and  more  terhble  misfor- 
tunes,  in  whiob  ebe  could  not  find  consolation  even  in 
prayer;  and  ahe  haatencd  to  abjure  ber  momentaiy 
reeret.  Sm'ereutly  taking  the  roeary  from  ber  neck,  and 
holding  it  in  her  trembEag  band,  ahe  coniìrmed  and 
renewed  the  vow,  imploring,  at  the  same  time,  nìth  beart- 
rending  earnestneaa,  that  atrength  might  be  given  her  to 
fulill  it  ;  and  that  ahe  migbt  be  spared  such  tBougbts  and 
occurrences  aa  would  be  likely^,  ìf  Dot  to  diaturb  ber 
resolution,  at  leaat  to  harasa  her  bejond  endurance.  The 
diatance  of  Benio,  vithout  any  probabilitj  of  return, 
that  diatance  wbich  ahe  bad  bitlierto  felt  so  painful,  now 
•eemed  to  ber  a  diapenaation  of  Providence,  wbo  bad 
made  the  two  events  work  together  for  tbe  aame  end  ; 
and  ahe  aougbt  to  find  in  the  one  a  motire  of  conaolatìon 
for  tbe  other.  And,  foUowing  up  thia  tbought,  ahe  began 
repreaentìng  to  beraelf  that  tbe  same  Providence,  io  com- 
plete tbe  work,  would  know  wbat  meana  to  employ  to 
induce  fienzo  bimaelf  to  be  reaigned,  to  think  no  more 
....  But  Bcorcely  bad  such  an  idea  entered  her  mind, 
wben  ali  was  again  overturued.  The  poor  girl,  feeling 
ber  beart  atill  prone  to  regret  the  tow,  again  had  recouree 
to  prajer,  confirmatìon  of  tbe  promiae,  and  inward 
atruggles,  irom  which  ahe  aroae,  if  we  may  be  aliowed 
the  eipreaaion,  like  tbe  wearied  and  wounded  fictor  from 
bia  falten  enemy . 

At  tbia  moment  ahe  beard  approachmg  footatepa  and 


,»Ogk' 


XXIT.]  THB   BKTROTHKD.  439 

jojoua  cries.  It  waa  the  little  familv  returning  &0111 
ehurcb.  Two  little  giris  and  a  joung  boy  bounded  into 
the  bouae,  who,  etopping  a  moment  to  cast  an  inquisitiTe 
glance  at  Lucia,  ran  to  their  mother,  and  gatberea  around 
Ber;  one  inquiring  the  natne  of  the  UDknown  gueat,  and 
hfm,  and  why  ;  another  attempting  to  relate  the  wonder- 
ful  things  thej  had  just  witneeeed  ;  wbile  the  good  wouuo 
raplied  to  each  and  ali,  '  Be  quiet,  he  quiet.'  With  a  more 
■edate  step,  but  vith  oordial  interest  depicted  on  his 
countenacce,  the  master  of  the  house  then  entered.  He 
was,  if  we  hkve  not  yet  said  so,  the  t&ilor  of  the  village 
and  ita  immediate  netgbbourhood  ;  a  man  who  knev  how 
to  reod,  vbo  had,  in  fact,  read  more  than  once  11  Leg- 
gendario (fa'  SatOi,  and  I  Reali  di  li-aneia,  and  who 
passed  among  bis  fellow-Tillagers  aa  a  man  of  talent  and 
learoing  ;  a  character,  however,  which  he  modesti^  dis- 
claimeiC  011I7  saying,  that  he  had  mistaken  hia  vocatton, 
and  that,  had  he  applied  himself  to  Btudy,  instead  of  su 
many  othen  ....  and  so  on.  Wìth  ali  this,  he  was  the 
beet-tempered  creature  in  the  world.  Having  been  pre- 
■ent  wben  bis  wife  was  requested  by  the  Curate  to  un- 
dertake  ber  charitablejoumej,  he  had  not  only  given  bis 
approbation,  but  would  also  bare  sdded  his  persuasion, 
bad  it  been  neoeMarf .  And  now  that  the  serrices,  the 
pomp,  the  ooncourse,  and  above  ali,  the  tertnon  of  the 
Can£nal,  bad,  aa  the  saying  is,  elerated  ali  bis  beat  feel- 
ing», he  retumed  home  with  eager  anticipations,  and  an 
■Diioos  deaire  to  know  how  the  thing  had  succeeded,  and 
to  find  tbe  innocent  joaag  creature  safe. 

'  Bee,  there  she  is  !  '  said  bis  good  wife,  as  be  entered, 
pointiivg  to  Lucia,  who  blushed,  and  rose  from  ber  Beat, 
beginning  to  stammer  forth  some  apology.  But  be, 
sdvancing  towards  her,  interrupted  her  ezcusee,  eongra- 
tulating  ber  on  ber  safety,  and  exclaiming,  '  Welcome, 
welcome  !  You  are  tbe  blessiug  of  Heaven  in  this  house. 
How  glad  I  am  to  see  you  here  !  I  was  pretty  suro  you 
would  be  brought  out  safety  ;  for  I'?e  never  Ibund  tbat 
the  Lord  began  a  miracle  without  bringing  it  to  a  good 
end  ;  but  l'm  glad  to  see  you  here.  Foor  girl  !  but  it  is 
ìnde«d  a  great  thing  to  bare  received  a  miriKJe  !  ' 


byCOOglC 


SI.  [CH. 

Let  it  Dot  be  thon^t  that  he  wu  the  onlr  penon  vho 
thua  denominated  this  eveat,  because  be  baa  read  tbe 
Legendary  ;  ta  long  as  tbe  remembronce  of  it  lasted,  it 
was  epoken  of  in  no  other  terms  in  the  whole  village,  and 
througbout  the  neighbourhood.  And,  ta  eaj  trutb,  con- 
aidering  ita  atteadant  and  folloving  consequences,  no 
other  name  is  so  appropriate. 

Tben,  aidling  up  to  bis  wife,  wbo  was  tabing  the  kettle 
off  the  hook  over  the  fire,  he  whiapered,  '  Did  ererythiiig 
go  on  well  F  ' 

'  Very  well  ;  TU  teli  yoa  aflerwards.' 

'  Tee,  yes,  at  your  cODrenience.' 

Binner  now  being  guickly  serred  up,  tbe  mistreas  of 
the  house  went  np  to  Lucia,  and  leading  ber  to  tbe  table, 
made  ber  tabe  a  seat  ;  then  cutting  off  a  wing  of  tbe  fowl, 
she  set  it  before  ber,  and  sbe  and  her  huaband  aitting 
down,  tber  both  begged  their  dispirited  and  basbful  guest 
to  m&ke  nerself  at  home,  and  toke  Bometbing  to  eat. 
Between  erery  mouthtul,  tbe  tailor  began  to  talk  with 
great  eagemesB,  in  spite  of  tbe  interruptions  of  the 
children,  wbo  stood  round  the  table  to  tbeir  meal,  and 
wbo,  in  trutb,  bad  aeen  too  many  extraordinary  tbiuga,  to 
play,  for  any  lengtb  of  tìme,  tbe  part  of  mere  listenera. 
He  descrìbed  tbe  solemn  ceremomea,  and  tben  passed  oa 
to  the  miraculous  conversion.  But  that  which  bad  made 
moat  impreesion  upou  him,  and  to  wbich  be  moat  &e- 
qnently  leturned,  waa  the  Cardinal'i  aermon. 

'  To  Ree  him  there  before  tbe  aitar,'  said  he,  '  a  geatle* 
man  like  bim,  like  a  Curat«  .  .  . .' 

■  And  tbat  gold  tbing  be  bad  on  bis  head  . . . .'  aaid  a 
little  girl. 

'  Husb.  To  think,  I  aay,  that  a  gentleman  like  him, 
such  a  leamed  man,  too,  tbat  from  what  people  aay,  he 
bae  read  ali  the  books  there  ore  in  the  world;  a  tbing 
which  nobody  else  has  ever  done,  not  evea  ia  Milan — to 
think  tbat  he  knew  bow  to  aay  tbiuga  in  auch  a  way,  that 
eTery  one  underatood .  . . .' 

'  Éreu  I  understood  very  well,'  said  auotber  little 
prattler. 


;dbv  Google 


XXIV.]  THB  BBTROTHED.  441 

Hold  TOUT  tongne  ;  what  ma;  you  bare  undentood,  I 
wonderP' 

'  I  ondentood  tbot  he  was  explainÌDg  the  Goapel,  ìn- 
atead  of  the  Signor  Curate.' 

'  Well,  be  qoiet.  I  don't  w.j  those  who  know  aome- 
thiiig,  for  tben  one  ia  oblìged  to  understand  ;  but  even 
the  dullest  and  moBt  ignoiant  couid  follow  out  the  Beau. 
Go  DOW  and  aak  them  if  thej  could  repeat  tbe  words  that 
be  spoke  :  l'U  engagé  tbe^  could  not  remember  one  ;  but 
the  meaning  tbej  will  bave  in  their  heade.  And  witbout 
e*eF  mentioning  the  name  of  that  Signor,  bow  easy  it 
vaa  to  see  that  be  was  alluding  to  bim  I  Besidea,  to  un- 
dentand  that,  one  bad  onlv  to  obeerve  hìm  witb  the  tears 
standing  in  hia  eje.  And  tben  the  whole  church  began 
to  weep . .  .  .' 

'  Tea,  indeed,  the^  did,'  burst  forth  the  little  boy  ;  '  bnt 
why  were  they  ali  crying  in  that  way,  like  childrénP  ' 

'  Hold  your  tongne.  Surely  tbere  are  some  hard  hearta 
in  tbÌB  country.  And  he  made  ns  see  ao  «eli,  that  thougb 
tbere  ìb  a  &mine  bere,  we  ought  to  tbaok  Qod,  and  he 
content  ;  do  wbaterer  we  can,  work  industriouBly,  help 
one  another,  and  tben  be  cont«it,  because  it  ia  no  disgrace 
to  suffer  and  be  poor  ;  the  disgrace  ia  to  do  evil  And 
tbeie  are  net  only  fine  worde  ;  for  ererybody  knowa  that 
be  livea  like  a  poor  man  bimaelf,  and  taVee  the  bread  out 
of  bis  own  mouth  to  gire  to  the  hungry,  when  he  might 
be  enjoying  good  timea  better  than  any  one.  Ah  !  then 
it  givee  one  latisfaction  to  bear  a  man  preacb  ;  not  like 
ao  many  otbers;  "  Do  what  I  Bay,  and  not  what  1  do." 
And  then  be  ehowed  uà  that  even  tboee  who  are  not  what 
they  cali  gentlemeu,  if  they  bare  more  tban  tbey  actually 
waat,  are  Dound  to  ahare  it  witb  those  who  are  auSiBrìng.' 

Here  be  interrupted  bimaelf,  aa  if  checked  by  some 
thought.  He  hesitated  a  moment  ;  then  fiUing  a  platter 
from  the  eeveral  dìshee  on  the  table,  and  adding  a  loaf  of 
bread,  be  put  it  into  a  cloth,  and  taking  it  by  tbe  four 
cornerà,  aaid  to  bis  eldeat  girl  :  '  Sere,  take  this.'  He 
then  put  ìnto  ber  other  band  a  little  flaek  of  wine,  and 
added  :  '  Go  down  to  tbe  wldow  Maria,  leave  ber  theee 


byCOO'^IC 


44S  I   FBOHESat    HPOel.  [CH. 

tliings,  and  toQ  her  it  is  to  make  a  little  feut  vith  her 
cbildren.  But  do  it  kindly  and  nicely,  jou  koow;  that 
it  mar  not  seem  aa  if  j'oii  were  domg  her  a  charitf . 
And  don't  aay  auything,  if  70U  meet  any  oae  ;  aod  tsk« 
care  you  break  nothing.' 

Lucia'e  ojea  glistened,  and  her  heart  glowed  witb  tender 
emotion  ;  as  front  the  conversation  she  oad  alreadj  heard, 
ahe  had  received  more  comfort  than  an  expresaly  conaola- 
tory  sermoa  could  posaibty  bave  impartea  to  ber.  Her 
inind,  attracted  bj  theae  deacriptìooi,  theee  imagea  of 
pomp,  and  tbese  emotianB  of  piety  and  wonder,  and 
abarmg  in  the  Tery  enthusiaam  of  the  narrator,  wsa  de- 
tacbed  from  the  consideration  of  ita  own  aorrows  ;  and  on 
retuming  to  tbem,  found  itaelf  atrengthened  to  oontem- 
piate  tbem.  Even  the  tbought  of  ber  tremendous  eocrifice, 
tbougb  it  had  not  loat  ita  bittemeas,  brougbt  with  it  some- 
tbing  of  austere  and  soletnn  Joy. 

Shortly^  afterwards,  the  Curate  of  the  village  entered, 
and  said  that  he  waa  aent  by  the  Cardinal  to  inquire  after 
Lucia,  and  to  inform  ber  tbat  bis  Orace  wìehed  to  see  her 
some  time  during  the  day  ;  and  then,  in  bis  Lordsbip'a 
Dame,  he  retunied  many  thanka  to  the  worthy  conple. 
Surprìsed  and  agitated,  tue  tbree  could  acarcety  &id  worda 
to  reply  to  snob  messages  from  ao  great  a  peraonage. 

'Andyour  moUierhBan't  yet  amvedP'said  the  Corate 
to  Lucia. 

'  My  mother  I  '  exclaimed  the  poor  girl.  Then  hearing 
from  nim  how  he  had  sent  to  fetch  her  by  the  order  ana 
euggeation  of  the  Arcbbishop,  Bhe  drew  her  apron  over 
her  eyes,  and  gare  way  to  a  flood  of  tears,  which  continued 
to  flow  for  aome  titne  after  the  Curate  had  taken  bis 
leare.  "When,  however,  the  tumultuons  feetings  which 
had  been  ezcited  by  such  an  announcement  oegan  to 
yield  to  more  tranquil  thoughta,  tbe  poor  girl  remembered 
that  the  now  cloaely  itnpending  happineea  of  seeing  her 
mother  again,  a  bappineas  so  unboped-for  a  few  noun 
previouB,  was  what  she  had  ezpressly  ìinplored  in  tboae 
very  bours,  and  almost  atipulated  aa  a  condition  of  her 
vow.  .finn;  me  t'n  K^ely  to  my  mother,  ahe  had  said  ;  and 
tbese  words  now  presented  themsehes  dietiDctlj  to  ber 


ZXIT.]  THB   BETOOTHED.  443 

memorf .  She  strengthened  beraelf  more  tban  ever  in  the 
TesolutiOQ  to  maintaia  ber  promise,  And  airesh  and  more 
bitterly  lamented  tbe  etruggle  and  regret  sbe  had  for  4 
moment  indulged, 

Agnese,  indeed,  vhile  thej  were  talkìng  about  ber,  wos 
but  a  ver^  little  waj  ofi*.  It  may  easily  be  imagined  bov 
tbe  poor  woman  felt  at  tbis  onezpected  summona,  and  at 
tbe  onnouticement,  necessarily  defectìve  and  coufueed,  of 
an  escaped  but  fearful  danger, — an  obacure  event,  wbich 
the  meBseoger  could  neitber  circurnstuitiate  nor  explaìn, 
■od  of  whicn  abe  bad  not  tbe  aligbteat  ground  of  explaaa* 
tion  in  her  own  previous  thougbtg.  After  tearing  ber 
hair, — after  frequent  eiclamationa  of  '  Ah  my  God  !  Ab 
Madonna  !  ' — aner  putting  rarious  queatioos  to  the  me»- 
senger  wbicb  he  ìmA  not  tbe  meana  of  Batiaffìn^,  ahe 
threw  beraelf  impetuouBlj  into  tbe  vebide,  contmumg  to 
utter,  on  ber  way,  numberless  ejaculationi  and  uaeleM  in- 
quiriee.  But  at  a  certain  poiut  ahe  met  Don  Abbondio, 
trud^ng  on,  atep  after  atep,  and  before  each  step,  bis 
walkme-Btick.  After  ao  'ohi'  Irom  botb  parties,  be 
ttoppea;  Agnese  alao  etopped  and  diamounted;  and 
drawing  him  apart  into  a  chestout-grore  on  tbe  road* 
aide,  abe  there  leamt  from  Don  Abbondio  ali  tbat  he  bad 
been  able  to  ascertain  aud  obaerve.  Tbe  thing  waa  not 
dear  ;  but  at  teaat  Agnese  waa  aasured  tbat  Lucia  was  in 
safetr;  and  ahe  agaJn  breatbed  freetf. 

After  tbia  Don  Abbondio  tried  to  introduce  another 
lubject,  aud  gire  ber  minute  iuatructtouB  aa  to  how  ahe 
ought  to  bebave  before  the  Arcbbisbop,  if,  as  was  likely, 
he  should  wish  to  see  her  and  her  daugbter  ;  and,  above 
aU,  that  it  would  not  do  to  say  a  word  about  tbe  wedding 
....  But  Agneae,  perceìving  tbat  he  was  only  apeaking 
for  bis  own  interest,  cut  bim  short,  without  promising, 
indeed  withont  proposing,  anytbing,  for  sbe  bad  some- 
thing  else  to  think  about  ;  and  immediately  resumed  ber 
joumey. 

At  length  tbe  cart  arrired,  and  etoppe,d  at  the  tailor's 
honse.  Lada  spiang  up  haatily  ;  Agnese  dismounted 
and  roabed  impetuouslf  into  tbe  cottage,  and,  in  an  in- 
■tsnt,  they  were  locked  in  each  other's  arma.    The  good 


,„oglc 


444  I  PROMESSI  SFOS.  [CH. 

dame,  wbo  alone  was  preseat,  tried  to  eneonrage  and 
cairn  tbem,  aad  shared  with  them  in  their  jo^  ;  tben,  with 
her  uBual  dÌBcretioii,  she  lefl;  tbem  for  a  while  alone,  mv- 
ing  that  she  would  go  and  prepan  a  bed  for  them,  for 
wbicb,  indeed,  abe  bad  the  means,  thougb,  in  any  case, 
both  she  and  ber  busbaud  vould  much  rather  bave  alept 
upon  the  ground,  tban  soffer  tbem  to  go  in  searcb  of 
Bnelt«r  etaewhere  for  tbat  night. 

The  firet  bunt  of  soba  and  embraoes  being  over,  Agnese 
loi^ed  to  bear  Luoia'e  adventures,  and  tbe  latt«r  began, 
maumfull^,  to  relate  tbem.  But,  as  the  reader  is  aware, 
it  waa  a  biatory  Tbich  nu  one  knew  fìilly  ;  and  to  Lucia 
heraelf  tbere  were  some  obscure  paBsages,  which  were,  in 
fàct,  quite  inextrìcable  :  more  particularl^  tbe  fatai  coin- 
cidence  of  tbat  terribìe  csrriage  being  in  tbe  road,  just 
vben.  Lucìa  waa  psasing  on  an  eztraordinai;  occaaion. 
On  tbis  point,  bota  motber  and  daughter  were  loat  in  con- 
jecture,  wìthout  ever  hìtting  tbe  mark,  or  evea  approacb- 
ing  tbe  real  cause. 

Ab  to  the  principal  author  of  tbe  plot,  neither  one  sor 
the  otfaer  could  for  a  moment  doubt  (mt  that  it  waa  Don 
Bodriga 

'Ah,  the  black  rUlain!  ab,  the  infemal  flrebrandl' 
exduraed  Agnese  :  '  but  hia  bour  will  come.  Ood  will 
reward  him  acoordiog  to  bis  worka  ;  and  then  he,  too,  will 
feel. . .  .' 

'  No,  no,  motber  ;  no  !  '  interrupted  Lncia  ;  *  don't  pre- 
dict  BuSerìng  for  him  ;  don't  predict  it  to  anj  one  I  If 
Tou  knew  what  it  waa  to  suffer  !  If  y^ou  had  tried  it! 
No,  no  I  rather  let  uà  pray  Qoi  and  tbe  Madonna  for 
him  :  that  Qod  would  touch  bis  heart,  aa  he  has  done  to 
this  otber  poor  Signor,  wbo  mot  worse  than  he  is,  and  is 
Qow  a  aaint.' 

The  sbuddering  horror  that  Lucia  felt  in  retraeing  snch 
recent  and  cruel  acenes,  made  ber  more  than  once  pause 
in  tbe  mìdst  ;  more  than  once  sbe  eaid  she  had  not 
courage  to  go  on  ;  and,  after  maay  teara,  with  difficulty 
resumed  her  account.  But  a  different  feeling  cbeck^ 
ìitT  at  a  certain  point  of  tbe  narration, — at  the  mention 
of  tbe  70W.    Tbe  fear  of  being  blamed  by  ber  motber  as 


,»Ogk' 


to  open  b 
«he  leel,  ' 


XXIT.]  THE   BBTBOTHXD.  440 

impradent  and  precipitate  ;  or  tbat,  U  in  the  affair  of 
the  wedding,  she  ahould  bring  forward  one  of  ber  broad 
ruIeB  of  conacience,  and  trv  to  make  it  prerail;  or  that, 
poor  woman,  ahe  Bbould  teli  it  to  some  one  in  confidence, 
if  nothing  elae,  to  obtain  tight  and  couoael,  and  thiu 
make  it  publicly  known,  from  the  bare  idea  of  whìch 
Lucia  abrank  back  witb  inBupportable  ebame  ;  together 
vith  a  feeling  of  preeent  sbame,  an  inezplicable  repug- 
nance  tu  apeak  od  sacb  a  Hubject  ; — ali  tbeae  thinga  to- 
gether  determined  ber  to  maintain  absolnte  ailence  on 
thia  important  ciroumatance,  propoaing,  in  her  own  mind, 
a  beraelf  first  to  Fatber  Crietoforo.  But  what  did 
I,  wben,  in  inquiring  after  bim,  ahe  beard  that  he 

s  DO  longer  st  Peecarenico  ;  that  he  bad  been  eent  to 
a  town  far,  far  away,  to  a  town  beariug  aucb  and  aucb  a 
name!  '] 

'  And  Benzo  F  '  said  Agnese. 

'  He'a  in  aafet^,  ian't  he  ?  '  aaid  Lucìa,  haatily. 

*  That  much  ib  certain,  becauae  eTerjbody  eaya  so  ;  it 
ja  thouffht,  too,  pretty  surelf,  that  he's  gone  to  the  terri- 
to^  of  Beliamo  ;  but  the  ezact  place  nobodr  knows  : 
aud  hitberto  he  has  sent  no  news  of  hitnself.  PerhapB  he 
baan't  yet  foond  a  way  of  doing  so.' 

'  Ah,  if  he*B  in  aafety,  the  Lord  be  praiaed  I  '  said 
Lucia  i  and  ahe  wsa  Heeking  eome  otber  Bubject  of  con- 
reraation,  wben  they  were  interrupted  by  an  uneipected 
norelty — tbe  appearance  of  the  Cardinal  Arcbbiabop. 

Thia  boly  preLate,  haring  returned  &om  church,  wbere 
we  last  loft  him,  and  havìng  beard  from  tbe  Unnamed  of  / 
Luoia's  aafe  arrivai,  had  Bat  down  to  dinner,  placing  bia  ^ 
new  friend  on  hia  right  band,  in  tbe  midat  of  a  circle  of 
priestfl,  wbo  were  never  wearv  of  casting  glancea  at  that 
countenance,  now  so  subdued  without  weakneaB,  bo  bum- 
ble  nithout  dejection,  and  of  comparing  him  with  the 
idea  tbey  had  so  long  entertained  of  thia  formidable  pe^ 
Bonsge. 

Dinner  being  removed,  the  two  sgaia  withdrew  to- 
gelher.  After  a  converaation,  whioh  lasted  much  looger 
than  tbe  first,  the  Unnamed  set  off  anew  for  his  Caatle, 
on  tbe  ssme  mule  which  hud  home  him  thìther  in  the 


MI.  [CH. 

moming;  and  the  Cardinal,  calling  the  prìett  of  the 
parish,  told  him  that  he  wiabed  to  be  guidea  to  the  houae 
where  Lucia  had  found  shelter. 

'  Oh,  mr  Lord  !  '  replJed  the  parish  priest,  allow  me, 
and  I  wjJI  eend  directly  to  bid  the  young  givi  come  bore, 
with  her  mother,  if  sfae  haa  arrived,  and  their  hoata  toc, 
if  jDj  Lord  wiahee  —  indeed,  aU.that  jour  iiluBtrìouB 
Orace  deairee  to  aee.' 

'  I  vish  to  go  myaelf  to  tee  them,'  replied  Federigo. 

'  There'a  no  neceaeity  for  your  illaatnoua  Lordship  to 
give  yourself  th&t  trouble;  I  will  eend  directly  to  fetch 
them  :  it'a  very  quickly  done,'  inaisted  the  peraeTerìng 
epoiler  of  bis  pWa,  (a  worthy  man  on  the  wbole,)  not 
comprebending  that  the  Cardinal  wiahed  by  tbis  viait  to 
do  bononr  at  once  to  the  nnfortanate  girl,  to  innocenoe, 
to  faoapitality,  and  to  bis  offa  minietry.  Bat  the  superìor 
having  again  ezpreeaed  the  eame  desire,  the  inferior  bowed, 
and  led  the  way. 

Wben  the  two  companiona  were  aeen  to  enter  the  Street, 
eTOry  one  immediately  gathered  ronnd  them  ;  aad,  in  » 
few  moments,  peopte  flocked  from  overy  direction,  form- 
ing  two  wingB  at  their  BÌdea,  and  a  tràin  behind.  The 
Curate  officiouBty  repeated,  '  Come,  come,  keep  back,  keep 
off;  fye  !  fyel'  Federigo,  however,  forbade  him  ;  'Let 
them  alone,  let  them  alone  ;  '  and  be  walked  on,  now  raiaing 
bis  band  to  blesa  the  people,  now  lowerìng  it  to  fondle  the 
cbìldren,  who  gathered  round  bis  feet.  In  tbis  way  tbey 
reached  the  house,  and  entered,  the  crowd  hedging  round 
the  door  outside.  In  this  crowd  the  tailor  also  found 
himaelf,  baring  followed  behind,  like  the  rest,  with  eager 
eyes  and  open  mouth,  not  knowing  whitber  they  were 
going.  When  be  saw,  however,  tbis  unexpected  whither, 
he  forced  the  throng  to  make  way,  it  may  be  iinagined 
with  what  buatle,  crying  over  and  over  agaìn,  '  Make  way 
for  one  who  haa  a  nght  to  pass  ;  '  and  so  went  into  the 
houae. 

Agnese  and  Lucìa  board  an  increaaing  murmur  in  the 
atreet,  and  while  wonderìng  vbat  it  conld  be,  saw  the 
door  thrown  open,  and  admit  the  purple-ciad  preUte,  utd 
the  priest  of  the  parish. 


;dbv  Google 


XXIV.']  THE    BETBOTBBD.  447 

'  la  this  she  ?  '  demonded  Federigo  of  tbe  Curate  ;  and- 
OD  reoeÌTÌDg  a  cngii  in  tbe  affinnative,  he  advanced  to- 
warda  Lucia,  vho  was  holding  back  with  ber  mother,  both 
of  them  motìonlesa,  acd  mute  with  surpriae  and  baahful- 
aeaa;  but  the  tone  of  bis  voice,  the  countenance,  tbe 
behaviour,  and,  above  ali,  tbe  vords  of  Federigo,  quicklj 
Teanimated  them.  -  '  Poor  girl,'  he  b^an,  '  Qod  has  per- 
mitted  you  to  be  pnt  to  9  great  trial  ;  but  He  bas  iurelj 
■bown  700  tbat  His  eje  was  stili  over  jou,  that  He  haa 
not  forgotten  7011.  He  haa  restored  you  in  safety,  and 
bas  nude  use  of  tou  for  a  great  work,  to  show  infinite 
mercy  to  one,  and  to  relieve,  at  the  aame  time,  mauy 
otben.' 

Kere  the  mistress  of  tbe  house  carne  iato  the  apart< 
ment,  wbo,  at  tbe  bustle  outside,  had  gone  to  tbe  window 
upataira,  and  seeing  who  waa  entering  tbe  house,  hastily 
ran  domi,  after  sligbtly  arraoging  ber  dress  ;  and  almost 
at  tbe  same  moment  tbe  tailor  made  his  appearance  at 
anotber  door.  Seeing  tbeir  guests  engaged  in  conversa- 
tion,  tbey  quietly  witadrew  into  one  corner,  and  waited 
there  witb  profound  respect.  Tbe  Cardinal,  haring 
courteously  saluted  them,  continued  to  talk  to  the  wo- 
men,  mingliog  with  bis  words  of  comfort  maay  inquiriea, 
thinking  he  might  possihly  gatber  &om  tbeir  replica  some 
way  of  deing  gooa  to  one  who  had  undergone  bo  mnch 
•uffering. 

'  It  would  be  well  if  ali  prieots  were  like  your  Lord- 
■hip,  if  they  would  sometimes  take  tbe  part  of  tbe  poor, 
and  not  h^p  to  put  tbem  into  difficulties  to  get  them- 
selves  out,'  said  Agnese,  emboldened  by  tbe  kind  and 
afiiable  behaviour  of  Federigo,  and  sanoyed  at  the  thought 
that  the  Signor  Don  Abbondio,  after  having  sacrificed 
othera  on  every  occosion,  sbould  now  even  attempt  to 
forbid  tbeir  giving  vent  to  tbeir  feetings,  and  complaining 
to  one  who  wos  set  in  authority  over  bim,  when,  by  aa 
unoslial  chanoe,  the  occasion  for  doing  so  presented  itaelf. 

'  Just  say  ali  tbat  you  thinfc,'  said  the  Cardinal  :  '  speak 
freely.' 

'  I  mean  to  aay,  that  if  our  Signor  Curate  had  done  ìàa 
Aatj,  tbingi  wouldn't  bave  gone  aa  they  bave.* 


..notale 


448  I  FBOMESSI  BPOSL  [CH. 

Bnt  the  Cardinal  renewìng  Uà  lequert  that  she  Bhould 
ezplain  herseìf  more  falìj,  ahe  began  to  feei  rather  per- 
plexed  at  haring  to  relate  a  atoty  in  which  ahe,  too,  Dad 
Dome  a  part  she  did  not  care  to  tnake  known,  eepecially 
to  Huch  a  man.  Howerer,  she  ^ntrived  to  mani^  it, 
with  the  help  of  a  little  curtaìling.  She  related  the  in- 
teaded  mat^,  and  the  refusai  of  Don  Abbondio  ;  nor 
was  she  ailent  on  the  pretext  of  the  twperìori  wfaich  he 
had  brought  Forward  (ah,  Agnese  I)  ;  and  then  she  skipped 
on  to  Don  Bodrigo's  attempi,  and  hoT,  having  Doen 
varned  of  it,  ther  Iiad  been  able  to  make  their  escape. 
'  But  indeed,'  added  ahe,  in  concluaion,  '  we  onlj  eecaped 
to  he  agaÌD  caught  in  the  anare.  If  ioatead,  the  Signor 
Corate  had  honeatly  told  uà  the  whole,  and  had  immedi- 
atel;  married  my  poor  ehildren,  we  would  have  gone  away 
ali  together  directlj,  privatela,  and  far  enough  off,  to  ■ 
place  where  not  even  the  wind  would  bave  known  uà. 
But,  in  this  waj,  time  was  loat  ;  and  now  tua  bappened 
what  has  bappened.' 

'  The  Signor  Curate  ahall  render  me  on  account  of  tbia 
matter,'  aaid  the  Cardinal. 

'  Oh  no,  Signor,  no  !  '  replied  Agnese  :  '  I  dìdn't  «peak 
a  that  account  :  don't  scold  bim  ;  for  what  ìa  dono,  ia 


o  just  the  aame.' 

But  Lucia,  disaatiafìed  with  this  wa;  of  relating  the 
story, added:  'Webare  alao  dono  wronc::  Jt  ebows  it 
was  not  the  Lord's  will  that  the  pian  sboiud  succeed.' 

'What  canyoubavedone  wrong,  my  poor  girl  F'  asked 
l'ederigo. 

And,  in  spìte  of  the  threatening  glanoes  wbìcb  ber 
mother  tried  to  give  h^  secretljr,  Lucia,  in  her  turor-. 
related  the  hiatory  of  their  attempt  in  Don  Abbondio's 
house  ;  and  conciuded  by  aaying,  '  We  bave  done  wrong, 
and  God  has  punisbed  us  for  it.' 

'Take,  as  from  His  band,  the  sufferin^joubaveunder- 
gone,  and  be  of  ^ood  courage,'  said  Federigo  ;  '  for  who  bare 
resson  to  rejoice  and  be  bopeful,  bnt  those  who  bave 
suffered,  and  are  ready  to  accuse  themselTea  F  ' 

He  then  aaked  where  was  the  Betrotbed  ;  and  hearing 


,»Ogk' 


XXIV.]  THB   BGTBOTIIED.  44Q 

from  Agnese  (Lucia  stood  Bilent,  with  lier  head  bent,  and 
downcaat  eyeB)  how  he  had  been  outlawed,  he  felt  and 
'  expressed  surprise  and  di asatisf action,  and  aalied  why  it 
wae. 

Agnese' etam mere d  out  what  little  ade  kaew  of  Benzo's 
bistorj. 

'  I  bare  heard  speak  of  tbia  yoiitb,'  said  the  Cardinal  ; 
'  bui  how  bappena  it  that  a  man  involved  in  affaire  ol'  thia 
Bort  ìb  in  treatj  of  mamage  witb  this  young  girl  ?  ' 

'  He  waa  a  worthy  youth,*  said  Lucia,  bliuufiing,  but  JD 
a  firm  voice. 

'  He  wns  even  too  quiet  a  lad,'  added  Agnese  ;  '  and 
you  inay  ask  thia  of  anybody  you  like,  even  of  the  Signor 
Curate.  "Who  knowa  whnt  confuaiou  they  may  bave  uiade 
down  there,  what  intriguea  ?  It  takes  little  to  make  poor 
people  Beeiu  rogues.' 

'  Indeed,  it'a  too  true,'  said  the  Cardinal  ;  '  l'U  cer- 
tainly  make  inquiries  about  him  ;  '  and  learning  the  Dame 
and  reBidence  of  the  youth,  he  made  a  memorandum  of 
them  on  hia  tablet».  He  added,  that  he  eipected  to  be  at 
their  vOIage  in  a  few  days,  that  then  Lucia  might  go 
tbitber  witbout  ftar,  and  that,  in  the  utean  while,  he  wouid 
think  about  providing  her  aome  aecure  retreat,  till  evefy- 
thing  was  arranged  for  the  beat. 

Then,  turning  to  the  master  and  miatreaa  of  the  house, 
wbo  immedjately  carne  forn'ard,  he  renened  the  acknow- 
ledgmenta  which  he  had  already  conveyed  througb  the 
prìeat  of  the  parìeh,  and  asked  them  whether  they  were 
willing  to  receive,  for  a  few  days,  the  guesta  which  God 
had  sent  them. 

'  Oh  veB,  Bir  !  '  replied  the  woman,  in  a  tone  of  voice 
and  witn  a  look  which  meant  much  more  thau  the  bare 
worda  seemed  to  eipresa.  But  her  husband,  quite  escited 
by  the  preaence  of  sucb  an  interrogator,  and  hj  the  wiah 
to  do  him  honour  on  ao  important  an  occasion,  antioualy 
eought  for  some  fine  reply.  He  wrinkled  hia  forehead, 
atrained  and  squinted  with  hia  eyea,  compressed  bis  Ups, 
Btretched  bis  inteUect  to  ita  utmost  extent,  strove,  fumbled 
about  in  bis  mind,  and  there  found  an  overwhelming 
medley  of  unfiniahed  ìdeas  and  half>formed  woida  :  but 


byCiOOl^lC 


490  1   FBOUESSl  SPOSI.  [CH.- 

time  presBcd  ;  tbe  Cardinal  aignìfied  that  he  h&à  already 
interpreted  bis  Biieoce  ;  the  poor  man  opened  bis  moutb 
and  pronounced  the  words,  '  Tou  msy  imagine  !  *  At  this 
point  not  another  word  would  occur  to  him.  Thid  t'ailure 
not  only  dÌBbeartened  aodvexed  him  at  tbe  moment,  but 
the  tormenting  remembrance  ever  after  apoiled  hia  com- 
placency  in  the  great  honour  be  bad  received.  And  how 
often,  in  thiukìng  it  over,  aad  fancjing  himself  agaia  in 
the  saine  circumetancea,  did  numberleas  words  crond 
upon  bia  mind,  os  it  were,  out  of  spite,  any  of  which  would 
bave  been  better  thon  tbat  ailly  Tou  may  imagine  !  But 
ape  not  tbe  very  ditchea  full  of  wisdoni — too  late  ! 

Tbe  Cardinal  took  hia  le&ve,  aaying,  '  Tbe  bleaaing  of 
God  be  upon  thia  bouae.' 

The  aame  evening  he  aaked  tbe  Curate  in  wbat  way  be 
could  beat  compensate  to  tbe  tailor,  who  eertaialy  could 
not  be  ricb,  for  the  eipeuaea  he  muat  bave  incurred, 
eepeciall;  in  theae  times,  by  hia  hoapitality.  The  Curate 
replied,  tbat,  in  tnitb,  neither  the  profila  uf  hia  buaineaa 
Dor  the  produce  of  some  amali  Gelda  which  the  good  tailor 
owned,  would  be  euoii);h  tbis  year  to  allow  of  bia  being 
liberal  to  otbera  ;  but  Ihnt,  liaving  laìd  by  a  little  in  tbe 
precediug  years,  be  via»  among  the  most  eaay  in  circum- 
Btancea  iu  the  neighbourbood,  and  could  atford  to  do  a 
kindneas  witbout  incoiiveaience,  as  he  certainly  would 
witb  ali  bia  beart;  and  that,  under  aiiy  circumatancea, 
be  would  deem  it  au  insult  to  be  offered  money  in  com- 
penaation. 

*  He  will,  probably,'  aaid  the  Cardinal,  '  bave  demanda 
OQ  peopte  unable  to  pay.' 

'iou  mayjudge  yourstif,  ray  most  illuatrioua  Lord: 
these  poor  peuple  pay  froiii  the  overpluB  of  the  harveat. 
Laat  year  tbere  was  no  overplus  ;  and  this  oue,  everybody 
tall!i  short  of  absolute  aeceMaariei^.' 

'  Very  well,'  replied  Federigo,  '  I  will  take  ali  tbeae 
debta  upon  myseli  ;  and  you  will  do  me  tbe  pleasure  ot 
getting  frou  him  a  list  of  the  suma,  and  diacharging  tbem 

'  It  will  be  a  tolerable  autn.' 

*  So  much  tbe  better:  and  you  wiU  bave,  I  dare  aay. 


,»Ogk' 


XXIT.]  THK  BBTKOTHBD.  451 

many  more  vretched,  and  &1most  deetitute  of  clothing, 
wbo  bare  do  debta,  becanse  they  can  get  no  credit.' 

'  Alas  !  too  Taa,nj  !  Ose  does  wbat  on«  can  ;  but  boir 
can  we  eupply  ali  in  timee  like  theae  F  ' 

'Teli  bim  to  clothe  them  at  my  ezpense,  and  paj  him 
well.  Ecallv,  this  year,  ali  that  doea  not  go  for  bread 
BeemB  a  kino  of  robbery  ;  but  this  ia  a  particular  case.' 

We  cannot  dose  the  history  of  tbis  day,  without  brìefly 
relating  how  the  Uanamed  concluded  it. 

Tbis  time  the  report  of  bis  conversion  bad  preceded 
him  in  the  TaUey,  and  quickly  spreading  throughout  ìt, 
bad  exoited  among  ali  the  mhabitants  conateraation, 
aniiety,  and  angry  whiiperingi.  To  the  first  bravoee  or 
BervantB  (it  mattered  not  which)  whom  he  met,  he  ntade 
BÌgns  that  they  ehould  foUow  him  ;  and  so  od,  on  eitber 
bmd.  AJ1  fell  behiad  with  uauBual  perplexitj  of  mind, 
but  witb  their  accuetamed  gubmisaioa  :  bo  that,  with  a 
contÌaua)ly-ÌQcre3BÌng  train,  he  at  length  reached  the 
Caatle.  He  beckoned  to  those  who  were  loitering  about 
the  gate  to  follow  him  with  the  othera  ;  entered  the  first  y 
court,  went  towarda  the  middle,  and  bere,  aeated  alt  the 
wbile  on  bis  «addle,  nttered  one  of  bis  thundering  calla  : 
it  was  the  accnatomed  aignal  at  whicb  ali  bis  dependents, 
who  were  within  hearing,  immediately  flockeii  tovarda 
him.  In  a  moment,  ali  thoae  who  were  ecattered  through- 
out the  Castie  attended  to  the  aummons,  and  mingTed 
witb  the  already  aasembled  party,  gazing  eagerly  at  their 
master. 

'  Glo,  and  wait  for  me  in  the  great  hall,'  aaid  he  ;  and, 
from  hÌ8  hìgber  station  on  boraeback,  he  watched  them  ali 
move  off.  He  tben  diamounted,  led  the  animai  to  the 
stablea  bimself,  and  repaired  to  the  room  where  he  was 
expected.  On  his  appearance,  a  loud  whispering  was  in- 
atantly  hushed,  and  rettring  to  one  side,  they  left  a  large  /' 
apace  in  the  ball  quite  cleor  Ibr  him  :  there  may  bare  been, 
perbaps,  about  tbirty. 

The  Unnamed  raised  his  band,  as  if  to  preeerre  the 
«lene»  hia  preaence  had  already  created,  raised  his  head, 
which  towered  abore  atl  tboae  of  the  assembtage,  and 
Mid  :  '  hitteo,  «U  of  you,  aod  let  no  one  speak  unlesa  I 


,CK,glc 


4S3  t  PROHBSSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

bid  tira,  My  frienda!  the  path  we  baie  hitherto  fol- 
lowed  leada  to  the  deptbs  of  bel).  I  do  not  mean  to  up- 
braid  you,  I,  wbo  bave  been  foremost  of  ;ou  ali,  the  worat 
of  alli  but  liateo  to  what  I  bave  to  aaj.  The  merciful 
God  has  called  me  to  change  my  life  ;  and  I  will  cbange 
it,  I  bave  already  chanMd  it:  bo  may  He  do  witb  you 
ali  !  Know,  then,  and  hold  it  for  certain,  that  I  am  re- 
aolved  rather  to  die  than  to  do  anything  more  againat 
Hìb  holy  Iaws.  I  revoke  ali  the  wicked  commaDda  yuu 
may  any  of  you  bave  received  from  me  ;  you  uaderstiuid 
me;  indeed,  I  command  you  not  to  do  anything  I  bave 
before  commanded,  Aud  hold  it  eqaally  certain,  that  no 
one,  from  thia  tiine  forward,  shall  do  evil  with  my 
sanction,  in  m;  aervice.  He  wbo  will  remaiu  with  me 
under  these  conditions  aball  be  to  me  as  a  son  :  and  I 
ahall  feel  happy  at  the  dose  of  that  day  in  whicb  I  shall 
not  bave  eaten,  that  I  may  supply  the  laat  of  you  with 
the  last  loaf  I  bave  left  ia  the  nouse.  He  who  doea  not 
wish  to  remain,  ahall  receive  what  ia  due  of  bis  aalary, 
and  an  additiooal  gift  :  he  may  go  away,  but  muat  never 
again  set  foot  bere,  unlesa  it  be  to  change  bis  life  ;  for 
thia  purpose  he  ahall  alnays  be  received  with  open  arma. 
ThiuK  about  it  to-night  :  to-morrow  morning  I  will  aak 
you  one  by  one  for  your  reply,  and  will  then  give  you 
new  orders.  Fot  the  preaent  retire,  every  one  to  bis 
poat.  And  Ood,  who  has  exercised  such  mercy  towarda 
me,  incline  you  to  good  reaolutiona  !  ' 

Here  be  ceaaed,  and  ali  continued  ailent.  How  varìoua 
and  tumultuoua  Boever  might  be  the  thoughta  at  work  in 
their  hardened  minda,  tbey  gave  no  outward  demonatra- 
tion  of  emotioQ.  They  were  accustomed  to  receive  the 
voice  of  their  maater  aa  the  declaration  of  a  will  from 
wbtch  therewas  no  appeal:  and  that  voice,  announcing 
that  the  will  was  cbanged,  in  no  wise  denot«d  that  it  waa 
enfeebled,  It  never  crosaed  the  mind  of  one  of  them 
tbat,  becauBe  be  waa  converted,  tbey  mìght  tberefore 
aaaume  over  bim,  and  reply  to  bim  as  to  another  man. 
They  bebetd  in  him  a  saìnt,  but  one  of  tbose  aaints  who 
are  depicted  with  a  lofty  brow,  and  a  aword  in  their 
banda.    Beaidea  the  fe&r  be  inapired,  they  alio  enter- 


,»oglc 


ZXIV.]  THB   BSTROTHED.  4S3 

tained  for  hira  (especinlly  tbose  boni  in  hia  aeirice,  and 
tbej  were  ■  large  proportion)  the  aSection  of  Bubjects; 
thef  had  ali,  besiden,  a  kindly  feeling  of  odmiration  for 
him,  and  experienced  in  hia  presence  a  apeciea  of,  I  will 
even  sa;,  toodest  bumility,  such  aa  the  rudeat  and  moat 
wantoQ  spirita  feel  before  an  nutliority  which  they  have 
once  recognized.  Again,  the  thinga  thej  bad  juat  heard 
from  hia  lipa  were  doubtlesa  odioua  to  their  eara,  but 
neitber  falae,  noe  entirely  alien  to  their  underatandinga  : 
if  they  bad  a  thouaand  timea  ridiculed  them,  it  was  uot 
because  ther  diabelieTed  them  ;  but  to  obliate,  by 
rìdicule,  the  fear  whicb  any  serious  consideration  of  them 
would  baTB  awakened.  And  now,  on  seeing  the  effect  of 
this  fear  on  a  mind  like  tbat  of  their  master,  there  waa 
not  one  who  did  not  either  more  or  ìeaa  sympathize  with 
him,  at  leaat  for  a  little  while.  In  addition  to  ali  this, 
tbose  among  them  who  had  firet  heard  the  grand  news 
beyond  the  valley,  had  at  the  aame  titne  witneaaed  and 
Fekttìd  the  Joy,  the  exultatìon  of  the  people,  the  new 
farour  with  which  the  Unnained  was  regarded,  and  the 
.veueration  so  auddenly  exchauged  for  their  former  batred 
— their  former  terror.  So  tbat  in  the  man  whom  they 
had  alwaya  regarded,  so  to  aay,  as  a  auperior  being,  even 
while  they,  in  a  great  meaaure,  themaelves  constituted  bis 
strength,  they  now  beheld  tbe  wonder,  the  idol  of  a  mul- 
titude  ;  they  bebeld  him  eialted  above  otbera,  in  a  differ-»^ 
ent,  but  not  leas  real,  manner  ;  ever  ahove  the  common 
throng,  ever  at  the  head.  They  atood  now  confounded, 
uncertain  one  of  another,  and  each  one  of  himself.  Some 
niaruiured  ;  aome  began  to  pian  wbitber  tbey  could  go  to 
find  aheltertuid  employment;  some  questioned  witb  tbem- 
■clvea  whether  they  could  makeup  their  minda  to become 
bonest  men  ;  some  ereD,  mored  by  bis  words,  felt  a  aort 
of  inclination  to  do  so  ;  otbera,  witbout  resolving  npon 
anytbinff,  propoaed  to  promise  everything  readily,  to 
remain  in  tne  mean  while  where  they  could  ahare  tbe  loaf 
so  willingly  oSered,  and  in  those  daya  bo  acarce,  and  thua 

f;aÌQ  time  for  decigion  :  no  one,  bowever,  uttered  a  ayl- 
able.  And  wben,  at  the  close  of  hia  apeech,  the  Unnamed 
again  raised  hia  authorìtative  baod,  and  beckoued  to 


4M  t  PHOMESàt  SPOSI.  [cH. 

tbem  to  disperse,  thej  ali  moved  off  in  tfae  direction  of 
the  door  as  quietly  as  a  flock  of  sheep.  He  followed 
them  oat,  and  piacine  himeelf  in  the  middle  of  the  court* 
yard,  stood  to  watch  them  b;  the  dim  eTenine  light,  aa 
thej  Beparat«d  from  each  other,  and  r«paired  to  tbeir 
aererai  poats.  Then,  retumiag  to  fetch  a  lantem,  he 
again  traTersed  the  courts,  corridora,  and  halli,  Tisited 
ererj'  entrance,  and,  after  eeeing  that  ali  waa  quiet,  at 
length  rctired  to  sleep.  Yea,  to  sleep,  becauae  he  «aa 
sieepy. 

(leTor,  thaogfa  he  had  alwayi  ÌDduatrioasly  conrted 
them,  had  be,  in  any  conjunctnré,  been  ao  orerburdened 
witb  intricate,  and  at  the  same  time  ni^nt,  afiairg,  aa  at 
the  preaent  moment  :  jet  he  va»  sleep/.  Tbe  remorse, 
wbicn  had  robbed  him  of  reat  the  night  before,  waa  not 
onlj  utiBubdued,  but  even  spoke  more  loudly,  more 
Btemly,  more  absolutely  :  yet  he  was  eleepy.  The  order, 
the  kind  of  government  eatablished  by  him  in  that  Castle 
for  Bo  many  yeara,  witli  ao  much  care,  and  euch  a  singulsr 
iinion  of  rashneaB  and  perseverance,  be  had  now  hìm- 
ielf  orertumed  by  a  few  words  ;  the  unlimited  derotion 
of  hia  dependentfl,  tbeir  readiness  for  any  undertakìng, 
their  ruman-like  fidelity,  on  which  he  bad  long  been 
accuBtomed  to  depend, — tbeee  be  bad  bìmaelf  abaken  ; 
bis  TariouB  engagements  had  become  a  tiasue  of  perplex* 
itiee  ;  he  bad  brougbt  confuaion  and  uncertainty  into  bis 
household  :  yet  he  was  sieepy. 

He  went,  therefore,  into  hia  chamber,  approached  that 
bed,  which,  tbe  nicht  before,  he  had  foimd  euch  a  thomy 
couch,  and  knelt  down  at  ita  side  witb  tbe  intention  of 
yprayiug.  He  found,  in  fact,  in  a  deep  and  hidden  corner 
of  bis  mind,  the  prayers  he  had  been  taught  to  repeat  aa 
a  child  -,  be  began  to  recite  them,  and  the  words  ao  long 
wrapped  up,  ae  it  were,  together,  flowed  one  after 
anotber,  as  if  emerging  once  more  to  light.  He  expe- 
rienced  in  this  act  a  mixture  of  imdefieed  feelings  ;  a 
kind  of  Boothing  pleasure,  in  this  actual  return  to  tbe 
habita  of  inuooent  cbildhood  ;  a  doubly-bitt«r  contrition 
at  the  thought  of  the  gulf  that  he  had  plaoed  betveen 
tboae  former  days  and  tbe  preaent  ;  an  ardent  deaire  to 


,»Ogk' 


XXIV.]  THE    BETKOTHED.  455 

attaia,  by  works  of  expiation,  a  clearer  conacieace,  a  state 
more  neurly  resembling  tbat  oF  inuoceace,  to  which  be 
couid  never  return;  togecher  witli  a  ieelÌDg  of  deep 
gratitude,  and  of  uonfideni'e  in  that  mercy  which  could 
lead  bim  towarda  ìt,  and  had  already  given  so  maa;  tokens 
of  ffiltiagnesH  to  do  ao.  Tlieii,  rÌHirig  trom  bis  kiieea,  be 
lay  dowu,  and  was  quickW  wrapt  in  sleep. 

Tbua  ended  a  day  atill  so  nmc-b  cdeorated  when  our 
anonymoua  author  wrote  :  a  day  of  which,  had  be  not 
vHtten,  nothing  would  bave  beea  known,  at  leaat  no- 
thing  ot'the  particulars;  for Kipamonti  and  filvola,wbom 
ne  bave  quoted  abore,  merely  record  tbat,  after  an  inler- 
Tiew  with  Federigo,  thia  remarkable  tyraut  wonderfullj 
changed  bis  course  of  life,  and  for  ever.  And  bow  few 
are  there  who  bave  read  tbe  worka  of  theae  autbora  I 
Fewer  »till  are  there  who  wiil  read  this  of  oura.  Aud 
wbo  knows  whether  in  the  valley  itnelf,  if  any  one  bad"' 
tbe  inclination  to  seek,  and  tbe  ability  to  fiad  it,  there 
iiow  remaina  the  smallest  trace,  the  most  confuied  tradi- 
tiou,  of  Biu'b  au  «lentF  So  mauy  thiuga  bave  taken 
place  aìnce  that  time  ! 


;dbv  Google 


I   PROUBSiJl   SPOSI.  [CH. 


CEAPTER  XXV. 

?1EXT  day,  therewaaaoouespokenofinLucia's 
i  village,  and  tbroughout  the  whole  territorj  of 
Iiecco,  but  hera«lf,  the  TJnnamed,  the  Arch- 
bishop,  and  one  other  peraon,  wbo,  however 
BDibitious  to  bave  bis  name  in  men's  moutha, 
would  williogly,  on  thia  occasiou,  bave  dìspeosed  with 
the  honour  :  we  mean  the  Signor  Don  Bodrìgo. 

Not  that  hia  doings  had  not  before  been  talked  about  ; 
but  they  were  detsched,  secret  converaationa  ;  and  that 
man  must  bare  beeu  veiy  well  acquaiuted  with  bis  neigh- 
bour  who  would  bave  veotured  to  discourae  wìth  bìm 
freely  on  such  a  aubject.  Naj-,  people  did  not  even  eier- 
cìae  tbose  feelinga  ou  the  aubjéct  of  which  they  were 
capable  ;  for,  generally  speaking,  when  meu  cannot  giva 
veut  to  their  iudignation  witbout  ìiominent  danger,  they 
not  only  ehow  leaa  than  they  feel,  or  disguiae  it  entirel^, 
but  they  feel  lesa  in  reality.  But  now,  who  could  refrain 
from  inquiring  and  reasoning  about  so  notorioua  an 
event,  in  wbich  the  hand  of  Heaven  bad  been  seen,  aud 
in  which  two  euch  penonageB  bore  a  conspicuoua  part  ? 
One,  in  whom  auch  a  apirited  love  of  juatice  waa  united 
to  Bo  mucb  authority  ;  the  other,  who,  witb  alt  hia  bold- 
iiess,  had  been  iaduced,  aa  it  were,  to  lay  down  bis  arma, 


XXT.]  THE    BETSOTUED.  457 

and  submit.  By  the  side  of  tbese  rivale,  Don  Bodrigo 
looked  rather  iasignificaDt.  Now,  ali  understood  what 
it  WM  to  torment  innocence  with  the  wish  to  diahonour  it  ; 
to  peraecute  it  witii  such  ìnaolent  persever&nce,  with  auch 
atrocious  violence,  vith  auch  abominable  treachery.  They 
reviewed,  od  this  occasion,  ali  the  other  feats  of  the  Sig- 
nor, and  said  wbat  they  tbougbt  about  ali,  each  ose  being 
«mboldened  b^  fioding  everybody  else  of  the  aame  opinion. 
Thcre  were  whisperings,  and  general  murmura  ;  cautiously 
uttered,  however,  oa  account  of  the  numberleas  braroea 
he  had  around  bìm. 

A  large  ehare  of  public  animadvereion  fell  alao  upon 
bis  frienda  and  flatterera.  They  said  of  the  Signor  Po- 
deetà  what  he  ricbly  deaerved,  alwaya  deaf,  and  blind, 
and  dumb,  on  the  doings  of  thia  tyrant  ;  but  thia  alao 
cautiously,  for  the  Podeatà  bad  bailiffa.  With  the  Doc- 
tor  Azzeeca-Oarbugli,  wtio  had  no  weapons  but  goaaiping 
and  cabala,  and  with  other  flatterers  like  bìmaelf,  they  did 
uot  uae  eo  much  ceremony  ;  tbeee  were  pointed  at,  and 
regarded  with  very  contemptuoua  and  auapicioua  glancea, 
so  that,  for  aome  time,  they  judged  it  eipedient  to  kcep 
as  mucb  within  doon  aa  posaible. 

Don  Kodrigo,  astuunded  at  this  unlooked-for  newa,  so 
ditferent  to  thetidinga  he  had  expected  day  after  day,  and 
hour  afler  hour,  remained  euaconced  in  hia  deu-like 
pBlace,wÌth  no  one  to  keep  him  company  but  hia  bravoea, 
devouring  hia  rage,  for  two  daya,  and  on  the  tbird  set  off 
for  Milaa.  Had  there  been  notliing  elae  but  the  mur- 
muring  of  the  peopte,  perbaps,  aince  things  had  gone  so 
far,  he  wouid  bave  atayed  on  purpoae  to  foce  it,  or  even 
to  aeck  an  opportunity  of  making  an  ezample  to  others 
of  one  of  tbe  moat  daring  ;  but  the  certain  intelligence 
that  the  Cardinal  was  coming  into  the  neighbourhood 
fairly  drore  him  away.  The  Count,  hia  uncLe,  wbo  knew 
nothing  of  the  story  but  what  he  had  been  told  by  At- 
tilio, would  certainly  eipect  that  on  auch  an  occasion, 
Don  Bodrigo  ahould  be  the  first  to  wait  upon  the  Car- 
dinal, and  receive  from  him  in  public  the  moat  diatin- 
guisbed  reception:  erery  one  must  eee  how  he  was  on 
tbe  ioad  to  thia  conaummation  !    The  Count  expected 


,»oglc 


458  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CR. 

it,  and  wouid  have  required  a  minute  account  of  the  visit  ; 
far  it  was  ui  important  opportunity  of  ahowing  in  what 
etiteem  bis  family  waa  bela  hj  oca  of  tfae  bead  powen. 
To  extricate  himietf  from  so  odious  a  dilemmK,  Don 
Bodrigo,  rieing  one  moming  before  the  eim,  threw  him- 
aelf  iato  bis  carriage,  G-rìso  and  some  ocber  bravoea  out* 
flide,  botb  in  front  and  bebind  ;  and  leasing  ordera  that 
the  rest  of  bis  bouaebold  Bhouid  follow  bim,  took  hia 
departure,  like  a  fugitive — like,  (it  wiU,  perbapa,  be 
ftllowed  UB  to  eialt  our  charactera  by  ao  iìlustrioue  a  com- 
parÌBon) — like  Oatilìne  from  Home,  fretting  and  fuming, 
and  ewearing  to  return  very  sbortly  in  a  different  guise 
to  execute  bis  vengeance. 

In  the  mean  while,  the  Cardinal  proceeded  on  hia 
TÌBÌtation  amotig  the  parìsbes  in  the  torritory  of  Lecco, 
taking  one  eacli  day.  On  the  day  in  wbicb  be  waa  to 
arrìre  at  Lucia's  village,  a  large  part  of  the  inbabitanta 
vere  early  on  the  road  to  meet  bìm.  At  the  eutrance  of 
the  TÌllage,  dose  by  the  cottage  of  our  two  poor  womeu, 
VOB  erected  a  triumphal  arch,  conatructea  of  upright 
atakes,  and  poles  laid  crow-wise,  coverei  with  Straw  and 
moaa,  and  ornamented  with  green  bougba  of  hoUy,  die- 
tingniabable  by  ita  acarlet  berrìes,  and  other  shruba. 
The  front  of  the  cburch  was  adorned  with  tapeatry;  from 
every  window-ledge  bung  eitended  quitta  and  sbeets,  and 
infante'  Bwaddliug-clothee,  diaposed  like  drapery  ;  in  ahort, 
ali  the  few  necessary  articlee  which  could  be  converteil, 
either  badly  or  otherwiae,  into  the  appeaniace  of  »ome- 
tbing  superfliious.  Towards  evening,  (the  bour  at  wbich 
Federigo  usually  arrived  at  the  cburch,  on  bis  visitation- 
tours,)  ali  irho  had  remained  witbia  doors,  old  men, 
women,  and  childreo,  for  the  most  part,  aet  off  to  meet 
him,  some  in  proceaaìoii,  some  in  groups,  headed  by  Don 
Abbondio,  wbo,  in  the  midst  of  the  rejoiciug,  looked  dia- 
conaolate  enougb,  both  from  the  atunning  noiae  of  the 
crowd,  and  the  continuai  huirying  to  and  fro  of  the 
people,  wbicb,  as  he  bimself  expresaed  it,  quit«  dimmed 
uia  aight,  togetber  witb  a  aecret  apprehension  that  the 
women  mìgbt  ha«e  been  habhling,  and  that  he  would  be 
called  upon  to  render  an  account  of  ibe  weddiug. 


XXV.]  T 

V  At  lenfth  the  CftrdinaL  carne  m  nght,  or,  to  «peak 
mor»  correctlf ,  the  crowd  in  the  midst  of  which  he  was 
earrìed  in  his  litter,  aurrounded  bv  bie  attendaats  ;  for 
Dothing  coald  be  dÌBtin^uished  of  his  whalepartj,  but  & 
aìgnal  towering  in  the  air  above  the  heads  oi  the  people, 
part  of  the  croia,  which  woa  home  by  the  chaplain, 
moimted  upoa  hia  mule.  The  crowd,  which  wae  advaniN 
ìng  with  Doa  Abbondio,  hurrìed  forward  in  a  disorderlf 
mamier  to  join  the  approoching  party  ;  while  he,  aftOT 
ejacuUting  three  or  four  timea,  '  Qently  ;  in  proceaaion  ; 
what  are  yon  doingP'  tumed  back  in  veiation,  and 
mattering  to  himeelf,  '  It'a  a  perfect  Babel,  it'a  a  perfect 
Babel,'  went  to  take  rafuge  in  the  churcb  until  they  had 
diapersed  ;  and  bere  he  avntited  the  Cardinal. 

The  holj  prelate  in  the  mean  while  advanced  alowly, 
beatowiog  benedictions  with  bis  band,  and  receiving  them 
Jrom  the  mouths  of  the  multitude,  wbile  bis  followera 
had  enougb  to  do  to  keep  their  placca  behind  him.  A» 
Lucia's  coimtrymeu,  the  vìllagera  were  anziouB  to  receive 
the  Archbiahop  with  more  tban  ordinar;  honoure,  but 
tfaia  was  no  eaay  matterà  for  it  had  long  beea  ciistoiaarr, 
wherever  be  went,  for  ali  to  do  the  moat  tbeycould.  At 
the  Tery  beginning  of  bia  episcopale,  on  his  first  aolenan 
entry  into  the  cathedral,  the  rush  and  crowding  of  the 
popnlace  upon  him  were  auch  aa  to  excite  feara  for  bis 
iife;  and  some  of  the  gentlemen  who  were  neareat  to 
him,  had  actually  drawn  their  swords  to  terrify  and  re- 
pulae  the  presa.  Such  were  their  violent  and  uncouth 
manners,  that  eren  in  making  demonstrations  of  kindly 
feeling  to  a  biahop  in  churcb,  and  attempting  to  regulate 
tbem,  ìt  waa  neceaaary  almoet  to  bave  recoune  to  blood- 
sbed.  And  that  defence  would  not,  perbatia,  bave  proved 
Bufficient,  had  not  two  priesta,  atrong  in  Dody,  and  bold 
in  spirìt,  raised  hioi  in  their  arma,  and  carried  him  at 
once  from  tbe  door  of  the  t«mple  to  the  Tery  foot  of  the 
hicb  aitar,  from  that  time  forward,  in  tbe  many  epiaco- 
pu  visita  he  had  to  make,  hia  fiiat  entrance  into  the 
churcb  might,  without  jokmg,  be  reckoned  among  bit 
paatoral  laboiin,  and  aometimes  ereo  among  the  dangen 
he  had  incurred. 


;dbv  Google 


460  I   FR0HBS31    SPOSI.  [cH. 

Oq  this  occasioD,  he  entered  u  he  beat  conld,  went 
ap  ta  the  aitar,  and  thence,  after  a  short  prayer,  addreaeed, 
ss  was  bis  ciutom,  a  few  words  to  hie  auditore,  of  his 
affection  fot  tbem,  his  deeire  for  their  salration,  and  the 
way  ia  wbicb  they  ought  to  prepare  themseWas  for  the 
services  of  the  morrow.  Then  retiring  to  the  psrsonage, 
among  many  other  tbiags  he  had  to  consult  about  witb 
the  Curate,  he  questìoned  him  aa  to  the  character  and 
conduct  of  BenEO.  Don  Abbondio  aaid  that  he  woa 
rather  a  brisk,  obstinat^,  bot-headed  fellow.  But,  on 
more  partlcular  and  preciae  interrogati ons,  he  waa  ohhged 
to  admit  that  he  wae  a  worthy  youth,  and  that  he  him- 
self  could  net  underatand  how  he  could  bave  played  ali 
the  mischievouB  tricks  at  Milon,  which  had  been  reported 
of  him. 

'  And  about  the  young  girl,'  resumed  the  Cardinal  ; 
*  do  vou  think  abe  may  uov  return  in  security  to  her 
own  home  P  ' 

'  For  the  preaent,'  replied  Don  Abbondio,  '  she  migbt 
come  and  be  as  Bafe — the  preaent,  I  gay — aa  she  wishes; 
but,'  added  he  with  a  sigli,  '  vour  illustrious  Lordahip 
ought  to  be  always  bere,  or,  at  leaet,  near  at  band.' 

'  The  Lord  Ìb  always  near,'  aaid  the  Cardinal  :  '  aa  to 
the  resi,  I  will  tbink  about  placing  her  in  sofety.*  And 
he  bastily  cave  orders  that,  next  morning  early,  &  littec 
aliould  be  oespatcbed,  witb  an  atteadant,  to  fetch  the  two 
women. 

Don  Abbondio  carne  out  from  the  interriew  quite  de- 
lighted  that  tbe  Cardinal  hnd  talked  to  bini  about  the  two 
young  peonie,  without  requiring  an  account  of  his  refìiaal 
to  marry  tbem.— Then  he  knows  notbing  about  it, — aaid 
be  tobimaelf; — Agnese  hos  held  ber  tongue.  Wonderful! 
They  bare  to  aee  bim  agaiu  ;  but  I  wilL  givo  thera  further 
instructions,  tbat  I  wiU. — He  knew  not,  poor  man,  that 
Federigo  had  net  entered  upon  the  discusaion,  inat  becauae 
be  intended  to  apeak  to  him  about  it  more  at  length  when 
they  were  disengaged  ;  and  that  he  wished,  before  ^ving 
bim  what  he  deserved,  to  bear  his  side  of  tbe  qaestion. 

But  tbe  intentions  of  tbe  good  prelate  for  tbe  aafe 
placing  of  Lucia  had,  in  the  meon  while,  been  rendered 


,»Ogk' 


XXV.]  THB  BBTBOTHED.  461 

nnnecesBary  :  after  he  had  left  her,  otber  circumetaitcefl 
had  occurred  wbieh  we  will  now  proceed  to  relate. 

The  two  wometi,  durìng  the  few  dajs  whìch  they  had  to 
posa  ia  the  tailor's  hoBpitable  dwelling,  had  reauioed,  aa  far 
as  ihej  could,  each  her  former  aud  accuatomed  manner  of 
living.  Lucia  had  verj  soon  begged  eome  eniployment  ; 
and,  aa  at  the  monaetery,  diligently  plied  ber  needle  in  a 
amali  retired  room  ahut  cut  from  the  gaze  of  the  people. 
Agnese  ocpasioDally  went  abroad,  aud  at  otber  times  sat 
BewÌDgwithherdaughter.  Theirconveraatìonqweretnore 
melancholy,  aa  well  as  more  afl'ecttuaate  ;  both  were  pre- 
pared  for  a  Heparatìon  ;  aince  the  lamb  could  not  retura  to 
dwell  so  near  the  wolfa  den  :  and  wheh  and  »'hat  would 
.  be  the  end  of  this  aeparatioa  ?  The  future  waa  dark,  iuex- 
tricable  ;  for  one  of  thein  in  particular.  Agnese,  never- 
tbciess,  indulged  in  her  owu  mind  many  cbeerful  antici- 
patious,  that  Benzo,  jf  nothing  evil  had  happened  to  him, 
woiild,  Booner  or  later,  eend  »onie  news  of  bimaelf,  and  if 
he  had  fouad  some  employmeut  to  which  he  could  aettle, 
if  (and  how  could  it  be  doubted  F)  be  atill  inteaded  to  keep 
faith  with  Lucia;  why could  tbey not  go and  live  with him  r 
With  eucb  hope»  she  often  entertnined  her  daugbter,  who 
found  it,  it  ia  dìfficult  to  say,  wheiber  more  mouroful  to 
liaten  to  them,  or  painful  to  reply.  Her  great  secret  ahe 
had  alvraya  kept  to  hcrself  ;  and  uneaev,  certaìuly,  at  con- 
cealing  anythiug  from  ao  good  a  motlier,  jet  restrained,  . 
ìnTincibly  as  it  were,  by  ahame,  and  the  dilTereut  feara  we 
bave  before  mentioned,  she  weut  from  dajf  to  day  without 
epeaking.  Her  designs  were  verf  different  from  those  of 
ber  motber,  or  ratber,  she  had  no  designa  ;  she  had  entirely 
givea  hereelf  up  to  Providence.  She  always  therefora 
endeavoured  to  divert  or  let  drop  the  conversation  ;  or  else 
said,  in  general  termu,  that  she  had  no  longer  any  hope  or 
desire  for  anything  in  thia  world  except  to  be  aoon  reetored 
to  her  muther;  more  frequently,  nowever,  tears  carne 
opportunely  instead  of  words. 

'  Do  you  know  why  it  appeara  so  to  you  ì  '  said  Agnese  ; 
*  because  you'Te  suffered  ao  much,  and  it  doean't  seem  pos- 
sible  that  it  can  tum  out  far  good  to  you.  But  leave  it 
to  Qod  ;  and  if .  .  .  .  Let  a  ray  come,  but  one  ray  ;  aud 


,»oglc 


468  I   PROHBSSI    «POSI.  [CH. 

then  I  kaow  whether  tou  will  always  care  «boat  nothing.' 
Lucia  kisBed  Iier  mother,  uid  wept. 

Beaidea  this,  a  great  fneadahip  quickly  aprane'  up  be- 
tweea  them  and  tbeir  gueata  :  wbere,  indeed,  abould  it 
ezÌBt,  unlesa  betweea  benefactora  aad  tbe  benefited,  whea 
both  one  and  the  otber  uè  vortbj,  good  people  P  Agnese, 
particularly,  hsd  many  long  cbata  with  tbe  miatreas  of  the 
Louee.  Tbe  tailor,  too,  gave  them  a  little  amuaemeut  with 
hia  atoriea  and  moral  diBcuunea  :  «nd,  at  dinner  eapeci&Uy, 
had  always  some  wonderful  anecdota  to  relate  ol'  Buovo 
d'Antona,  or  tbe  Fatbera  of  tbe  Deaert 

A  few  miles  from  tbis  vìllage  reaided,  at  tbeir  coimtry- 
faouae,  a  couple  of  eome  importaace,  Don  Ferrante  and 
Dunua  Prassede  :  their  family ,  ae  usuai,  is  annamed  by 
our  anonyinouB  autbor.  Donna  Praaaede  waa  aa  old  lady, 
very  much  inclined  to  do  good,  the  moet  praise-wortby 
employment,  certùniy,  tbat  a  peraon  cau  undertake  ;  but 
wbich,  like  eveiv  otfaer,  cau  be  too  easilr  abuaed.  To  do 
good,  we  muBt  know  bow  to  do  it;  aud,  like  everything 
else,  we  can  ooly  know  thìa  through  the  medium  of  our 
owu  poBsions,  our  own  judgment,  our  own  ideaa  ;  which 
not  uufrequencly  are  ralber  aa  correctaa  tbey  are  capable 
of  beiug,  tban  aa  tbey  ougbt  to  be.  Donna  PraÀaede 
acted  towards  ber  idea»  aa  it  Ìb  aaid  one  ougbt  to  do  to- 
wurda  one'a  friends  ;  ehe  bad  few  of  them  ;  but  to  thoee 
few  ohe  was  very  much  attached.  Amoug  the  few,  tbere 
vere,  unfortunately,  many  diatorted  onee  ;  nor  was  it 
illese  afae  loved  the  least.  Ueoce  it  bappened,  eitber  that 
ehe  proposed  to  herself  ae  a  good  end  what  waa  not  auch 
in  reality,  or  employed  means  whicb  would  ratber  produce 
an  oppoeite  eifei;t,  or  tbought  tbem  aUowable  when  thej 
were  not  at  ali  so,  from  a  certain  vague  auppoaition,  that 
be  who  doee  more  tban  bis  duty,  may  ako  go  beyoad  hia 
rigbt;  it  bappened  that  ahe  could  not  aee  in  an  eveuC 
wbat  waa  actualty  there,  or  did  aee  what  waa  not  tbere; 
and  many  otber  aimilar  tbioga,  wbìcb  may  and  do  happen 
to  ali,  not  ezcepting  the  beat  ;  but  to  Douna  Praaaede  &r 
too  oflen,  and,  not  unfrequently,  ali  at  once. 

On  hearing  Lucia'a  wonderful  case,  and  ali  that  waa 
reported  oD  this  occasion  of  the  young  girl,  she  felt  a 


,l)OglC 


XXV,]  THS   BETROTHED.  4Q3 

great  curìosity  to  see  her,  and  sent  a  carriage,  wìth  ui 
aged  Bttendant,  to  fetch  both  mother  aod  dkughter.  The 
latter  sbrugged  ber  shoulders,  and  besougbt  the  taJlor, 
wbo  waa  the  bearer  of  tbe  meetiace,  to  find  senae  sort  of 
exciise  for  ber.  80  long  as  ìt  only  rclated  to  the  com- 
mon people,  who  tried  to  make  acquaiutanoe  vitb  tbe 
joung  girl  who  had  been  the  aubject  of  a  mirocle,  the 
tulor  biul  willingly  rendered  ber  titat  service  ;  but  io  thÌB 
ìufltance,  reBÌstiiUL-e  seemed  in  bis  eyes  a  kind  of  rebellion. 
He  madt;  bo  maay  faceu,  uttered  so  maay  exclamations, 
used  Ilo  many  argumeatfi— '  tliat  Ìt  waan't  customary  to 
do  BO,  and  that  it  vaa  a  grand  house,  and  that  ona 
abouldn't  say  "  No  "  to  great  people,  and  that  it  migbt  be 
the  making  of  tbeir  fortune,  and  that  tbe  tJignora  ÌJonna 
Prasscde,  beaidea  ali  the  rest,  was  a  eaint  too  !  ' — in  short, 
so  many  things,  that  Lucia  wa^  obliged  to  give  way  : 
more  especially,  ob  Agnese  confirmed  al)  theae  reaBonioga 
vitb  a  corresponding  uumber  ef  ejaculations  :  '  Certaiuly, 
aurely.' 

Arrived  in  the  lady's  presence,  sbe  reeeived  tbem  with 
much  courtesy  and  numherless  uongratulationa  ;  questiou- 
ing  and  adnaing  them  witb  a  kind  of  almoat  innate 
Buperiority,  but  corrected  by  bo  many  bunibie  exprea- 
Bioas,  lempered  by  ao  much  interest  in  their  behalf,  and 
■weetened  with  so  many  expresBÌons  of  piety,  that  Agnese, 
almoat  immediately,  and  Lucia,  not  long  afterwards,  began 
to  ft'el  relieved  from  bhe  oppresBire  sense  of  awe  with 
whicb  tbe  presence  of  Bui^b  a  lady  had  inspìred  them  ; 
aay,  they  even  found  something  attractire  in  it.  In 
abort,  hearing  that  the  <lardiual  had  undertakeu  to  find 
Lucia  a  place  of  retreat,  and  urged  bya  desire  to  Becond, 
aud,  at  the  same  titne,  auticipate  bis  good  intentiou. 
Donna  Prassede  proposed  to  take  the  young  girl  iuta  ber 
own  house,  where  no  otber  services  would  he  required  of 
her  than  the  use  of  ber  needle,  scÌBBon,  and  spindle  ;  add- 
ing,  that  sbe  would  take  upoa  bereelf  tbe  charge  of  in- 
fonning  hia  Iiordahip. 

Beyond  tbe  obviouB  and  immediate  good  in  this  work. 
Donna  Frassede  saw  in  it,  and  proposed  to  heraelf,  another, 
perhapa  a  more  conaidenble  ons  in  ber  ideaa,  that  of 


,„oglc 


464  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

dìrecting  a  young  mind,  and  of  brìnging  into  the  rìght 
way  oue  who  greatly  needed  it  ;  for,  from  the  Gnt  moment 
Bhe  had  heard  Lucia  mentioned,  ehe  became  iustantly  per- 
Buaded,  that,  in  a  young  siri  who  could  bave  prómiaed 
herBelf  to  a  acoundrel,  a  villain,  in  ehort,  a  scape-gallowa, 
there  must  be  some  fault,  Home  bidden  \TÌckedneBS  lurii- 
ing  within  :  Teli  me  tehat  compatii/  vou  keep,  and  l'il  teli 
j/ou  tehat  you  are.  Lucia's  visit  had  confìrmed  thia  per- 
Buaeion  :  not  that,  on  the  whole,  oe  the  Bayiiig  iB,  she  did 
Dot  aeem  to  Donna  FraHBede  a  good  girl  ;  but  there  were 
many  thinga  to  favour  the  idea.  That  head  bung  down 
V  till  ber  chin  waa  burìed  in  ber  neck  ;  ber  not  replying  at 
ali,  or  ouly  in  broken  Bentences,  a^  if  by  constraint,  might 
indicate  modeaty  ;  but  they  undoubtedly  denoted  a  great 
deal  of  wìlfulness  :  it  did  not  requìre  much  discemment 
to  discoverthat  that  young  brain  had  ita  own  thoughts  on 
the  Bubject.  And  thoae  blushcs  every  moment,  and  those 
Buppreased  aigbe  ....  Two  Huch  eyes,  too,  which  did  Dot 
pleaBe  Donna  Prassede  at  ali.  She  held  it  for  certain,  as 
jf  ahe  knew  it  on  good  grounds,  that  al]  Lucia'e  mistbr- 
tuneswere  a  chaatisement  from  He&ven  for  ber  attachment 
to  a  raseal,  and  a  warning  to  ber  to  give  bim  up  entirely  ; 
and  theee  premisea  being  laid  down,  ahe  propoaed  to  co- 
operate towarda  BO  good  aa  end.  Becauae,  as  she  often 
Baid  both  to  berself  and  othera,  ahe  made  it  ber  object  to 
Becond  the  will  of  Heaveu  :  but  ahe  often  fell  imo  tho 

/terrible  misconeeption  of  taking  for  the  will  of  Heaven 
the  faucJCB  of  ber  own  brain.  Howerer,  Bhe  took  care  not 
to  give  the  leaat  bint  of  the  secoiid  intention  va  bave 
named.  It  waa  one  of  ber  maxima,  that,  to  bring  a  good 
deaign  to  a  auccesaful  iBBue,  the  first  requiaite,  in  the 
greater  ntimber  of  inatancea,  ia  not  to  let  it  be  dìscorered. 
The  mother  and  daughter  looked  at  eacb  otber.  Con- 
BÌdeiing  the  laoumful  neceaBÌty  of  their  Beparating,  the 
offer  seeiued  to  botb  of  them  most  acceptable,  wlien  they 
had  no  choice  for  ìt,  on  account  of  the  vicinity  of  the 
residence  to  their  village,  wbitber,  let  the  worst  come  to 
the  woret,  tbey  would  roturu,  and  be  able  to  meet  at  the 
approaching  feativity.  Seeing  assent  eihlbited  in  each 
other's  eyes,  they  both  tumed  to  Donna  Frasaede  vrith 


,»Ogk' 


ZZT.J  THE    BETBOTHBD  465 

Buch  acknowledgments  u  expressed  their  Bcceptance  of 
the  propoB&L  She  renewed  ber  kind  «ffability  and  prò- 
misei,  and  Baid  that  they  should  ■hoitly  bave  a  iettar  to 
preeent  to  bis  Lordahip.  After  the  women  had  taken 
their  departure,  sbe  got  Don  Ferrante  to  compose  the 
letter.  He,  being  a  leamed  peraon,  ae  ve  abaU  Hereafter 
relate  more  particularly,  was  alwaja  employed  by  ber  as 
secretary  on  occaaiana  of  importance.  On  one  of  anch 
magnitude  ab  tbis,  Don  Ferrante  exerted  bis  utmoat 
stretch  of  ingenuity  ;  and  on  delivering  the  rougb  draugbt 
to  bis  partner  to  copy,  warmly  recommended  the  ortho- 

aby  to  ber  notice  ;  thie  being  one  of  the  many  tbings 
ad  atudied,  and  the  few  over  vbich  he  bad  any  com- 
mand  in  the  bouie.  Donna  Prasaede  copied  it  Tery  dili- 
gently,  and  then  despatcbed  tbe  letter  to  tbe  tailor's, 
Tbis  waa  ttro  or  three  days  before  the  Cardinal  eent  tbe 
Ittter  to  convey  the  two  women  home. 

Arriring  at  the  village  before  tbe  Cardinal  had  gone 
to  church,  tbey  oligbted  at  the  curate's  house.  Tbere 
was  an  order  to  admit  them  immediately  :  the  chaplain, 
wbo  was  tbs  first  to  see  tbem,  execnted  the  order,  only 
detaining  tbem  so  long  ss  wu  necessary  to  school  them 
Tery  baatily  in  the  ceremoniole  tbey  ongbt  to  obserre  to- 
wards  bis  Lordship,  and  the  titles  by  wbìch  they  should 
addresB  bim,  hìs  usuai  practice  wherever  he  could  effect 
it  unknown  tohis  Qrace.  It  was  a  continuai  annoyance 
to  the  poor  man  to  see  the  little  ceremony  that  was  used 
towards  the  Cardinal  in  this  particular.  '  Ali,'  said  he  to 
the  rest  of  tbe  household,  '  through  the  ezcess  of  kindnees 
of  that  saintly  man — from  his  great  familiarity.'  And 
then  he  related  how,  wìth  bis  own  ears,  he  had  more  than 
once  even  heard  the  reply  :  '  Yet,  tir,'  and  '  No,  tir.' 

The  Cardinal  waa,  at  this  moment,  bnaily  talking  with 
Don  Abbondio  on  some  parìsh  mattere:  so  that  the 
latter  had  not  tbe  desired  opportunity  of  giving  hit  in- 
structions  also  to  the  women.  He  could  only  beatow 
upon  them  in  passìng,  as  he  withdrew  and  they  carne 
forward,  a  glwice,  which  meant  to  aay  how  well-pleaeed 
he  waa  with  them,  and  ccmjnring  them,  like  good  crea- 
tores,  to  cootinae  silent. 


byCOO'^IC 


ai.  [cH. 

After  the  fint  bind  greetinge  od  one  band,  and  tha 
first  reverent  salut&tìoDB  oq  tbe  otber,  Agnese  drevr  tbe 
letter  from  ber  bosom,  aod  banded  it  to  tbe  Cardinal, 
aaying  :  '  It  ia  irom  the  Signora  Donna  Praaaede,  who 
saf  a.  abe  knowa  jour  moet  illustrioua  Lordship  well,  my 
Lord  ;  it'e  naturai  enough,  among  such  great  people,  that 
thej  ehould  know  each  otber.  When  jou  bave  read  it, 
jou'll  see.' 

'  Very  veti,'  aaid  Federigo,  when  he  had  read  the  letter, 
and  extractedthe  honey  from  Don  Ferrante's  flowera  of 
rhetoric.  He  knew  the  family  well  enough  to  feel  certain 
that  Lucia  had  been  invìted  thither  with  sood  intentiona, 
and  that  tbere  abe  would  he  eecure  from  the  machinations 
and  TÌoIence  of  her  peraecutor.  What  opinion  he  enter- 
tained  of  Donna  Fraasede's  head,  we  bave  no  positive 
informatiou.  Probably  she  waa  not  the  person  wbom  he 
woold  bave  chosen  for  aucb  a  purpoee  ;  but,  aa  we  bave 
aaid,  or  binted,  elaewhere,  it  waa  not  bis  custom  to  undo 
arrangementa  made  by  those  whose  duty  it  waa  to  make 
them,  tbat  he  might  do  tbem  over  again  better. 

*  Take  tbia  separation  also,  and  the  uncertaioty  in  which 
vou  are  placed,  cahuly,'  added  be  ;  '  tmat  that  it  wiU  aooa 
De  over,  and  that  God  will  bring  matterà  to  that  end  to 
wbicb  He  Kema  to  bave  directed  them  ;  but  rest  assured, 
that  whatever  He  wills  aball  happen,  will  be  the  best  for 
you.'  To  Lucia,  in  pulicular,  he  gave  some  further  kind 
advice;  anotber  word  or  two  of  comfort  to  both;  and 
theu,  beatowing  on  tbem  bis  blesaing,  be  let  them  go.  At 
the  street-door  tbey  found  tbemselvea  aurroundea  by  a 
crowd  of  trienda  of  botb  sexes,  the  whole  population,  we 
may  almoat  aay,  wbo  were  waiting  for  tbem,  and  who 
conducted  them  home,  aa  in  triumph.  Among  the  womeu 
there  waa  quite  a  rivalry  in  congratulations,  sympathy, 
and  inquiriea  ;  and  ali  excloimed  with  diaaatiafaction,  on 
hearing  that  Lucia  would  leave  them  the  next  day.  The 
man  vied  witb  each  otber  in  ofiering  their  aervicee  ;— • 
every  one  wished  to  keep  guard  at  the  cottage  for  that 
night.  TJpon  thia  fact,  uur  anonymoua  autbor  thinks  fit 
to  ground  a  proverb  :  Wouid  you  hav»  matig  nadj/  to  he^ 
gouf  be  ture  not  to  need  them. 


uC,oo(i\c 


3CXV.]  THE    BETHOTHED.  487 

So  many  welcomea  confounded  and  almost  etunned 
Lucia  ;  though,  od  the  wtiole,  thej  did  her  gùoà,  hy 
Bomewtat  disti^cting  her  mind  from  those  thoughts  and 
recollectiona  which,  eren  in  the  midat  of  the  buetle  ajid  ex- 
citement,  rose  onl;  too  readìty  on  crosBtng  that  threflhold, 
OQ  entering  those  rooms,  at  tne  BÌght  of  eveiy  ohject. 

Wben  the  bella  began  to  ring,  annoimcing  the  approach 
of  the  hour  for  Divice  serrice,  eveiybodj  moved  towarda 
the  church,  and,  to  oor  newly-returned  frienda,  it  v&a  a 
eecoad  triumphai  march. 

Service  bein^  over.  Don  Abbondio,  who  had  bastened 
forward  to  aee  if  Perpetua  bad  everything  well  arranged 
for  diimer,  was  informed  that  the  Cardinal  wished  to 
speak  with  him.  He  went  immediately  to  hia  Qoble 
gueet'B  apartment.wbo,  waiting  tìll  hedrewnear;  'Signor 
Curate,'  he  began — and  thcBc  worda  were  uttered  in  auch 
a  wav  aB  to  convey  the  idea,  tbat  thej  were  the  preface 
to  a  long  and  seriouB  converBation — '  Signor  Curate,  why 
did  70U  not  unite  in  marriage  tbia  Lucia  with  ber  bè- 
trotned  huaband  ?  ' 

— Those  people  bave  emptied  the  sack  this  moming, — 
thought  Don  Abbondio,  aa  be  atammered  forth  in  reply, 
— '  Your  moat  illustrioua  Lordsbip  will,  doubtlcBS,  bare 
heard  apeak  of  the  confuaionB  which  bave  ariaen  cut  of 
thia  affair  ;  it  has  ali  been  so  intricate,  that,  to  thie  very 
day,  one  cannot  see  one'a  way  clearly  in  it:  as  your 
illustrious  Lordsbip  may  youraelf  conclude  irom  this, 
that  the  young  girl  ia  bere,  after  bo  many  acddents,  aa  it 
Trere  by  miracle  ;  and  that  the  brìdegroom,  after  other 
accidenta,  ia  nobody  knowa  where.' 

'  I  ask,'  replied  the  Cardinal,  'whether  it  ia  tnie  tbat, 
before  ali  tbese  circnmatancea  took  place,  you  refnaed  to 
celebrate  the  marriage,  wben  you  were  requeated  to  do 
so,  on  the  appointed  day  ;  and  if  ao,  why  ?  ' 

'Beolly  .  .  .  .  if  your  iliuBtrious  Lordabip  knew  .... 
.  vhat  intimationa  ....  what  terhble  injunctioDa  I  bave 
received  not  to  apeak  .  .  .  .*  And  he  pauaed,  witbout 
concluding,  with  a  certain  manner  intended  reapectfully 
to  inBinuate,  that  it  wonld  be  indiscreet  to  wìah  to  know 


..notale 


4eS  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

'Bat,'  said  the  Cardiiul,  with  a  voice  and  look  much 
more  seriouB  thaa  usuai,  '  it  ia  your  Biebop  wbo,  for  bis 
own  duty'a  sake,  and  for  your  justificatioD,  wielies  to  leara 
from  you  why  you  bave  not  done  what,  in  your  regular 
dutiea,  you  were  bound  to  do  ?  ' 

'  My  Iiord,*  said  Don  Abbondio,  ahrinkiag  almost  iuto 
a  nut^hell,  '  I  did  not  like  to  say  before  ....  But  it 
eeemed  to  me  that,  tbinga  beine  so  eutangled,  so  long 
gone  by,  and  now  irremediable,  it  wae  uaeleea  to  bring 
tbem  up  agaìn  ....  However — however,  I  aay,  I  know 
your  illuetriouB  Lordshlp  will  not  betray  one  of  your 
poor  prieetB.  For  you  see,  my  Lord,  your  illustrious 
Lordsiiip  cumot  be  everywbere  at  once  ;  and  I  reinaìn 
bere  ezpoaed  ....  But,  when  you  command  it,  I  vili  teli 
you  ....  1  vili  teli  you  ali.' 

'  Teli  me  :  I  only  wish  to  find  you  free  from  blame.' 

Don  Abbondio  t^ea  be^an  to  relate  the  doleful  bistory; 
but  suppresaing  the  principal  asme,  be  merelj  substituted 
a  great  Signor  ;  thus  gìving  to  prudence  tbe  little  tbat  he 
Could  iu  Huch  AD  emergency. 

'  And  you  bad  no  otber  motive  P  '  asked  the  Cardiual, 
haring  attentively  heard  tbe  whole. 

'  Ferhaps  I  bare  not  sufficìeotìy  eiplained  myself,'  re- 
plied  Don  Abbondio.  '  I  was  prohibited,  under  pain  of 
aeath,  to  perform  this  marrlage. 

'  And  does  thia  appear  to  you  a  sufScient  reaaon  for 
omitting  a  poBÌtive  duty  ì"  ' 

'  I  bave  alwaya  endearoured  to  do  my  duty,  eren  at 
Tery  great  incoUTenience  ;  but  when  one's  lite  is  con- 
oemed  .  . . .' 

'And  when  you  preaented  youraelf  to  the  Cburch,' 
said  Federigo,  in  a  atill  more  eolemn  tone,  '.to  receìve 
Holy  Orders,  did  ahe  caution  you  about  your  lìfe  F  Dìd 
ahe  teli  you  that  the  dutiei  belouging  to  the  ministry 
were  free  from  every  obatacle,  esempt  from  every  danger  ? 
or  did  ahe  teli  you  that  where  danger  begius,  tbere  duty 
wouid  end  ?  Did  ahe  not  espressly  aay  the  coutrary  P 
Did  she  not  wam  you,  that  ahe  aent  you  forth  aa  a  aheep 
among  wolvea  P  Did  you  not  know  that  tbere  are  violent 
oppreasors,  to  whom  what  you  are  commonded  to  perform 


,»oglc 


XXV.]  THE    BETROTHED.  469 

vould  be  dUpleasing  ?  He  from  wbom  we  have  reoeived 
teaching  and  example,  in  imitation  of  whom  we  Buffer 
ourselvea  to  be  called,  and  cali  ouTeeWes,  abepherda  ;  when 
He  descended  upon  eartb  to  execute  Eie  ofGce,  did  He 
lay  down  as  a  conditiou  the  aafet;  of  Hìa  life  P  And  to 
Bave  it,  to  preHerve  ìt,  I  aay,  a  few  days  longer  upoD  ' 
eartb,  at  the  eipense  of  cbaritj  and  dutj,  dìd  be  instìtute 
the  holy  imction,  the  imposition  of  banda,  the  gift  of  the 
priestbood?  Leave  it  to  the  world  to  teach  this  virtue, 
to  advocate  thia  doctrine,  What  do  I  aay  F  Oh,  ahame  ! 
the  world  itaelf  rejecta  it:  the  world  «lao  makea  ita  own 
laws,  wbicb  fix  the  limita  of  good  and  evil  ;  it,  too,  baa  ita 

foapel,  a  goapel  of  prìde  and  hatred  ;  and  it  will  not 
ave  it  aaid  tbat  the  love  of  lite  ìb  a  reaaon  for  trana- 
.  greasing  ita  precepta.  It  will  not,  and  it  is  obeyed.  And 
we  !  ohildren  and  proclaimera  of  tbe  promise  !  What 
wouid  the  Church  be,  if  snch  language  às  youra  were  tbat 
of  ali  your  bretfaren  P  Wbere  would  ahe  be,  bad  abe 
appeared  in  the  world  witb  theae  doctrinea  ?  ' 

Don  Abbondio  bnng  bla  head.  His  mind  during  tbeae 
argumenta  waa  like  a  cbicken  in  the  talona  of  a  bawk, 
wbicb  bolda  ita  prey  elevated  to  an  unknown  r^oo,  to 
an  atmospbere  it  baa  never  before  breathed.  Findinz 
tbat  be  muat  make  aome  replv,  he  aaid  in  an  unconvincea 
tene  of  aubmiaaion,  '  My  Lord,  I  ahall  be  to  blame.  When 
one  la  not  to  conaidep  one'a  life,  I  don't  know  what  to 
Bay.  But  when  one  baa  to  do  witb  aome  pemle,  people 
wfao  poaaeaa  power,  and  won't  bear  reaion,  I  don't  see 
what  ia  to  be  gained  by  it,  even  if  one  were  willing  to  play 
the  bravo.  Tbis  Signor  ia  one  whom  !t  ia  impoaaible 
eitber  to  conquer,  or  win  over.' 

'And  don't  you  know  tbat  anffering  for  righteousnesB' 
aake  ìb  our  conquest  P  If  you  know  not  thia,  what  do 
you  preach?  What  are  you  teacherof?  What  is  the 
good  tiewi  you  annonnce  to  the  poor?  Who  requires 
from  jon  tbat  you  abould  conquer  force  by  force  P  Surely 
you  will  not  one  day  be  askea,  if  you  were  able  to  orer- 
come  the  powerful  ;  for  for  tbia  purpose  neither  your 
misaion  nor  mie  waa  given  to  you.  But  you  will  aasuredly 
be  demanded,  whether  you  employed  the  meana  you  poa- 


,c,oglc 


470  I  PBOMESsi  SPOSI.  Ice. 

sessed  to  do  what  was  required  of  you,  even  when  tliej 
had  the  temerìty  to  prohibit  you.' 

— Theee  saints  are  very  odd, — tbought  Don  Abbondio 
meanwbile  : — in  iubetauce,  to  extract  the  plain  meaning, 
he  boa  more  at  beart  tbe  affectiona  of  two  joung  p«ople 
thwi  tbe  life  of  a  poor  prieat. — And,  as  to  bimselF,  oe 
would  bave  been  vey  well  satiafied  had  the  converaatìon 
ended  bere  ;  but  he  eaw  tbe  Cardinal,  at  every  paue^ 
watt  vitb  the  air  of  one  who  expects  a  reply,  a  couféanon, 
or  an  apology, — in  short,  eomethÌDg. 

'  I  repeat,  my  Lord,'  aDBwered  he,  tnerefore,  '  tbat  I 
ahftll  he  to  blame  ....  One  can't  gire  one'e  self  courage.* 

'  And  wby  tfaen,  I  might  aak  you,  did  you  undertabe  oq 
office  wbich  binde  upon  you  a  continuai  warfare  with  the 
paseions  of  the  world  ?  But  I  nill  rather  eay,  bow  is  ìt 
yon  do  not  remember  tbat,  if  in  tbia  ministry,  however 


'  you  may  bave  been  placed  tbere,  < 
misi  your  obligatione,  there  is  One  who  will  ìnfaliibly 
heatow  it  upon  you,  when  you  aak  Him  ?     Think  you  ali 


the  millionB  of  martyrs  naturally  poBBeseed  courage  ?  tbat 
tfaey  naturally  beld  life  io  contempt  7  So  many  young 
persona,  just  beginning  to  enjoy  it — so  many  agédonee, 
accuetomed  to  regret  tbat  it  is  bo  near  ita  end— ao  many 
children — so  mauy  motbers  ?  Ali  poaeessed  courage,  be< 
cause  courage  was  necessary,  nnd  they  relied  upon  God. 
Knowing  your  own  weakness,  and  the  duties  to  «bich  you 
were  calTeo,  bave  you  ever  thought  of  preparing  yourself 
for  tbe  difficult  circumetaaces  in  wbich  you  might  be 
placed,  in  wbich  you  actually  are  placed  at  presenti  Ah! 
if  for  ao  many  jeara  of  paatoral  labours  you  bave  loved 
Tour  flock  (and  bow  could  you  not  love  themF)— if  you 
nave  placed  in  them  vour  affections,  your  cares,  your 
bappiness,  couru;e  ougnt  not  to  fail  you  in  tbe  moment 
of  need  :  love  is  intrepid.  N'ow,  surely,  if  you  loved  tboae 
who  bave  been  committed  to  your  spiritual  care,  thoee 
whom  you  cali  children,  when  you  aaw  two  of  them  threat- 
ened,  as  well  as  yourself,  ab,  surely  !  aa  tbe  weakness  of 
the  fleab  made  you  tremble  for  youraelf,  so  love  would  bave 
made  you  tremble  for  them.  You  would  feel  humbled  for 
your  former  fears,  aa  the  efiuct  of  your  corrupt  nature  ;  you 


XXT.]  THB   BETBOTHKD.  471 

wouid  bave  implored  BtreDgtb  to  oTorcome  tbem,  to  expel 
them  aa  a  temptation.  Bat;  a  boly  and  noble  fear  for 
others,  for  your  children,  thìs  70U  would  bave  listened  to  ; 
thiB  would  bave  given  jou  no  peace  ;  this  woutd  bave  in- 
cited — conatraìned  toh  to  think  and  do  ali  you  could  to 
arert  the  dangen  that  tbreatened  tbem  ....  With  what 
bai  thiB  fear,  thia loro,  inapired  yoa  F  Wbat  bave you  done 
for  tbem  ?  What  bave  you  tbought  for  tbem  P  * 
And  be  ceased,  in  token  of  expectation. 


;dbv  Google 


I  PBOUBSei  BP08T.  [CH. 


CHAPTEE  XSn. 

T  such  n  queatìon,  Don  Abbondio,  who  had 
been  studying  to  find  Bome  replj  in  the  least 
precise  terms  poeaible,  atood  witbout  utteriug 
a  word.  And,  tospeakthetruth,  evenwe,  wita 
the  manuBcript  before  uà,  and  pen  in  hand, 
haTÌng  nothing  to  contena  mth  but  worde,  nor  anything 
to  fear  but  the  criticismB  of  our  readers,  even  we,  I  Bay, 
feel  a  kind  of  repugnance  in  proceeding  ;  we  feel  Bome- 
vhat  strange  in  thuB  eetting  forth,  witb  bo  Uttle  trouble, 
such  admirable  precepta  of  fortitude  and  charìty,  of  active 
Bolicitude  for  otberB,  and  unlimited  sacrifice  of  aelf.  But 
remembering  that  these  thioga  were  aaid  by  one  vho  sìbq 
practised  them,  we  will  confidently  proceed. 

'  You  give  me  no  answer  !  *  reailmed  the  Cardinal.  '  Ah, 
if  you  had  dono,  on  your  port,  wh&t  chority  and  duty  re- 
quired  of  you,  bowever  thiugB  bad  turned  out,  you  would 
now  have  Bomething  to  answer  !  You  see,  then,  yourself 
what  you  bare  done.  You  bave  obeyed ,  tbe  voice  of 
Iniquity,  unmindful  of  the  requirementB  of  duty.  Tou. 
havo  obeyed  ber  puuctually:  sbe  sbowed  herself  to  youto 
aigniiy  ber  desire  ;  but  ahe  wishcd  to  remoia  concealed 
from  those  wbo  could  have  sheltered  themseWes  from  ber 
reach,  and  becn  on  tbeir  guard  against  ber  ;  sbe  did  not 
wish  to  reaort  to  arma,  sbe  desired  aecrecy,  to  mature  ber 
designs  of  treachery  and  force  at  leisure  ;  she  required  of 
you  tran^reBsiou  and  ailence.  You  have  tranagreBsed,  and 
Kept  sileace.  I  ask  you,  now,  whether  you  bave  not  done 
more? — you  will  teli  me  whether  it  be  true  that  you 
alleged  false  pretexta  Uà  your  refusai,  that  you  might  not 


,»Ogk' 


XXVI.]  THB  BBTBOTHED.  473 

reveal  the  true  motiva.'    And  he  paused  awhile,  Kwaituig 

— TTie  teli-tale»  hare  reported  thU  too, — thought  Don 
Abbondio  ;  but  as  he  gave  no  token  in  words  oi  having 
anjthing  to  aaj,  the  Cardinal  continued  :  '  If  it  be  true, 
then,  that  toq  told  these  poor  people  what  was  not  the  case, 
to  keep  them  in  the  ignorance  and  darkneaB  in  which 
iniquity  wished  them  to  be  . . . .  I  must  believe  it,  tben  ;  it 
only  remaina  for  me  to  bluah  for  it  with  you,  and  to  hope 
that  yoa  will  weep  far  it  nith  me  !  8ee,  then,  to  what 
thia  Bolicitude  (good  Qodl  and  but  just  nowyouadducedit 
as  a  justificatìou  !)  this  aolicitude  for  your  tempora!  life 
has  led  you  I  It  has  led  you ....  repel  freely  these  worda,  if 
you  think  them  unjust  ;  take  them  as  a  salutary  humìlia- 
tion,  if  they  are  not . . . .  it  has  led  you  to  deceive  the  weak, 
to  lie  to  your  own  children.' 

— Just  aee  now  how  thinga  go  ! — thought  Don  Abbon- 
dio aeain  tohimself:  to  that  fiend, — meaning  the  Un- 
namea, — his  arma  round  hia  neek  ;  and  to  me,  for  a  half- 
lie,  uttered  for  the  sole  purpose  of  saving  m^  life,  ali  this 
fusa  and  noise.  But  they  are  our  supenors;  they'ra 
alwaya  in  the  rìght.  It's  my  ili  star  that  everybody  seta 
upon  me  ;  eren  sainta. — And,  epeaking  oloud,  he  aaid  :  '  I 
bave  dono  wrong  ;  I  aee  that  l've  dono  wrong  ;  but  what 
could  I  do  in  an  ^tremitv  of  that  kind  P  ' 

'  Do  you  stili  ask  thia  P  Have  not  I  told  you  already  ? 
Must  I  teli  you  again  P  You  ahould  have  loved,  my  aon  ; 
loyed  and  prayed.  Then  you  would  have  felt  that  iniquity 
may,  indeed,  have  threats  to  employ,  blows  to  beatow,  but 
not  commands  to  give;  you  would  bave  united,  according 
tothelawof  O-od,  tbosewbomman  wishedtoput  asunder; 
you  would  have  extended  towards  these  unhappy  inuocenta 
the  ministry  they  had  a  right  to  claim  from  you  :  Qod 
Himself  would  have  been  surety  for  the  consequences, 
becauseyouh&dfollowed  Uiswill'.  by  following  another's, 
you  have  come  in  as  answerable  :  and  for  what  conse- 
quences I  But  aupposing  ali  human  resources  failed  you, 
Hupposing  no  wayoi  escape  was  open,  when  you  lookedanz- 
iously  around  you,  thought  about  it,  sougnt  for  itp  Thea 
you  might  bave  known,  that  when  your  poor  childien  weie 


474  I  PBOHBSSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

married,  tbey  voold  themselTes  bave  provided  for  their 
escape,  that  they  were  ready  to  fiee  from  the  face  of  tbeir 
mwerful  euemy,  and  had  alróad;  deaigned  a  place  of  refuge. 
But  evea  without  thia,  did  you  not  remembei  that  you  1^ 
a  Buperior  P  How  would  be  bave  this  antbority  to  rebuka 
yon  for  havjng  been  wantìng  in  the  daties  of  your  office, 
did  he  Dot  feel  himself  bound  to  asaiat  you  in  fulfiUiug 
themF  Whydid  you notthink of actjuaintinKyourbisbop 
witb  the  impediment  that  infamouB  nolence  had  plaoed  io 
the  way  of  the  ezercise  of  your  miniatry  P  ' 

— The  very  advice  of  Perpetua  ! — thought  Don  Abbon- 
dio, pettishly,  wbo,  in  the  midet  of  this  conTeraation,  had 
niDBt  vividly  before  bis  eyea  the  imsge  of  the  bnvoes,  and 
the  thought  that  Don  Bodrigo  was  stili  alive  and  well,  and 
that  he  would,  some  day  or  other,  be  retuming  in  glory 
and  triumph,  and  furìoua  with  rerenga  And  though  tba 
presence  of  so  high  a  dignitary,  together  with  his  counte- 
nance  and  language,  filled  bim  with  confuaion,  and  inapired 
bim  with  fear  ;  yet  it  waa  not  nich  fear  aa  completely  to 
Bubdue  bim,  or  expel  the  idea  of  reaiatance  :  becauae  thie 
idea  waa  accompanied  by  the  recotlection,  tbat,  after  ali, 
tbe  Cardinal  employed  neither  miuket,  nor  sword,  nor 
bravoea. 

'  Wby  did  yon  not  remember,'  pnraued  tbe  bishop,  '  that 
if  there  were  no  otber  retreat  open  to  tbese  betroyed  inno- 
centa,  I  at  leaat  wae  ready  to  receive  tbem,  and  put  them 
in  aafety,  had  you  directed  them  to  me — the  desolate  to  ■ 
biahop,  as  belongingto  him,aBapreciouapart,  I  don'taay, 
of  bis  oharge,  but  of  bis  rìches  V  And  aa  to  yourself,  I 
Bhould  have  become  anxious  far  you  ;  I  sbould  not  bave 
alept  till  I  was  aure  that  not  a  bair  of  your  head  would  be 
injured.  Do  you  think  I  bad  not  the  means  of  aecuring 
your  life  P  Tbink  you,  tbat  be  wbo  was  so  very  bol{ 
would  bare  remitted  notbing  of  bis  boldness,  when  he 
was  aware  that  bis  piota  and  contrivancee  were  known 
elaewbere,  were  known  to  me,  that  I  wae  watching  him, 
and  was  reeolved  to  use  ali  the  meana  within  my  power 
in  your  defence  ?     Didn't  you  know  that  if  men  too  oflen 

{iromise  more  than  they  can  perìbrm,  so  they  not  un- 
requently  threaton  more  tbon  they  would  attempt  to  ex- 


,»oglc 


XXVI,]  THB   BETBOTHED.  475 

eoute  ?  Uidn't  you  know  that  ìnlqnity  depends  not  onlj 
OQ  its  own  Btrength,  bat  often  also  on  the  feara  and  credn* 
lity  of  otfaera  f  ' 

—  Just  Perpetua'B  arguroenta, — again  thought  Doa 
Abbondio,  iiever  reflecting  that  thU  singular  concurrence 
'of  hÌB  aervant  and  Federigo  Borromeo,  in  deciding  on 
wbat  he  might  and  shotild  bare  done,  vould  teli  reiy 
much  Bgainst  hìm. 

*  'Bufyou,'  puraued  the  Cardinal,  in  conclugion,  'aaw 
nothing,  and  wonld  aee  nothing,  but  your  own  tempora! 
danger  ;  what  wonder  that  it  seemed  to  yon  sufQcient  to 
outweigh  every  other  conaideration  F  ' 

'  It  waa  becauie  I  myself  aaw  tbose  terrible  faces,* 
eacaped  from  Don  Abbondio  in  reply  ;  'I  myeelf  heard 
their  worda.  Tour  illuotrious  Lordabip  can  talk  rery 
well  ;  but  you  ougbt  to  be  in  a  poor  pneat's  Bhoea,  aod 
find  youraelf  brougbt  to  tbe  point.' 

No  aooner,  howerer,  had  he  uttered  thew  worda,  tnan 
be  bit  bia  tongue  with  vei&tion  ;  he  aaw  that  he  had 
allowed  himielf  to  be  too  mach  carrìed  away  by  petulanc^ 
and  said  to  himeelf, — Now  cornea  the  Btorm  ! — But  raiB- 
ing  hÌB  eyea  doubtfully,  he  waa  utterly  astoniahed  to  Bee 
the  countenance  of  that  man,  whom  he  never  could  buc-  . 
ceed  in  divining  or  comprehending,  paas  from  the  Bolenin 
air  of  autbority  and  rebuke,  to  a  aorrowfol  and  penaive 
graTilr. 

'  'TiB  ino  trae  !  '  eaid  Federigo  ;  '  Buch  ìs  our  miaentble 
and  terrible  condition.  We  must  rigoroualy  exsct  from 
otherB  what  God  ouly  knowa  whether  100  ahould  be  ready 
to  yield  :  we  must  judge,  correot,  reprore;  and  6od 
knowB  what  we  ourselveB  sbould  do  in  tbe  same  drcum- 
Btancea,  wbat  we  actually  bave  done  in  Bimilar  onesl 
But  woe  unto  me,  had  I  to  take  my  own  weaknesa  aa 
the  measure  of  other  people'a  dutiea,  or  the  rule  of  my 
own  teaching  1  Yet  I  certainly  ought  to  give  a  good 
esample,  as  well  aa  good  inatruction,  to  othera,  and  not 
be  like  tbe  Phaiiseoa,  who  "  lade  men  with  burdena  grier- 
oua  to  be  berne,  while  they  themaelves  touch  not  the 
burden  with  one  of  tbeir  fingen."  Well  tbeo,  my  bod, 
my  brother  j  aa  tbe  errora  of  thoae  in  aatkority  are  (rfleo 


byCiOOt^lC 


476  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI,  [cH. 

better  known  to  othere  tbau  to  themeelTeB  ;  if  y ou  ara 
nwue  of  my  bavìn^,  from  puBÌllanìmity,  or  from  any- 
other  motive,  failed  m  nny  part  of  my  duty,  teli  me  of  it 
candidly,  and  help  me  to  ameiid  ;  ho  that  where  example 
hoB  beea  wautiog,  confesaion  at  leaet  may  Buppty  ita 
place.  BamonBtrate  freely  with  me  on  my  veakneaseB  ; 
and  tben  my  worda  will  acquile  more  value  ìa  mymoutb, 
because  yoa  will  feel  more  vividly  that  they  are  not  mine, 
but  are  tbe  words  of  Kim  wfao  can  gire  both  to  you  and 
me  tbe  necessary  atrength  to  do  what  tbey  preacribe.' 

— Oh,  what  a  holy  man  I  but  what  a  tormentor  ! — 
thought  Don  Abbondio  ; — -be  doesn't  even  Bpare  himaelf  : 
that  I  should  eiamìne,  interfere  witb,  criticize,  and  accuse 
evenhimself  ! — Eethen  Baid  aloud;  '  Oh,  my  Lord,  you  are 
joking  with  me  !  Who  doee  not  know  the  fortitude  of 
mind,  the  intrepid  zeal  of  your  illustriouB  Lordship  ?  ' 
And  in  bis  heart  he  added— ^Even  too  much  bo. — 

'I  did  notoBk  Tou  for  praiae,  vhich  makesme  tremble,* 
said  Federigo  ;  '  for  Ck>d  knowB  my  failings,  and  what  I 
know  of  tbem  myaelf  is  enough  to  confound  me  ;  but  I 
wÌBbed  that  we  should  humble  ouraelves  together  before 
Him,  that  we  migbt  depend  upon  Him  together.  I 
would,  for  your  own  aake,  that  you  should  feel  how  your 
conduct  has  been,  and  your  languide  stili  ìb,  oppoaed  to 
the  law  you  nevertheleaB  preach,  and  according  to  whicb 
you  will  be  judged.' 

Ali  falla  upon  me,'  Baid  Don  Abbondio  :  '  but  tbese 
people,  who  bave  told  you  ali  thia,  didn't,  probably,  teli 
you,  too,  of  their  having  introduced  themBelvea  treaoher- 
oualy  into  m^  house,  to  take  me  by  Burprìae,  and  to  con- 
tract  a  mamage  contrary  to  the  laws.' 

'  They  did  teli  me,  my  aon  :  but  it  ia  tbie  that  grieves, 
that  depreeses  me,  to  Bee  you  etili  aniiouB  to  eicuBe 
youraelf;  Btill  thinking  to  ezcuse  youreelf  by  accuBing 
othera;  Btill  accuBÌng  otbera  of  what  ought  to  make  part 
of  Tour  own  confession.  Who  placed  them,  I  don't  say 
uncfer  the  aecesBity,  but  under  tbe  temptation,  to  do  what 
they  bave  done  ?  Would  they  have  Bought  thÌB  irregular 
metbod,  had  not  the  legitimate  one  been  cloaed  against 
ihem  ?    Would  they  bare  thooght  of  snaring  tìieix  paator, 


,»Ogk' 


XITI.]  THB   BETROTIIED,  477 

faad  the^  been  receired  to  big  arms,  acnisted,  adnsed  by 
hitnP  or  of  surpriBing  him,  hod  he  not  concealed  himself  P 
A.ad  do  70U  lày  tbe  blame  upon  them  F  And  are  roa 
ìndigiuDt,  becauee,  after  bo  rnany  miafortuneB, — whnt  do  I 
Bay  F  in  the  midst  of  miefortime, — they  bave  said  a  word 
or  two,  to  givo  veni  to  their  sorrows,  to  their  and  youp 
paator  F  That  tbe  appeala  of  the  oppreaeed,  and  tbe 
complaintB  of  tbc'afflicted,  are  odiouB  to  tbe  world,  ìb 
only  too  true  ;  but  we  !  .  .  .  .  But  wbat  advaotage  wouid 
it  bave  been  to  you,  had  they  remained  ailent  ?  Would 
it  tum  to  your  profit  tbat  tbeir  cause  abould  be  left  en- 
tìrely  to  the  judament  of  God  P  la  it  not  a  fresh  reason 
why  you  should  love  these  persona,  (and  you  bave  many 
alréady,)  that  tbey  have  anbrded  you  au  opportunity  of 
hearing  the  eiocere  voice  of  your  pastor,  that  they  bave 
given  you  the  meane  of  hnowìng  more  clearly,  and  in 
part  diacbarging,  the  great  debt  you  owe  them  p  Ah  I  if 
they  bave  provoked,  offended,  aunoyed  you,  I  would  aay 
to  you,  (and  need  I  aay  it  ?)  love  them  exactly  for  that 
reason.  Love  them,  becauae  they  bave  suffered,  because 
tbey  stili  Buffer,  because  they  are  yours,  becauae  the?  are 
weak,  becauae  you  bave  need  of  pardon,  to  obtain  wriich, 
tbìnk  of  what  efGcacy  their  prayer  may  be.' 

Don  Abbondio  waa  silent,  but  it  waa  no  longer  an  un- 
convinced  and  ecomful  silence  :  it  waa  that  of  one  wbo 
hae  more  thinga  tp  think  about  tban  to  Bay.  The  words 
he  bad  heard  were  unexpected  conaequencea,  novel  appli> 
catioDs,  of  a  doctrine  be  had  nevertheless  long  believed 
in  hia  heart,  without  a  thought  of  diaputing  it.  The 
misfortunes  of  others,  from  the  contemplation  of  whicb 
bis  fear  of  personal  misfortune  bad  hitherto  diverted  bis 
mind,  now  niade  a  new  impreBsion  upon  him.  And  if  he 
did  not  feel  ali  the  contrìtion  wbìcb  the  addresa  was  in- 
tended  to  produce  (for  this  same  fear  waa  ever  at  band 
to  execute  tbe  office  of  defensive  advocate),  yet  he  felt  tt 
in  Bome  degree  ;  be  ezpcrienced  disBatisfaction  with  him- 
self,  a  kind  of  pity  for  others, — a  misture  of  compuuction 
sai  shame.  It  was,  if  we  may  be  allowed  the  comparÌBon, 
like  tbe  crushed  and  humid  wick  of  a  candle,  wbich,  on 
being  presented  to  tbe  flame  of  a  large  torcb,  at  tirst 


473  1   FB0MES9I   SPOSI.  [cH. 

smokefl,  Bpirta,  cracklea,  and  will  not  i^ite;  but  it  lights 
Bt  leugtb,  and,  well  or  ili,  buros.  He  would  faaTe  ac- 
ciued  himMilf  bitterly^,  be  would  evea  bave  wept,  had  it 
Dot  been  for  the  thought  of  Don  Bodrigo  ;  and,  bb  it 
was,  betrajed  auffident  emotion  to  convioce  the  Cardinal 
that  bis  worda  had  net  been  entirely  without  effect. 

'  Xow,'  puraued  he,  '  tbe  oue  a  fugitire  from  hia  home, 
the  otber  on  the  point  of  abandoning  it,  both  witb  too 
good  reaaoDB  for  absenting  themaelvee,  and  witbout  a 
probabilitj  of  ever  meeting  again  bere,  even  if  Glod  pur- 
pOBes  to  re-unite  them  ;  now,  alas  !  they  bave  too  little 
need  of  you  ;  now  you  bave  no  opportunity  of  doing  them 
any  serrìce  ;  nor  can  our  lìmited  loresight  predict  any  for 
the  future.  Bnt  who  knows  wbether  a  Orod  of  mercy 
may  not  be  preparing  aome  for  you  ?  Ah  !  suffer  tbem 
not  to  escape  I  Seek  them,  be  on  the  vatcb  for  tbem  ; 
beseech  Him  to  create  them  for  you.' 

'  I  will  not  fai),  my  Lord,  I  will  not  fai],  I  aseure  you,' 
replied  Don  Abbondio,  in  a  tone  that  ehowed  it  carne 
from  the  beart. 

'  Ah  yea,  my  aon,  yes  I  '  esclaimed  Federigo  ;  and  with 
a  dignity  full  of  aSection,  he  conduded,  '  Heaven  knowa 
bow  I  should  bave  wiebed  to  bold  a  different  convers&tioa 
witb  you.  We  bave  both  lived  long  ;  Heaven  bnowe  if 
it  bas  not  been  painful  to  me  to  be  obliged  tbus  togrìere 

four  gray  baira  witb  reprimanda  ;  bow  miich  more  g)adly 
would  bave  abared  with  you  our  common  caree  and 
■orrowB,  and  convereed  with  you  on  tbe  bleaaed  hope  to 
which  we  bave  ao  nearly  approached.  God  grant  that 
tbe  language  whicb  I  bave  oeen  compelled  to  use,  may 
be  of  uae  to  uà  botb.  You  would  not  wish  that  Ee 
should  cali  me  to  account  at  the  laat  day,  for  baving 
countenanced  yon  in  a  couree  of  conduct  in  whicb  you 
bave  so  unhappily  Alien  short  of  your  duty.  Let  uà 
redeem  the  time  ;  tbe  hour  of  midnight  Ì8  at  band  ;  the 
Brìdegroom  cannot  tarry  ;  let  us,  therefore,  keep  our  lampa 
buming.  Let  uà  offer  our  hearta,  miserable  and  empty 
aa  they  are,  to  Qod  that  Ile  may  be  pleaaed  to  fili  them 
with  that  charity  which  amenda  the  past,  whicb  is  a  pledge 
of  tbe  future,  wbicb  fean  and  truata,  weepa  and  rejoicea. 


,»Ogk' 


XXVI.]  THB    BETKOTHED.  479 

with  true  wisdom  ;  whìch  becomea,  in  everjr  iiutaace,  the 
Tirtue  of  which  we  stand  in  need.' 

So  aayii^,  heleU  tbe  room,  followed  by  Don  Abbondio. 

Here  our  Bnon^mous  author  iaforms  ub,  that  this  was 
not  the  anlj  int^riew  between  these  two  penone,  nor 
Lucia  tlie  only  aubject  of  thew  inteiriews  ;  but  that  he 
hae  confined  hinueif  to  the  meation  of  thia  ose,  that  he 
might  not  digresa  too  far  from  the  principal  object  of  Ma 
narrative.  And,  for  the  sanie  reaaon,  he  does  not  make 
mention  of  other  notable  thinga,  aaid  and  done  hy  Fede- 
rigo, throoghout  the  whole  course  of  hia  visitAtion  ;  or  of 
hia  liberolitT,  or  of  the  diseenaions  compoaed,  and  the 
ancient  feuda  betneen  individuala,  families,  and  entire 
towna,  extinguiahed,  or  (which  was,  alaa  !  far  more  fre- 
quent)  BuppreBaed;  or  of  aundir  ruffiana,  and  petty 
tvranta,  tamed  either  for  life,  or  for  aome  time  ; — ali  of 
them  thinga  which  occurred  more  or  lesa  in  every  part 
of  the  diocese  vhere  thia  excellent  man  made  any  atay. 

He  then  goes  oa  to  aay  how,  next  moniing.  Donna 
Fraaaede  carne,  according  to  agreement,  to  fetch  Lucia, 
and  to  pay  ber  respecta  to  the  Cardinal,  who  epoke  in 
high  terms  of  the  yoaag  girl,  and  recommenaed  he; 
warmly  to  the  Signora.  Lucia  parted  trom  ber  mother, 
it  may  be  imagined  with  what  teara,  left  ber  cott^e,  and 
a  second  time  aaid  fareweli  to  ber  native  village,  with 
that  aenae  of  doubly  bitter  aorrow,  which  ia  felt  on  leav* 
ing  a  spot  which  waa  once  dearlj  loved,  and  cau  uever  be 
so  again.  But  thia  partìng  from  her  mother  was  not  tbe 
laat  ;  for  Donna  Praaaede  had  announced  tbat  ahe  abould 
stili  reaide  some  time  at  tbeir  country  house,  which  was 
not  very  far- off;  and  Agnese  had  promiaed  ber  daughter 
to  go  thither,  to  gire  and  receive  a  more  mournful  adiea. 

The  Cardinal  was  himaelf  juat  atarting  for  another 
parish,  wben  the  Curate  of  that  in  which  the  castle  of 
the  TJnnsmed  was  aituated,  arrived,  and  requested  to 
■  apeak  to  him.  On  being  admitted,  he  presented  a  packet 
and  a  letter  from  that  nobleman,  wberein  he  beaouglit 
Federigo  to  prevail  upon  Lucia'a  motherto  accept  a  bun- 
dred  imuii  or  gold,  vbich  were  contoiaed  in  the  parcel,  to 
serve  either  sa  ■  dowry  foi  tbe  young  girl,  or  for  any 


,„oglc 


480  I  PBOlfSSSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

other  use  which  the  two  women  migbt  àeem  more  suit- 
able  ;  requesting  him  at  the  sanie  time  to  teli  tbem,  that 
if  ever,  on  anr  occasion,  they  thought  he  could  render 
them  any  semce,  the  poor  ^1  knew  toc  «eli  where  he 
lived;  and  that,  for  him,  this  would  be  one  of  the  most 
desirable  events  thst  could  happen.  The  Cardinal  im- 
medìatetf  aent  for  Agneae,  who  listened  with  equal 
pleasure  and  amazement  to  the  courteouB  measage,  and 
euffered  thepacket  to  beput  into  her  handwithout  niuch 
Bcrupulous  ceremony.  '  May  Ood  reward  thia  Signor  for 
it,'  said  she  ;  '  and  wilt  your  ìlluatrìous  Lordship  thank 
him  very  kindly  ?  Aod  don't  aay  a  word  about  it  to  any- 
body,  becauae  thia  io  a  kind  of  country  ....  Excuse  me^ 
Sir;  I  know  Tery  well  that  a  gentleman  like  you  won't 
chatter  about  theae  thinga  ;  but  ....  jou  understand 
me.' 

Home  aheweiit  as  quicklyaa  posaible;  ehut  heraelf  up 
in  her  room,  unwrapped  the  parcet,  and,  howerer  pre- 
pared  hy  anticipation,  behetd  with  astoniahment  eo  many 
of  tboae  coina  ali  together,  and  ali  her  own,  of  vbicb  sbe 
had,  perhaps,  never  aeen  more  than  one  at  once  before, 
and  tnat  but  aeldom  ;  ehe  counted  them  over,  and  then 
had  some  trouble  in  putting  them  together  again,  and 
making  the  whole  hundred  stand  up  upon  their  edges  ; 
for  every  now  and  then,  they  would  jut  out,  and  slide  from 
under  her  inexpert  fingerà  ;  at  lengtb,  however,  «he  aiic- 
ceeded  in  rollìog  them  up,  after  a  fashion,  put  them  in  a 
handkercbief,  bo  aa  to  make  quite  a  large  parcel,  and  wrap- 
ping  a  piece  of  cord  eeveral  timea  round  it,  went  and 
tucked  it  into  a  corner  of  ber  slraw  mattresa.  The  reat 
of  the  day  waa  apent  in  castle-building,  deviaìng  plana  for 
the  future,  and  longing  for  the  morrow.  After  going  to 
bed,  she  lay  for  a  long  titne  awake,  with  the  thought  of 
the  hundred  gaudi  ahe  uad  beneath  her  to  keep  ber  com- 
pany 1  and  when  aaleep  ahe  aaw  them  in  ber  dreama.  By 
break  of  day  ehe  aroae,  and  set  off  in  good  time  towards 
the  villa  where  her  daughter  waa  residìng. 

Though  Lucia'a  extreme  reluctance  to  speak  of  her  vow 
was  in  no  degree  diminìsbed,  she  had,  on  ber  part,  re- 
Bolved  to  force  herself  to  open  her  mind  to  her  motber  in 


XXVI.]  THE    BETRaTHBD.  481 

thia  interview,  as  it  would  be  the  laat  fhej  ahould  bave 
for  a  long  time. 

Scorcely  vere  thej  left  alone,  whea  Agnese,  witb  a  look 
full  of  aaimatìon,  and,  at  the  same  titne,  in  a  euppreaaed 
toue  of  voice,  BB  if  there  were  some  one  preeent  who  she 
WBS  afraid  would  bear,  began  ;  '  l've  a  grand  thing  to  teli 
you  ;  '  and  proceeded  to  relate  her  uuez{iected  good  for- 

'  Ood  blesa  this  Signor,' said  Lucia:  'nowyou  bare 
enough  to  be  well  off  youraelf,  and  you  con  alao  do  good 
to  othera.* 

'Why!'  replied  Agneee,  'don't  you  eee  bow  tnany 
tfaings  we  may  do  with  so  mucb  money  P  Liaten  ;  I  bave 
nobody  but  you— but  you  two,  I  may  eay  ;  for,  from  the 
time  tbat  he  began  to  àddreas  you,  l've  alwaya  conaidered 
Benzo  as  mjBou.  The  wbole  dependa  upon  whetber  any 
misfortune  has  happened  to  him,  seeing  be  gives  no  Biga 
of  being  alive  :  but  oh  1  aurely  ali  won't  go  ili  with  uà  ? 
We'lì  hope  not,  we'U  hope  not.  For  me,  I  ahould  bave 
liked  to  lay  mv  bonee  in  my  native  country  ;  but  now  tbat 
you  can't  be  tbere,  thanka  to  that  villain  I  and  when  I  re- 
member  tbat  he  ìe  near,  even  my  countiy  has  become  hate- 
ful  to  me  ;  and  with  you  tvo  I  can  be  happy  anynhere.  I 
waa  alwaye  ìnclined  to  go  with  you  both  to  the  very  end  of 
the  world,  and  bave  ever  been  in  resdlneBa  ;  but  how  could 
we  do  it  without  money?  Do  you  underatand,  now? 
The  little  sum  that  the  poor  foUow  bad  been  acarcely  able 
to  lay  by,  with  ali  bis  frugality,  justice  carne,  and  cleared 
it  away  ;  but  tbe  Lord  bas  sent  uà  a  fortune  to  make  up 
for  it.  Well,  when  be  baa  found  a  way  of  letting  ne 
know  that  be's  alive,  where  be  ia,  and  what  are  bis  inten- 
tions,  l'il  come  to  Milan  and  fetcb  you  ;  ay,  l'tl  come 
myself.  Once  upon  a  time,  I  should  bare  thought  twice 
about  Buch  a  thiug,  but  miBfortnueBiDakeoneexperienced 
and  independent  ;  l've  gone  as  far  aa  Monca,  and  know 
vhat  it  iB  to  travel.  l'Il  brìng  with  me  a  proper  com- 
panioD, — a  relation,  as  I  mar  aay, — Aleaaio,  of  Maggiani* 
co  ;  for,  ta  say  the  truth,  a  fit  person  ian't  to  be  found  in 
tbe  country  at  ali.  l'il  come  witb  him  ;  we  will  pay  the 
ezpenae,  aód ....  do  yaù  underatand  ?  ' 


,c,oglc 


482  I  PKOUBSSI  8P0BT.  [CB. 

But  perceÌTÌng  that,  inetead  of  cheeriog  up,  Lndft  be- 
came  more  aad  more  dejected,  and  only  exbibited  etnotìon 
unmized  with  plessure,  she  itopped  abruptly  in  the  midst 
of  ber  speecb,  and  said,  '  But  wbat'e  tbe  matter  with  you  ? 
Don't  you  oeo  it  P  ' 

'  Poor  mamma  I  '  exclaimed  Lucia,  throwing  her  arm 
round  ber  neck,  and  burying  ber  veepiug  face  in  ber 
bosom. 

'What  M  tbe  matterP'  again  aaked  ber  motber, 
anzìoualy. 

'  I  oueht  to  bave  told  you  at  fìr»t,'  said  Lucia,  raiaing 
ber  head,  and  composing  heraelf,  '  but  I  uever  had  the 
heart  to  do  it:  pity  me.' 
'  But  teli  me  then,  now.' 
'  I  can  no  longer  be  that  poor  fellow'a  wife  I  ' 
'  How  P  how  ?  ■ 

With  head  bang  down,  a  beati  ng  heart,  and  tears  rolliog 
down  ber  cheeks,  like  one  wbo  lelates  somathing  wbicfa, 
though  a  mìefortune,  ia  unalterable.  Lucia  discIoBed  ber 
70W  ;  and,  at  tbe  aame  time,  claaping  ber  banda,  again 
beHought  ber  mother'H  forgivenesa  for  harìng  bitherto 
concealed  it  front  ber;  ehe  implored  ber  not  to  apeak  of 
iuch  a  tbing  to  any  living  being,  and  to  give  ber  belp, 
and  facilitate  tbe  iìilfilment  of  wbat  abe  bad  promised. 

Agnese  remained  atupefied  witb  conetemation.  Sbe 
wauld  bave  been  angry  with  ber  for  ber  ailence  to  ber 
mother,  but  tbe  more  aeriouB  tbougbts  the  case  itself 
arouBed  stifled  tbia  personal  vesation  ;  sbe  would  bava 
reproached  ber  for  tbe  act,  but  it  eeemed  to  her  tbat  that 
would  be  a  murmuring  againat  Heaven  ;  tbe  more  so,  aa 
Lucia  began  to  depict,  more  vividly  than  over,  the  borrora 
of  that  night,  tbe  abaolute  desolation,  and  tbe  unboped* 
for  deliverance,  between  wbich  the  promise  bad  been  so 
expresaly,  eo  aolemnly  made.  And  ali  tbe  wblle,  example 
after  example  rose  to  tbe  recollection  of  tbe  liatener, 
wbich  abe  nsd  often  heard  repeated,  and  had  repeoted 
berself  to  ber  daughter,  of  strange  and  terrible  puniih- 
menta  following  upon  tbe  violation  of  a  tow.  After  a 
few  momenti  of  astouiahment,  sbe  eaid,  '  And  what  will 
you  do  now  F  ' 


;dbv  Google 


XXYI.]  THE   BBTROTHED.  483 

'Now,'  replied  Lucia,  'it  ìb  the  Lord  who  must  tliink 
far  UH  ;  the  Lord,  aad  the  Madonna.  I  have  placed  mj- 
self  in  theÌT  banda  ;  they  bare  not  fonakeo  me  hitherto; 
thef  wìU  DOt  forsake  me  now,  that ....  The  mercy  I  ask 
for  myaelf  of  the  Lord,  the  onlj  mercj,  after  the  s&lvation 
of  my  floul,  ÌB,  tfaat  He  will  let  me  rejoìn  you  ;  and  He 
wUl  graot  it  me — yes,  I  feel  euro  He  wilL  That  day  .... 
in  that  carriage  ....  Ah,  moat  holy  Virgin  !  .  .  .  .  thoee 
mea  !  .  .  .  .  who  would  hare  told  me  that  they  were  bring- 
ing  me  to  thia,  that  they  would  brtng  me  to  joia  my 
mother  the  next  day  ?  ' 

'  But  not  to  teli  your  mother  of  it  at  once  !  '  aaid  Ag- 
neee,  with  a  kind  of  anger,  subdued  by  aSection  and  pity. 

'  Oh,  pity  me  I  I  haa  not  the  heart ....  and  what  UM 
would  it  bave  been  to  grieve  you  bo  long  ago  P  ' 

'  And  Benso  P  '  taid  Agnese,  ebakinR  ber  head. 

'  Ah  1  '  exclaimed  Lucia,  with  a  audden  start,  '  I  must 
think  DothÌDg  more  of  that  poor  fellow.  Iiong  ago  Ood 
bad  not  destined  ....  See  bow  it  appeara  tbat  it  was  bis 
will  ne  sbould  be  kept  aauader.  And  who  knowa  F .  . . , 
but  no,  no  :  the  Lord  will  bave  preaerred  him  from  donger, 
and  will  make  him  even  bappier  witbout  me.' 

'  But  now,  you  aee,'  replira  Agnese,  *  if  it  were  not  that 

CI  are  bouud  for  ever,  far  ali  the  rest,  if  no  misfortune 
bappened  to  Benzo,  I  migbt  bave  fouud  a  lemedy 
with  so  much  money.' 

'  But  ahould  we  bave  got  tbis  money,'  replied  Lucia, 
'  if  I  bad  not  pasaed  througb  such  a  night  P  .  .  ,  .  It  is  tbe 
Lord  who  baa  ordered  everything  as  it  ii  ;  His  will  be 
dono.*     And  bere  ber  voice  was  choked  with  tears. 

At  tbis  unexpected  argument,  Agnese  remained  silent 
and  tboughtful.  In  a  few  momenta,  bowever.  Lucia, 
Buppreasing  ber  Boba,  reaumed:  'Now  that  the  deed  ia 
done,  we  must  aubmit  to  it  with  cheerfulness  ;  and  you, 
my  poor  mother,  you  can  help  me,  first,  by  praying  to  tbe 
Lord  for  your  unbappy  daugbter,  and  Uien ....  t^t  poor 
fellow  must  be  told  of  it,  you  know.  Will  you  see  to 
tbis,  and  do  me  also  tbis  kindnesa  ;  for  you  ean  think  ' 
about  it  Wben  you  can  find  out  wbere  ne  is,  get  some 
one  to  write  to  him  ;  find  a  man  ....  Oh,  your  coubìq, 


,c,oglc 


484  I  FSOMESSI  SPOSI.  [cH. 

Alessio,  is  just  the  man,  a  prudeat  and  kind  peraon,  vho 
has  alwa^  nished  us  well,  aad  woo't  gossip  and  teli  Uie»  ; 
get  him  to  write  the  thiDg  just  ss  it  is,  wbere  I  bave  been, 
DOW  I  bave  Buffered,  and  that  God  has  villed  it  should  be 
thuB  i  and  tbst  he  must  set  hia  heart  at  rest,  and  tbat  I 
caD  aever,  never  be  anybodj's  vife  !  And  teli  him  of  it 
in  a  kind  and  clever  «ay  ;  explain  to  him  that  I  bave 
proroÌBed,  that  I  bave  realJy  made  a  vow  ....  When  he 
knowB  that  I  bave  promiaed  the  Madonna  .  .  .  .  be  has 
alnavB  been  good  and  religious  ....  And  you,  the  mgment 

Ì'ou  nave  any  news  of  biin,  get  soinebody  to  write  to  me  ; 
et  me  know  that  he  is  well,  aud  then.  .  ,  .  let  me  uever 
bear  anythin^  more.' 

Agnese,  witb  ranch  feeling,  asaured  her  daughter  tbat 
everjthing  should  be  done  as  abe  deaired. 

'  Tbere's  one  tbing  more  I  bave  to  say,'  resumed  Lucia  ; 
'  tbia  poor  fellow ....  ìf  he  hadu't  had  the  misfortune  to 
tbink  of  me,  ali  that  has  happened  to  him  never  would 
bave  happened.  He's  a  nanderer  in  the  wide  world  ; 
they've  ruined  him  on  Betting  out  in  life  ;  the/ ve  carrìed 
awaj  ali  he  had,  ali  those  little  savings  he  had  made, 
poor  fellow  ;  you  know  whv  ....  And  we  bave  ao  mucb 
money  !  Oh,  motber  !  aa  tDe  Lord  baa  eent  uà  so  mucb 
wealtn,  and  you  look  upon  thia  puor  fellow,  true  enough, 
aa  belonging  to  you  ....  yes,  aa  your  aon,  oh  !  divide  it 
between  you  ;  for,  most  assuredly,  God  won't  let  ub  want. 
Look  out  for  the  opportuaity  of  a  aafe  bearer,  and  eend  it 
him  ;  for  Heaven  eqowb  how  mucb  be  wanta  it  I  ' 

'  Well,  what  do  you  tbink  p  '  reptied  Agnese  :  '  l'il  do 
it,  indeed.  Poor  youth  !  Wby  do  you  think  1  was  ao 
glad  of  this  money  F  But  !....!  certainly  carne  here 
very  clad,  so  I  did.  Welt,  l'il  send  it  him  j  poor  yoiitb  ! 
But  he,  too  . . . .  I  know  what  I  would  aay;  certaioly, 
money  gives  pleasure  to  thoee  who  wantit;  butitisn'i 
tbia  tnat  will  make  him  ricb.' 

Lucia  tbanked  ber  motber  for  ber  ready  and  liberal 
assent,  witb  such  deep  gratitiide  and  affection,  as  would 
bave  coaviuced  an  observer  tbat  her  heart  atill  aecretlr 
clung  to  Benzo,  more,  perhapa,  thaa  ebe  faerself  beliered. 


;dbv  Google 


XXVI.]  THB   BSTROTHSD.  460 

'  And  what  ehall  I,  a  poor  eolitaiy  woman,  do  vrithout 
yoa  ?  '  8BÌd  Agnese,  veeptng  in  ber  tura. 

'  And  I  without  you,  my  poor  mother!  and  in  a  strftnger's 
house  !  and  down  there  in  Milan  !  . .  .  .  But  the  Lord  will 
be  «ith  UH  both,  and  aftervards  will  brìng  ub  together 
again.  Between  eight  and  nine  montha  hence,  we  ehall 
MS  each  otber  once  more  bere;  and  by  that  time,  or  eren 
befors  it,  I  bope.  He  will  bave  diapoaed  inattem  to  our 
comfort.  Leave  it  to  Kim.  I  will  ever,  ever  beseech 
the  Madonna  Tor  tbie  mercy.  If  I  had  anything  elae  to 
offer  ber,  I  wouid  do  it  ;  but  ahe  ia  ho  merciful,  that  ebe 
will  obtain  it  for  me  ae  a  gift.' 

With  theae,  and  otber  eimilar  and  oft-repeated  words 
of  lamentation  and  comfort,  of  oppoaition  and  reaignatian, 
of  interrt^tion and  conSdentassunuce,  witb  roany  teara, 
and  after  long  and  renewed  embraces,  tbe  womea  toro 
tbemBelves  apart,  promising,  by  tuma,  to  aee  each  otber 
the  next  aittumn,  at  the  fateet  ;  u  if  tbe  fulfìlmeat  of 
tbeae  promise*  depended  upon  themselvea,  and  as  people 
alwaye  do,  nevertbeleaa,  in  similar  caaes. 

Meanwbile,  a  conaiderable  time  paiaed  away,  and  Ag- 
nese could  bear  no  tidiags  of  Benzo.  Xeither  letter  uor 
message reached  berfrom  him;  and  amongalltbose  whom 
ohe  could  atk  frora  Bergamo,  or  the  neigbbourhood,  no 
one  knew  anythìng  at  ali  about  him. 

Nor  was  Bne  tbe  only  one  wbo  made  inquiries  in  Tain  : 
-Cardinal  Federigo,  wbo  bad  not  told  the  poor  voman 
merely  out  of  compliment  that  he  wouid  seek  for  some 
information  conceraiog  the  unfortunate  man,  had,  in  fàct, 
immediately  written  to  obtain  it.  Uaving  returned  to 
Milan  after  bis  visitation,  be  received  a  reply,  in  which  be 
waainformed,  that  the  addreas  of  the  person  he  had  named 
could  not  be  ascertained;  that  he  had  certainly  made 
some  stay  in  such  a  place,  wbere  he  had  given  no  occasion 
for  any  talk  about  bimaelf  ;  but  that,  one  mornÌDg,  he  bod 
suddenly  diaappeared  ;  tfaat  a  relative  of  hia,  with  whom 
he  had  lodged  there,  knew  not  what  had  become  of  him, 
and  could  only  repeat  certain  vagae  and  contradictory 
a  which  were  afloat,  that  the  youth  bad  enlisted 


,c,oglc 


486  I   FBOMBSSI   SPOST.  [CH, 

for  tbo  lierant,  had  paraed  into  6«nnuiy,  or  had  perìshed 
in  fording  a  ri*er  ;  but  that  the  writer  would  not  fail  to 
be  on  tbe  watcb,  and  ìf  aQ^  better  authenticated  tidiuga 

Sue  to  tight,  would  immediately  convey  thetu  to  hii  most 
uatrioue  and  very  reverend  Lordship. 

These,  and  Tarioua  other  reporta,  at  length  apread 
tbrougbout  the  territorj  of  Lecco,  and,  conaequeotly, 
reached  tbe  ears  of  A^ese.  The  poor  woman  did  b«r 
utinoBt  to  dincover  whicb  was  the  tnie  account,  and  to 
arrìve  at  tbe  origin  of  thìs  and  that  mmour  ;  but  sbe 
never  succeeded  in  tracing  it  further  than  thei/  tat/,  whicb, 
eveQ  at  the  present  daj,  aufficea,  by  iteelf,  to  atteat  tbe 
trutb  of  Cacta.  Sometimea  ahe  bad  acarcely  heard  one 
tale,  wben  some  one  would  come  and  teli  ber  not  a  word 
of  it  waa  true;  only,  however,  to  givo  beranotberin  com- 
penaation,  equally  atrange  and  dJaaatroiu.  The  trutb  ia, 
ali  tbeae  rumoura  were  alike  unfo'jnded. 

Tbe  Oovernor  of  Milan,  and  Captaia-Qeneral  in  Italy, 
Don  Oonialo  Femandez  de  Cordova,  had  complained 
bitterly  to  the  Venetian  minister,  reaìdent  at  Milan,  be- 
cause  a  rogne,  and  ptihlìc  robher,  e.  promoter  of  plunder- 
ing  and  massacre,  the  famoiu  Lorenzo  Tramaglino,  who, 
while  in  tbe  very  banda  of  justice,  had  eicited  an  inaur- 
rection  to  force  bie  eacape,  had  been  received  and  bar- 
boured  in  the  Bergaoiascan  terrìtory.  The  miniater  in 
residence  replied,  that  he  knew  nothing  about  it  ;  be 
would  write  to  Venice,  that  he  migbt  be  able  to  giva  bis 
Eioellency  any  eiplanation  that  could  be  procured  od 
tbe  aubject. 

It  was  a  maxim  of  Venetian  policy  to  aecond  aud  cu)- 
tivate  tbeìnclination  of  Milaneae  ulk-wearera  to  emigrate 
into  the  Bergainaacan  terrìtory,  and,  with  thia  object,  to 
proride  many  advantagea  for  tbem,  more  eapecially  tbat 
witbout  which  every  other  waa  worthleaa;  we  mean, 
aecurìty.  Ab,  however,  when  two  great  diplomatiats  dis- 
pute, in  bowever  trifling  a  matter,  third  parties  must 
alwaya  bave  a  taste  in  the  abnpe  of  consequencee,  Bortolo 
waa  warued,  in  confidence,  it  was  not  known  bj  wbom, 
tbat  Senzo  waa  not  «afe  in  that  neigbbourbood,  and  tbat 
be  would  do  wiaely  to  place  bim  in  aome  other  manufàc- 


,»oglc 


IXTT.j  THE   BSTBOTaSD.  487 

tuie  for  n  wfaile,  even  under  a  Mae  nftme.  Bortolo  nader- 
Btood  the  hint,  raiaed  no  objectìonB,  eiplsined  the  matter 
to  Iiìb  couam,  took  him  witfa  him  in  a  carriage,  conyeyed 
him  to  &nottier  new  BÌlk-mill,  about  fifbeen  milee  off,  and 
preaented  him,  under  the  name  of  Antonio  Bivolta,  to  the 
owner,  who  waa  a  native  of  the  MiUnese,  and  a&  old 
ac()uaiiitance.  Thii  pereon,  though  the  times  were  ao  bad, 
needed  little  entreaty  to  receive  a  workman  who  voa 
recommended  to  him  aa  honest  and  skilfVil  by  &n  intelli- 

S[ent  man  ]ike  Bortolo.  On  trial  of  him  afterwarda,  he 
ound  he  had  ojùj  reason  to  congratulate  himielf  on  the 
Kcquiflitioa  ;  excepting  that,  at  first,  he  thought  the  youth 
muBt  be  naturali^  ratber  atupid,  because,  when  any  ooe 
called  Antonio,  he  generali/  did  not  anawer. 

Soon  after,  an  order  carne  from  Venice,  in  peaceable 
fona,  to  the  sheriff  of  Beiamo,  requinug  him  to  obtaia 
and  forward  Information,  whether,  in  his  jurisdiction,  and 
more  expresaly  in  auch  a  village,  tuch  an  individuai  wsa 
to  be  found.  The  sheriff,  having  made  the  neoeaaarf  re< 
BearcheB  in  the  manner  he  oaw  wae  deelred,  tranamitted  a 
replv  in  the  negative,  vhìch  vaa  tranamitted  to  the 
mmiflter  at  Miltui,  who  tranamitted  it  to  Don  Gonzalo 
Femandez  de  Cordova. 

There  were  Dot  waating  ìuqaiaitive  people  who  trìed  to 
leara  from  Bortolo  why  this  ; outh  wae  no  louger  with 
bim,  and  where  he  had  gone.  To  the  firet  inquiry  he  re- 
plied,  '  Nay ,  he  has  diaappeared  !  '  but  afterwards,  to  get 
rid  of  the  moat  pertinecioua  without  giving  them  a  au»- 
pidon  of  what  waa  reallf  the  caae,  he  contnved  to  enter- 
tftin  them,  some  with  one,  some  witb  another,  of  the 
•toriea  we  bave  before  mentioned:  alwaja,  honever,  aa 
ancertoin  reports,  which  he  alao  had  beard  related,  with- 
out having  anj  poaitive  accounta. 

But  when  inquiriee  carne  to  be  made  of  bim  bj  com- 
mìaaion  firom  the  Cardinal,  without  mentionin?  bia  name, 
and  with  a  certain  show  of  importance  and  mystery, 
merely  giving  him  to  underatand  that  it  waa  in  the  name 
of  a  great  peraonage,  Bortolo  became  the  more  guarded, 
and  deemed  it  the  more  necesaarf  to  adbere  to  his  general 
nethod  of  reply  ;  nay,  oa  a  great  penonage  was  concemed. 


,„oglc 


488  *  I   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CB. 

he  eave  out  hj  wholeaale  ali  the  stories  which  be  had 
publiahed,  one  by  one,  of  his  varÌQua  diustera. 

Let  it  net  be  ìmsgìned  that  sa<;h  a  perscm  u  Don 
Gonzalo  bore  any  ^nonal  eDinily  to  the  poor  mountain 
BÌlk-weaver;  that  mformed,  perhapa,  of  his  irreverence 
and  ill-language  towarda  bis  Moorish  kìug,  chaioed  by 
the  throat,  he  would  bave  wreaked  bla  vengesnce  upon 
bim  ;  or  that  he  tbought  him  bo  dangerous  a  aubject  aa 
to  be  worth  purauing  even  in  flight,  and  not  euffered  to 
live  even  at  a  distonce,  like  the  Boman  senate  irith 
Hannibal.  Don  Gonzalo  bad  too  man;  aod  too  import* 
ant  affaira  in  bla  head  to  trouble  bimself  about  Benzo'a 
doingB  ;  and  if  it  aeemH  that  he  did  trouble  bimaelf  about 
them,  it  aroae  fram  a  aingular  combination  of  clrcum- 
etancea,  by  whicb  the  poor  luifortunate  fellow,  without 
desiring  it,  and  without  beìng  aware  of  it,  either  then,  or 
aver  auerwarda,  fonnd  himself  Unked,-a8  by  a  veiy  aub- 
tile  and  invisible  chaìn,  to  theae  aame  too  many  and  too 
important  affidra. 


;dbv  Google 


IXVlI.l  THE   BETROTHED, 


CHAFrEE  iXVII. 

?IT  liai  alreadf  occurred  to  ob  more  than  once 
nake  mentloa  of  the  war  which  was  at  thia 
a  raging,  for  the  auccesBion  to  tbe  atatei 
he  Duke  Vincenzo  Gonzaga,  the  aecond  of 
tbat  Dame  ;  but  it  haa  alwaya  occurred  ia  a 
moment  of  great  haate,  bo  that  we  have  never  beèn  able 
to  give  more  thaa  a  cunor^  hint  of  it.  Non,  however, 
for  tbe  due  understanding  of  our  narrative,  a  more  par- 
ticnlar  notice  of  it  is  required.  They  are  matterà  wbicb 
any  one  who  knowa  anjthiug  of  hiatory  must  be  acquaint- 
ed  with  ;  but  as,  from  a  just  estimate  of  ourselves,  we 
must  Buppoae  that  this  work  can  be  read  by  noue  but  tbe 
igaorant,  it  will  not  be  amiu  that  we  should  bere  relat« 
M  much  aa  will  sufEce  to  gire  some  idea  of  tbem  to  those 
who  need  it 

We  bave  aaid  that  on  the  death  of  thia  duke,  tbe  first 
in  the  line  of  Buccession,  Carlo  G-onzaga,  head  of  a 
yonnger  branch  now  eatablished  in  France,  where  he 
pofiaessed  the  duchìes  of  Nevere  and  lìbetel,  had  entered 
upon  the  posaesaion  of  Maatua,  and  we  may  now  add,  of 


400  I  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CK 

M'onfemt  :  for  our  baste  made  ni  leare  tìiis  nune  on  tlie 
point  of  the  pen.  The  Spanish  minister,  who  wu  re- 
■olved  at  any  compromise  (we  bave  aaid  thìs  too)  Ut 
exclude  the  new  prìnce  from  tbeae  two  fiefs,  and  who,  to 
esclude  him,  waiited  Bome  pretext  (becauee  wan  made 
vithout  aor  pret«xt  Tould  be  uDJuat),  bad  declared  bim* 
self  upboloer  of  tbe  ctaimB  whicb  another  Oonzag» 
Ferrante,  prince  of  GhiastaLla,  preteoded  to  bave  upon 
Mantua;  and  Carlo  Emanuele  I.,  duke  of  Savoy,  and 
Margherita  QonuRn,  duchesa  dowager  of  Lorraina,  upon 
Monfermt.  Don  0onza]o,  who  was  of  tbe  family  of  the 
gi«at  commander,  and  bore  hia  name,  who  had  already 
made  war  in  Flandera,  and  waa  extremely  anziouB  to 
bring  one  into  Italy,  waa  perhaps  the  pereon  who  made 
most  stir  that  thii  migbt  be  undertaken  :  and  in  tbe 
mean  while,  iaterpretìng  tbe  intentiona,  and  anticipating 
the  ordera,  of  tbe  above-named  miniater,  he  coucluded  a 
treaty  with  tbe  Duke  of  SaToy  for  the  Invasion  and  par- 
tition  of  Monferrat  ;  and  afterwarda  readily  obtaineil  a 
ratiflcation  of  it  from  the  Count  Duke,  bv  penuading 
him  that  the  acquieittou  of  Caaale  would  he  rerj  easy, 
whìch  was  the  moat  strongly  defended  point  of  the  portion 
BBsigned  to  tbe  King  of  Bpain.  He  proteated,  howerer, 
in  tlie  king'a  name,  againat  any  intention  of  occupying 
the  country  further  than  under  tbe  name  of  a  depoait, 
nntil  the  sentence  of  the  Emperor  abould  be  declared  ; 
who,  partly  from  the  influence  of  otbera,  partly  from 
private  motives  of  bis  own,  bad,  in  tbe  mean  wbile,  denied 
the  investiture  to  the  new  duke,  and  intimated  to  him 
that  he  should  give  up  ta  him  in  sequeatration  the  con- 
troverted  atatea  :  afterwords,  bansg  heard  the  difierent 
sides,  be  wuuld  restore  tbem  to  him  who  had  the  beat 
elaim.  To  tbeae  conditiona  the  Duke  of  Nevera  would 
Dot  consedt. 

He  bad,  howerer,  frienda  of  some  emioence  in  the  Car- 
dinal de  Bicbeliea,  the  Venetian  noblemen,  and  the  Pope. 
But  tbe  first  of  these,  at  that  lime  engaged  in  the  aiege 
of  La  Bochelle,  and  in  a  war  with  England,  and  thwarted 
by  the  party  of  the  queen-motber.  Maria  de'  Medici,  who, 
for  certain  reasons  of  ber  own,  waa  oppooed  to  tbe  house 


,»Ogk' 


XXTII.]  THX   BETROTHBD.  491 

of  yeTen,  could  gire  nothine  but  hopea.  The  Venetiana 
wouid  not  stir,  nor  even  decure  themselTeB  in  bis  &Tour, 
nnleBg  a  Freach  arm^  were  fint  brougbt  ioto  Itaij;  and 
while  iecretlj  aidtng  tbe  duke  as  they  best  could,  they 
contented  tbemseEves  with  putting  off  the  Court  of  Ma- 
drid and  the  Gh>Tenior  of  Milan  with  protesta,  propoai- 
tions,  and  peaceable  or  tbrestenìng  admoaitionB,  according 
to  oircMimutances.  TJrban  Vili.  recommeDdéd  Novera  to 
bis  frieoda,  ioterceded  in  bia  farour  with  bis  enemìeB,  and 
deeigned  projects  of  accommodation  ;  but  would  not  bear 
a  word  of  aeuding  men  tnto  tlie  field. 

By  thU  meana  the  two  confederatea  for  ofienaive  mea- 
sures  were  enabied  tbe  more  aeeurely  to  begin  their  con- 
certed  operationa.  Carlo  Emanuele  ìnvaded  Monferrat 
frou  bis  side  ;  Don  Gonzalo  willingly  loid  aiege  to  Gasale, 
but  did  not  find  in  the  undertaking  ali  the  aatiafaction  he 
had  promiaed  bimaelf  :  for  it  must  not  be  imagined  that 
war  la  a  roae  without  a  thom.  The  Court  did  not  prò- 
Tide  bim  with  nearly  ali  tbe  meana  be  demanded  ;  bia  ally, 
on  the  coatrary,  asaiated  biro  too  much  :  that  ia  to  aay,  - 
after  baring  taken  bia  own  portion,  he  went  on  to  take 
that  whicb  waa  aaaigned  to  the  King  of  Spain.  Don 
Gonzalo  was  earaged  beyond  ezpreaaioa  ;  but  fearjng 
that,  if  be  made  any  uoiae  about  it,  thia  duke,  aa  active  in 
ÌDtriguea  and  fickle  in  treaty,  aa  bold  and  valiant  in  arma, 
would  revolt  te  tbe  Frencb,  he  waa  obliged  to  abut  hia 
eyea  to  it,  gnaw  tbe  bit,  and  put  od  a  aatiafied  air.  The 
siege,  besidea,  went  on  badly,  being  protracted  to  a  great 
len^th,  and  aometimea  thrown  back,  owing  to  tbe  ateady, 
cautioua,  and  reaolute  bebarìoor  of  tbe  beeieged,  the  lack 
of  aufficient  numbera  on  the  part  of  tbe  beaiegera,  and, 
aceording  to  tbe  report  of  aome  hiatorian,  tbe  many  falae 
steps  takea  by  Don  Gonzalo  ;  on  wbicb  point  we  leave 
tnitb  to  chooae  ber  own  aids,  being  inclined  even,  were  it 
peally  so,  to  conaider  it  a  very  happy  oircumatance,  if  it 
were  the  cause  that  in  thia  enteniriae  tbere  were  aome 
fewer  tban  uetial  alain,  beheaded,  or  wounded  ;  and, 
oaterù paribut,  rather  fewer  tilea  injured  in  Casale.  .In 
tbe  midat  of  theae  perplexitiea,  the  newsof  theaeditionat 
Hilan  arrired,  to  the  acene  of  whicb  he  repaired  in  pemnt. 


,c,oglc 


492  I   FROHESSI  6P06I.  [CH. 

Here,  in  the  report  wbich  woa  gìven  him,  mention  vtua 
tìao  made  of  the  rebelliouB  and  clamorous  flight  of  B«uio, 
and  of  the  real  or  supposed  doings  whìch  had  beea  the 
occaaion  of  hia  arreat  ;  and  they  could  aUo  inforni  hltn 
that  thia  peraon  had  taken  refuge  in  the  tenitory  of  Ber- 
gamo. Tfais  circunistance  arrceted  Don  Qonzala'e  atten- 
tion.  He  had  been  inrormed  from  aaother  ^narter,  that 
great  intereat  had  heen  felt  at  Yeuicein  the  inBuirection 
at  Milan  ;  that  they  had  Bupposed  he  would  be  ohliged  oa 
thia  account  to  abandon  the  siege  of  Casale  ;  and  that 
they  imagined  he  was  reduced  to  great  deapondency  and 
perplesity  about  it  ;  the  more  so,  as  ahortly  after  thie  event, 
the  tidinga  had  arrived,  ao  much  deaired  by  theee  noble- 
men,  and  dreaded  by  himself,  of  the  aurrender  of  La 
Bochelle.  Feeling  conaiderably  annoyed,  both  aa  a  man 
and  a  politician,  that  they  should  entertain  auch  an 
opinion  of  bis  proceedin&a,  do  eought  every  opportunity 
of  andeceirìng  them,  and  peranading  them,  by  inductioo, 
that  he  had  loat  none  of  hia  former  boldoesa  ;  for  to  Bay, 
explicitly,  I  bave  no  fear,  is  juat  to  aay  nothing.  One 
good  plùi  Ì8  to  show  displeaaure,  to  complaio,  and  to  ei- 
poatuUte  :  accordingly,  the  Venetian  ambaasador  haviog 
waited  upon  him  to  pay  bia  reapecta,  and  at  the  same 
tèrne  to  read  in  his  countenance  and  behanour  faow  he  felt 
within,  Don  Q^onzalo,  after  having  apoken  lightly  of  the 
tumuli,  like  a  man  who  had  already  provided  a  remedr 
for  everything,  made  thoae  complainte  about  Benio  whicn 
the  reader  already  knows  ;  aa  he  ìb  alao  acquainted  with 
what  reaulted  trom  them  in  conaequence.  From  that 
time,  he  took  no  further  interest  in  an  affair  of  so  little 
importance,  which,  as  far  aa  he  waa  concerned,  was  ter- 
minated  ;  and  when,  a  long  time  afterwarde,  the  reply 
carne  to  him  at  the  camp  at  Casale,  wbither  he  had  re- 
tumed,  and  where  he  had  very  dìfferent  thinga  to  occupy 
hia  mind,  he  raised  and  threw  back  hia  head,  like  a  ailk- 
vorm  aearching  for  a  leafj  reflected  fora  moment,  to 
recali  more  clearly  to  hie  memory  a  fact  of  which  he  only 
retaìned  a  shadowy  idea  ;  remembered  the  circumatanoe, 
had  a  vague  and  momentary  recollectioa  of  the  peraon  ; 
paaaed  on  to  aomething  else,  and  thought  no  more  about  it 


,»OglC 


XXTII.]  THB    BETROTHED.  493 

But  Benzo,  who,  from  the  little  which  be  bad  darklf 
comprehended,  wbb  far  from  aupponng  ao  benevolent  an 
indifierence,  hód,  for  a  time,  no  otber  thought,  or  rather, 
to  Bpeak  more  correctly,  no  other  care,  than  to  keep  him- 
self  coaceoled.  It  may  be  imagined  wbetber  be  did  not 
ardentlj  long  to  send  news  af  himself  to  the  vomea,  and 
receive  some  from  them  in  exchange  ;  but  there  were  two 
great  dìfficulties  in  the  way.  One  waa,  tbat  be  alao 
would  bare  been  forced  to  truat  to  an  amsDuenais,  for 
the  poOT  fellow  knew  uot  how  to  write,  nor  even  read,  in 
the  broad  senae  of  the  word  ;  and  if,  when  aaked  tbe  quea* 
tion,  as  tbe  render  may  perhaps  remember,  by  the  Doctor 
AEzecca-Garbugli,-he  replied  m  the  affirmative,  it  wna  not, 
ccrtainlr,  a  boaat,  a  mere  bravado,  aa  they  9ay  ;  it  waa  tbe 
tmth,  tbat  he  could  manage  to  read  prìnt,  when  be  could 
take  hÌB  time  over  it  :  writiug,  however,  waa  a  different 
thine.  He  would  he  oblìged,  tben,  to  make  a  third  party 
tbe  depasitary  of  bis  affairs,  and  of  a  aecret  ao  jealoualy 
guarded  :  and  it  waa  not  so  easy  in  those  timea  to  fiod  a 
man  who  could  use  hia  pen,  and  in  wbom  confidence  could 
be  placed,  particularly  in  a  country  wbere  he  bad  no  old 
acquaintances.  The  other  difficulty  waa  to  find  a  bearer  ; 
a  man  who  waa  going  just  to  the  place  he  wsnted,  wbo 
would  take  charge  of  tbe  letter,  and  really  recoliect  to 
deliver  it  ;  ali  theae,  too,  qualificationa  rather  difficult  to 
be  met  with  in  one  individuai. 

At  length,  by  dint  of  aearching  and  soundinR,  be  found 
BOmebody  to  write  for  hlm  ;  but  ignorant  wbere  the  wo- 
men  were,  or  wbetber  they  were  atììl  at  Monza,  he  jud|;ed 
it  better  to  e&cloae  the  letter  directed  to  Agnese  under 
cover  to  Fatber  Criatoforo,  with  a  line  or  two  also  for 
him.  The  writer  undertook  the  charge,  moreover,  of  for- 
warding  the  packet,  and  delivered  it  to  one  who  would 
pasa  Dot  far  from  Pescarenico  ;  thia  peison  left  it,  with 
many  strict  cbargea.at  an  inn  on  tbe  road,  at  tbe  neareat 
point  to  the  nionasterv  ;  and,  aa  it  waa  directed  to  a  con- 
vent,  it  reached  thia  aeetination  t  but  what  became  of  ife 
af terwarda  waa  never  known.  Benso,  receiving  no  reply, 
aent  off  a  aecond  letter,  nearly  like  the  firat,  wbicb  he 
endoaed  in  anotber  to  an  acquaintance  or  diatant  relation 


,c,oglc 


4M  I   PROMESSI   BP08I.  [cH. 

of  hÌB  at  Lecco.  He  aought  for  another  bearer,  and 
found  one  ;  ftnd  this  time  the  letter  reaolied  the  person 
to  wboin  it  vaa  addretsed.  Agnese  poated  off  to  Maggi- 
Miico,  had  ìt  read  and  interpreted  to  faer  bj  ber  counn 
AJeaaio  ;  concerted  with  bim  a  reply,  whìcb  he  put  down 
in  writing  foi  ber,  and  found  means  of  sending  it  to  An- 
tonio Bivolta  in  hia  preeent  place  of  abode:  ali  thia, 
bowever,  not  qait«  so  eipeditiouBly  aa  we  have  recounted 
it.  Benzo  received  thereplj.and  in  time  lent  an  anawer 
to  it  In  short,  a  correapondence  was  aet  en  foot  between 
the  two  partiea,  neitber  frequent  nor  regular,  but  atill 
kept  up  by  Btarta,  and  at  ìntervala. 

To  form  some  ideo,  howerer,  of  thia  correapondence,  it 
il  ueoewsrj  to  know  a  little  bow  euch  thinga  went  on  in 
thoee  darà — indeed,  bow  they  go  on  now  ;  for  in  this  par- 
ticular,  I  beliere,  there  ia  little  or  no  variatiou. 

The  peaeant  who  knowa  not  bow  to  write,  and  Ande 
himself  reduced  to  the  necceaity  of  communicatìng  hia 
ideas  to  the  abeent,  bas  recourse  to  one  who  nnderstanda 
the  art,  taking  bim,  bh  far  as  he  can,  fram  among  thoae  of 
hia  own  rank, — for,  with  otbers,  he  is  either  shameiàced, 
or  a&aid  to  traat  them  ;  he  informa  bim,  with  ntore  or 
lesa  order  and  penpicuity,  of  past  ereots  ;  and  in  the  eame 
manner,  descnbes  to  bim  the  thought»  he  is  to  ezpreea. 
The  man  of  lettera  underetands  par t,  miaunderatands  part, 
giTes  a  little  adrice,  propoaea  aome  varìation,  aaya,  '  Leare 
it  to  me  ;  '  tfaen  he  takea  the  pen,  trenafera  the  idea  he  baa 
received,  as  he  beat  can,  from  speaking  to  writing,  correda 
it  bis  own  vB.j,  improrea  it,  puta  in  flourishes,  abbreviates, 
or  eren  omita,  avcordìng  aa  he  deems  most  suìtable  for  hia 
aubject  ;  for  eo  it  is,  and  there  is  no  belp  for  it,  he  wfao 
knows  more  tban  bia  neighboura  will  not  be  a  paesìve 
ìnatrument  in  their  banda  ;  and  when  he  interferes  in  otber 
people'a  afiìùra,  he  will  force  them  to  do  tbings  bis  own  waj. 
In  addition  to  ali  this,  it  ia  not  always  quite  a  matter  of 
courae  that  the  above-named  literate  himaelf  ezpresaes 
ali  that  be  intended;  nay,  aoraetìtneB  it  happens  Just  tbe 
reverae,  aa,  indeed,  it  doea  even  to  uà  who  write  for  tbe 
presa.  "When  the  letter  thua  completed  reachea  the  banda 
of  the  corretpondent,  who  ia  equally  unpractieed  in  bis  a^ 


XXVII.]  TRB   BETBOTHBD.  496 

b,  o,  he  takes  it  to  anotber  leanied  genitiB  a{  tbat  tribe. 
who  reads  and  expounds  it  to  him.  Questione  arise  on 
the  manner  of  understanding  it,  becauge  the  penon  inter- 
ested,  preBuming  upon  bis  acquaintaoce  with  tbe  antece- 
dent  circumitancea,  aaaertB  that  certun  words  meon  nich 
and  Bucb  a  thing  ;  the  reader,  reBting  upon  bis  greater 
eiperience  in  tbe  art  oF  compoeition,  afErma  tbat  the^ 
mean  anotber.  At  last,  tbe  one  wbo  doe^  not  know,  u 
obliged  to  put  himself  ioto  tbe  banda  of  the  one  who 
does,  and  truata  to  him  the  task  of  writing  a  replyj 
vhicb,  executed  llbe  tbe  former  example,  ia  liable  to  a 
aimilar  atjh  of  interpretation.  If,  ia  additioD,  tbe  sub- 
ject  of  the  correapondence  be  a  ratber  delicate  topic,  if 
aecret  matterà  be  treated  of  in  it,  «hicb  it  ìb  deairable 
ehould  not  be  understood  hj  a  third  partj',  in  case  the 
letter  ehould  go  astraj  ;  if  vith  this  view  there  be  a  poai- 
tire  intention  of  not  expreseing  thinga  quite  clearly,  then, 
howe^er  short  a  time  the  correa  pondence  is  kepi  up,  tbe 
partiea  invariab]?  fiDÌsh  b_v  understanding  each  other  as 
weli  as  tbe  two  schoolmeti  who  had  disputed  for  four  hours 
upon  abstract  mntationB  ;  not  to  take  our  simile  from 
Hving  beingB,  lest  ve  eipooe  ounelres  to  bare  our  ears 
boxed. 

Now,  tbe  case  of  our  two  correspondents  was  ezactly 
wbat  we  bare  described.  Tbe  first  letter  written  in  Ben- 
ed'b  name,  coataiued  many  subjecta.  Frimarily,  beeidea 
au  account  of  tbe  flight,  by  far  more  concise,  but,  at  the 
aame  time,  more  confused,  than  that  which  we  bare  given, 
was  a  relation  of  bis  actual  circumstances,  &om  which 
both  AgneBe  and  ber  interpreter  were  rery  far  irom  de- 
ririog  any  lucid  or  tolerably  correct  idea.  Then  he  spoke 
of  secret  intelligence,  change  of  name,  bis  being  in  safety, 
but  stili  requiring  concealment;  tbinga  in  themselvea  noi 
very  &ìniliar  to  their  understandings,  and  related  in  tbe 
letter  rather  enigmaticsUy.  Then  follawed  warm  and 
impaBBioned  inqairies  about  Lucia's  situation,  with  dark 
and  moumful  hìnts  of  tbe  rumoura  which  had  reached  even 
bis  ears.  There  were,  finaìly,  uncertain  aud  distant  bopea 
and  plauB  in  reference  to  tbe  future  ;  and  for  the  preseut 
promisea  and  entreatìes  to  keep  tbw  plight«d  faith,  not 


,c,oglc 


496  l   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

to  lose  patieDce   or    courage,  and   to  vra.it    tot   better 
dajs. 

Some  tìme  paaaed  away,  aod  Agnese  fouod  a  truatj 
meBaenger  to  convey  an  anawer  to  Seozo,  with  the  fiftr 
tcudi  asBÌgned  to  bim  bj  Lucia.  At  the  sìeht  of  eo  inncn 
gold)  he  knew  not  what  to  thiuk  ;  and,  with  a  mind  a);^- 
tated  by  wonder  and  Buspeoae,  which  left  no  room  fbr 
gratification,  he  flet  off  in  search  of  his  amanuensia,  to 
make  him  interpret  the  lettor,  and  Gnd  the  key  to  eo 
Btrauge  a  mystery. 

Agneae's  acril»,  after  lamenting,  in  the  letter,  the  want 
of  perapicuity  in  Benio's  epistle,  went  on  to  deacribe,  in 
a  way  at  least  quite  as  much  to  be  lamented,  the  tremen- 
douB  hiatory  of  that  person  (bo  he  eipreased  himself)  ; 
and  bere  he  accounted  for  the  fifty  aeudi  ;  tben  he  went 
oa  to  Bpeak  of  tbe  vow,  employing  much  circumlocution 
in  the  expression  of  it,  but  adding,  in  more  direct  and  ' 
ezplicit  terma,  the  advice  to  aet  hia  beart  at  reat,  and 
think  no  more  about  it. 


underatood,  and  with  what  he  could  not  underatand.  Tbree 
or  four  times  did  be  make  him  read  over  the  melancholy 
writing,  noir  comprebending  better,  now  Gnding  wbat 
bad  at  firet  appeared  clear,  more  and  more  incomprehen- 
aible.  And,  in  tbie  fervour  of  pasaion,  he  insisted  upoa  bis 
amanuensia  immediately  taking  pen  in  band,  and  writing 
a  reply.  After  the  etrongeat  eipreasiona  imaranable 
of  pity  and  horror  at  Lucia's  ctrcumataaces  —  '  Write,' 
pursued  he,  aa  he  dictated  to  his  aecretarr,  '  that  I  won't 
■et  my  beart  at  rest,  and  that  I  never  wilì  ;  and  that  tbia 
ìb  not  advice  to  be  giving  to  a  lad  like  me  ;  and  that  I 
won't  touch  the  money  ;  that  l'il  put  it  by,  and  keep  it 
for  tho  young  girl's  dowry  ;  that  siie  already  belonga  to 
me  ;  and  that  I  know  nothing  about  a  vow  ;  and  that  I 
bave  often  heard  eay  that  tbe  Madonna  intereata  heraelf 
to  beLp  the  afflicted,  and  obtain  favoura  for  them  ;  but 
that  ahe  encouragea  them  to  despiee  and  break  their  word, 
I  never  heard  ;  and  that  tbia  vow  can't  hold  good  ;  and 
that  with  tbia  money  we  bave  enough  to  keep  house  bere  ; 


vjbv  Google 


XXVII.]  THE   BETROTUED.  497 

and  that  if  I  am  somewbal;  in  difficultàes  nnv,  it's  only  a 
storm  vhich  will  quickly  paas  over  ;  '  and  other  similar 
thingB.  Àguese  receWed  thie  letter  also,  and  replied  to  it  ; 
and  tbe  correspondence  coatinued  in  the  manner  we  bave 
deBcrìbed. 

Lucia  felt  greatly  relieved  when  her  mottier  hnd  con- 
trired,  by  acme  meaos  or  other,  to  let  her  kuow  tbat 
Benzo  waa  alive,  eafe,  and  acquainted  with  her  vow,  and 
desired  oothing  more  than  that  he  should  forget  her  ;  or, 
to  express  it  more  ezactly,  that  he  should  try  to  forget 
ber.  She,  od  her  part,  made  a  similar  revolution  a  bun- 
dred  timea  a  day  witb  resjiect  to  him  ;  and  emplojed,  too, 
every  meane  she  could  tbink  of  to  put  it  iato  effbct.  Sbe 
continued  to  work  iodefatigably  with  ber  needle,  trying 
to  apply  ber  wbole  mind  to  it  ;  and  wben  Benzo'a  image 
presented  itself  to  ber  view,  would  begio  to  repeat  or 
chant  some  prayere  to  beraelf.  But  tiiat  image,  just  as  if 
it  were  octuated  by  pure  malice,  did  not  generally  corno 
so  openly  ;  it  introduced  itself  stealtbily  bebind  otbera,  so 
that  tbe  mind  migbt  not  be  aware  of  having  harboured  it, 
tijl  after  it  bad  been  there  for  some  time.  Lucia's  thougbta 
were  often  witb  ber  mottier  ;  how  ahould  it  bave  been 
otfaerwìse?  and  the  ideal  Benzo  would  gently  creep  in 
as  a  third  party,  as  tbe  real  peraon  bad  so  often  done.  So, 
with  everyboay,  in  every  place,  in  every  remembrance 
of  the  paat,  he  never  faiied  to  introduce  himself.  And  if 
the  poor  girl  allowed  hereelf  aometlmes  to  penetrate 
in  fancy  into  tbe  obscurity  of  tbe  future,  there,  too,  be 
would  appear,  if  it  were  only  to  say  :  I,  ten  to  one,  sball 
not  be  tbere.  Ilowever,  if  not  to  think  of  bim  at  ali  were 
a  bopelesH  undertaking,  yet  Lucia  eucceeded  up  to  a  cer- 
tain  point,  in  tbinkiog  lesa  about  bim,  and  lese  inteneely 
than  ber  heart  would  bave  wiahed.  She  would  even  bave 
Bucceeded  better,  bad  she  been  alone  in  deairing  to  do  eo. 
But  tbere  waa  Donna  Frasaede,  who,  bent,  on  ber  part, 
upon  baniahing  tbe  youth  from  ber  tbougbts,  bad  found 
DO  better  expedient  tban  constantly  talking  about  him. 
'  Well,'  sbe  would  bbj,  '  bare  you  gi?en  up  thinking  of 
him?' 

'I  am  thinking  of  nobody,'  replied  Lucia. 


b,C,oo'^lc 


49S  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Dcmna  Pnwsede,  howerer,  not  to  be  eppeased  hj  so 
OTuire  an  answer,  replied  that  there  muat  t>e  deeda,  not 
vords  ;  and  enlaivea  upon  the  usuai  pr&cticea  of  roung 
girla,  'who,'  eaid  ine,  '  when  tber  bave  aet  tfaeir  nearta 
upon  a  diaaolutfl  fellow,  (and  it  ih  just  to  aiich  tfaey  bave 
a  leaniug,)  won't  couseut  to  be  separated  ^m  them. 
Ah  boaeat  aud  rational  contract  to  a  worthyman,  a  well- 
trìed  cbaracter,  whicb,  hj  aome  accident,  happena  to  be 
Iruatratéd, — tbej  are  quickly  reaìgned  ;  but  let  it  be  a 
villaìu,  and  it  ìb  an  incurable  wouud.'  And  then  sbe 
oommenced  a  panegyrio  upon  tbe  poor  abaentee,  the 
rascal  wbo  had  come  to  Milui  to  plunder  tbe  town,  and 
maaaacre  tbe  inbabitanta  ;  and  trìed  to  mate  Lucia  oon- 
feas  till  tbe  kuaviah  tricka  be  bad  played  in  bia  own 
country. 

Lucia,  «ith  a  voice  tremuloua  witb  ehame,  aorrow,  and 
sucb  indìgnation  aa  could  find  place  in  ber  gentle  breast 
and  bumble  condition,  affinned  and  teatified  tbat  tbe  poor 
fellow  had  dono  nothing  in  bia  country  to  giie  occaaìon 
for  anjthing  but  good  to  be  satd  of  him  ;  '  abe  wiehed,' 
ahe  satd,  '  tbat  aome  one  were  preaent  from  bia  neigbbour- 
bood,  tbat  tbe  lady  might  bear  bia  teatimonj.'  Eren  on 
hia  adventurea  at  Milon,  tbe  particulars  of  wbicb  abe 
could  not  learn,  she  defended  him  merely  from  tbe  know- 
ledee  abe  bad  had  of  bim  and  bis  bebaviour,  jrom  bia  veiy 
cbildhood.  Sbe  defended  him,  or  intended  to  defend  bim, 
from  tbe  eimple  Autj  of  cbaritj,  from  her  lave  of  trutb, 
and,  to  use  juat  the  expresaion  b^  which  ahe  deacribed 
her  feelings  to  herself,  aa  her  neighbour.  But  Donna 
FrasBede  drew  freah  argumenta  from  tbeee  apologie»,  to 
convince  Luoia  tbat  abe  bad  quite  loat  her  hMrt  afì«r 
tbat  man.  And,  to  aay  trutb,  in  thaae  momenta  it  ìa 
difBcuLt  to  Bar  how  tbe  matter  Btood.  Tbe  diagraoeful 
picture  the  old  lady  drew  of  the  poor  youth.  revived,  from 
oppoBÌtion,  more  vividi/  and  diatinctly  than  ever  in  tbe 
mind  of  the  young  girl,  tbe  idea  which  long  habit  bad 
eatabliabed  there  ;  the  recollectiona  abe  had  atifled  by 
force,  retumed  in  crowda  upon  ber  ;  aversion  and  con- 
tempt  recalted  ali  her  old  motivea  of  eateem  and  aympathy, 
aod  blind  and  riolent  hatred  only  excited  stronger  feelinga 


,»Ogk' 


XXVII.]  THE   BETBOTHED.  499 

of  pity.  With  tbese  feelings,  who  can  s»  how  mnch 
there  might  or  migbt  Dot  Ìm  of  another  affection  wbìch 
follows  upon  them,  and  introducea  itself  so  eaaily  luto  the 
miud  ;  let  it:  be  ima^ed  what  ìt  wonld  do  in  ooe  wbence 
it  was  attemptfld  to  eject  ìt  ly  force.  However  it  may 
be,  the  convereation,  on  Lucia'a  side,  vos  never  eairied  to 
any  great  length,  for  vords  were  very  aoon  resolved  into 
teare. 

Had  Donna  FraBsede  been  ìnduced  to  treat  her  in  this 
wav  from  ionie  inveterate  hatred  towards  ber,  theae  teara 
might,  perhaps,  bave  vanquisbed  and  ailenced  ber  ;  but  ss 
Bbe  spose  with  the  inteutioa  of  doing  good,  sbe  went  on 
witbout  allowiag  herself  to  he  moved  by  tbem,  aa  groans 
and  imploring  crìes  may  arreat  the  weapons  of  ao  enemy, 
but  Dot  the  instrument  of  tbe  surgeoo.  Having,  bowever, 
diacbarged  ber  duty  for  tbat  time,  sbe  would  tum  from 
reproachea  and  denunciationa  to  eibortation  and  advice, 
aweet«ned  al»o  by  a  little  praiae  ;  tbua  deaignÌDg  to  tem- 
per  tbe  bitter  witb  the  aweet,  the  better  to  obtain  her 
purpoae,  by  working  upon  tbe  heart  under  erery  atate  of 
feeling.  Tliese  quarrele,  bowever,  (which  bad  alwaya 
nearly  tbe  eame  beginning,  middle,  and  end,)  left  no 
reaentment,  properly  apeaking,  in  tbe  good  Lucis's  iieart 
againat  the  harah  sermoṇer,  wbo,  af^r  ali,  treated  ber, 
in  general,  veiy  kindly;  and  even  la  tbis  inatance,  evinced 
a  good  intention.  Yet  they  left  ber  in  auch  agitation, 
witb  auch  a  tumult  of  tbougbta  and  affectioos,  that  ìt 
required  no  little  time,  and  mucb  e&brt,  to  regain  ber 
former  degree  of  calmoesa. 

It  waa  well  for  ber  that  abe  waa  not  tbe  only  one  to 
wbom  Donna  Praaaede  had  to  do  good  ;  for,  by  this 
meana,  theae  disputea  could  not  occur  so  frequently. 
Besidea  tbe  reat  of  tbe  family,  ali  of  whom  were  pereona 
more  or  lesa  needing  amendment  and  e  ni  dance— besidea 
oli  the  other  occasìons  wbich  offered  tnemselvea  to  her, 
or  sbe  contrìved  to  find,  of  eitending  the  same  kind  office, 
of  ber  owQ  free  will,  to  mauy  to  whom  abe  waa  under  no 
obligations  ;  sbe  bad  alao  live  daugbtera,  none  of  whom 
were  at  home,  but  who  gave  her  mucb  more  to  think 
about  tban  if  thej  bad  been.    Ibree  of  theae  irere  nuiu, 


eoo  I  PEOMESai  BPOSI.  [CH, 

two  were  mairied  :  heace  Donna  Frassede  naturally  foimd 
heraelf  with  three  monasteriea  and  two  housea  to  auper- 
intend  ;  &  vaat  and  complìcated  undertaking,  and  the 
more  arduoue,  becauae  two  huabands,  backed  by  fatberg, 
motbere,  and  brotbera  ;  three  abbesses,  supported  bj 
other  dignitarieB,  and  br  many  nuna,  would  net  accept 
ber  auperintendeDce.  It  waa  a  complete  warfare,  aliat 
Uve  vrarfares,  coQcealed,  and  even  courteouB,  up  to  a 
certain  poìnt,  but  erer  active,  ever  vigilant.  There  was 
in  every  one  of  tbeee  placea  a  continued  watchruluese  to 
avoid  ber  aolicitude,  to  cloae  the  door  againat  ber  coun- 
sela,  to  elude  ber  inquiriea,  and  to  keep  ber  in  tbe  dark, 
aa  far  aa  poaaible,  on  every  uadertakmg.  "We  do  not 
mentìon  the  reaiatance,  the  difGcultiee  sbe  encountered  in 
the  management  oì  other  stili  more  eitraneoua  aSairs  : 
it  ìa  well  known  that  one  muBt  geaeralty  do  ^ood  to  men 
by  force.  The  place  «bere  ber  zeal  couid  beat  eiercise 
itaelf,  and  bave  full  play,  waa  in  ber  own  bouae  :  bere 
ererybody  waa  aubject  in  everything,  and  for  everything, 
to  ber  authority,  aaving  Don  Ferrante,  with  wbom  tbinga 
went  on  in  a  manuer  entirely  peculiar. 

A.  man  of  a  studioua  tum,  he  neitber  loved  to  eommand 
nor  obey.  In  ali  bouaebold  matterà,  bis  wife  waa  the 
miatreaa,  with  his  free  consent;  but  he  would  not  aubmit 
to  be  ber  alave.  And  if,  when  requeated,  be  occaaionally 
lent  ber  the  aasiatance  of  hÌB  pen,  it  was  becauae  it  auited 
bis  taete  ;  and  after  ali,  be  knew  how  to  aar  no,  when  he 
was  not  convinced  of  wbat  sbe  wiebed  him  to  wrìte. 
'  Use  your  own  aenae,'  he  would  Bay,  in  auch  casea  ;  '  do 
it  Touraelf,  aiace  it  seems  so  clear  to  you.'  Donna  Fraa- 
aede,  after  vainly  endeavouring  for  some  timo  to  induce 
bim  to  recant,  and  do  what  ahe  wanted,  would  be  obliged 
to  content  hereelf  with  murm\iring  frequently  against 
him,  with  caliing  him  one  who  hated  trouble,  a  man  wbo 
would  bave  bis  own  way,  and  a  acbolar  ;  a  title  whicb, 
tbougb  pronounced  with  contempt,  waa  generally  mixed 
with  a  little  complocency. 

Don  Ferrante  paaaed  many  houra  in  bia  atudy,  wbere 
he  bad  a  conaiderable  collection  of  books,  scarcely  lesa 
thaD  three  hundred  volumea  :  ali  of  them  choice  works. 


,»Ogk' 


XXVII.]  THB    BETKOTHED.  601 

and  the  most  highly  eat^eioed  on  tbeir  numerous  eeveral 
Babjecti,  in  eacn  of  wbich  he  wfis  more  or  leM  Tereed. 
In  astrologj,  he  waa  deservedlj  conaidered  aa  more  than 
a  dilettante;  for  he  net  onljr  posaesaed  the  geoerical 
notionB  and  common  vocabularj  of  inSueaces,  aspects, 
and  conjunctìona;  but  he  kaew  how  to  talk  veiy  aptly, 
and  as  ìt  were  ex  cathedra,  of  the  twelve  houaes  of  the 
heavens,  of  the  great  circles,  of  lucid  and  obacure  degreee, 
of  eialtatioQ  and  dejeution,  of  tranaitionB  and  revolutions 
— in  short,  of  the  most  aasured  and  moat  recondite  prin- 
ciplea  of  the  science.  And  it  was  for  perhaps  iveatj 
yeara  that  he  maintained,  in  long  and  frequent  dìsputes, 
the  Bjitem  of  Cardano  againat  another  learned  man  who 
was  Btaunchly  attached  to  that  of  Alcabizio,  from  mere 
obatìnacy,  as  Don  Ferrante  aaìd  ;  who,  readìly  ackaoff- 
ledging  tbe  auperiority  of  the  ancients,  couid  not,  how- 
ever,  eadure  that  unwillingnesa  to  yield  to  the  moderne, 
even  when  they  evideatly  have  reason  on  their  side.  He 
was  alao  more  than  indifierently  acquainted  with  the 
history  of  the  acience  ;  he  could,  on  an  occaaion,  (^uote 
the  tnost  celebrated  predictiona  which  had  been  venfied, 
and  reaaon  cleariy  and  learnedly  on  other  celebrated  pre- 
dictions  whìcb  had  failed,  sbowing  that  the  fault  was  not 
in  the  acience,  but  in  tbose  who  knew  not  how  to  applr  it. 
He  had  leamt  aa  tnuch  of  ancient  philoaophy  aa  might 
haTe  aufBced  him,  but  atill  went  on  acquiring  more  from 
the  study  of  Diogenes  Laertiua.  As,  bowerer,  theae 
ayatema,  how  beautiful  aoever  they  may  be,  cannot  ali 
be  held  at  once  ;  and  aa,  to  be  a  philoeopher,  it  is  necesaary 
to  choose  an  author,  so  Don  Ferrante  had  cboaen  Aria- 
totle,  who,  be  uaed  to  say,  was  neither  ancient  nor  modem  ; 
he  wnsthe  philoaopher,  and  nothing  more,  Hepoeaeased 
alao  Tarioua  worka  of  the  wisest  and  moat  ingenious 
disciplea  of  tbat  achool  among  the  moderna  :  those  of 
ita  impugnerà  he  would  never  read,  not  to  tlirow  away 
time,  as  he  said  ;  nor  buy,  not  to  throw  away  money. 
Solely,  by  way  of  exception,  did  he  fìnd  room  in  hia  library 
for  those  celebrated  two-and-twent^  volumca  De  Subliii- 
fate,  and  for  some  other  anti-peripatetic  work  of  Car- 
dano's,  in  conaideratìon  of  bia  Talue  in  astrology.    He 


,l)OglC 


C08  I    FKOME8BI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Bsid,  that  he  wfao  could  mite  the  treatìse  De  BettituHotu 
tmtjtoruf»  et  molMwn  ccàctlium,  and  the  baok  Duodeem 
genitmrarwm,  deserved  to  be  Itatened  to  eran  when  he 
erred  ;  that  the  great  defect  of  this  man  waa,  that  be  had 
too  much  talent  ;  and  that  no  eoe  could  conceire  what 
he  might  bave  arrived  at,  eren  in  philoaophv,  had  he  kept 
himàeif  in  the  rìght  wsy.  In  short,  although,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  learned.  Don  Ferrante  pasaed  fot  a  con- 
Buminate  neripatetic,  yet  he  did  not  deem  that  he  knew 
BDOUgh  aoout  it  himselfj  and  more  tban  once  he  wbb 
obliged  to  coafeu,  with  great  modeety,  that  esaence, 
tmÌTerBalB,  the  soni  of  the  world,  and  the  nature  of  things, 
were  Dot  so  very  clear  as  might  be  imagined. 

He  had  msde  a  recreation  rather  tban  a  study  of  na> 
turai  philoeopby  ;  the  tcit  works  of  Aristotle  on  thia 
Bubiect  he  hajl  rather  read  than  studied  :  yet,  with  thia 
alight  perusal,  with  the  notices  incideutallT  gathered 
from  treatieee  on  genera]  phiioBophy,  with  a  few  cunory 
glancea  at  the  Magia  naturale  of  Porta,  at  the  tbree  hia- 
tories,  ìapidvm,  animaliuin,  pìantarwn,  of  Cardano,  at  the 
treatiae  od  herha,  pianta,  and  animala,  by  Albert  Magnoa, 
and  a  few  otber  worka  of  lese  note,  he  could  entertain  a 
party  of  leamed  men,  for  a  whilo,  with  disaertations  <m 
the  moat  wonderful  virtuea  and  moat  remarkable  curiosi- 
tiea  of  many  medidnal  herba  ;  he  could  minutely  deacribe 
the  forma  aod  babita  of  airens  aod  the  aolìtary  phtBnii; 
and  explain  bow  the  aalamander  eziata  in  the  fire  with- 
ont  buming  ;  how  the  remora,  that  diminutÌTe  fish,  haa 
BtreDgth  and  abiiity  completely  to  arrest  a  ahip  of  saj 
fliae  in  the  high  acaa  ;  how  dropa  of  dew  become  pearla  in 
the  shell  ;  how  the  ohameleon  feeda  on  air  ;  how  ice,  by 
being  gradually  hardened,  ia  formed  into  cryetal,  ìn  th!e 
courae  of  time  ;  with  many  otber  of  the  moet  wonderful 
Beerete  of  nature. 

Into  tboee  of  magic  and  witchcraft  he  had  penetrated 
atill  more  deeply,  aa  it  wae  a  acience.aaya  our  anonymoua 
author,  much  more  neceeoary  and  more  in  vogue  in  those 
daya,  in  which  the  facts  were  of  far  bigher  importance, 
and  it  waa  more  within  reach  to  verìfy  them.  It  ia  un- 
neceaaary  to  aay  that  he  had  no  otber  object  in  TÌew  in 


,»Ogk' 


XXTIt.]  THB   BBTaOTHXD.  503 

Buch  a  study,  than  b)  ìnfonn  himsel^  uid  to  become 
acqiumted  with  the  very  wpret  arte  of  the  sorcerera,  in 
order  that  he  might  giisrd  againet  tbem  and  defend  him- 
self.  And,  òy  the  guidance  principali;^  of  the  great 
Martino  Delrio  (a  leader  of  the  ecience),  he  was  capable 
of  diBCOureing  ex  profetto  upon  the  faacinatiou  of  love, 
the  fucìnation  of  ueep,  the  fascÌDation  of  hatred,  and  the 
infinite  varietiefl  of  theee  three  princìpal  genusea  of  en- 
chantment,  which  uè  only  too  oftói,  again  aaya  our 
anon^mouB  author,  bebeld  in  practice  at  the  preeent  day, 
attended  b;  such  lamentable  eflecta. 

Not  lesB  vaat  and  profound  was  bis  knowledjge  of  bis- 
tory,  partìcularly  univenal  biatory,  in  wbìcb  bis  authora 
were  Tarcagnota,  Dolce,  Bugatti,  Campana,  and  Quaiso; 
in  abort,  ali  the  most  higbly  eateemed. 

'  But  wbat  ìb  history,'  aaid  Don  Ferrante,  frequently, 
'  vithout  poUticB  F — A  guide  who  w^ks  on  and  on,  with 
no  one  following  to  leam  the  road,  and  wbo  consequentlj 
tbrowB  away  bis  stepa  ;  aa  politica  witbout  hÌBtory  la  one 
wbo  walkB  witbout  a  guide.'  There  waa  tberefore  a  place 
aaaigned  to  statisticB  on  bis  abelves  ;  where,  amoog  man^ 
of  bnmbler  rank  and  loBS  renown,  appeared,  in  ali  their 
gìory.  Sodino,  Cavalcanti,  Sanaovino,  Paruta,  and  Bo<v 
caliui.  There  were  two  booka,  however,  wbich  Don  Yet' 
tante  infinitely  preferred  above  ali  othere  on  tbie  Bubject  ; 
two  which,  un  to  a  certain  time,  he  used  to  cali  the  first, 
witbout  ever  oeing  able  to  decide  to  which  of  the  two  thia 
rank  Bhould  ezcluaively  helong  :  one  waa  the  Principe 
and  Ditcorn  of  the  celebrated  Fiorentine  aecretary  ;  '  a 
sreat  raacal,  certainly,'  aaid  Don  Ferrante,  'but  pro- 
found :  '  the  otber,  the  BagUm  di  Sialo  of  the  no  leu 
'  celebrated  Oìovanni  Boterò  ;  '  an  boneat  man,  certainly,' 
aaid  he  again,  '  but  Bhrewd.'  Shortly  after,  however,  juat 
at  the  perìod  wbicb  our  atory  embracea,  a  work  carne  to 
ligbt  which  terminated  the  queation  of  pre^eminence,  bj 
aurpaasing  the  worka  of  eveu  these  two  Matadoret,  aaid 
Don  Ferrante;  a  hook  in  whicb  was  eacloaed  and  con- 
deused  every  trick  of  the  ayatetu,  that  it  might  be  known, 
and  every  vìrtue,  that  it  might  be  practiBed  ;  a  book  <^ 
amali  dimenaiona,  but  ali  of  gold  ;  in  one  word,  the  Sta- 


,„oglc 


604  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [cH. 

tùia  Segnante  of  Don  Valemno  Castiglione,  tbat  most 
celebrateti  man,  of  wbom  it  might  be  aaid  tbat  the  great- 
eat  scbolara  rivalled  each  other  in  aoundìag  bis  praiaes, 
and  the  greateat  persomigea  in  trying  to  rob  him  of  them  ; 
tbat  man,  whom  Pope  Urban  Vili,  honoured,  aa  is  well 
known,  vìth  magnincent  encomiumB  ;  whom  the  Cardinal 
Borghese  and  tlie  Viceroy  of  Naples,  Don  Pietro  di 
Toledo,  entreated  to  relate, — one,  the  doìngs  of  Pope 
Paul  V.,  the  other,  the  wars  of  bis  Catholic  Mnjesty  in 
Italy,  and  both  in  vain  ;  that  man,  whom  Louie  XIII., 
King  of  France,  at  the  Euggestioo  of  Cardinal  de  £iche- 
lieu,  Dominated  hia  hiatoHograpKer  ;  on  whooi  Duke  Carlo 
Emanuele,  of  Savoy,  conferrea  the  sanie  office  ;  in  praise 
of  whom,  not  to  mention  other  lofty  testimoniala,  the 
Duchesa  Cristina,  daughter  of  the  most  Christian  Kiag 
Henry  lY.,  could,  in  a  diploma,  among  many  other  titles, 
enumerate  '  the  certainty  of  the  reputation  he  is  obtain> 
ing  in  Italy  of  being  the  first  writer  of  our  times.' 

But  if,  in  ali  the  above-mentioned  sciences.  Don  Fer- 
rante might  be  considered  a  leamed  man,  one  there  was 
in  whìch  he  merìted  and  enjoyed  the  title  of  Profeasor — 
the  science  of  chivalry.  Not  only  did  be  argue  on  it  in 
a  really  masterly  manner,  but,  frequently  requested  to 
interfere  in  affair»  of  honour,  alwaya  gave  some  decision. 
He  had  ìn  bis  library,  and  one  may  say,  iudeed,  in  hia 
head,  the  worka  of  the  most  renowned  writere  on  tbia 
Hubject:  Paris  del  Poizo,  Fausto  da  Longiano,  Urrea, 
Muzio,  £omei,  Albergato,  the  first  and  second  Ibrno  of 
Torquato  Tasso,  of  whose  other  works,  '  Jerusalera  De- 
Irveród,'  aa  well  aa  '  Jerusalem  Taken,'  he  had  ever  in 
readìness,  and  could  quote  from  memory,  on  occaaion,  ali  _ 
the  paseagea  which  might  serve  as  a  test  on  the  subject 
of  chivalry.  The  author,  however,  of  ali  aul^bora,  in  hia 
eatimation,  was  our  celebrated  Francesco  Birago,  witb 
wbom  he  was  more  than  once  aasociated  io  giving  judg- 
meot  on  cases  of  honour  ;  and  who,  on  his  side,  spoke  of 
Don  Ferrante  in  terme  of  particular  esteem.  And  from 
the  time  that  the  Sìieorti  Cavalleretehi  of  tbis  renowned 
writer  made  their  appeanmce,  he  predicted,  without  beù- 


;dbv  Google 


ZXVII.j  THE    BBTROTHSD.  COR 

tatton,  that  thia  work  would  destroy  tbe  autboritjr  of 
Olevaao,  and  would  remain,  together  with  its  otber  noble 
BÌetera,  aa  a  code  of  prìtnarjr  autborify  among  poeterity  ; 
and  BVtTj  one  may  see,  aays  our  anonymona  author,  how 
tbis  predictioa  baa  beea  verified. 

From  tbiB  he  paBses  on  to  the  study  of  belles  lettres  ; 
but  we  begin  to  doubt  whether  the  reader  has  really  any 
great  wìsb  to  go  forward  with  us  in  thts  review,  and  eren 
to  feor  that  we  may  alreadv  bave  won  tbe  title  of  Berrìle 
copyist  for  ourselves,  and  that  of  a  bore,  to  be  shared  with 
tbe  anonymous  autbor,  for  baying  foUowed  him  out  bo 
BÌmply,  even  thufl  far,  into  a  Bubject  foreiga  to  tbe  prin- 
cipal  narrative,  and  in  which,  probably,  he  waa  only  ao 
diffuse,  for  tbe  purpose  of  pamding  erudition,  and  Bhow- 
ìng  tlutt  he  waa  not  behind  bis  age.  However,  leaving 
written  wbat  is  written,  that  we  may  not  loae  our  labour, 
we  will  omit  the  rest  to  reaume  tbe  thread  of  our  story  : 
the  more  willingly,  aa  we  bave  a  long  period  to  traverse 
without  meeting  witb  any  of  our  characters,  and  a  longer 
stili,  before  finding  thoBe  in  wbose  buccobb  tbe  reader  wilL 
be  most  intereated,  if  anything  in  tbe  wbole  etory  has 
interested  bim  at  alL 

Until  the  autumn  of  tbe  following  year,  1620,  tbey  ali 
remained,  some  willìngjy,  some  by  force,  almoat  in  tbe 
state  in  which  we  left  them,  nothìng  happening  to  anr 
one,  and  no  one  doing  anything  wortby  of  oeing  recorded. 
IHiB  autumn  at  length  approacbed,  in  which  Agneae  and 
Lucia  bad  counted  upon  meeting  again  ;  but  a  great 
public  event  fruetratea  tbat  eipectation  :  and  thie  cer- 
tainly  was  one  of  its  moBt  trifling  effectB.  Other  great 
eventB  followed,  which,  bowever,  made  no  material  cbangs 
in  the  destiniee  of  our  cbaracterB.  At  lengtb,  new  circum- 
Btancea,  more  general,  more  influential,  and  more  ezten- 
aive,  reached  eren  to  them, — even  to  the  iowest  of  them, 
according  to  the  world'a  scale.  It  waa  like  avast,  aweep-^/' 
ing,  and  irresietible  burricane,  which,  uprooting  treea, 
tearing  off  roofs,  levelling  battlements,  aod  acatterìng 
tfaeìr  frag^enta  in  every  direction,  stira  up  the  strawB 
hiddea  in  the  grasB,  prìea  into  every  corner  for  the  ligbt 


,„oglc 


BOe  I   PBOMB88I   8F0«I.  [CH. 

aud  withered  leaves,  which  a  genUcr  breeze  would  onìj 
bare  lodged  there  more  secnrely,  and  bears  them  off  in 
ita  beadlong  course  of  fury. 

!Naw,  th&t  the  private  eTents  which  jet  remaia  for  us 
to  relate  may  be  readered  intelUgible,  it  will  be  ab«> 
lutely  neceaaaiy  for  us,  even  here,  to  premiae  some  kind 
of  account  of  these  pabUo  oneo,  and  tbiu  make  a  etili 
further  digresaion. 


;dbv  Google 


XXVIII.] 


THE   BSTBOTlir-D. 


CHAPTEE  XZVin. 

9FTEB  the  Beditioa  of  St  Martìn'B  and  the 
1  foUowÌDg  daj,  it  seemed  that  abundance  had 
retumed  to  Mìlan,  ae  by  eachaatmeot.  The 
bread  shops  were  plentifully  supplìed  ;  the 
prìce  aa  low  as  in  ths  most  prolific  je&re,  and 
flour  ìa  proportion.  Thej  who  during  those  two  days 
bad  employed  themaelvea  in  shoutios,  or  doing  Bomething 
worae,  had  now  (excepting  a  few  who  had  been  seized) 
reason  to  congratulate  themeelves  :  and  [et  it  nrft  he 
imagined  that  thej  epared  theae  congratulationa,  after 
the  firat  fear  of  being  captured  had  subeided.  In  the 
aquarea,  at  the  comen  of  the  streeta,  and  in  the  taverna, 
there  was  undissniBed  rejolcing,  a  general  murmiir  of 
applausea,  and  half-uttered  boaata  of  having  found  a  way 
to  reduce  bread  to  a  moderate  price.  In  themidst,  how- 
erer,  of  thie  raunting  and  festività,  there  waa  (and  how 
could  it  be  otherwise  F)  a  eecret  feeling  of  diaquietude, 
and  presentiment  that  the  thing  could  not  laat  long.  They 
beaieged  the  bakers  and  meai-sellers,  aa  they  bad  before 
done  in  the  forioer  artificial  and  tranaient  ahundance 


,c,oglc 


b08  I   FROHBSSI  SPOSI.  [CH, 

Erocured  hj  the  firet  tariff  of  Antonio  Ferrer  ;  he  who 
bd  a  little  monej  in  adv&nce,  inveated  it  ìa  bread  and 
flour,  wbicb  were  atored  up  in  chestt,  email  barrela,  and 
iroQ  vesaela.  By  thus  emulating  each  other  in  enjoving 
present  advanta^,  they  rendered  (I  do  not  saj ,  ita  long 
duration  imposBible,  for  such  it  was  of  itself  already,  bui 
even)  ita  continuance  froin  moment  to  moment  ever  more 
difficult.  And  lo!  on  the  ISth  November,  Antonio  Ferrer, 
Da  orden  de  tu  Exceìencia,  iseued  a  proclamation,  in  which 
ali  who  bad  any  com  or  flour  in  their  housee  were  for- 
bidden  to  bay  either  one  or  the  otber,  and  erery  one  else 
to  purchftBO  more  than  would  be  required  for  two  days, 
unaerpain  of  peeumary  and  eorporal  punùàmenU,  at  the 
toiU  of  kit  Excelleney.  It  contained,  alao,  ìntimations  to 
the  eldera,  (a  kiad  of  public  otlicer,)  and  ineìnuatìons  to 
ali  other  persona,  to  inform  against  offenderà  ;  orders  to 
magistrates  to  make  etrict  eearch  in  any  houBea  nbich 
might  be  reported  to  them  ;  together  witb  freah  com- 
mands  to  the  bakera  to  keep  their  ahops  well  fumiahed 
witb  bread,  under  pain,  in  eate  of  failure,  of  jvoeyean  in 
ihe  ffalleyi,  or  even  greater  penailie»,  at  the  icill  of  hi* 
Exceììeney.  He  wbo  can  imagine  euch  a  proclamation 
executed,  must  bave  a  very  clever  itnagination  ;  and,  cer- 
tainly,  bad  ali  those  isaued  at  tbat  time  taken  efièct, 
the  ducby  of  Uìlaa  wnuld  bave  bad  at  least  as  many 
people  on  the  seas  aa  Great  Brìtain  itself  may  bave  at 
present. 

At  any  rate,  aa  they  ordered  the  bakera  to  make  so 
inucb  bread,  it  waa  also  necessary  to  give  some  orders 
tbat  the  materiale  for  ranking  it  shouìa  not  faìl.  The^ 
had  contrived,  (as,  in  times  oi  acarcity,  the  endearour  is 
alwaya  renewed  to  reduce  into  bread  different  alimentaiy 
materiala,  uaually  consumed  under  anotber  form,)  they 
had  contrived,  I  aay,  to  introduce  rice  iato  a  composition, 
called  mixed  bread,  On  the  23rd  November,  an  edict 
was  publisbed,  to  limit  to  the  disposai  of  tbe  Buperint«nd- 
ent,  and  tbe  twelre  membera  who  constituted  the  board 
of  prevision,  one  half  of  the  dressed  rice  {ritone  it  wns 
tbeD.and  is  stili,  called  there)  which  eveir  one  posaessed; 
with  the  threat,  to  any  one  who  should  dispose  of  it 


XXVtlI.]  THE    BETROTHED,  509 

witbout  the  permÌBaion  of  these  noblemen,  of  tbe  Iosa  of 
the  article,  and  a  fine  of  three  crownB  a  bushel.  The 
hoDesty  of  thia  proceeding  eveiy  one  can  appreciate> 

But  it  waa  necessarjr  to  pay  for  thìa  rice,  and  at  a  prìce 
very  diaproportioned  to  tbat  of  breod.  The  burdeti  of 
tupplvÌDg  the  enormoua  inequalìty  hod  been  imposed 
npoa  the  city  ;  but  the  Gounoil  of  the  Decurioni,  wbo 
bad  undertaken  to  diacharge  the  debt  in  behalf  of  the 
city,  deliberated  the  game  day,  23rd  of  November,  about 
remouBtrating  with  the  govemor  on  the  impoasibility  of 
any  luuger  maintaiaiug  such  an  engagement  ;  and  the 
goveruor,  in  a  decree  of  the  7th  December,  fized  tbe 
price  of  tbe  above-named  rice  at  twelve  livrea  per  bushel. 
To  thoae  who  Bhou]d  demand  a  higher  price,  aa  well  as  to 
thoae  vho  ahould  refuse  to  sell,  he  threatened  the  Iosa  of 
the  artìcle,  and  a  fine  of  equal  value,  atid  greater  peeuni- 
arjf,  and  even  eorporal  punithtnent,  ineludlng  the  gallegt, 
at  the  will  ofhi»  Excel^ncy,  accordìng  to  the  nature  ofthe 
ea*e,  and  the  rrnik  ofthe  offender. 

The  prìce  of  undressed  rice  had  been  alrendy  Limited 
before  the  inaurrection  ;  as  the  tarifi',  or,  to  use  that  most 
famoue  term  of  modem  auiiala,  the  maximum  of  wheat, 
and  other  of  the  cammoaeat  graina,  had  probably  beea 
established  in  difiérent  decrees,  whicb  we  bave  not  hap- 
pened  to  meet  with. 

Bread  and  flour  being  thus  redoced  to  a  moderato  prìce 
at  Milan,  it  followed  of  conaequence  tbat  people  flocked 
thitber  in  crowds  to  obtaiu  a  supply.  To  obviate  this 
incoDvenience,  as  he  said,  Don  Gonzalo,  in  another  edict 
of  the  IStb  December,  prohibited  cairying  bread  out  of 
the  city,  beyond  the  value  oftwentypence,  under  penalty 
of  the  loss  of  the  bread  itself,  aod  twenty-five  crowns; 
or,  ili  cote  qfinabilifg,  of  tao  ttripes  in  puìHie,  and  greater 
•punithment  ttill,  ae  usuai,  d^  the  will  ofhi*  ExcelleiKiv. 
On  the  22nd  of  the  same  month,  (and  wby  so  late,  it  u 
difQcult  to  say,)  a  similar  order  wae  iasued  with  tegard  to 
flour  and  graiu. 

The  multitud^  had  tried  to  procure  abnndance  by  pillage 
and  incendiorìam  ;  the  legai  arm  would  bare  maintained 
it  with  the  galleys  and  the  acourge.    The  meana  were 


/ 


510  I  PBOUBaBI  SFOBI.  [CH. 

coDvènient  enough  in  tfaemselvei,  but  wbiit  they  b«d  to 
do  with  the  eaa,  the  reader  knowa;  faow  thej  sctuallf 
answered  their  purpoee,  he  wiU  aee  diroctly.  It  is  May, 
tao,  to  see,  aod  not  uKleas  to  oburre,  the  necessari 
connection  hetween  theee  strange  measuree  ;  eocb  naa  on 
ineritahle  conBequence  of  the  antecedent  one  ;  and  ali  of 
the  firat,  which  fiied  a  price  npon  bread  so  different  to 
that  which  would  bave  reaulted  from  the  t«b1  state  of 
thinga.  Such  a  provision  ever  has,  and  ever  must  bare, 
appeared  to  the  multitude  as  consistent  with  justice,  aa 
Bimple  and  easy  of  ezecutiou  :  hence,  it  is  quite  naturai 
tbat,  in  the  deprivatioDB  and  grieTances  of  a  fantine,  they 
should  desire  it,  imploro  it,  and,  if  they  can,  enforce  it 
In  proportion,  tben,  ss  the  coneequences  begìn  to  he  felt, 
it  io  necessary  that  they  whose  duty  it  is  should  proTJde 
a  remedy  ibr  each,  by  a  regulation,  prohibitiog  men  to  do 
vfaat  they  were  impelled  to  do  by  the  preceding  one. 
"We  may  be  permitted  to  remark  bere  tn  paseing  a  singn- 
lar  coincideoce.  In  a  country  and  at  a  period  by  no 
means  remote,  a  period  the  most  clamorous  and  moat 
renowned  of  modem  history,  in  simìlsr  circurnstances, 
■imOar  provisions  obtained,  (the  same,  we  migbt  almuet 
say,  in  substance,  with  the  sole  diSerence  of  proportions, 
and  in  nearly  the  same  succession;}  they  obtained,  in 
spite  of  the  march  of  intellect,  and  tbe  fcnowledge  which 
had  spread  o*er  Europe,  jnd  in  that  country,  perhaps, 
more  than  any  other  ;  and  thia,  principally,  because  toc 
great  mass  of  the  people,  whom  this  knowledge  had  not 
yet  reached,  could,  in  tbe  long  mn,  make  their  judgm^it 
provai),  and,  as  it  was  tbere  saìd,  compel  the  hands  of 
those  who  made  tbe  laws. 

But  to  return  to  onr  subject.  On  a  review  of  the  cir- 
CDmstances,  there  were  two  prìncipsl  fruita  of  the  insur- 
rection  :  destruction  end  sctual  loas  of  provìsion,  in  the 
insnrrection  itself,  and  a  consumption,  while  the  tari# 
lasted,  immense,  immeasorable,  and,  so  to  say,  jovial,  vhich 
rapidly  diminisbed  the  amali  quantìty  of  grain  that  vas 
to  bsve  Bufficed  till  the  nest  harvest.  To  these  general 
effects  may  be  added,  the  punishment  of  four  of  tbe  popu- 
lace,  who  were  hung  as  ringleaders  of  the  tumult,  two 


lA'OO'^lc 


XXVUI.]  THK   BETROTRBD.  611 

before  the  bake^ouse  of  the  Crutcbefl,  and  tvo  ai  the  end 
of  the  Street  vhere  the  house  of  tbe  euperìntendeiit  of 
proriaioDS  'was  sìtuated. 

Ab  to  tbe  reat,  the  historical  acconntfl  of  ttiose  tìmee  bare 
been  writtenso  much  &t  nmdom,  tbat  no  information  is  to 
be  found  ae  to  how  and  wben  this  arbitrery  tariff  ceased. 
I^  in  tbe  fiulure  of  positive  notices,  we  maj  be  allowed  to 
form  a  conjectnre,  we  are  inclined  to  belteve  that  it  was 
withdrawn  shortly  before,  or  soon  after,  tbe  24th  Decem- 
ber,  which  waa  tbe  day  of  the  eiecution.  Ae  to  the  proclam- 
ations,  after  the  last  we  bave  quoted,  of  the  22na  of  tbe 
aame  montb,  we  find  no  more  on  the  subject  of  proTisiona  ; 
vbether  it  be  that  they  bave  perisbed,  or  bave  escaped  our 
researchea,  or,  finally,  that  tbe  govemment  diecouraged,  if 
not  instructed,  by  the  inefficacy  of  theae  its  Temedies,  and 
quite  orerwheìmed  with  different  matterà,  abandoned  thent 
to  their  own  counie.  "We  find,  indeed,  in  the  records  of 
more  than  one  hiatorian,  (inclined,  aa  they  were,  rather  to 
descrìbe  great  evente,  thanto  note  the  causes  and  progresa 
of.tbem,)  a  pitture  of  the  country,  and  chieflyof  the  city, 
in  the  already  advanced  winter,  and  following  aprìng,  wben 
tbe  canee  of  the  evÌ1,  the  disproportion,  i.  0.  between  food 
and  tbe  demand  for  it,  (which,  far  irom  being  remored, 
was  even  increased,  by  tbe  remedie«  wfaich  temporarily 
suspended  ita  effecta,)  wben  tbe  trae  canse,  I  say,  of  tbe 
scarcity,  or,  to  speak  more  correctly,  tbe  scarcitv  itaelf,  was 
operatmg  without  a  check,  and  eiertìng  ite  full  force.  It 
was  not  even  cbecked  by  the  introduction  of  a  sufficient 
Bup^ly  of  com  from  without,  to  which  remedy  were  oppoted 
the  insufficiency  of  public  and  private  means,  tbe  povcrty 
of  the  Eurrounding  countries,  tbe  prevailing  famine,  tbe 
tediouaness  and  reatrictions  of  commerce,  and  the  lawa 
themselves,  tending  to  the  production' and  violent  main- 
tenance  of  moderate  prices,  We  will  give  a  sketch  of  tbe 
moumful  picture. 

At  erery  step,  tbe  sbops  cloaed  ;  manufactorìes  for  tbe 
moet  part  deserted  ;  the  streeta  presentine  an  indeecriba- 
ble  spectacle,  an  incessant  train  of  misenes,  a  perpetuai 
abodeof  eorrowa.  Profeasedbeggarsof  long  standing,  dow 
become  tbe  amalleat  number,  mingled  aad  lost  in  s  new 


..notale 


512  I    PROMESSI   SFOSI.  [cH. 

Bvarm,  and  Botnetimes  reduced  to  contend  for  slms  with 
those  from  whom,  in  former  daye,  they  had  been  accua- 
tomed  to  receive  them.  Apprentices  and  clerks  diamisaed 
hy  Bbopkeepera  and  mercbante,  v/ho,  wheu  their  daily 
profits  diminiahed,  or  entirelj  failed,  were  living  aparingly 
on  their  savings,  or  on  tbeir  capital  ;  ahopkeepera  and  mer- 
chaatB  tbems^Tea,  to  whom  the  ceesation  of  buaineBs  bad 
brought  failure  and  min  j  workmen,  in  everj  trade  and 
manufocture,  tbe  commoneat  as  well  as  tbe  moat  refined, 
the  moat  neceasary  as  well  as  tbose  more  subeervient  to 
luxury,  vandering  from  door  to  door,  and  from  etreet  to 
Street,  leaning  against  the  cornerà,  atretched  upon  the 

fiarement,  along  thehouBe8andchurcbe8,beggingpiteouB- 
y,  or  heaitating  between  irant  and  a  etili  uosubdued  shame, 
emaciated,  ve^  and  tremblìng,  from  long  faating,  and  the 
cold  tbat  pierced  througb  tbeir  tattered  and  acanty  gar- 
mente,  which  stili,  however,  in  many  instancea,  retained 
tracea  of  having  been  once  in  a  better  condition  ;  as  their 
preaent  idleneas  and  deepondency  ili  disguised  indicationa 
of  former  habita  of  industry  and  courage.  Mingled  in  the 
deplorable  throog,  and  forming  no  amali  part  of  it,  were 
aervanta  dismisaed  by  tbeir  maslers,  who  either  had  aunk 
from  mediocrity  into  poverty,  or  otherwise,  from  wealthy 
and  noble  cìtizena,  had  become  unable,  in  auch  a  year,  to 
maintain  their  accuatomed  pomp  of  retinue.  And  for  each 
one,  80  to  aay,  of  these  difterent  needy  objecta,  was  a  num- 
ber  of  othere,  accuetotned,  in  part,  to  live  by  their  gaina  ; 
children,  women,  and  aged  relatives,  grouped  aroimd  their 
old  eupporters,  or  diapersed  in  aearch  of  relìef  eleewhere. 
Tliere  were,  also,  easily  distìnguiahable  by  their  tangled 
locka,  by  the  relìca  of  their  ahowy  dresa,  or  even  by  some- 
thing  in  tbeir  carriage  and  gesturea,  and  by  tbat  ezprea- 
bìod  nbicb  babits  impresa  upon  the  countenance,  the  more 
marked  and  distinct  aa  the  habits  are  strange  and  uuuaual, 
— many  of  tbat  vile  race  of  bravoea,  who,  having  lost  in  tbe 
common  calaraity  tbeir  wickcdly-acciuired  subaistence,  now 
went  about  impforing  it  for  cbarity.  Subdued  by  hunger, 
contendìng  with  others  only  in  entreatiea,  and  reduced  in 
peraoQ,  tbey  dragged  themaelvea  along  through  the  streete, 
vbich  tbey  bad  so  often  travereed  witb  a  lo%  brow,  and  a 


XXVIll.]  THE    BKTROTHED,  613 

Buspicioufl  and  ferociouB  look,  dreased  in  flumptuous  and 
fautastic  liveriea,  fumiBbed  with  neh  arma,  plumed,  decked 
out,  and  perfumed  ;  and  humbly  «xtended  the  band  which 
had  Bo  otlen  beeo  insolently  raiaed  to  threateD,  or  treach- 
erouslj,  to  wouDd. 

But  the  most  frequent,  the  most  squalid,  the  moat  bide- 
OUH  apectacle,  waa  tfaat  of  the  couotry  people,  alone,  in 
couples,  or  even  in  entire  farailies  ;  buabande  and  wivea,  / 
with  infanta  in  tbeir  arma,  or  tied  up  in  a  bundle  upon  tbeir  "^ 
backa,  with  children  dragged  along  by  the  band,  or  with 
old  people  bebind.  Some  tbere  were  wbo,  baving  had 
theìrhouaea  iuradcd  and  pìllaged  by  the  aoJdìery,  had  fled 
thither,  either  aa  residents  or  paasengerg,  in  a  kind  of  des- 
peration  ;  and  among  these  there  were  aome  wbo  dìaplayed 
Btronger  incentivea  to  compiiMion,  and  greater  diatioction 
in  iniaeiy,  in  the  acara  and  bruiees  from  the  wounda  tbey 
had  received  in  the  defence  of  tbeir  few  remaining  provi- 
eiona  ;  wbile  others  gave  way  to  a  blind  and  brutal  licen- 
tiouaness.  Others,  again,  unreached  by  that  particular 
Bcourge,  but  driven  from  their  homea  by  thoBe  two,  from 
which  the  reraot^at  corner  was  not  eit^mpt,  aterìhty  and 
prices  more  exorbitaut  tban  ever,  to  meet  wbat  were  called 
the  necenaitieB  of  *ar,  had  come,  and  were  continually 
pouriug  inCo  the  city,  aa  to  the  ancient  Beat  and  ultimate 
aaylum  of  plenty  and  piouB  munificeoce.  The  newly 
arrived  might  be  distingui  ah  ed,  not  only  by  a  heaitating 
Btep,  and  nove!  air,  bue  atill  more  by  a  look  of  angry 
astonishment,  at  finding  Buch  an  accumulation,  aucb  aa 
exceaa,  auch  a  rivalry  of  misery,  in  a  place  wbere  they  had 
hoped  to  appear  singular  objects  of  compaBaion,  and  to 
attract  to  themaelvea  ali  assiatance  and  notice.  The  others, 
wbo,  for  more  or  lesa  time,  had  haunted  the  atreeta  of  the 
city,  prolon^ng  life  by  the  scanty  food  obtained,  as  it  were, 
by  chance,  in  auch  a  disparity  t>etween  tbe  suppl;y  and  the 
demand,  bore  ezpreaaed  in  their  looka  and  carriage  atill 
deeper  and  more  anzious  conat^mation.  Yarious  in  dresB, 
(or  ratber  raga,)  aa  well  aa  appearance,  in  the  midat  of  tbe 
common  prostratìon,  tbere  were  tbe  pale  faceB  of  the 
maraby  distrìcts,  thebronzedcountenanceBofthe  open  and 
hill;  country,  and  the  ruddy  compleiion  of  the  moun- 
2l 


S14  I  PB0HES8I   SPOSI.  {CH. 

taineer,  ali  alike  wasted  and  emaciated,  with  Bunken  ereB,  a 
stare  belweeo  (rteraueas  and  idiocf,  matted  locks,  and  long 
and  ghaBtljr  beards  ;  bodiea,  once  plump  and  iniured  to 
fatigue,  now  ezhtusted  by  want  ;  Bbrivelled  bJììd  oh  their 
parched  arma,  lega,  and  bony  breasts,  wbich  appeared 
through  their  diBordered  and  tattered  garmentB  ;  while 
dìfferent  from,  but  not  lesa  melaucholy  than,  thìa  apec- 
tacleof  vaated  vigour,  uas  that  of  a  more  quicklj  Bubdued 
nature  ;  of  languor,  and  a  more  aelf-abandoning  debiljty, 
in  tlie  wenker  sex  and  age. 

Here  and  there,  in  the  etreeta  and  crosa-ways,  along 
the  walls,  and  under  tbe  eavee  of  the  houses,  were  lajen 
of  trampled  Straw  and  atubble,  mixed  KJth  dirty  rsgs. 
Yet  Bucti  revolting  filth  waa  the  gift  and  provision  of 
charìty  ;  they  were  places  of  repose  prepared  for  some  of 
tboae  miaerable  wretchee,  where  thej'  might  lay  their 
heada  at  night.  OccasìonaUy,  even  during  the  day,  some 
one  might  be  eeen  lyìug  there,  whom  faintneos  and 
sbstinence  had  robbed  of  breath,  and  the  power  of  eap- 
porting  the  weight  of  bis  body.  Sometimes  these  wretched 
couches  bore  a  corpee  ;  sometimes  a  poor  ezhauated  crea- 
ture would  Buddenly  aink  to  tbe  ground,  and  remain  a  life- 
lesB  body  upon  the  pavement. 

Bending  over  some  of  these  prostrated  aufferera,  a 
neighbour  or  passer-by  might  frequently  be  seen,  attracted 
by  a  suddeu  impulse  of  compassìon.  In  some  places 
assistance  was  tendered,  organized  with  more  distant 
foresigbt,  and  proceeding  from  a  band  rich  in  tbe  meaua, 
and  eiperienced  in  tbe  eiercise,  of  doing  good  on  a  l&rge 
scale  ; — the  band  of  the  good  Federigo.  He  had  made 
oboice  of  sii  jjrieatB,  whose  ready  and  persevering  charity 
was  untted  with,  and  mìnistered  to  by,  a  robust  consti* 
tution  ;  these  be  divided  into  paira,  and  assigned  to  each 
a  third  part  of  tbe  city  to  perambulate,  followed  by 
porterà  Isden  with  vartous  kinds  of  food,  together  with 
other  more  effective  and  more  speedy  restoratÌTes,  and 
clothing.  Every  moming  these  three  pairs  dispened 
themaelTes  through  the  streets  in  dijferent  directiona, 
approached  tboae  whom  they  found  stretched  upon  the 
ground,  and  adminiatered  to  each  the  assistance  he  wu 


,»oglc 


XXVIII.]  THS    BKTaOTHED.  615 

espttble  of  receiving.  Some  in  the  agonie*  of  death,  and 
no  longer  able  to  partale  of  nouriiihinent,  receired  at 
tbeir  faanda  the  laat  auccoun  and  conaolations  of  religion. 
To  thoae  whom  food  might  atill  benefit,  they  diepensed 
Boup,  eggB,  bread,  or  wine;  while  to  othen,  eihanated  by 
longer  abatinence,  ther  ofiered  jellies  and  Htronger  winea, 
levÌTÌng  them  first,  if  need  were,  wìth  cordials  and 
powerfut  acida.  At  the  aame  time  they  diatributed  gar- 
menta  to  tfaose  who  were  most  indecoroua]y  and  miaer' 
ably  clothed. 

Nor  did  their  aasiotance  end  bere  :  it  waa  the  good 
bishop's  wiah  that,  at  least  where  ìt  could  be  extended, 
efficacioua  and  more  permanent  relìef  ehonld  be  ad- 
mìnistered.  Thoee  poor  creatures,  who  felt  Bufficiently 
Btrengthened  by  the  first  remediea  to  stand  up  aod  walk, 
were  alao  provided,  by  the  aame  kìndly  miniatry.  with  s 
little  money,  that  retuming  need,  and  the  tailure  of 
further  auccour,  mìg]it  iiot  bring  them  agaia  iiomediately 
into  their  firat  conditionj  for  the  rest,  they  eought  ahelter 
and  maintenance  in  aome  of  the  neighbouring  honaefl. 
Thoee  among  the  iubabitanta  wbo  were  well  off  in  the 
world,  aft'orded  hoapitalìty  out  of  chnrity,  and  on  the 
recommendation  of  the  Cardinal  ;  and  where  there  waa  the 
vili,  without  the  meana,  the  priesta  requeated  that  the 
poor  creature  might  be  received  aa  a  bearder,  agreed  upon 
the  terma,  and  immediately  defrayed  a  part  of  the  eipenae. 
They  then  gare  notice  of  those  who  were  thua  lodged  to 
the  pansh  priests,  that  they  might  go  to  eee  them  ;  and 
they  themaelves  would  Ubo  return  to  Tisit  them. 

It  ìb  unneceaaary  to  aay  that  Federigo  did  not  confine 
bia  care  to  thia  extremity  of  Buffering,  nor  wait  till  the 
evil  had  reacbed  ita  height,  before  eierting  hìmaelf.  Big 
ardent  and  verBatile  ch&rity  must  feel  ali,  be  employed 
io  ali,  hsaten  where  it  could  not  anticipate,  and  take,  ao 
to  Bay,  aa  many  fonnB  sa  there  were  varietiea  of  need. 
In  fact,  by  bringing  together  ali  bis  means,  aaving  with 
stili  more  rigorouB  economy,  and  applying  auma  destined 
to  other  purpoeea  of  charity,  now,  aJaB  I  readered  of 
secondary  importance,  he  had  tried  erery  method  of  mah- 
ing  money,  to  be  ezpendedentirelyinalleviating  [wrerty. 


,c,oglc 


C16  I  PBOHE8SI   SF03I.  [CH. 

He  made  large  purchases  of  coro,  which  he  despatched 
to  the  most  indigent  parta  or  tiia  diocese  ;  and  aa  the 
succoura  were  far  from  equalling  the  neceesity,  he  abo 
sent  plentiful  eupplies  of  aalt,  '  with  which,'  saj-B  Bipa- 
tnoati,  relating  the  circumetancea,  '  the  herha  of  the  field, 
and  bark  from  the  treea,  might  be  converted  iato  humaa 
Buatenance.'  He  alao  distrìbuted  coni  and  money  to  the 
clergy  of  the  city  ;  he  himaelf  viaited  it  by  districts,  dia- 
PBDsing  alma  ;  he  relieved  in  aecret  many  destilute 
lamilies  j  in  the  archìepiscopal  palnce  large  (juantitieB  of 
lice  were  daily  cooked  ;  and  according  to  the  account  of 
a  contemporary  wrìter,  (thephyaiciiin,  Aleeoandro  Tadino, 
in  hia  Si^ffuafflio,  ■which  we  ehall frequenti/  liave  occasioa 
to  quote  in  the  sequel,)  two  thouannd  porriugera  of  thìs 
food  were  bere  diatributed  every  momiDg. 

But  tbese  fruita  of  charity,  which  we  luay  certaisly 
Bpecify  as  wonderful,  when  we  conaider  that  they  pro- 
ceeded  from  one  iodividual,  and  from  his  sole  resourcoB, 
(for  Federigo  habitually  reftiaed  to  be  made  a  diepenaer 
of  the  liberality  of  others,)  theae,  together  with  the 
bounty  of  other  private  pereona,  if  not  ao  copious,  at 
leaat  more  numerous,  and  the  subsidies  gronted  by  the 
Council  of  the  Dfevrioni  to  meet  thia  eniergency,  the 
dispensation  of  which  waa  committed  to  the  Board  of 
FroTiaion,  were,  after  ali,  in  compariaon  of  the  deraand, 
Bcarce  aud  inadeguate.  While  some  few  mountaineers 
and  inhabitanta  of  the  valleys,  who  were  ready  to  die  of 
hunger,  had  their  livea  prolonged  by  the  Cardìnal's 
A^aistaoce,  others  arrived  at  the  extremest  verge  of  etarv- 
ation  ;  the  former,  having  couaumed  their  meosured  aup- 
pliea,  returned  to  the  aame  stato;  in  otber  parte,  not 
ìoreotten,  but  conaidered  aa  lesa  straitened  by  a  charity 
/which  waa  compelled  to  make  diatinctiona,  the  BuJTeruigs 
became  fatai  j  in  every  direction  they  periahed,  from  every 
direction  they  flocked  to  the  city.  Mere  two  thouaand, 
we  wi]l  aay,  of  famishing  creatures,  the  atrongest  and 
moat  skilful  in  surmounting  competition,  and  making 
way  for  themaelvea,  obtained,  perhaps,  a  bowl  of  soup,  ho 
aa  not  to  die  that  day  ;  but  maDy  more  thouaanda 
remained  behind,  envying  thoae,  shall  we  say,  more  for- 


XXTIII.]  THB   BETBOTHED.  617 

tuoate  ones,  nhen  amoDg  them  «ho  remaiaed  behìnd, 
were  oftea  their  wives,  chOdrea,  or  perenta  ?  And  while, 
ÌQ  two  or  three  parte  of  the  city,  some  of  the  most 
jìeBtitute  and  reduced  were  raiaed  from  the  ground, 
rerived,  recoTered,  and  prorided  for,  for  aonie  tirae,  in  a 
bundred  other  quarterg,  manj  more  Bank,  languiahed,  or 
even  eipired,  without  asaiatance,  witboùt  alleviation. 

Tbroughout  the  day  a  confuaed  humming  of  lament- 
able  entreaties  waa  to  be  heard  in  the  atreeta  ;  at  night, 
a  murmur  of  groons,  broken  now  and  then  bj  howk 
suddenlj  burating  upon  the  ear,  b^  loud  and  long  accento 
of  complaint,  or  by  deep  tones  of  invocation,  terminatine 
in  wild  Bbrieka. 

It  ia  worthy  of  remark,  that  in  such  an  extremity  of 
want,  in  auch  a  variety  of  compinintB,  not  one  attempi 
waa  over  made,  not  one  rumour  ever  raiaed,  to  bring 
about  aa  inaurrection  :  at  leaat,  we  find  not  the  leaat 
mention  of  aucb  a  thing.  Tet,  among  thoae  wbo  lived 
and  died  in  thìs  way,  there  waa  a  great  number  of  men 
brought  up  to  anything  rather  than  patient  endurance; 
there  were,  indoed,  in  hundreda,  thoae  veiy  aame  indi- 
viduala who,  on  8t  Martin' a- day,  had  mane  themaelvea 
■0  aensibly  felt.  Nor  muat  it  be  iroagined  that  the  ez- 
ample  of  tbose  four  unbappy  men,  wbo  bore  in  their  own 
peraona  the  penalty  of  ali,  waa  what  now  kept  them  in 
Bwe:  what  force  could,  not  the  Bigbt,but  the  remembrance, 
of  puniahmenta  bare,  on  the  minda  of  a  diaperaed  and 
reunited  muUitude,  wboaaw  themaelvee  condomned,aB  it 
were,  to  a  prolonged  puniahment,  which  they  were  already 
aufièring?  Sut  so  constituted  nre  we  mortala  in  general, 
that  we  rebel  indienantly  and  violently  against  medium 
evilB,  and  bow  in  aileoce  under  extreme  onee  ;  we  bear, 
not  with  reaìgnation,  but  etupefaction,  the  weigbt  of 
what  at  first  we  had  colled  insupportable. 

The  void  daily  created  by  mortality  in  thia  deplorable 
multitude,  waa  every  day  more  than  repleoished  :  there 
waa  an  inceasant  concourse,  first,  from  the  neighbouring 
towua,  then  from  ali  the  country,  then  from  the  cities  of 
the  Btate,  to  the  ver^  borderà,  evea,  of  otbera.  And  in 
the  mean  wbile,  old  inliabitants  were  erery  da;  leaving 


,CK,glc 


eiS  1   PIUniESSl   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Mikn  ;  some  to  witìidraw  from  the  flight  of  so  much  snf- 
feriug;  othen,  being  driven  &om  the  lìeld,  so  to  say,  by 
new  competitora  for  support,  in  a  Ust  desperate  attémpt 
to  find  austenoiice  elsewhere,  anywhert- — anywhere,  «t 
least,  where  the  crowds  and  rivalry  in  begging  were  not 
IO  dense  sjtd  importunate.  Thesu  oppositeij-bouiid  tra* 
veUers  met  each  other  on  their  different  routes,  ali  spec- 
tacles  of  horror,  and  dìsastrous  omeus  of  tbe  fate  that 
awaited  tliem  at  the  end  of  their  respective  journeys. 
Tbey  prosecuted,  howerer,  the  waj  they  had  once  undér- 
taken,  if  no  longer  vith  tbe  hope  of  cbanging  their  eoo- 
ditioD,  at  least  uot  to  return  to  a  scene  whiab  had  becume 
odious  to  them,  and  to  avoid  the  flight  of  a  place  wheru 
they  had  been  reduced  to  despair.  Some,  even,  whase 
last  fital  powers  were  deetrojed  by  abstinence,  «aule 
down  by  the  way,  and  were  ieft  where  tbey  eipired,  Btill 
more  iatal  tokens  to  their  brethren  in  condition, — an 
object  of  horror,  perbaps  of  reproach,  to  othur  passengers. 
'  1  flaw,'  writ«8  BipamoQti,  '  lying  in  tbe  road  surroundìng 
the  Wall,  tbe  corpse  of  a  tromaa  ....  Ualf-eateu  grass 
was  banging  out  of  ber  mouth,  sud  ber  contLniinated  lipa 
etili  maae  almoet  a  convulsive  efiort ....  She  had  a 
bundle  at  ber  back,  and,  ecciired  bj  banda  to  ber  bosom, 
bung  an  infaat,  which  with  bitter  crìes  ivas  calling  for 
tbe  Dreast  ....  Some  conTpaaaionate  persona  had  coma 
up,  wbo,  raiaing  the  miserable  little  creature  from  tbe 
ground,  brought  it  some  sustenauce,  tbus  t'ulfilliug  in  a 
measure  the  firat  matemal  office.' 

Tbe  coDtrast  of  gay  clothiag  and  ra^,  of  superAuity 
and  miaéry,  the  ordinary  apectacle  of  ordìnary  timea,  bau, 
in  these  peculiar  onea,  entirely  ceased.  Bngs  and  mifleiy 
had  invaded  almost  every  rank  ;  and  what  uow  at  ali  dis- 
tinguished  them  waa  but  an  appearance  of  frugai  medi- 
ocnty.  Tbe  nobìlity  were  aeen  walking  in  becomìng  and 
modsflt,  or  even  dirty  and  sbabby,  clothing  ;  some,  because 
tbe  common  cauBes  of  misery  had  aSected  their  fortune» 
to  this  degree,  or  gìven  a  finishing  band  to  fortune»  al- 
leady  much  dilapidatod  ;  others,  either  froifl  fear  of  pro- 
Toking  public  deflperation  by  display,  or  from  a  fèeliog  of 


byCOOt^lC 


XXTIII.]  TH8   BBTROTHBD.  filS 

sfasine  at  thuB  inaultmg  public  calamita .  Petty  tyrante 
once  hated  and  tooked  upon  with  awe,  aud  accuatomed  to 
wander  about  with  an  iniolent  train  of  bravoea  at  their 
beels,  now  walked  olmoet  unattended,  creet-falleu,  aùd  / 
with  a  look  wbicb  aeetned  to  ofier  and  entreat  peace-v 
Otbere  who,  in  proaperity  also,  had  been  of  more  bumane 
diepoaitìoo  and  more  civil  bearìng,  appeared  nevertheless 
confuaed,  distracted,  and,  aa  ìt  were,  overpoweied  by  tlie 
continuai  view  of  a  calamity,  wbich  exctuded  not  only 
tbepoBsibilityof  relief,  but,  wemay  almoat  say,  tbepowera 
of  commiaeration.  They  wbo  were  able  to  aSbrd  any 
aasietance,  were  obliged  to  make  a  melancboly  choice  be- 
tween  hunger  and  hunger,  between  extremity  and  ex- 
tramity.  And  no  sooner  waa  a  compasnonate  band  leen 
to  drop  auything  into  the  band  of  a  «Tetcbed  beggar, 
tban  aatrifeimmedìately  rose  between  the  other  raiaerable 
vreteheB;  thoao  who  etili  retained  a  little  strengtb, 
presaed  forward  to  Bolicit  with  more  importunity  ;  the 
feeble,  aged  people,  and  cbildren,  extended  their  emaeiated 
bande;  mothen,  from  behind,  raieed  and  held  out  their 
weeping  infanta,  tniterably  cIad  in  tbeir  tattered  ewad- 
dling-clotbee,  and  reclining  languidly  in  their  arma. 

ThuB  paaBed  the  winter  and  the  apring  :  for  some  time 
the  Board  of  Health  had  been  remonstratin^  with  tbe 
Board  of  Frovisioo,  on  the  danger  of  contagtou  whicli 
tbreatened  the  city  from  ao  much  auffering  accumulated 
in,  and  apread  throughout  it  ;  and  had  propoaed,  that  ali 
tbe  vagabond  mendicante  ahould  be  collected  together 
into  the  diflerent  boapitals.  While  thia  pian  waa  being 
debated  upon  and  approved  ;  wbile  the  means,  metboda, 
and  placea,  were  beine  deviaed  to  put  it  into  efiect, 
corpBea  multiplied  in  tbe  atreete,  every  day  bringing  ad- 
ditional  numbera  ;  and  in  proportion  to  thia,  followed  ali 
tbe  other  concomitanta  of  loatbeomeness,  miaery,  and 
danger.  It  waa  propoaed  by  the  Board  of  Provieion,  aa 
more  practicable  and  eipeditioua,  to  asaemble  ali  the  men- 
dicanta,  healthy  or  diaeaaed,  in  one  place,  the  Lazzeretto, 
and  there  to  feed  and  maintain  them  at  the  public  ex- 
pense  ;  and  tbis  expedient  waa  reaolred  upon,  in  apite  of 


byCOO'^IC 


530  1   FSOMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

the  Board  of  Health,  which  objected  that,  in  aneli  an 
aasemblage,  the  evil  would  odIj  be  iacreased  which  they 
wiahed  to  obvìate. 
V  The  Lazseretto  at  Milan  (perchance  this  etoi;  should 
fall  ìnto  the  hands  of  any  one  wbo  doea  net  kuow  it, 
eìther  hy  aìght  or  description),  is  a  quadrilatera!  and 
almoet  equilatera!  eDclosure,  outside  the  city,  to  tbe  left 
of  the  gate  called  the  Porta  Orientale,  and  separated 
from  the  bastiona  hy  the  width  of  tbe  fosse,  a  road  of 
circum valla tion,  and  a  amaller  moat  ruoning  round  the 
building  itaelf.  The  two  larger  eidea  eitend  to  about 
the  lei^h  of  five  bundred  pacea  ;  the  other  tRO,  per- 
haps,  fifteen  leas  ;  ali,  oa  the  outside,  divided  ìnto  little 
rooms  on  the  ground-floor  ;  wLile,  running  round  three 
eides  of  the  interior,  ia  a  continuous,  raulted  portico, 
aupported  by  sraall  light  pillara.  The  number  of  the 
rooma  waa  once  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  some 
larger  tban  others  ;  but  in  our  daye,  a  large  aperture 
made  in  the  middle,  and  a  smaller  one  in  one  corner  of 
the  aide  that  flanks  the  bighiray,  bave  destrored  I  know 
not  how  many.  At  the  period  of  our  story  there  were 
oulj  two  entrances,  one  in  tbe  ceatre  of  the  aide  which 
looked  upon  the  city-wall,  the  other  facing  it  in  the  op- 
poaite  side.  In  the  midat  of  the  clear  and  open  epace 
within,  rose  a  amali  octagonal  terapie,  which  is  stiU  ia 
eiiatence.  The  pnmary  object  of  the  nhole  edifice,  be- 
gunin  theyearl4S9,  with  aprivate  legacy,  aud  afterwarda 
continued  with  tbe  public  money,  and  that  of  other  tes- 
tatora  and  donors,  was,  aa  tbe  name  itself  deootes,  to 
aflbrd  a  place  of  refuge,  in  caaes  of  necessity,  to  auth  aa 
were  ili  of  tbe  plague  ;  n'bich,  for  eonie  time  before  that 
epoch,  aad  for  a  long  wbile  after  it,  uaually  appcared  two, 
four,  aix,  or  eigbt  timea  a  century,  now  in  tbis,  now  in 
that  European  country,  sometiniea  taking  a  great  part  of 
it,  eometiraes  even  traversiag  the  whole,  so  to  say,  from 
one  end  to  tbe  other.  At  the  time  of  which  we  are 
apeaking,  the  Lazzeretto  was  merely  used  aa  a  repository 
forgooda  anapected  of  eonveying  iiuection. 

To  prepare  it  on  tbis  occaaioD  for  ita  new  deatination, 
tbe  uaual  forma  were  rapidly  gone  through  ;  and  hanng 


,»oglc 


XXVIII.]  THK   BETHOTHBD.  621 

hostil^  made  the  oecessarj  cleanaings  and  prescribed 
experimeuts,  ali  the  goods  were  imtnedlately  lìberated. 
Straw  was  apread  out  in  erery  rootn,  purchases  were 
made  of  provÌHioDH,  of  whatever  kind  and  io  whatevec 
quantities  tbey  could  he  procured  ;  and,  bya  public edict, 
ali  beggars  were  invited  to  take  shelter  there. 

Many  willingly  accepted  the  ofier  ;  ali  thoae  who  were 
Ijing  ili  ia  the  streeta  or  Bquarea  were  carried  thitber  ; 
and  iD  a  few  days  tbere  were  altogetber  more  than  three 
thouaand  wbo  had  taken  refuge  there.  But  far  more 
were  they  who  remained  bebind.  Whether  it  were  that 
each  one  eipectpd  to  aee  othera  go,  and  hoped  that  there 
would  thus  be  a  amaller  party  left  to  abare  the  relief 
which  could  be  obtaìned  ia  the  city,  or  from  a  naturai 
repugnance  to  confinement,  or  from  the  diatruet  felt  by 
the  poor  of  ali  that  ia  propoaed  to  them  by  thoae  who 
posaesB  wealtb  or  power  (a  dìstrust  alwaya  proportìoned 
to  the  common  ignoi-ance  of  those  wbo  ieel  it  and  thoae 
who  inapire  it — to  the  number  of  the  poor,  and  the  strict' 
neaa  of  the  regulationa],  or  from  the  actual  knowledge  of 
what  the  ofiered  benefit  waa  iu  reality,  or  whether  it 
were  ali  theae  put  together,  or  whatever  elae  it  migbt  he, 
certaiu  it  ia  that  the  greater  number,  payiog  no  atten- 
tion  to  the  ìnvitation,  continued  to  wander  about  begging 
through  tbe  city.  Tbia  being  perceived,  it  waa  conaidered 
adviasble  to  paca  from  invitation  to  force.  Bailifia  were 
sent  round,  wbo  drove  ali  the  mendicante  to  the  Lazze- 
retto, and  even  brought  thoae  bound  who  made  any  re- 
aistance  ;  for  each  one  of  whom  a  premium  of  ten  toìdi  * 
waa  asaigned  to  tbem  ;  ao  true  la  it  that,  even  in  the 
Bcarcest  timea,  public  money  may  alwaya  be  found  to  be 
employed  fooliahly.  And  thouga,  aa  it  had  been  imagined, 
and  even  expresely  iatended  by  tbe  proviaion,  a  certain 
number  of  beggara  made  thetr  eacape  from  the  city  to  go 
and  live  or  die  elaewhere,  if  it  were  oaly  in  freedom,  yet 
the  compulsion  waa  auch.tbatin  a  short  time  the  number 
of  refugeea,  what  with  guest»  and  prisonera,  amounted  to 
nearly  ten  thousand. 

We  moat  naturaìly  auppoae  that  the  women  and  chìl- 
*  Tmpenw. 


.dbvGoòglc 


fi23  I    PB0HEB8I   SPOSI.  [CB. 

dreD  were  lodged  in  separate  quaiten,  though  therecorda 
of  the  titne  mahe  no  mentìon  af  it.  Begulations,  besidee, 
and  proTÌBioDB  for  the  maintenaDce  of  good  order,  would 
^certainly  not  be  wanttn^;  biit  the  render  ma^  imagine 
wbat  kind  of  order  could  be  eatablished  aad  maintained, 
eepeciolly  in  those  times,  iind  under  Buch  oircumstancee, 
in  so  TflBt  and  diverHÌfìed  an  asaemblage,  where  tbe  un- 
vìlling  ìnmateB  aseociated  with  the  williag, — those  to 
whom  mendicity  vaa  a  moumrul  necessity,  and  euhject  of 
ahame,  with  those  whoae  trade  and  cuatom  it  had  Ioni; 
been  ;  many  wbo  had  been  trained  to  lionest  industry  in 
the  fìelde  or  warehouaes,  with  many  othera  who  had  been 
brougbt  up  in  the  atreeta,  taverna,  or  some  other  vile 
reaorta,  to  idlenese,  roguerr,  acoffing,  and  violeuce. 

Howtheyfared  ali  together  forlod^ngaod  food,  might 
besadly  conjectured,  had  wo  no  positive  information  on 
the  Bubject  ;  but  we  bave  it.  They  aiept  crammed  and 
beaped  together,  by  twenty  and  thirty  in  e&ch  little  celi, 
or  lyìng  under  the  porticoes,  on  pallets  of  putrid  and 
fetid  atmw,  or  even  on  the  bare  ground  :  it  traa  ordered, 
indeed,  that  the  etraw  abould  be  freeh  and  abutidant,  and 
frequently  changed  ;  but,  in  fact,  it  waa  ecarce,  bad,  and 
never  renewed.  There  were  ordera,  likevise,  that  tbe 
bread  ahould  be  of  a  good  quality  ;  for  what  administni- 
tioQ  ever  decreed  tbat  bad  comaiodities  abould  be  mano- 
factured  and  diapensed  f  But  how  obtaiu,  under  the 
eziating  cìrcumatances,  and  in  auch  confusion,  what  in 
ordinary  caaea  could  not  bave  been  procured,  even  for  a 
lesa  enormoua  demand  ?  It  waa  affirmed,  ae  ve  find  in 
the  recorda  of  the  times,  that  the  bread  of  the  Lazzeretto 
waa  adulterated  with  heavy  but  unnutritious  mat«rialB  ; 
and  it  ìb  too  likely  tbat  thÌB  was  not  a  mere  unfounded 
complaint.  There  waa  alao  a  great  deSuiency  of  water, 
that  is  to  Bay,  of  wholeaome  apring-water  :  the  common 
beverage  must  bave  been  from  the  moat  that  waabed  tbe 
walts  of  the  encloeure,  ehallow,  stow,  in  plncea  even 
muddy  ;  and  become,  too,  wliat  tbe  uae  and  the  vicinity 
of  Bucb  and  so  vaBt  a  multitude  muat  bave  rendered  it. 

To  ali  theae  causea  of  mortality,  tbe  more  effectìve  aa 
they  acted  upon  diaeaaed  or  enfeebled  bodiea,  waa  added 


,»oglc 


ZXTlll.]  THB   BRTBOTHXD.  6S3 

tbe  most  nnpropitious  seasoa  ;  obitinate  nina,  followed 
hy  a  drought  Btìll  more  obetinate,  and  with  it,  an  anticì- 
pated  and  vìolent  beat.  To  tbese  evìla  «ere  added  akeea 
■enae  of  them  ;  the  tedium  and  freni^  of  captivity  ;  a 
looping  to  return  to  old  habits;  grief  for  departed 
Erìenda  ;  aaiiooe  remembrancea  of  abaent  ones  ;  dieguet 
and  dread,  inspired  by  the  miserj  of  others  ;  and  manr 
other  feelingB  of  deipair,  or  madneu,  eitber  brougbt  wita 
them,  or  first  awakened  tbere  ;  togetber  with  the  appre- 
hension  and  Constant  spectacle  of  death,  which  wu  reo- 
dered  frequeat  by  so  mauy  cauaes,  and  bad  bacome  ttaelf 
a  new  aad  powerful  cause,  Nor  is  it  to  be  wondered  at, 
that  mortality  increased  and  prevailed  in  thia  confino- 
ment,  to  such  a  degree,  as  to  aneiime  the  aspect,  and  with 
maay  the  name,  ot  [testilence.  Whether  it  were  that  the 
union  and  augmentation  of  oli  theae  causea  ouly  aerved 
to  ìncreaee  the  activity  of  a  merely  epidemie  influenza,  or 
(aa  it  aeems  frequently  to  happen  in  lese  severe  and  pro- 
longcd  faminea)  tbat  a  real  contagion  had  gained  ground 
there,  wbich,  in  bodiea  disposed  and  prepared  for  it  by 
the  Bcarcity  and  bad  quality  of  food,  by  unwbolesome  air, 
by  uncleanliness,  by  exhaustion,  and  by  constematioD, 
found  its  own  temperature,  so  to  say,  and  ita  own  aesson  ; 
— the  conditioDB,  m  short,  neceasary  for  its  birth,  pre- 
aerration,  and  multi plication  ;  (if  oae  unskilled  in  thesa 
matterà  may  be  allow>!d  to  put  forth  theae  sentimenta, 
after  the  hypothedie  propounded  by  certain  doctors  of 
medicine,  aod  re-propouuded  at  length,  with  many  argu- 
mente,  and  much  caution,  by  one  aa  dilìgent  as  he  ia 
talented  ;)•  or  whether,  again,  the  contagion  first  broke 
out  iu  the  Lazzeretto  iteelf,  as,  according  to  an  obscure 
Mid  ineiact  account,  it  aeems  was  thoughtby  the  pliysi- 
cians  of  the  Board  of  Health  ;  or  whether  il  were  actuallr 
in  existence  and  hovering  about  before  that  time,  (whica 
seemB,  perhapB,  the  moat  likely,  if  we  recolleot  tbat  the 
BCarcity  was  already  universa!,  and  of  long  date,  and  the 
tnortality  frequeat,)  and  that,  when  once  introduced  there, 
ìt  spread  vith  fresh  and  terrible  rapidity,  owing  to  tbe 


,c,oglc 


684  I   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [oh. 

sccamulation  of  bodies,  which  were  rendeied  stili  mora 
ditpOBed  to  receive  it,  from  the  iucreasiiig  efficacy  of  the 
oiher  causes  ;  whichever  of  theae  conjecturea  be  the  true 
one,  the  daily  number  of  de&ths  in  the  Lazzeretto  shortlf 
eiceeded  a  bundred, 

While  ali  the  post  bere  was  languor,  auffering,  fear, 
lamentationa,  and  horror,  in  the  Board  of  Provision  there 
was  flhame,  stupefaction,  aad  incertitude.  Tliey  consulted 
and  listened  to  the  advìce  of  the  Board  of  Health,  and 
conld  find  no  other  conrse  than  to  undo  wbat  had  been 
done  with  so  much  preparation,  eo  much  expense,  and  so 
much  unwillingnesB.  They  opeaed  the  Lùzeretto,  and 
dÌBmÌB8ed  ali  who  had  any  strengtfa  remaining,  who  mada 
their  escape  with  a  kind  of  furioua  Joy.  The  city  once 
more  resounded  with  ita  former  clamour,  but  more  feeble 
and  interrupted  ;  it  again  saw  that  more  diminiahed,  and 
'  more  miserable  '  crowd,  says  Bipamonti,  when  remem- 
bering  how  it  had  been  thus  diminiahed.  The  sick  were 
transported  to  Santa  Maria  della  Stella,  at  tbat  time  an 
hospital  for  beggars  ;  and  bere  the  greater  part  perìahed. 

Id  the  mean  while,  however,  tbe  blesaed  fields  began 
to  wbiten.  The  mendicante  from  the  country  aet  ofi*, 
eaeh  one  to  bis  own  porta,  for  tbis  mucb-desired  harreat. 
The  good  Federigo  diamiased  thern  with  a  last  effort  and 
new  mvention  of  charity  ;  to  every  countryman  who  pre- 
sented  hìmaelf  at  the  archiepiacopal  palate,  he  gara  a 
giulio*  and  a  reaping  sickle. 

With  the  harvest,  the  ecarcity  at  length  ceaaed;  tbe 
mortnlity,  however,  whether  epidemie  or  contagious, 
tbough  decreaaing  from  day  to  day,  was  protracted  even 
into  the  season  of  autnmn.  It  was  on  the  point  of 
vanishing,  when,  behold,  a  new  scourge  made  its  appear- 

Many  important  erents,  of  that  kind  whicb  are  more 
peculiarly  denominated  historìcal  facta,  had  taken  place 
during  tbis  interval.  The  Cardinal  de  Bichelieu  having, 
as  we  bave  said,  taken  La  Bocbelle,  and  having  patcfaed 
up  an  accommodation  with  tbe  king  of  Borland,  had  pro- 
posed  and  carried  by  bis  potential  voice  in  the  French 
*  A  picce  of  moaaj,  in  vaine  abonC  liipencs  aUrling. 


,»OglC 


XXVni.]  THE   BETROTHBD.  626 

Council,  that  some  efiectual  Buccour  abould  be  rendered 
W  the  Duke  of  Kevere,  and  had,  at  the  same  time,  per- 
suaded  the  king  hitneelf  to  conduct  the  expeditìou  in 
peraon.  WKile  makiag  the  necesaaiy  preparationa,  the 
Count  de  Nassau,  imperiai  commiasarj,  suggested  at 
Mantua  to  the  new  Duke,  that  he  ahould  give  up  the 
States  into  Ferdinand's  hands,  or  that  tUe  latt«r  would 
send  an  armj  to  occupy  them.  The  Duke,  wbo,  in  mora 
desperate  circumatancea,  had  Bcorued  to  accept  so  hard 
and  little-to-be-trusted  a  condition,  and  encouraged  now 
by  the  approachìng  aid  from  arance,  acomed  it  so  biuch 
the  more  ;  but  iu  terms  in  which  the  no  was  wrapped  up 
and  kept  at  a  distance,  as  niuch  as  might  he,  sud  witu 
eren  more  apparent,  but  lesa  costi  y,  prò  posai  a  of  subiuissien. 
The  commisBarj  took  bis  departure,  tbreatening  that  ther 
would  come  to  decide  it  bj  force.  In  the  month  of  Marca 
the  Cardinal  Kìchelieu  made  a  descent,  witb  the  king,  at 
the  head  of  an  army  ;  he  demanded  a  passage  from  the 
Duke  of  Savoy,  entered  upon  a  treaty,  which,  bowever, 
-waa  not  concluded  ;  and  after  aa  encounter,  in  which  the 
French  had  the  advantage,  again  negotiated  and  concluded 
an  agreement,  in  which  tlie  Duke  atipulated,  nmong  other 
thinga,  that  Cordora  abould  raise  the  siege  of  Casale; 
pledging  himself,  in  case  of  bis  refusai,  to  join  witb  the 
French,  for  the  iuvasion  of  the  Duchy  of  Milan.  Don 
0-onzaio,  reckoning  it,  too,  a  very  cheap  bargain,  with- 
drew  bis  army  from  Casale,  which  was  immediately  entered 
by  a  body  of  French  to  reinforce  the  garriaon. 

It  was  on  thia  occasion  that  Achillini  addraased  to  King 
Louis  bis  famous  aonnet  : — 

'  Sudate,  0,  fochi,  n  preparar  metalli  ;  ' 

and  anotber,  in  which  he  ezhorted  bim  to  repair  immedi- 
atelv  to  the  deliferance  of  Terra-Santa.  But  there  ia  a 
fatai  decree,  that  the  advice  of  poets  shouid  not  be  fol- 
lowed  ;  and  if  any  doinga  happen  to  be  found  in  hiatory,  in 
con  formity  witb  theirsuggestions,  wemaysafelyaffirm  that 
they  were  resoUed  upon  beforehand.  The  Cardinal  de 
Bicbelieu  determined,  inatead,  to  return  to  Franco  on 
aSaira  which  beconaidered  more  urgent.  GirolainoSonuiso, 


,c,oglc 


536  I  FSOMBaai   SPOSI.  [CH. 

the  Venetiui  envoy,  urged,  indeed,  much  stronger  reaaont 
to  divert  thU  resalution;  but  the  King  and  the  Cardinal, 
paying  no  more  attention  to  hia  prose  than  to  the  Tetsea 
of  Achillinì,  retumed  with  the  greater  part  of  the  army, 
leariag  oaly  siz  thousand  meo  in  Siua,  to  occupj  the 
pass,  aod  maintain  the  tresty. 

Wbile  thì«  army  waa  retirìng  on  one  hand,  that  of  Fer- 
dinand, headed  bjr  the  Count  di  CoUalto,  approached  on 
the  otber  ;  it  inraded  the  country  of  O-rìsotiB  and  ValteU 
liaa,  and  prepared  to  descend  upon  the  Milaneee.  Be- 
sidea  ali  the  t«iTora  to  whiiih  the  announcement  of  Buch 
a  migration  gave  rise,  tlie  alarming  rumour  got  abroad, 
and  was  confirmed  hy  express  tidings,  that  the  piagne  was 
lurking  in  the  anny,  of  which  there  were  alwaya  some 
aymptoms  at  that  tìme  in  the  German  troops,  according 
to  Varchi,  in  speaking  of  that  which,  a  century  before, 
had  beeii  introduced  into  Florence  by  their  means. 
Alessandro  Tadino,  one  of  the  ConservatorB  of  the  public 
faealth,  (there  were  sii,  besides  the  president  ;  four  uiagi»- 
tratesBud  twophysicians,)  was  commissionedby  the  Board, 
a>  he  hìmself  relates  in  hi»  BagguagUo  already  quoted,* 
to  remoDstrate  with  the  govemor  on  the  feartul  danger 
whicb  threatened  the  country,  if  that  Taat  multitude  ob- 
tained  a  paasage  through  it  to  Mantua,  as  the  report  ran. 
From  the  whole  behaviour  of  Don  Gonzalo,  it  appean  he 
had  a  great  desire  to  make  a  figure  in  history,  which,  in 
truth,  cannot  avoid  givìng  an  account  of  some  of  hia 
doingfl  ;  but  (as  often  happens)  it  knew  not,  or  toak  no 
pains  to  record,  an  act  of  tua,  the  most  vrortby  of  remem- 
brance  and  attention — the  anawer  he  gare  to  the  physician 
Tadino  on  thia  occasiou.  He  repliea,  '  That  he  snew  not 
what  to  do  ;  that  the  reasons  of  interest  and  reputation 
which  had  caused  the  march  of  that  army,  were  of  greater 
weight  than  the  represented  danger  ;  but  that,  nevertbe- 
lesa,  he  must  try  to  remedy  it  bb  well  aa  he  could,  and 
must  then  trust  in  Providence.' 

To  remedy  it,  therefore,  aa  wdl  as  he  could,  the  two 

*  Account  of  theOriginuid  Daily  ProgreHor  the  jreat  Pls^e,  ean- 
maaicated  by  iufection,  poiion,  and  lorcery,  wMch  TÌaited  the  Gìtj  of 
Uilao,  èx.—3lilan,  1618,  p.  le 


,0031. 


XXTIII.]  THE    BSTBOTHED.  Sgt 

pliysiciaDB  of  tbe  Board  of  Health  (tbe  abone-méntioned 
radino,  uid  Senatore  Settala,  aon  of  the  celebrated  Lodo- 
vico,) propoaed  in  thÌBcoinmitteetoprobibit,  under  severe 
penaltiea,  the  purchase  of  any  kind  of  cornino  dì  tiea  what- 
aoever  from  the  Roldìerg  who  wen;  about  to  pass  ;  but  it 
was  impoeaibìe  to  maké  the  preaident  understand  the  ad- 
vantage  nf  euch  a  regulation  ;  '  A  kind-hearted  man,'  «ays 
Tadino,*  '  who  could  not  believe  that  the  probabilitj  of 
the  death  of  so  nuny  thou«anda  must  follow  upon  traffio 
with  these  people  and  th«ir  goods.'  We  quote  thia  ex- 
tract,  08  oue  of  the  lingularities  of  thoae  timee  :  for  cer- 
tainlj,  since  tbere  bave  been  Boards  of  Health,  no  otber 
president  of  one  of  them  ever  hap^^ened  to  use  such  Ma 
argument — if  argument  it  be. 

Ab  to  Don  Gonzalo,  thie  reply  waa  one  of  his  last  per- 
formancea  bere  ;  for  the  ili  Buc<:esB  of  the  war,  promoted 
and  conducted  chieflj  bj  bimself,  was  the  cause  of  his 
beine  removed  from  hi«  post,  in  the  course  of  the  summer. 
On  nÌ3  departure  from  Milan,  a  circurnstance  occurred 
which,  by  some  contemporary  writer,  in  notìced  as  the 
first  of  that  kind  tliat  ever  happened  tbere  to  a  man  of 
his  rank.  On  kaving  the  palace,  cnlled  the  City  Palace, 
surrounded  by  a  great  company  oi'  noblemen,  he  encoun- 
tered  a  croivd  of  the  populai;e,  Bo:ne  of  whom  precedei! 
him  in  tlie  way,  and  others  folloved  behind,  sbouting,  and 
upbraidiug  him  with  imprecations,  as  being  the  cause  of 
the  famiue  they  had  aufiered,  by  tbe  permiBsion,  they 
said,  be  had  given  to  carry  coro  and  rice  out  of  the  city, 
At  bis  carriage,  which  waa  following  the  party,  they  hurléd 
worse  missileB  than  worda  ;  atones,  bricks,  cnhbage-stalks, 
rubbÌBh  of  ali  aorts — the  usuai  ammunition,  io  short,  of 
these  eipeditions.  Bepulsed  by  the  guarda,  tbey  drew 
back  ;  but  ouly  to  run,  augmented  on  the  way  by  many 
fresh  partiea,  to  prepare  themselvea  at  the  Porta  Ticinese, 
through  which  gate  be  wouid  ahortly  bave  to  pass  in  bis 
carrìage.  When  the  equìpage  made  ita  appearance,  foU 
lowed  by  mauy  others,  tbey  showered  down  upon  them 
ali,  both  wìtb  banda  and  slings,  a  perfect  torreut  of  stonea. 
The  mattar,  bowever,  went  no  further. 
•  Psits  i:. 


;dbv  Google 


1    FUOMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

ta  deapatched  to  sup* 
ply  bis  pIac^  whoee  uame  hiid  alre&dy  acquired,  in  the 
wara  cf  Flauders,  the  militar;  renowu  it  stili  retaine. 

In  the  mean  while,  the  Gerraan  army  had  receìved 
definite  ordera  to  march  forward  to  Mantua,  and,  in 
the  month  of  Septembtr,  they  entered  the   Diichy  of 

The  militaij  forcee  in  those  dayswere  stili  chìeflycom- 
posed  of  volunt«erB,  enlisted  under  commanders  by  pro- 
iesaioD,  Bometimea  by  commisBion  from  thia  or  that 
prìnce;  Bometimes,  aJao,  on  their  own  account,  that  they 
might  dispose  of  themaelves  and  their  men  together. 
These  were  attracted  to  thia  employment,  much  leas  by 
the  pay,  than  by  the  hopea  of  pluuder,  and  ali  the  ^ti- 
ficationa  of  military  license.  There  waa  no  fixed  and 
universal  diacipline  in  an  army  ao  eompoaed  ;  nor  waa  it 
poaaible  easily  to  bring  into  coacordance  the  independent 
authoritj  of  so  many  difierent  leaders.  The^e  tao,  in 
partìcular,  were  notverynice  on  the  aubjeet  of  diacipline, 
nor,  had  they  been  willinff,  can  we  aee  how  they  could 
ha»6  aucceeded  in  eatabliahing  and  maintaining  it;  for 
soldiera  of  thìs  kind  would  either  have  revolted  againat 
an  innovating  commander,  vho  ahould  have  taken  it  into 
hifl  head  to  abolish  pillage,  or,  at  least,  would  bave  left 
him  by  himself  to  aefend  bis  colonra.  Beaides,  as  the 
prìncea  who  hired  tbeee  troops  sought  rather  to  bave 
banda  enough  to  aecure  their  undertakinga,  than  to  pro- 
portioa  the  number  to  their  means  of  remimeration,  which 
were  generally  very  acanty,  ao  the  payrnenta  were  for  the 
most  part  late,  on  account,  and  by  little  at  a  time  ;  and 
the  epoila  of  the  countries  they  were  making  war  upon, 
or  over-ran,  became,  aa  it  were,  a  compenaation  tacitly 
accorded  to  them.  It  waa  a  eaying  of  Wallensteiii's, 
scarcely  lesa  celebrated  than  hia  name,  that  it  waa  eaaier 
to  maiutain  an  army  of  a  hundred  thouaand  men,  than 
one  of  twelve  thou^nd.  Ànd  that  of  which  we  are 
epeeking,  waa,  in  great  part,  compoaed  of  men  who,  under 
hia  command,  had  desolated  Gtennany  in  that  war,  so 
celebrated  among  other  wara  both  for  itaelf  and  for  its 


;dbv  Google 


ZXTtn.]  THE    BBTSOTHED.  fi29 

effecta,  vhich  afterirardi  took  ita  name  &om  the  thìit^ 
yean  of  ita  duntion;  it  wu  then  the  eleveuth  year. 
There  waa,  besides,  his  own  apecial  regiment,  conducted 
bj  ooe  of  bis  lìeutena&ta;  of  the  other  leaders,  the 
greatest  pul  had  commanded  under  him  ;  and  there  were, 
alao,  more  than  one  of  those  who,  four  yeare  afterwards, 
had  to  asaist  in  bringing  him  to  that  eril  end  which 
everjbody  knows. 

There  were  twenty-eight  thouaand  foot,  tati  aeven 
thouaand  hone;  and  in  deaceading  &om  Taltellìne  to 
reach  the  temtoiy  of  Mantua,  they  had  to  follow,  more 
or  lesa  cloaely,  the  course  of  the  Adda  where  ìt  forma 
two  branches  of  a  lake,  then  iwain  aa  a  river  to  ita  junc- 
tiou  with  the  Po,  and  afterwarae  for  some  distance  along 
the  banka  of  this  river  ;  on  the  whole  eight  days'  march 
in  the  Suchy  of  Mikn. 

A  great  part  of  the  inhabitants  retired  to  the  moua- 
tains,  taking  with  them  their  moat  Taluable  eSects,  and 
driving  their  cattle  before  them  ;  othen  etaved  behiud, 
either  to  tend  upon  some  aick  peraoD,  or  to  aefend  their 
houses  irom  the  flatnes,  or  to  keep  an  eye  upon  predous 
tliinga  which  they  had  concealed  under-groundi  some 
beoause  thej  had  nothing  to  loae  ;  aod  a  few  rillaina, 
alao,  to  make  acquisitiona.  When  tàie  firat  detachment 
arrìved  at  the  village  where  they  were  to  halt,  they  quickly 
spread  themaelvea  through  this  aod  the  neighbourìng  onee, 
and  plundered  them  directly;  ali  that  could  he  eaten  or 
carried  off,  diaappeared  :  not  to  speak  of  the  destniction 
uf  the  reat,  of  the  fielda  laid  waate,  of  the  houaea  girea 
to  the  fiamea,  the  blom,  the  wounds,  the  rapea,  com- 
mitted.  Ali  the  expedienta,  ali  the  defencea  employed  to 
uve  property,  often  proved  uaeleaa,  sometimea  even  more 
injunouB  to  the  ownera.  The  aoldiera,  far  more  practiaed 
in  the  atratagema  of  thia  kind  of  war,  too,  nimmaged 
OTery  corner  of  the  dwellinga  ;  tore  down  walla  ;  eaaily 
diacovered  in  the  garden»  the  newly-diaturbed  aoil  ;  pene- 
trated  even  to  the  bilia,  to  carry  on  the  cattle  ;  went  into 
caves,  under  the  guidacce  of  aome  villain,  aa  we  bave  said, 
ia  aearch  of  aaj  wealthy  inhabitaat  who  might  be  con- 


byCOO'^IC 


630  I  rsoMBSBi  Stasi.  [ce. 

cesled  then;  JMpoìIed  his  penon,  dngged  him  to  aia 
hoUBe,  ftnd,  br  dint  of  threate  and  blom,  compelled  him 
to  point  out  ine  hidden  treaauTe. 

At  length,  however,  they  took  their  departure,  and  the 
distant  sound  of  druma  or  tnimpeta  graduali^  died  away 
on  the  ear  :  thia  vaa  foUowed  by  a  few  houn  of  death-like 
cairn:  and  then  a  new  hateful  claahiag  of  arme,  a  new 
hateful  rumbliog,  announced  another  squadroo.  Theae, 
no  longer  floding  anything  to  plonder,  appìied  themeelTes 
with  the  more  fury  to  make  deatruction  and  haroc  of  the 
rest,  bviming  fiirniture,  door-poats,  bearne,  caeka,  wine-Tats, 
and  BoiuetimeB  even  the  housea  ;  they  aeized  and  ill-used 
the  inhabitanta  with  doublé  ferocity  ; — and  ao  oa,  &oni 
worae  to  «orse,  for  twenty  days  ;  for  ìnto  thìa  uumber  of 
detachments  the  army  vru  divided. 

Colico  waa  the  firat  town  of  the  Ducfar  invaded  bv 
theae  fienda  ;  afterwarda,  they  threw  themaelvea  into  Sel- 
lano ;  thence  they  entered  and  spread  themseWea  througb 
Valaaaaina,  and  then  poured  down  into  the  temtory  of 
Lecco. 


;dbv  Google 


XXiX-l  THB   BETBOTHED. 


CHAPTKE  1CT1X,. 

IT^D  bere  we  find  that  persona  of  our  aiv 
1  quaìataoce  were  eharen  in  the  wide^pread. 
I  alarm. 

One  who  Baw  not  Don  Abbondio,  tbe  da^ 
'  that  the  news  were  Buddenly  tpread  of  the 
dcBcent  of  the  army,  of  ita  near  approach,  and  destructire 
proceedinga,  knowa  very  little  of  vhat  embarraasment 
aod  conatemation  really  are.  They  are  coming!  there 
are  thirty,  there  are  forty,  tbere  are  fiftj  thouaand  !  they 
are  devila,  heretics,  antichrìats!  they've  aacked  Corte- 
nuova!  thev've  aet  fire  to  Prìinaliina!  tbey're  devaatated 
Introbbio,  Paaturo,  Baraio  !  they've  been  aeen  at  Balab- 
bio  !  they'll  be  bere  to-moirow  ! — auch  were  the  reporta 
that  paased  irom  mouth  to  mouth  ;  some  hurryìng  to  and 
fro,  othera  atandiug  in  little  partiee  ;  together  with  tu- 
multuous  consultationa,  hesitation  whether  to  fiy  or  re- 
main,  the  women  aasembling  in  groupa,  and  ali  utterly  at 
a  Iosa  what  to  do.  Doa  Abbondio,  who  had  reaolved  ; 
before  auy  ooe  else,  and  more  tban  any  one  elae,  to  fly,  by 


..notale 


C32  I   FBOMKSSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Buy  poMÌble  mode  of  flight,  and  to  sny  conceÌTable  place 
oF  retreat,  discovered  iusupenible  obstacles  asd  fearful 
daneera.  '  What  ehall  I  do  i"  exclaimed  he  :  '  Wheie 
ehaU  I  go  ?  '  The  mountains,  letting  alone  the  difficulty 
of  getting  there,  were  rot  aecure  :  it  was  well  known 
that  the  Oerrnan  foot  goldien  dimbed  them  lìke  cata,  wbere 
tbey  had  the  least  indication  or  hope  of  finding  bootj. 
The  lake  was  vide  ;  there  was  a  vsry  high  wind  :  bendes, 
the  greater  part  of  the  boatmea,  feariug  thej  might  be 
compelled  to  conTej  soldiere  or  baggage,  had  retreated 
viith  their  boata  to  the  opposit«  side  :  tha  few  that  had 
remained,  were  gone  off  overìadeu  with  people,  and,  dia- 
tressed  by  their  ownweight  and  theviolence  of  thestorm, 
were  conaidered  in  greater  perii  every  moment.  It  waa 
ìmpossible  to  find  a  vehicìe,  borse,  or  conveyance  of  any 
kind,  to  cany  him  away  from  the  road  tbe  anny  had  to 
travene  ;  and  oa  foot  Don  Abbondio  could  not  manage 
any  great  dietance,  and  feared  being  overtaken  by  the  way. 
The  confines  of  the  Bergamaacan  territory  were  not  so 
very  far  off,  but  that  bis  limba  could  bave  home  bim 
thithar  at  a  atretch  ;  but  a  report  had  been  already  apread, 
that  a  aquadron  of  cappelletti  had  been  deapatched  &om 
Bergamo  in  haate,  wno  were  occupying  the  borderà  to 
keep  the  Oerman  troops  in  order  ;  and  those  were  neither 
more  nor  lese  devila  incarnate  than  theite,  and  on  their 
part  did  the  worat  they  coutd.  The  poor  man  ran  through 
the  houae  with  eyea  atartine  &om  bis  head,  and  half  out 
of  bis  aentee  ;  ne  kept  following  Perpetua  to  concert 
some  pian  with  ber  ;  Dut  Perpetua,  buaìed  in  collectìng 
tbe  most  valuable  houaehold  goods,  and  hiding  them  under 
the  floor,  or  in  any  other  out-of-the-way  place,  puabed  by 
hurriedly,  eager  and  pre-occupied,  with  ber  banda  or  arma 
full,  and  replied  :  '  I  shall  bave  done  directly  putting  theee 
things  away  aafely,  and  then  we'll  do  wnat  othera  do.' 
Don  Abbondio  would  have  detained  her,  and  discuased 
with  ber  the  different  couraea  to  be  adopted  ;  but  ahe, 
wbat  with  ber  buainess,  and  ber  hurry,  and  tbe  fear  which 
ahe,  too,  felt  witbìn,  and  the  relation  whicb  that  of  her 
master  excited,  waa,  in  thia  juncture,  leos  tractable  thaa 
ahe  had  over  been  befbre.    '  Othera  do  the  beat  they  con  ; 


,»Ogk' 


XXtX.]  THE    BKTRUTHZD.  533 

uid  u>  will  we,  I  beg  your  pardon  :  bnt  rou  are  eood 
for  aothin^  but  to  hinder  one.  So  tou  thìnk  that  otherg 
haven't  Bkina  to  uve,  too  ?  That  the  Boldien  are  only 
cornine  to  fight  with  tou  f  Tou  mieht  even  lend  a  hand 
at  BUCO  a  time,  inatead  of  cornine  crjatg  and  bothering  at 
one'a  feeb'  With  tbese  and  similar  answen  sbe  at  leneth 
got  rid  of  bim,  having  alreadv  determined,  wben  thÌB 
buatling  operation  was  finiabed  as  well  as  might  be,  to 
take  bim  by  the  arm  like  a  cbild,  and  to  drag  bim  aiong  to 
one  of  the  mountaìns.  Left  tbus  alone,  be  retreated  to  the 
vindow,  looked,  t  istened  ;  or,  seeìng  some  one  paasing,  cried 
out  in  a  half-crring  and  half-reproacbful  tone  :  *  Do  jouz 
poof  Curate  tbia  kindness,  to  aeek  some  borse,  some  mule, 
some  ass,  for  bim  !  le  it  posaible  that  nobody  wìll  help 
me  !  Oh,  wbat  people  I  Wait  for  me,  at  least,  that  I 
may  go  with  you!  wait  till  you  are  fifteen  or  tweoty,  to 
take  me  with  you,  that  I  may  not  be  quite  forsaken  1 
Will  yen  leare  me  in  the  band  of  dogsP  Son't  you 
know  they  are  nearly  ali  Lutherans,  who  tbink  it  a  meri- 
torìouB  deed  to  murder  a  priest  P  Will  you  leave  me 
bere  to  be  martyred  F  Oh,  wbat  a  aet  !  Ob,  wbat  a 
set!* 

But  to  wbom  did  he  addrees  tbeee  wordB  F  To  men 
who  were  pastÌDg  along  bendìng  under  the  weigbt  of  their 
humble  fumiture,  and  their  tboughts  tumed  towards  tbat 
wbich  they  were  leaviug  at  home  expoeed  to  plunder; 
one  driring  before  bim  a  young  cow,  another  dragging 
after  bim  big  children,  also  laden  as  beavily  aa  they  could 
bear,  wbile  bis  wife  carried  in  ber  arma  auch  as  were  un* 
able  to  walk.  Some  went  on  their  way  witbout  replvÌDg 
or  looking  up  ;  others  said,  '  £h,  sir,  vou  too  mtut  do  as 
you  can  !  happy  you,  wbo  bave  no  iamOy  to  tbink  for  ! 
you  must  belp  yourself,  and  do  the  beat  you  can.' 

'Oh,  poor  me!'  ezclairaed  Don  Abbondio;  'oh,  what 
people  I  what  hard  hearts  1  There's  no  charity  :  every- 
Dody  tbinka  of  himaelf;  but  nobody'll  think  for  mei' 
And  he  aet  off  again  in  search  of  Perpetua. 

'  Oh,  I  just  want«d  you  !  '  aaid  sbe.    '  Tour  money  t  * 

'Wbatsball  wedùF' 

'  Gire  it  me,  and  l'il  go  and  but;  it  In  the  garden 


,„oglc 


634  I   PROMESBt   SPOSI.  [CH. 

bere  ìtj  tìie  house,  iogether  wjtìi  the  lilver,  aad  ImiTes 
and  forkft.' 

*  But ' 

'  But,  but  ;  give  it  hera  ;  keep  &  fev  pence  for  whatever 
may  happen  ;  and  then  leave  it  to  me.' 

Don  Abbondio  obeyed,  vent  to  hia  tnink,  took  oot  hia 
little  treasure,  and  bandedit  to  Ferpetna,  wbo  said  :  Tm 
going  to  bury  it  in  the  garden,  at  the  foot  of  the  fig-tree  ;  ' 
and  went  out.  Soon  afterwards  ahe  reappeared  with  a 
packet  in  ber  haud,  containins  some  proyisioa  for  the  ap- 
petite, and  a  amali  empty  basket,  in  the  bottom  of  which 
ahe  haatily  placed  a  little  linen  for  herself  and  ber  mas- 
ter, eajing,  at  the  aame  time,  '  Tou'll  carry  the  breviary, 

'  But  where  are  we  going  P  ' 

'  Where  are  ali  the  rest  going  ?  First  of  ali,  we'il  go 
iato  the  Street  ;  and  there  we  ^all  see  and  bear  what's 
beot  to  be  done.' 

At  this  moment  Agnese  entered,  also  carrying  a  basket 
slung  over  ber  shouìder,  and  with  the  air  of  one  who 
cornea  to  make  an  important  proposal. 

Agnese  herself,  eqaally  resolved  not  to  await  gueets  of 
this  eort,  alone  as  she  was  in  the  house,  and  with  a  little 
of  the  money  of  the  Unnamed  stili  lèfC,  had  been  heai- 
tatìng  for  some  time  about  a  place  of  retreat.  The  re- 
mainder of  those  icudi,  which  in  the  months  of  famine 
had  been  of  such  use  to  ber,  vaa  now  the  principal  cauae 
of  ber  sniiety  and  irresolution,  from  haring  heard  how, 
in  the  already  inraded  countries,  tboae  who  had  any  money 
had  found  themselres  in  a  worse  conditioo  tban  anybody 
elee,  exposed  alike  to  the  violence  of  the  strangers  and 
the  treachery  of  their  fellow-countrymen.  True  it  waa 
tbat  she  had  confided  to  no  one,  save  Don  Abbondio,  the 
wealth  that  had  fallen,  so  to  say,  into  ber  Isp  ;  to  hìm  she 
had  applied,  from  time  to  time,  to  change  her  a  tetida  into 
Silver,  alwaya  leaving  him  somethiDg  to  give  to  some  one 
who  wss  poorer  than  herself.  But  hidden  richee,  particu- 
larly  with  one  who  ia  not  accustomed  to  bandle  much, 
keep  the  poBsessor  in  continuai  suspicion  of  the  suspicìon 
of  othen.    While,  howerer,  sbe  was  going  about  biding 


,l)OglC 


ZXIX.]  THK   BKTBOTHBD.  S35 

bere  and  there,  aa  she  best  could,  what  ehe  coold  not 
manage  to  tabe  with  ber,  and  thinking  about  the  tendi, 
which  ihe  kept  aewit  np  in  ber  staya,  abs  Temembered 
tbat,  togethei  with  them,  tha  Uamuned  hsd  aent  ber  the 
most  ampie  proffera  of  serrìoe  ;  she  remembered  wbat 
ehe  had  beara  related  aboat  bis  caatle'a  beìng  in  so  Moure  / 
a  aituation,  wbere  nothing  could  reoch  it,  against  ita 
owaer'a  will,  but  birda  ;  and  sbe  Teaolved  to  go  and  seek 
an  asylum  there.  Wondering  itow  sbe  was  to  make  ber- 
aelf  lóiown  to  the  Signor,  Don  Abbondio  quickly  occurred 
to  ber  mind  ;  wbo,  after  tbe  convereation  we  bave  related 
witb  tbe  Arcbbìsbop,  had  alwaj s  abown  ber  partioular 
marka  of  kindneu  ;  tbe  more  hesrtily,  aa  he  oould  do  so 
witbont  conunitting  himaelf  to  any  one,  and,  tbe  two 
young  people  being  for  enongb  o^  tbe  prob^itity  waa 
alao  distant  tbat  a  request  would  be  mode  him  whieh 
would  bave  pnt  tbis  kindneae  to  a  very  dangerouB  test. 
Tbinking  tbat  in  sucb  a  confuaion  the  poor  man  would  be 
alili  more  perplexed  and  diamayed  tbaìi  henelf,  and  tbat 
tbis  courae  migbt  appear  deairable  also  to  him,  sbe  came  , 
to  make  tbe  propoaal.  Findins  bim  vitb  Perpetua,  sbe 
auggeated  it  to  them  both  togetber. 

'  Wbat  sayyou  to  it,  Perpetua  p  '  aaked  Don  Abbondia 
'  I  Bay  tbat  it  is  an  inspiration  from  Heaven,  and  tbat 
«e  muatn't  loae  time,  but  aet  off  at  once  on  our  joumey.' 
'  And  then  .  . .  .' 

'  And  then,  and  then,  wben  we  get  tbere,  we  sball  find 
ourselves  rery  well  satiafied.  It  ia  well  known  now  tbat 
tbe  Signor  desirefl  notbing  more  tban  to  benefit  bla  fellow- 
creatures  ;  and  l've  no  doubt  he'll  be  gbid  to  receive  ub. 
Tbere,  on  the  borderà,  and  as  it  were  in  tbe  air,  tbe 
Boldiera  certainly  won't  oome.  And  then,  and  then,  we 
sball  find  aomething  to  eat  tbere  ;  for  up  in  the  monn- 
taina,  when  tbis  littìe  Btore  is  gone,'  and,  so  saying,  ehe 
placed  it  in  the  basket  upon  the  lìnen,  '  we  shouia  find 
ounelfes  very  badly  off.' 

■  He's  coDTerted,  be'a  really  conTerted,  ian't  he  ?  ' 
'Wby  sbould  we  doubt  it  any  longer,  after  ali  that'a 
known  about  him,  nay,  after  wbat  tou  youreelf  bave 
•eenp' 


,CK,glc 


536  I  PROMXBSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  And  Buppoting  we  should  be  going  to  put  oimelTefl 
in  priaon  t  ' 

'  What  prìson  t  I  declare,  with  ali  jrour  silly  objeo- 
tioiiB,  (I  bèff  youf  pardon,)  you'i  never  come  to  any  con- 
cliuion.  weil  dose,  Agnese  I  it  was  certainly  a  capital 
thonght  of  youn  !  '  And  aetting  the  basket  oq  a  table, 
nbe  paesed  ber  nnuB  through  the  strapa,  and  lifted  ìt  upon 
ber  Dack. 

'  Cauldn't  we  £nd  aome  mua,'  ssid  Don  Abbondio, 
'  vho  wouìd  come  with  ub  aa  a  guard  to  bis  Curate  F  If 
we  should  meet  anj  ruffiana,  for  tbere  are  plent;  of  them 
roving  about,  wbat  help  could  you  two  givo  me  P  ' 

'Auother  pian,  to  waate  timel'  exclaimed  Feipfltoa. 
'  To  go  now  and  look  for  a  man,  wben  evorybody  has  to 
mind  himself  I  Up  with  you  ;  go  and  get  youi  brenaty 
and  hat,  and  let  ub  set  off.' 

Don  Abbondio  obeyed,  and  aoon  returned  with  the 
breviarr  tinder  bis  arm,  bis  bat  on  hia  head,  and  h»  stafl 
in  hia  nand;  and  tbe  tbree  companiona  went  out  bj  a 
little  door  which  led  into  the  churchyard.  Perpetua 
locked  it  after  her,  rather  not  to  neglect  an  accustomed 
form,  thaa  from  ony  faith  she  placed  in  baiti  and  door- 
posts,  and  put  the  key  in  ber  pocket.  Don  Abbondio 
cast  a  glance  at  the  church  in  paasing,  and  muttered  be- 
tween  bis  teeth  :  '  It's  the  people'B  buBinesa  to  take  care 
of  it,  for  it's  they  who  use  it.  If  they've  the  least  lore 
for  their  churcb,  theyll  see  to  it  ;  if  they've  not,  why,  it'a 
tbeir  own  look-out.' 

They  took  the  road  through  tbe  fields,  eaoh  silently 
{nirsuing  bis  way,  absorbed  in  thonght  on  hÌB  own  par- 
ticulor  cìrcumatances,  and  looking  rather  narrowly 
around;  more  particularly  Don  Abbondio,  who  was  in 
continuai  apprehendon  <a  the  apparition  of  some  aua- 
pidoua  figure,  or  something  not  to  be  truBtcd.  Eonever, 
thejr  encountered  no  one  :  ali  the  people  were  either  in 
tbeir  housea  to  guard  them,  to  prepare  hundles,  and  to 
put  away  ffoods,  or  on  the  roads  whicb  led  directly  to  the 
mountain-heights. 

Aft«T  hearmg  a  few  deep  sigbB,  and  tben  giving  vent 
to  bis  TexatioQ  in  an  inte^ection  or  two,  Don  Abbondio 


XXIX.]  THB  BKTBOTKBD.  63T 

began  to  gramble  more  connectedly.  He  qnarrelled  wìth 
the  duke  of  Nerers,  who  might  bave  beeit  enjoTing  him- 
self  in  France,  aad  plarmg  the  prmce  there,  jet  was 
determined  to  be  duke  of  Mantua  in  spite  of  the  vorld; 
with  the  Emperar,  who  ought  to  have  seme  for  the  fol- 
Hea  of  othera,  to  let  matterà  take  their  own  courae,  and 
Hot  stand  bo  much  upou  pUDctUio;  for,  after  ali,  he 
woiild  alvajs  be  Emperor,  wfaether  Titiua  or  Semprooiua 
were  dake  of  Mantua  ;  and,  afaove  ali,  with  the  govemor, 
whoee  business  it  vas  to  dp  everrthing  he  could  to  avert 
these  Bcourgee  of  the  country,  while,  in  fact,  he  waa  the 
very  penon  to  invite  them — ali  from  the  pleaaure  he  took 
in  making  var.  'I  wish,'  aaid  he,  'that  these  gentij 
were  here  to  see  and  try  how  pleasant  it  ia.  They  wiU 
bave  a  fine  account  to  render  !  But,  in  the  mean  while, 
we  have  to  bear  it  who  have  no  blame  in  the  matter.' 

'  Do  let  these  people  alone,  for  they'll  never  come  to 
hetp  US,'  aaid  Perpetua.  '  Thia  is  some  of  jour  usuai 
prating,  (I  b^  your  pardon,)  which  just  oomes  -to 
nothing.    What  rather  gives  me  uneaaineas  . . .  .' 

'What'e  the  matter  P' 

Perpetua,  who  had  been  leianrely  going  over  in  ber 
mind,  durine  their  wslk,  her  himbj  packing  and  stowing 
sway,  now  began  ber  lamentationg  at  having  forgotten 
Buch  a  tbing,  and  badly  concealed  auch  another;  bere 
she  bad  left  tracea  which  might  serre  aa  a  due  to  the 
robbera,  there  .... 

'  WeÙ  done  1  '  cried  Don  Abbondio,  gradually  saffi- 
cientl^  reliered  &om  fear  for  hia  Ufe  to  aìlow  of  anzìety 
for  hiB  worldly  goods  and  chattela  :  '  Well  done  !  Dia 
you  really  do  aof    Where  waa  your  head  f  ' 

'Whatr  exclaimed  Perpetua,  corning  to  an  abrupt 
pause  for  a  moment,  and  restmg  her  handg  on  her  sidee,  aa 
well  aa  the  basket  sbe  carried  woold  allow  :  '  What  I  do 
you  begin  now  to  scold  me  in  tbis  way,  when  it  waa  you 
who  slmost  tumed  my  brain,  instead  of  helping  and  en- 
cooraging  me?  I  bélieve  l've  taken  more  care  of  the 
things  of  the  house  than  of  my  pwu;  l'd  not  a  creature 
to  lend  me  a  band  ;  l've  been  obliged  to^Joy  the  parti  of 
hoth  Martha  and  Magdaiena:  ìf  anytbing  goea  wrong, 


,c,oglc 


53S  I   FROMBaSI  BFOST.  [CH. 

l've  Dothiiig  to  Bay  :  l're  done  more  than  mj  du^ 
now,' 

Agnese  ìnterrapted  ttiese  disputes,  hj  heffnnìng,  m 
her  turo,  to  taJk  aoout  her  owa  grievances  ;  ahe  lam^ited 
Dot  Bo  macb  the  trouble  and  damage,  as  finding  ali  her 
bopee  of  moq  meeting  her  Lucia  dashed  to  the  ground  : 
for,  the  reader  mav  rernember,  thìa  was  the  rerj  antumn 
oa  which  the^  had  so  long  calculated.  It  waa  not  at  ali 
hkely  that  Donna  Fraaeeae  would  come  to  reaide  in  her 
countiy-hoQse  in  that  neighbourhood,  under  luch  circum- 
BtanceB  :  on  the  contrary,  she  would  more  pFobably  bave 
loft  it,  had  she  happened  to  be  there,  aa  ali  the  other 
reaidenta  in  the  country  wsre  doing. 

The  aigbt  of  the  different  places  tbey  paned  brought 
theae  thoughtH  to  Agnese's  mind  more  TÌvidly,  and  in- 
craoaed  the  ardour  of  ber  desiree.  LeoTing  the  footpath 
througb  the  fielda,  they  had  taken  the  puDlic  road,  the 
very  aame  along  which  Agnese  had  come  wben  bringing 
home  her  daughtor  for  so  ahort  a  time,  after  having  atayed 
wìth  her  at  the  tailor's.    The  village  wu  already  in  flight. 

'  We  will  just  say  "  how  d'ye  do  '  to  these  good  people,' 
said  Agnese. 

'  Yes,  and  rest  there  &  little  ;  for  I  beein  to  bave  had 
enough  of  this  basket  ;  and  to  get  a  moutmnl  to  eat  too,' 
eaid  Perpetua. 

'On  condition  we  don't  lose  time;  for  we  are  not 
joumeying  for  our  amuaement,'  concluded  Don  Abbondio. 

They  were  received  with  open  arms,  and  welcomed  with 
much  pleaauie;  it  reminded  tbem  of  a  former  deed  of 
benoTolence.  'Do  good  to  aa  many  as  you  can,'  bere 
remarks  our  author,  '  and  jcnx  will  the  more  frequenti^ 
happen  to  meet  with  oountenancee  which  bring  yoa 
pleaflure.' 

Agnese  burst  ìnto  a  flood  of  teara  on  erabracing  the 
good  woman,  which  was  a  great  relief  to  her  ;  and  could 
only  reply  with  aoba  to  the  questions  which  she  and  ber 
husband  put  about  Lucia. 

'  She  is  bettor  off  than  we  are,'  said  Don  Abbondio  ; 
'she's  at  Milan,  out  of  ali  danger,  and  &r  away  from 
these  diabolical  dangere.' 


ivCoO'^lc 


XXDC.]  THE   SETROTHRD.  630 

'  Are  tbe  Signor  Curate,  and  hÌB  compuiioii,  mskiiig 
their  eflcape,  tnen  P  '  asked  the  taìlor. 

*  Certftinlj,'  leplìed  both  master  and  seiruit,  in  one 
breath. 

'  Oh,  how  I  pity  yon  both  !  ' 

'We  ar«  od  our  war,'  said  Don  Abbondio,  'to  tbe 
Caatleof»**.'  , 

'  That's  a  very  good  thongbt  ;  you'll  be  as  safe  there  ^ 
as  in  Paradise.' 

'  And  you've  no  fear  bere  P  '  saìd  Don  Abbondio. 

'  l'U  teli  you,  Signor  Curate  :  tbej  won't  bave  to  come 
here  to  hut,  or,  as  you  know  the  saying  ia,  ìn  polite 
Isnguaffe,  m  o»pÌtazi(me  :  we  are  too  much  cut  of  their 
road,  thank  Heaveu.  At  the  norst,  tbere'll  only  be  a 
little  party  of  foragers,  which  God  forbid  ! — but,  in  any 
case,  tnere's  plenty  of  lime.  We  ahall  first  bear  tbe  in- 
telligence from  the  other  unfortunate  towna,  where  tbey 
go  to  take  up  their  quarters.' 

It  was  determined  to  stop  here  and  take  a  little  rest  ; 
and  BB  it  was  juat  the  dìnner>hoar,  '  My  iriends,'  said  tbe 
tailor,  '  will  do  me  tbe  favonr  of  sharing  my  poor  table  ; 
at  any  rate,  you  will  h&ve  a  hearty  velcome.' 

Perpetua  aaid  she  bad  brougbt  some  refreehment 
with  them;  and  after  eichanging  a  few  complìmentory 
speeches,  tbey  agreed  to  put  ali  togetber,  and  dine  in 
company. 

The  children  gatbered  with  great  glee  round  tbeir  old 
friend  Agnese.  Very  soon,  however,  the  tailor  deaired 
ùoe  of  bis  little  girls  (tbe  asme  that  bad  carried  tbat  gifc 
of  cbarity  to  the  widow  Msria  ;  wbo  knows  if  any  reader 
remembMv  itF)  to  go  and  shell  a  few  early  cbestnuts, 
which  were  deposited  in  one  corner,  and  then  put  them 
to  roBst. 

'  And  you,'  aaid  be  to  a  little  boy,  '  go  into  the  garden, 
and  shake  tbe  peach-tree  till  some  of  tbe  fruit  fsIlB,  and 
bring  them  ali  herej  go.  And  you,'  said  he  to  another, 
Igo,  climb  the  fig-tree,  and  gatber  a  few  of  the  ripest  figa, 
You  know  that  buainess  too  well  already.'  He  himulf 
went  to  tap  a  little  borrel  of  wine  ;  bis  wife  to  fetch  a 
cleon  table-cloth  ;  Perpetua  teck  out  the  proTÌsione  ;  the 


,„oglc 


«T.  [cu. 

teble  vae  spread  ;  a  napkia  ànd  earthenwara  pl&te  were 
placed  at  tne  moat  honourable  «est  for  Don  Abbondio, 
Trìth  a  knìfe  and  fork  which  Perpetua  had  in  the  basket  ; 
the  dinner  was  diehed,  and  the  part;  eeated  themseWes 
at  the  table,  and  partook  of  the  repast,  if  not  with  great 
inerrìment,  at  least  with  much  more  than  anj  of  the 
guests  had  anticipated  enjojing  that  da^. 

'  Wliat  asj  jou,  Signor  Curate,  to  a  tura  out  of  thii 
Bort  F  '  said  the  taìlor  ;  '  I  couJd  fancy  I  was  reading  tbe 
hiatory  of  the  Moors  in  Franoe.' 

■  What  say  I P  To  tbink  that  even  tbìs  trouble  should 
fall  to  my  lot  !  * 

'  Well,  you've  choBen  a  good  aaj'lum,'  reaumed  his 
boat  ;  '  people  would  be  puzzled  to  get  up  there  hj  force. 
/And  you'll  find  company  there;  it'a  already  reported 
that  many  have  retreated  thitber,  and  many  more  are 
dail;  arriving.' 

'I  would  fain  bone,'  said  Don  Abbondio,  'that  we 
ahall  be  well  receiveu.  I  know  thia  brave  Signor  ;  and 
when  I  once  had  the  pleaaure  of  being  in  bla  company, 
be  waa  Bo  ezceedìnglv  polite.' 

'  And  he  eent  word  to  me,'  said  Agnese,  '  by  bis  moat 
illuetrious  Lordahip,  that  if  ever  I  «anted  anything,  I 
had  only  to  go  to  him.' 

'  A.  great  and  wonderful  conversion  1  *  reaumed  Don 
Abbondio  :  '  and  doea  he  really  continue  to  persevere  f  ' 

'Oh  yea,'  aaid  the  tailor;  and  he  began  to  speok  at 
Bome  length  upon  the  holy  life  of  the  Unuamed,  and 
how,  Jrom  being  a  scourge  to  tbe  country,  be  had  he- 
come  ìtB  eiampìe  and  benefàctor 

'  And  ali  thoae  people  he  kept  under  bim  ....  that 
houBebold  . . . .  '  rejoined  Don  Abbondio,  who  had  more 
than  once  beard  something  about  tbem,  but  had  never 
been  sufficìently  asBured  of  the  truth. 

'  They  are  moat  of  them  dismiased,'  replied  the  taìlor  ; 
'and  ther  who  remain  bave  altered  tbeir  hahits  in  a 
wonderful  way  !  In  short,  tbia  castle  haa  become  like 
the  Thebaìd.     Tou,  Signor,  underatand  theae  things.' 

He  tben  began  to  recali,  with  Agnese,  the  viait  of  the 
Cardinal    '  A  great  man,'  said  he,  '  a  great  man  I     Pity 


,»Ogk' 


XZIZ.]  THS   SETROTHED.  B4I 

that  he  left  us  ho  fautily  ;  for  I  did  not,  and  conld  not, 
do  him  any  honour,  How  often  I  wiah  I  could  speak  to 
hìm  agtfin,  a  little  more  at  my  eaae.' 

Having  left  the  table,  he  tnade  them  observe  an  e 


graved  Ukeneos  of  the  Cardinal,  which  he  kepi  bung  up 
on  one  of  the  door-pOBts,  in  Teneration  for  the  peraon, 
ind  also  that  ha  migiit  be  ahle  to  say  to  any  visitor,  that 


the  portrait  did  not  resembla  him  ;  for  he  himaelf  had 
had  an  opportunitr  of  Btudying  the  Cardinal,  dose  by, 
and  at  hia  leÌBUre,  in  that  very  room. 

'Did  the^  mean  this  thingbere  forhimP'  aaid  Agnese. 
'  It'a  like  bim  in  dreee  ;  but ,  .  .  .  ' 

'  It  doean't  reaemble  hìm,  doea  it  ?  '  said  the  tailor. 
'  I  atwajB  say  bo,  too  ;  but  it  beara  hia  narae,  ìf  nothing 
more-,  it  serrea  as  a  remembrance.' 

Don  Abbondio  vas  in  a  great  hurty  to  be  goin);  ;  the 
tailor  undertook  to  find  a  convejance  to  cany  them  to 
the  foot  of  the  ascent,  and  harìng  gone  in  search  of  one, 
ahortly  retumed  to  say  tbst  it  vaa  comìng.  Then,  turn- 
ing  to  Don  Abbondio,  be  added,  '  Signor  Curate,  if  you 
Bhould  over  like  to  take  a  hook  with  you  up  there  to  paas 
anay  the  time,  I  ahall  be  glad  to  aerve  you  in  my  poor 
way  ;  for  I  aometimeB  amuae  myaelf  a  little  with  reaaing. 
They're  not  thinga  to  auit  you,  being  ali  in  the  vulgar 
tongue  ;  but,  perhaps  .  .  .  .  ' 

'Thank  you,  thank  you,'  replied  Don  Abbondio; 
'under  present  cireumatancea,  one  hu  hardly  braina 
euoueh  to  attend  to  what  we  are  bid  to  read.' 

While  oflering  and  refuaing  tbanka,  and  exchanging 
condolence,  good  wiahea,  inritationB,  and  promisee  to 
make  another  atay  there  on  their  return,  the  cart  arrived 
at  the  front  door.  Putting  in  their  baskets,  the  travel- 
ling  party  mounted  after  them,  and  undertook,  with 
ratber  more  eaae  and  tranquìllity  of  mind,  the  aecond 
half  of  their  joumey. 

The  tailor  had  related  the  tmth  to  Don  Abbondio 
about  the  Dnnamed.  From  the  day  on  whicb  we  left 
him,  he  had  ateadilr  peraevered  in  the  course  he  had 
propoeed  to  bimaeli,  atoning  for  wrongs,  seeking  peace, 
reliering  th«  poor,  and  performing  erery  good  work  for 


/ 


hept  ìd  re 
ftUd  hÌB  0 


I   PA0HB8SI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

iwhich  &I1  opportuoit^  preeented  ìtoelf.  The  counge  he 
had  formerly  mauifested  in  offence  and  defence  now 
shoved  iteeli  in  abetttining  &0I11  both  one  and  the  other. 
Se  had  taid  down  ali  hia  weapona,  and  alwajB  valked 
v/ alone,  willing  to  encounter  the  posaible  Gonaequencee  of 
the  man;  deeda  of  vioience  he  had  commìtted,  and  per- 
suaded  that  ìt  would  he  the  commietdon  of  an  addttion&l 
one  to  emplof  force  in  defence  of  a  life  which  owed  so 
mnch  to  BO  man;  erediterà  ;  and  persuaded,  too,  that 
everj  crii  which  might  he  done  to  him  would  be  an 
offence  offered  to  God,  bttt,  with  respect  to  himself,  a 
just  retribution  ;  and  that  he,  above  ali,  had  do  right  to 
conatitiite  himself  a  punisber  of  Buch  offences.  Honever, 
he  had  continued  not  Icbb  inviolate  thaù  when  he  had 
readinees  for  his  securitj,  bo  numy  amied  banda, 
owiL.  The  remembrance  of  bis  &rmer  ferocity, 
and  the  aight  of  hie  present  meeknesB,  one  of  which,  it 
might  bare  heen  espected,  would  ha?e  left  bo  many  loDg- 
iuga  for  revenge,  woile  the  other  rendered  that  revenge 
80  eaej,  coDB^ired,  iustead,  to  procure  and  maintain  for 
bim  an  admiration,  which  waB  the  principal  guarantee 
for  bis  Bafety.  He  was  that  very  man  whom  no  one 
could  humble,  and  whó  had  now  humbled  bimaelf. 
Every  feeling  of  rancour,  tberefore,  formerly  ìrritat^d  hj 
bia  contemptuouB  behaviour,  and  by  the  feiars  of  othera, 
vaniahed  before  this  new  hiunility  :  they  whom  he  had 
ofiended  had  now  obtained,  beyond  ali  ezpectation,  and 
without  danger,  a  aatiafaction  which  they  could  not  bave 
promised  themselvee  from  the  moat  complete  revenge — 
the  Batisfaction  of  seeing  auch  a  man  rooonung  over  tbe 
wronga  be  had  committM,  and  participating,  ho  to  Bay,  in 
their  indignation.  More  tban  one,  whase  bitterest  and 
greatest  bottow  had  been,  for  many  yeara,  that  he  eaw 
no  probability  of  over  finding  himself,  in  any  inatance, 
Btronger  tban  tbis  powerful  opprCBBor,  that  he  might 
revenge  bimaelf  for  aome  great  iniury,  meeting  him  after- 
warda  alone,  unarmed,  and  with  tne  air  of  one  wbo  would 
I  ofièr  no  reaiatance,  felt  only  an  impulse  to  aalute  him 
'  with  demonatrationa  of  reapect.  In  nìa  voluntary  abaae- 
ment,  bis  countenaoce  and  behaviour  had  ocquired,  with- 


,»Ogk' 


X3UX.J  THS   BETROTUBD.  643 

out  hia  beìng  ftware  of  ìt,  sometMng  more  loffy  Bud 
noblej  becauae  there  wbb  in  tbem,  more  clectrly  than   / 
ever,  the  àbeence  of  ali  fear.    The  most  violent  and  dot-  '' 
tinodouB  batred  félt,  as  it  ^ere,  reetramed  and  bela  in 
awe  b;  the  public  veneraition  for  so  penitent  and  benefi- 
cent  s  man.     This  wbb  cairied  to  eucb  a  length,  that  he 
often  found  ìt  difficult  to  avoid  the  public  expresaion  of 
it  wbich  wae  addressed  to  bim,  and  wae  obliged  to  be 
coreful  tbat  he  did  not  evince  too  plainly  in  bis  looks  and 
actiona  the  invard  oompunction  be  felt,  nor  abose  himself 
too  much,  leet  he  diould  be  too  mach  exalted.    He  had  / 
Belected  the  loweet  place  in  churcb,  and  woe  to  aaj  oue 
who  abould  bave  attempted  to  pre-occupy  it  !  it  votild 
bave  been,  aa  it  vere,  ueurpìng  a  post  ca  bonour.    To 
bave  offended  him,  or  even  to  bave  treated  bim  diereepect- 
fiillj,  would  haTe  appeared  not  so  mach  a  criminal  or     , 
cowardly,  as  a  sacrilegious  act  :  and  even  they  who  would  f/ 
scarcely  have  been  reatrained  by  this  feeling  on  ordinaiy 
occasiona,  participated  in  it,  more  or  lesa. 

Theae  and  otber  reaaona  eheltered  him  also  from  the 
more  remote  anìmadveraione  of  public  authority,  and 
procared  for  him,  even  in  thiB  quarter,  the  security  to 
which  he  himeelf  had  never  given  a  thought.  Hìa  ronk 
and  fatnily,  whìcb  bad  at  ali  times  been  some  protection 
to  bim,  availed  him  more  tban  erer,  now  that  pereonal 
recommendations,  the  renown  of  bis  converaion,  was 
added  to  his  olréadj  illaetrioaB  and  iamoaa,  or  ratber 
infamoua,  name.  Magiatratea  and  noblea  publicly  re- 
joiced  with  the  people  at  the  change;  and  it  would  have 
appeared  very  incongruoua  to  come  forward  irritated 
ogainst  a  man  who  waa  the  aubject  of  ao  many  congra- 
tulations.  Beaidea,  a  govenunent  occupied  with  a  pro- 
tracted,  and  often  unproaperous,  war  agoinit  active  and 
oft-renewed  rebelliona,  would  have  been  very  well  satisfied 
to  be  freed  from  the  moat  indomitable  and  irksome,  with- 
out  going  in  aearch  of  anotber:  tbe  more  ao,  aa  thia 
converaion  produced  reparations  which  the  autborìties 
vere  not  accuatamed  to  obtain,  nor  even  to  demaud.  To  , 
molest  a  aaint  aeemed  no  very  good  meana  to  ward  off  the  ^ 
reprooch  of  having  amer  been  able  to  repreea  a  villain  ; 


,c,oglc 


544  I  PB0UBS8I  SP06I.  [CH. 

fttid  the  example  they  would  ha.ve  made  of  him  wonld 
bave  had  no  other  ^eot  than  to  dissuade  othera,  Uke 
him,  from  follo ving  bis  ezample.  Frobably,  too,  the 
ehare  that  Cardinal  Tederi^  had  had  in  hia  convenioa, 
I  and  the  association  of  hia  name  wìth  that  of  the  convert, 
V  serred  the  latter  as  a  aacred  ehield.  And,  in  the  state  of 
thinga  and  ideaa  in  those  times,  in  the  aingular  relations 
between  the  eccteaiastical  authordty  and  the  ciril  power, 
«hich  so  ^«queatly  contended  witb  each  other  without 
at  ali  aiming  at  mutuai  destruction,  nay,  were  always 
mingling  eipresaions  of  acknowledgmeat,  and  protest- 
ations  of  deference,  with  hostilitiee,  and  which  not  un- 
frequently  co^perated  towarda  a  common  end,  without 
ever  mahing  peace, — in  auch  a  state  of  thìngs,  it  might 
almoBt  seem,  in  a  maoner,  that  the  reconciliation  of  the 
fint  carrìed  aloog  with  it^  if  not  the  absolution,  at  least 
the  forgetfulnesB,  of  th^second  ;  when  the  former  alone 
had  been  emplojed  to  produce  an  efièot  equally  desired 
by  both. 

Thus  IJiat  vexj  individuai,  who,  had  he  falten  Irom  hia 
eminence,  would  bave  excited  emulation  among  amali  and 
great  in  trampliog  bim  under-foot,  now,  having  epontaue- 
ously  humbled  himself  to  the  dust,  wae  reverenced  bjr 
many,  and  spared  by  alL 

True  it  is,  that  toere  were,  indeed,  many  to  whom  thia 
much-talked-of  change  brought  anything  but  aatisfac- 
tion:  many  hired  perpetratore  of  crime,  many  other 
asaociates  in  guilt,  who  thereby  lost  a  great  aupport  on 
which  they  had  been  accoatomed  to  depend,  and  who  be- 
held  the  threada  of  a  deeply-woven  plot  suddenly  anapped, 
at  the  moment,  perhaps,  when  they  were  eipecting  the 
intelligence  of  ite  completion.  But  we  hare  already  aeen 
what  varioua  sentimenta  were  awakened  by  the  announce- 
ment  of  thia  convereion  in  the  ruffiana  who  were  wità 
tbeìr  maatar  at  the  time,  and  heard  it  from  hia  own  lipa  : 
aatoniahment,  grief,  depresaion,  vezation  ;  a  little,  indeed, 
of  everything,  except  contempt  and  hatred.  The  aame 
was  felt  by  the  othera  whom  he  kept  dispersed  at  difièrent 
posts,  and  the  aame  by  hia  accomplicea  of  bigher  rank, 
when  they  flrat  leomed  the  («rribte  tidìnga;  and  by  ali 


,»oglc 


XXIX.]  THE   BETBOIRED.  645 

for  the  BUne  reMone.  Mach  hatred,  however,  eu  we  find 
in  the  pasBage  elsewfaere  cit«d  from  Kipamonti,  fell  to  the 
Hhare  of  the  Cardinal  Federigo.  The^  regarded  him  aa 
oae  vho  bad  intruded  like  an  enemy  into  their  aflain  ; 
the  Unnamed  would  see  to  the  Balration  of  his  own  aoul; 
and  nobody  had  auy  right  to  complaiu  of  what  he  did. 

From  timo  to  time,  the  greater  part  of  the  ruffiana  in 
bis  household,  unable  to  accommodate  themselvea  to  the 
new  dÌBcipline,  and  seeing  uo  probabiìity  that  it  would 
ever  change,  gradually  took  their  departure.  Some  went 
in  Bearch  of  other  mastera,  and  found  employment,  per- 
chance,  among  the  old  friends  of  the  patron  tbey  had 
left  ;  others  eniiated  in  some  terzo  *  of  Spain  or  Mantua, 
or  any  other  bellìgerent  power;  some  infested  the  high- 
wafB,  to  make  war  on  a  amaller  acale,  aud  on  their  own 
account  ;  and  others,  again,  contented  themselves  with 
going  aboul  aa  beggara  at  liberty.  The  Bame  courses 
were  pursued  by  the  reat  who  had  acted  under  his  orders 
in  different  countriea.  Of  those  who  bad  contrived  to 
.assimilate  themselves  to  hifl  new  mode  of  life,  or  hadem- 
braced  it  of  their  own  free  will,  the  greater  number, 
native»  of  the  vailey,  retumed  to  the  fleids,  or  to  the 
trades  whieh  they  had  learnt  in  their  early  veara,  and 
had  afterwarda  abandoned  for  a  life  of  viìlany  ;  the 
strangerB  remained  in  the  caatle  as  dorneatic  Berrante  ; 
and  bcth  nativea  and  strangerB,  as  if  bleased  at  the  Bame 
time  with  their  master,  lived  contentedly.as  he  did,  neither 
giving  nor  receiving  iQJurìea,  unarmed,  and  respected. 

But  when,  on  the  descent  of  the  Oerman  troops,  <^ 
■everal  fugitives  from  the  threatened  or  invaded  dominions 
arrived  at  hi»  castle  to  requeat  an  aBylum,  he,  rejoiced 
that  the  weak  and  oppreBsed  sought  refuge  within  hJB 
walls,  whicb  bad  ao  long  been  regarded  by  them  at  a 
diatauce  as  an  enormoua  acarecrow,  received  these  eziles 
with  expreaaionB  of  gratitude  rather  than  courteey  ;  he 
caused  it  to  he  proclaimed  that  bis  house  wonld  he  open 
to  any  one  who  ahould  choose  to  take  refuge  there  ;  and 
Boon  proposed  to  put,  not  only  hia  .castle,  but  the  valley 
itself,  into  a  atate  of  defence,  if  ever  any  of  the  G-erman 
*  A  i^mnit  tooKStìng  of  tbre«  thoutuid  wldien. 


,c,oglc 


646  I  FR0UBS8I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

or  BergamaBOn  troops  ehould  attempi  to  come  tbither 
for  pluader.  Ho  osBembled  the  aervants  vho  etili  re- 
maìned  with  him  (like  the  veraea  of  Torti,  few  aod 
valiant)  ;  addreased  them  on  the  happy  opportonitT  that 
Ood  was  gtving  both  to  tbem  ttaà.  bimaelf  of  employiag 
tbemselves  for  once  in  aid  of  their  fellow-creatures,  «hom 
tfae^  bad  so  often  oppreseed  and  terrified  ;  and  with  that 
ancient  tene  of  command  which  ezpresaed  a  certainty  of 
beisg  obejed,  anaoimced  to  them  in  general  irhat  he 
n-iahed  them  to  do,  and,  above  ali,  impieBsed  upon  them 
tbe  necesaitf  of  keeping  a  reetraint  over  tbemaelTea,  that 
tbev  wbo  took  refuge  there  might  see  in  them  only  frienda 
and  protectora.  Uè  then-had  hrought  down  from  one  of 
the  garreta  ali  tbe  fire-arniB,  aod  other  warlike  weapons, 
whicb  bad  been  for  some  time  deposited  tbere,  aad  dia- 
^buted  tbom  among  bis  houaehold  ;  ordcred  that  ali  the 
peosanta  and  tenanta  of  the  vaJley,  wbo  were  willin^  to 
do  sa,  abouid  come  with  arma  to  the  castle  ;  provided 
tboae  wbo  bad  none  with  a  sufficient  sappi;  ;  selected 
some  to  act  aa  officerà,  and  placed  otben  under  their 
command;  assigocd  to  each  bla  poet  at  tbe  entrance,  and 
in  TariouB  parts  of  the  valle;,  on  the  ascent,  and  at  tbe 
gatea  of  tbe  castle  ;  and  establiahed  the  hours  and  methoda 
of  relieving  the  guarda,  as  in  a  camp,  or  aa  he  had  been 
Bccustomed  to  do  in  that  rery  place  during  bia  life  of 
rebellioQ. 

In  one  corner  of  this  garret,  divided  from  tbe  reat, 
were  tbe  arma  which  be  alone  had  home,  hia  famoua 
carabine,  muaketa,  awords,  piatola,  huge  knives,  and 
pooiarda,  either  lying  on  the  ground,  or  set  up  againat 
tbe  Wall.  None  of  the  servanta  laid  a  finger  on  them  ; 
but  tbej  determined  to  aak  the  Signor  which  he  wished 
to  be  brougbt  to  bim.  'Not  one  of  them,*  replied  be; 
and  whether  from  a  vow  or  iutentional  deaign,  be  re- 
mained  the  wbole  time  unarmed,  at  the  head  of  tbis 
apeciea  of  garriaon. 

He  emplojed,  at  the  eame  time,  otber  men  and  womeo 
of  hia  houBcbold  or  d^pendents,  in  prepartng  accommoda- 
tion  in  tbe  castle  for  aa  manj  peraona  aa  poaaible,  in 
erecting  bedateada,  and  arranging  straw  beda,  mattreHea, 


,»oglc 


XXIX.}  TB3   BETROTBBD.  547 

and  B&ckE  atuffed  with  gtnw,  in  the  apartments  whioli 
were  now   converted   into   dormitoriee.     fie  olso  gave 
orden  thkt  Isrge  stores  of  provÌBioiu  Bfaould  be  braaght 
in  for  the  maintenance  of  the  gaesia  wbom  Ood  should 
■end  bim,  and  who  thronged  in  in  dail;  increaung  num-      . 
ben.     He,  in  the  mean  while,  waa  never  Btattonajj  ;  in  ^ 
and  out  of  the  cutle,  up  and  down  the  aacent,  round 
about  through  the  Talley,  to  etrtablish,  to  fortify,  to  viait 
the  diSerent  poeta,  to  eee  and  to  be  aeen,  to  put  and  to 
keep  ali  in  ordier  bf  hia  dìrectiona,  orendght,  and  preseoce.  v^ 
In  doors,  and  by  the  w»y,  he  gsve  hearty  welcomea  to  ali 
the  nev  comen  wbom  be  happened  to  meet  ;  and  ali,  who 
had  either  aem  tfaia  wonderful  peraon  before,  or  now  be- 
held  him  for  the  fint  time,  gaséd  at  hìm  in  rapture,  for- 
getting  for  a  moment  the  miafortunea  and  alarm  which 
had  driTen  them  thither,  and  tuming  to  look  at  hìm,     y 
wben,  hariug  severed  himaelf  from  th«m,  be  agaia  pur-  v 
taei  hia  way. 


;dbv  Google 


1    PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH, 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

IHOUGH  the  greatt-et  concoursewaB  not  from 
1  the  quarter  by  which  our  three  fugitives  ap- 
I  proached  the  valley,  but  mtber  at  the  opposite 
I  eutrauce  ;  yet,  ia  tliis  Hecond  half  of  their 
joumey,  they  began  to  nieet  with  fellow-tra- 
vellers,  eompanions  in  miafortime,  who,  from  croa»-roadB 
or  by-paths,  had  iesued,  or  were  isauing,  loto  the  maìn 
road.  lu  circutnatances  like  theee  ali  viho  happen  to 
meet  eacb  otber  are  acquaiotaticea.  Everj  lime  that  the 
cart  overtook  a  pedeatrìaa  travelJer,  tliere  was  an  eicbang- 
ing  of  questiona  and  ceplies.  Some  had  made  their  edcape, 
like  our  frieade,  witbout  auaiting  the  arrivai  of  the  aul- 
diera  ;  some  had  heard  the  clanging  of  arme  and  kettle- 
drums  ;  while  others  had  actually  bebe'd  them,  and  paiot- 
ed  tbem  as  the  terror-stricken  usually  paint  the  objectB 
of  their  teiror. 

'  We  are  fortunate,  however,'  said  the  two  women  ;  '  let 
uetbank  Heavenforìt.  Ourgoodsmust  go;  but.Btleast, 
we  are  out  of  the  way.' 


XXX.]  THE    BETROTHED.  649 

But  Con  Abboadio  could  not  find  ta  much  to  rqoioe 
à.t  ;  even  thia  concourse,  aod  etili  more  the  far  grester  one 
vLich  he  beard  waa  pouring  in  from  the  oppoaite  direction, 
began  to  throw  a  gloom  over  big  mind.  '  Oh,  what  «  state 
of  thingB  1  '  muttered  he  to  the  women,  at  a  moment  wben 
there  was  nobodj  at  band  :  '  oh,  what  a  state  of  things  ! 
Don't  yoa  see,  tbat  to  collect  ho  many  people  into  one 
place  Ì9  juBt  the  aame  thing  as  to  draw  ali  tàe  soldiera 
nera  hj  force  F  Everybody  is  biding,  ererybody  carries 
off  hÌB  things  1  notbing'a  left  in  the  houses  :  ao  they'll 
think  there  must  he  some  treaaures  un  bere,  lliey'll 
aurdr  come  1    Oh  poor  me  !    What  bave  I  embarked  in  f  ' 

'  What  should  they  bave  to  come  bere  forP  '  iaid  Per- 
petua :  '  they  are  obliged  to  go  straight  oa  their  way. 
And  beeides,  l've  always  beard  aay,  tbat  it'a  better  to  be 
a  Urge  party  when  there'a  any  danger.' 

'  A  large  party  ?  a  large  party  F  '  replied  Don  Abbondio. 
'  Fooliab  womau  I  Don't  you  know  tbat  a  single  Oerman 
Boldier  could  devour  a  hundred  of  such  aa  they  F  And 
then,  if  they  should  take  it  into  their  beads  to  play  any 
pranke,  it  would  be  a  fine  thing,  wouldn't  it,  to  hai  our< 
aeWea  in  the  midit  of  a  battio  F  Oh  poor  me  !  It  would 
bave  been  lesa  dangeroue  to  bave  gone  to  the  mountaing. 
Why  ahould  everybody  chaoae  to  go  to  one  place  F  . .  .  . 
TirCBome  fotka  !  *  muttered  he  in  a  itili  lower  voice.  '  Ali 
bere  :  etili  coming,  comìng,  comìng  ;  one  after  the  otber, 
like  aheep  tbat  bave  no  Hense.' 

'  In  thia  way,'  Baid  Agnese,  '  they  might  Bay  the  Bame 
of  US.' 

'  Hush,  bush  !  '  said  Don  Abbondio,  '  ali  thia  talk  doea 
no  good.  What'a  dono  Ìb  done  :  we  are  bere,  and  uow  we 
must  etay  bere.  It  will  be  as  Frovidence  wille  :  Heaven 
aend  it  may  be  good  ! 

But  bis  horror  wss  greatly  increaaed  wben,  at  the  en- 
trance  of  the  valley,  he  eaw  a  large  body  of  arraed  men, 
some  at  the  door  of  a  house,  and  others  quarterad  in  the 
lower  rooms.  He  cast  a,  side  glnnce  at  them  :  they  were 
not  the  same  facea  which  it  had  been  bis  tot  to  Bee  on  hit 
former  melancholy  entrance,  or  if  there  were  any  of  the 
lame,  they  were  Btrangely  altered  ;  but,  with  ali  tbis,  it 


,„oglc 


BOO  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CB. 

il  ìinpoMÌbte  to  uy  what  onessineH  this  ai^lit  gare  bim. 
— Od  poor  in«  ! — thonglit  he. — 3ee,  now,  if  thej  woa't 
plBTpnmka!  li  bii't  likely  it  could  be  gtberwìie;  I 
ou^t  to  bftveexpected  it  from  »  man  of  tbis  kind.  But 
«hat  wìU  he  «ant  to  do  ?  Will  he  make  war  F  wìll  be 
play  the  king,  ehp  Oh  poor  mei  Iq  cìrcunutancea 
when  oite  woutd  wÌBb  to  haij  oueself  tinder-ground, 
and  tbis  man  Beeki  evary  vajr  of  making  himeelf  known, 
and  attracting  attention  ;  it  seeme  as  if  he  wisbed  to  in- 
Tite  tbem  ! — 

Tou  see  now,  Sipior  master/  aaid  Perpetua,  addrees- 
ìng  bim,  '  tbere  are  brave  people  bere  who  wili  know  bov 
to  defend  uè.  Let  tbe  soldiers  come  now  :  theae  people 
are  not  like  onr  clowna,  who  are  good  for  notbìng  Dut  to 
drag  tbeir  lega  after  them.' 

'  Hold  your  tongue,'  said  Don  Abbondio,  in  a  low  and 
iagry  tone,  '  hold  jour  tongue  ;  you  don't  know  wbat  yon 
are  talkiag  about.  Pray  Heaven  tbat  tbe  aoldiera  may 
make  baste,  or  that  tbey  may  never  come  to  know  what 
ia  doing  here,  and  that  tbe  place  ìa  being  fortified  like  a 
fortresa.  Don't  you  know  it'n  the  aoldiers'  businesa  to 
take  fortreasea?  They  wiah  nothing  better;  to  take  a 
plaoe  by  storm  is  to  them  like  going  to  a  wodding  ;  becauae 
ali  tbey  find  tbey  take  to  themselvee,  and  tbe  inhabitanta 
tbey  put  to  the  edge  of  tbe  sword.  Oh  poor  me  !  W«l], 
l'il  surely  see  if  there's  no  way  of  putting  oneaelf  in 
■afety  od  some  of  tbese  peaka.  They  won  t  reacb  me 
tbere  in  a  battle  !  oh,  tbey  won't  reachi  me  there  !  ' 

'  If  you're  afraid,  too,  of  being  defended  and  helped 
.  . .  ,'  Perpetua  waa  again  beginning  ;  but  Don  Abbondio 
■harply  interrupted  ber,  though  atill  in  a  auppretsed 
toae  :  '  Hold  your  tongue  ;  and  take  good  care  you  don't 
report  wbat  we've  said  ;  woe  unto  uè  if  you  do  I  Re- 
member  tbat  we  muat  always  put  on  a  pleaàant  counte- 
naoce  bere,  and  approvo  ali  we  aee.' 

At  Malanotte  tneyfound  anotherwatch  of  armed  meo, 
to  wbom  Don  Abbondio  aubniisaively  took  off  hìa  bat, 
saying,  in  tbe  mean  while,  in  bis  beart- — Alas!  alas!  l've 
oertatuly  come  to  an  encampment  1 — liere  tbe  csrt  stop» 
ped  ;  they  diamounted  ;   Don  Abbondio  bastily  paid  aod 


,»Ogk' 


IXX]  THE  BBTROTHBD,  MI 

dismieoed  the  driver  ;  aad  vith  fais  two  companìona 
silenti^  mounted  the  steep.  The  sight  ot  these  placca 
recalled  to  his  imaginatioa,  and  mingied  with  hia  praeent 
troubles  the  remembrance  of  tbose  whioh  he  had  sutTered 
bere  once  before.  And  Aguese,  nho  had  neverBeen  these 
scenes,  and  who  had  drawn  to  herself  an  imaginary  pie-  ' 
ture,  which  preeented  iteelf  to  ber  viod  whenever  she 
thougbt  of  the  circumatancee  tbat  had  occurred  bere,  on 
seemg  them  uow  aa  tbey  vere  in  realìtj,  expenenced  a 
new  and  more  vivid  feeling  «f  these  moumful  recollec- 
tiona.  '  Oh,  Signor  Curate  !  '  exclaimed  she,  '  to  thiak 
that  ray  poor  Lucia  bas  paiued  along  tbia  road  1  .  . .  .' 

'Wili  you  hold  your  tongue,  you  absurd  woman?" 
eried  Don  Abbondio  in  ber  ear.  '  Are  thoae  thinga  to  be 
bringiag  tjb  bere  f  Don't  you  know  we  are  in  bia  place  P 
It  wsa  well  for  uà  nobody  heard  you  then;  but  if  you 
talk  in  thia  way  .  .  .  .' 

*  Oh  !  '  said  Agnese  ;  '  now  that  he's  a  saint  !....' 

'  Well,  be  qiiiet  j  '  replied  Don  Abbondio  again  in  ber 
ear.  '  Do  you  think  one  may  aay  without  caution,  eveo 
to  sainta,  ali  tbat  passea  througb  one'a  mind  ?  Think 
ntther  of  thanking  him  for  hta  goodness  to  you.' 

'  Oh,  l've  already  thought  of  that  :  do  you  think  I 
don't  tinow  even  a  little  civUity  P  ' 

'  Civility  ifl,  not  to  aay  things  that  may  be  diaagreeable 
to  a  peraon,  particularfy  to  one  wbo  ia  not.  accustomed 
to  bear  them.  And  underatand  well,  botb  of  you,  tbat 
thia  Ì8  not  a  place  to  go  cbattering  about,  and  sa^g 
wbatever  may  bappen  to  come  ìuto  your  beads.  It  ia  a 
grcat  Signor'a  houae,  you  know  tbat  already  :  see  wb&t  a 
housebold  tbere  in  ali  aroiwd  :  people  of  ali  aorta  come 
bere:  ao  be  prudent,  if  youcan;  weigh  your  words  ;  and, 
above  ali,  leC  there  be  few  of  them,  and  only  wben  there 
is    a    ueceasity:    oue    can't    get   wrong  wben    one   ia 

'  You  do  far  worae,  with  ali  your  . .  .  .  '  Perpetua 
began  :  but,  '  Huah  1  '  cried  Con  Abbondio,  in  a  sup- 
preaaed  voice,  at  the  aame  time  bastily  taking-  off  bis  hat, 
and  making  a  profound  bow:  for,  on  looking  up,  he  liad 
diacoTered  the  Unnamed  comiog  down  to  meet  them.  ^ 


55S  I    FHOMBSSI   SPOSI.  [ctT. 

He,  on  hÌB  part,  had  noticed  and  recogniied  Don  AbboD- 
dio,  and  was  nov  haateniiig  to  velcome  bim. 

'  Signor  Curat«,'  said  he,  when  be  had  reached  him,  '  I 
ahould  bave  liked  to  ofier  ^ou  m;  house  on  a  plea«aDter 
occasion  ;  but,  under  any  circumstances,  I  am  exceediuglj 
glad  to  be  able  to  be  of  some  service  to  you.' 

'  TruBting  iu  your  illuBtrìoua  Lordahip'a  great  kindoesa,' 
replied  Don  Abbondio,  '  I  bave  ventured  to  come,  under 
tbese  meUncholy  circumatancBa,  to  intrude  upon  you: 
aad,  as  your  illuatrioiia  Lordship  aeea,  I  bave  also  pre- 
eumed  to  briog  company  witb  me.  Tina  ia  my  house- 
keeper  . . . .' 

'  8be  ia  welcome,'  eaid  the  Unnamed. 

'  And  tbia,'  continued  Don  Abbondio,  '  is  a  woman  to 
wbom  your  Lordship  hati  already  been  very  good;  the 
motber  of  tbat  .  .  . .  of  tbat .  .  .  .' 

'  Of  Lucia,'  eaid  Agnese. 

'  Of  Lucia  I'  exclaimed  the  TTunamed,  turuing  witb  & 
look  of  ahame  towarda  Agneae.  '  Been  very  good,  I  ! 
Immortal  Qoà  1  You  are  rery  good  to  me,  to  come  here 
.  . .  .  to  me  .  .  .  .  to  tbìa  hous^.  You  are  most  beartilj 
welcome.     You  bring  a  bleesing  along  witb  you.' 

'  Oh,  air,*  aaid  Agnese,  '  I  come  to  givo  you  trouble.  I 
liave,  too,'  cootinued  she,  goìng  very  dose  to  bis  ear,  '  to 
tbauk  you  .  . .  .' 

The  Unoamed  interrupted  theoe  worda,  by  aniìoualy 
making  inquirìea  about  Lucia  :  and  baving  heard  the 
intelligence  they  bad  to  gìve,  be  turned  to  accompany  hia 
new  guesta  to  the  ca«tle,  and  peraìeted  in  doing  ao,  in 
apite  of  their  ceremoniouB  oppoeitlon.  Agnese  cast  a 
giance  at  the  Curate,  vrhich  meant  to  aay, — You  aee,  now, 
whetber  tbere's  any  need  for  you  to  interpoae  between  us 
with  your  advice  !— 

*  Have  they  reached  your  pariah?'  aaked  the  Unnamed, 
addreesing  Dou  Abbondio. 

'No,   Signor;  for   I   wouid  not  willingly    await  the 
arrivai  of  tbeae  devila,'  replied  he.     '  Heaven  knowa  if  I 
should  bave  been  able  to  escape  alive  out  of  their  banda, 
and  come  to  trouble  your  illustrious  Lordebip.' 
.  '  Well,  well,  you  may  take  conrage,'  resumed  the  noble- 


,»Ogk' 


XXX.]  TKB   BETROTHED.  553 

man,  '  for  you  are  hot  eafe  enougb.  They'U  not  come 
up  he»  ;  and  if  they  ehould  wish  to  moke  the  trial,  we're 
ready  to  receÌTe  them.' 

'  We'll  hope  they  -won't  come,'  eaid  Don  AbboDdio. 
'  I  bear,'  added  be,  pointicg  witb  bis  finger  towards  the 
mountaiiiB  which  enclosed  the  vallev  on  the  oppoiite  tide, 
'  I  bear  tbat  another  band  of  Boldiera  ia  wanderìng  aboui 
in  tbat  quarter  too,  but ....  but  .  ,  .  .  ' 

*  True,'  replied  the  Umiamed  ;  '  but  7011  need  bave  no 
fear:  we  are  ready  for  them  aUo.' — Between  two  Area, 
in  the  meanwbilesBÌd  Don  Abbondio  to  himself, — ezactly 
between  two  fires.  Where  bave  I  auffered  myself  to  be 
drawn  ?  and  by  two  silly  women  !  And  this  man  Beema 
actually  in  bis  etement  iu  it  oli  !  Ob,  what  people  there 
are  in  the  world  !— 

On  enterìng  the  castie,  the  Signor  had  Agnese  and 
Perpetua  conducted  to  an  apnrtment  in  the  quarter 
aeaìgned  to  the  women,  which  occupied  three  of  the  four 
sidee  of  the  inner  court,  in  the  back  part  of  the  building, 
and  was  eituated  on  a  juttiog  and  isolat«d  rock,  over* 
hangiug  a  precipice.  The  men  were  lodged  in  tba  sides 
of  the  otber  court  to  the  rtght  and  left,  aud  in  that  which 
loobed  OQ  the  esplanade.  The  centrai  block,  which 
Beparated  the  two  quadranglee,  and  alTorded  a  pasaage 
from  one  to  tbe  otber  through  a  wide  archway  oppoaiCe 
the  prìncipal  gate,  waa  partly  occupied  with  proTiaiona, 
and  partly  aerved  aa  a  depository  for  any  little  property 
the  refugees  might  wieb  to  secure  in  thia  retreat.  In 
the  quarters  appropriated  to  the  men,  was  a  amali  apart- 
ment  deatined  for  the  uae  of  anyclergy  who  might  hap- 
pen  to  take  refuge  tbere.  Hither  tbe  Unnamed  himadf 
conducted  Don  Abbondio,  who  waa  the  first  to  take 
poaseesion  of  it. 

Three  or  four  and  twenty  d&ys  our  fugitires  remained 
at  the  castle,  in  a  state  of  continuai  bastie,  forming  a 
large  company,  which  at  first  received  coiutant  additions, 
but  without  any  incidenta  of  im|iortance.  Perhapa,  how- 
«Ter,  not  a  single  day  paased  without  their  reaorting  to 
arms.  I^usquenets  were  coming  in  this  direction  ;  eap- 
pelletli  bsd  been  seen  iu  that.     Erery  time  thia  intelli- 


,c,oglc 


Q54  I  FROKESSI  SPOSI.  [cH. 

gence  vu  broueht,  the  TTunamed  sent  men  to  reeoxt- 
soitre  ;  and,  if  there  were  any  neceseity,  took  with  him 
Bome  whom  be  kept  in  readineBS  for  the  purpoee,  and 
«ccompanied  them  tieyond  tbe  vallej,  in  the  direction  of 
^the  indicated  danger.  Asd  it  wss  a  singuJar  thiDg  to 
behuld  a  band  of  brigands,  armed  em-à-pié,  ani  conducted 
lihe  Boldiera  bj  one  who  wbb  himBelt'unarmed.  Geaerally 
it  proTed  to  be  odI;  foragers  and  disbanded  pilla^rs, 
who  oontrived  to  make  off  before  thej  were  taken  by 
Burprise.  But  once,  when  driving  away  aome  of  theiie, 
to  teach  them  not  to  come  again  iato  that  neighbour- 
hood,  the  Unnamed  receìved  ìutetligence  that  an  adjoin- 
ing  riUage  waa  invaded  and  gìven  up  to  pluuder.  The;^ 
were  aordiere  of  varioua  corpa,  who,  baving  loitered  be- 
hind  to  hunt  for  bootr,  baa  formed  tbemselvea  iuto  s 
band,  and  made  a  Budaen  irniption  into  the  landa  sur- 
rouadiag  that  whera  the  army  had  taken  up  ìtB  quarten  ; 
despoiling  tbe  inhabitanta,  and  even  leTying  contrìbutiona 
from  them.  Tbe  Unnamed  made  a  hrief  harangue  to  hia 
foUoweni,  and  bid  tbem  march  forward  to  the  inraded 
TÌllage. 

They  arrived  nnexpectedly  :  the  plunderers,  who  had 
thought  of  nothing  but  taking  the  spoil,  abandaned  their 

Erey  in  the  midat,  on  aeeing  men  in  arme,  and  ready  for 
attle,  coming  down  upon  them,  and  haatily  took  to 
flight,  without  waiting  l'or  one  another,  in  the  direction 
whence  they  had  come.  He  pursued  them  for  a  little 
■"i^tance  ;  tben,  makiog  a  halt,  waited  awhile  to  see  if  any 
fresh  object  presented  itBelf,  and  at  length  retumed 
homewanU.  It  ìb  impossible  to  deacribe  the  abolita  of 
applauee  and  benediction  wbieh  accompanied  the  troop 
of  deliveren  and  ita  leader,  on  pasaiug  through  the 
reacued  villoge, 

Among  the  multitude  of  refugees  aseembled  in  the 
castle,  Btrangera  to  each  other,  and  differing  in  rank, 
habita,  aex,  and  age,  no  disturbance  of  any  moment  oc- 
curred.  The  Unnamed  bad  placed  guarda  in  varioua 
posta,  ali  of  wbom  endeavoured  lo  ward  off  any  uuplea- 
aantneaB  with  the  care  ueually  eihibited  by  toose  vrho 
are  beld  accouDtable  for  any  miademeanouiB. 


i.,C,oo'^lc 


XXX,]  THE    BFTBOTHBD.  5C6 

He  baci  alio  requeeted  the  dergr,  and  othen  of  moat  ^ 
aatborìty  among  tfaoee  to  nbom  he  afTorded  Hbelter,  to 
Talk  round  the  place,  and  keep  a  watch  ;  and,  as  oftea 
aa  he  could,  he  himaelf  went  about  to  ehow  himself  ia 
erery  direction,  whìle,  even  in  bis  abaenoe,  the  remem- 
braace  of  wbo  wsa  in  the  house  aerved  aa  a  restrainC  to 
those  who  needed  it.  BeaideH,  tbej  vere  ali  people  tbat 
bad  fled  from  danger,  aud  heuce  generally  incUned  to 
peace  :  while  the  thoughte  of  their  homea  and  proper^, 
and  in  some  caaeB,  of  relativea  and  frienda  wbom  thej  bad 
left  exposed  to  danger,  and  tbe  tidinga  tbey  beard  front 
wttbout,  depreased  their  spirita,  and  tbua  maintained 
and  oonstanlly  increaaed  tbis  diepoaition. 

There  were,  bowerer,  some  unburdened  apirita,  aome 
meu  of  firmer  mould  and  stronger  courage,  wbo  trìed  to 

Ctheae  daya  mernly.  Tbey  bad  abandoned  tbeir 
ea  becauee  tbey  were  not  atrong  enougb  to  defend 
them  ;  but  they  aaw  no  ubo  in  weeping  and  aighing  over 
tbìngs  tbat  eould  not  be  helped,  or  in  picturing  tu  them- 
■elvea,  ajid  contemplating  béforeband,  in  imagination,  the 
baroc  they  would  only  too  soon  witneae  wiUi  their  owq 
eyea.  Families  acquainted  wjtb  eacb  otber  bad  left 
their  bomea  at  tbe  same  time,  and  bad  met  witb  eacb 
otber  again  in  tbia  retreat  ;  new  frìendBbips  were  fonned  ; 
and  tbe  multitude  vere  divided  into  parties,  accordine  to 
tbeir  ae76ral  habita  and  dispoaitiona.  Tbey  whb  bad 
money  and  conaideration  went  to  dine  down  in  tbe 
valley,  wbere  eating-houaea  aud  inns  bad  been  hastily 
ron  up  for  the  occaaion  :  in  some,  moathfuls  were  ìnter- 
changed  witb  lamentations,  or  no  eubject  but  tbeir 
mtsfortanea  was  altowed  to  be  discuaiied  ;  in  othera, 
miafortunea  were  never  retnembered,  uuleae  it  were  to 
aay  tbat  they  muat  not  tbink  about  them.  To  thoae  wbo 
either  could  not,  or  would  not,  bear  part  of  tbe  expensea, 
bread,  aoup,  and  wine  were  diatributed,  in  tbe  castle  j 
beaidea  otner  tablea  wbicb  were  Uid  out  daily  for  tbuae 
wbom  tbe  Signor  bad  eipreaaly  invited  to  partake  of 
them  ;  aud  our  acquaintaocea  were  among  this  number. 
Aeneee  and  Feipetu&,not  to  eat  tbe  bread  of  idieneat, 
bad  Degged  to  be  employed  in  tbe  aerrices  whicfa,  in  ao 


,c,oglc 


z 


ose  I    FBOMBSSI   8FCWL  [CB. 

large  an  eatablishment,  must  hftve  been  requtred;  and  in 
theee  occupationa  ibej  apent  a  gnat  part  of  the  daj-, 
«hile  the  re«t  «as  paMed  in  cbatting  with  tome  fi-ienda, 
whoBe  acquaintance  the^  had  mode,  or  with  the  imfor- 
tunate  Don  Abbondio.  Thia  indindual,  tfaough  he  bad 
nothing  to  do,  «as,  nererthelesB,  nerer  afflicted  with 
«onui  :  bis  fear»  kept  him  company.  The  direct  dread  ot 
an  aasaiilt  bad,  I  believe,  Bnbaided  :  or,  if  it  stili  remaìn- 
ed,  it  waa  one  which  gare  him  the  least  uueMÌnesa  ;  be- 
cause,  wheneTBr  he  beetowed  upon  it  the  alightest  thought, 
hecouid  not  belp  aeeiitg  bow  nnfonnded  itwu.  But  tbe 
idea  of  the  aurrounding  coantrj,  inundated  on  both  rides 
with  brutal  soldiera,  tbe  armour  and  anned  mea  be  bad 
constanti;  before  hia  eyee,  tbe  rsmeinbnnce  that  he  waa 
in  a  Caatle,  togetber  with  the  thought  of  tbe  manf  thJDgs 
that  might  faappen  any  moment  in  anch  a  sitaation,  ail 
contributed  to  keep  him  in  indistinet,  general,  Constant 
alami  ;  let  alone  tbe  aniietj  he  felt  when  be  thought  of 
bis  poor  home.  During  the  whole  time  he  remained  in 
thia  aaylum,  he  never  once  weat  more  than  a  atone'a 
tbrow  from  the  bailding,  nor  ever  set  foot  on  the  deacent  : 
bis  sole  walk  was  to  go  out  upon  tbe  esplanade,  and  pace 
np  and  down,  aometimes  to  one,  sometimea  to  the  other 
side  of  the  cosile,  there  to  look  down  among  the  clifi 
and  precipices,  in  hopea  of  diacoverìn^  aome  pmcticable 
passage,  some  kìnd  of  footpath,  by  which  he  might  go  in 
searcb  of  a  hiding-place,  in  case  of  being  ver^  closely 

Eressed.  Od  meeting  any  of  hia  companiona  in  thia  ssylam, 
e  faiied  not  to  make  a  profound  bow,  or  reapectful  salnt- 
ation,  but  he  aaaociated  with  veiy  few  ;  bis  most  frequent 
coDTersationa  were  with  the  two  women,  aa  «e  bave  re- 
Inted  ;  and  to  them  be  poured  out  ali  bis  griefa,  at  tbe 
riak  of  being  aometimea  ailenced  by  Perpetua,  and  com- 
pletely  put  to  ahame  even  by  Agnese.  At  table,  how- 
ever,  where  be  sat  but  little,  and  tatked  atill  leas,  he 
heard  the  news  of  tbe  terrible  march  which  arrircd  daily 
at  the  caatle,  eitber  reported  from  village  to  viiloge,  and 
from  mouth  to  mouth,  or  brought  thitber  by  some  one 
who  had  at  first  determined  to  remain  at  home,  and  had, 
after  ali,  made  hia  escape,  without  faaring  be^  abl«  to 


,l)OglC 


XXX.]  THB   BBTROTHBD.  U? 

nre  aa/tLiog,  and  probablr,  also,  after  receiving  con* 
«iderable  ili-treatment  ;  and  every  day  brought  with  it 
Bome  fresh  tate  of  mìafortune.  Some,  who  were  news- 
mongers  by  profession,  diligently  coUected  the  different 
rumoiuD,  neigbed  ali  the  various  accounts,  and  tben  eave 
the  Bubatance  of  them  to  the  others.  Thev  disputed  which 
were  the  moat  deatructive  redìmenta,  and  whether  infant- 
ry  or  cavalry  were  the  worat  ;  they  reported,  ae  well  u 
they  could,  the  names  of  acme  of  the  leader»  ;  related 
some  of  their  paat  enterprisea,  anecified  the  placea  of 
halting,  and  the  daily  marches.  That  day  auch  a  regi' 
ment  would  apread  over  auch  a  dìatrict;  to-morrow,  it 
would  ravage  auch  anotber,  where,  in  tbe  mean  while, 
another  bad  been  playing  the  very  devi!,  and  worae.  They 
chiefly,  bowever,  aought  informntion  and  kept  count  of 
tbe  regimentB  wbicb  from  time  to  time  croBBoa  the  bridge 
of  Lecco,  becaase  these  might  be  conaidered  as  fairly 
Bone,  and  really  out  of  the  territory.  Tbe  cavalry  of 
walleastem  paesed  it,  and  the  infantry  of  Marradas; 
the  cavalry  of  Anlzolt,  and  the  infantry  under  Brandfr- 
burgo  ;  the  troope  of  Montecuccoli,  tben  thoae  of  Fer- 
rari ;  then  followed  Altrìnger,  tben  Furatenburg,  tben 
CoUoredo  ;  after  them  carne  tbe  Croatìana,  Torquato 
Conti,  and  tbìa,  tbat,  and  the  other  leader  ;  and  last  of 
ali,  in  Heaven'a  good  time,  carne  at  length  Óalasao.  The 
flying  aquadron  of  Venetiana  tuade  their  fioal  exit  ;  and 
the  wbole  countir,  on  either  band,  waa  once  more  aet  at 
liberty.  Thoae  belongiag  to  the  invaded  villagea  whìcb 
were  first  cleared  of  their  ravagera,  bad  ah^ady  begun  to 
evacuate  tbe  caatle,  and  every  day  peopje  continued  to 
leave  the  place  :  aa  after  an  autumnal  atorm,  the  birda 
may  be  seen  isauing  on  every  side  from  the  leafy  braocbes 
of  a  great  tree,  wbere  they  hnd  aought  a  ahelter  from  ita 
fiiry.  Olir  three  refugecB  were,  perbaps,  the  laat  to  take 
their  departure,  awiog  to  Don  Abhondio'B  estreme  reluct- 
ance  to  run  tbe  riak,  if  they  returaed  home  immediately, 
of  meeting  some  Btraggling  soldiers  who  might  atill  be 
loitering  in  tbe  rear  of  the  army.  It  waa  ìd  vain  Pe^ 
petna  repeated  and  insiated,  that  the  longer  they  delayed, 
the  greater  opportunitiea  they  afforded  to  the  tbievea  of 


lAiooi^lc 


558  I    FB0HE8SI   SFOSL  [CH. 

the  neìgbbonrhood  to  enter  the  house  and  finish  the 
buHÌneaa  :  whenever  the  lafetv  of  life  was  at  Btake,  Don 
Abbondio  iiiTariabljr  gained  toe  day  ;  unleaa,  indeed,  the 
immiuence  of  the  dsDger  were  sueh  as  to  deprive  him  of 
the  power  of  «elf-defence. 

On  the  day  fixed  for  their  departure,  the  tTnnamed  had 
a  carrìage  in  readiness  at  Malaiiatt«,  in  which  he  hsd  al- 
readj  placed  a  full  Buppljr  of  clothea  for  Agnese.  Draw- 
ing  ber  a  little  aaide,  ne  also  forced  ber  to  accept  a  small 
atore  of  *cudi,  to  compensate  for  the  damages  she  wouid 
find  at  home;  although,  strìking  ber  breast,  ehe  kept 
repeatiiig  that  she  had  stili  aome  of  the  first  supply  len. 

'When  you  see  jour  poor  good  Lucia  .  .  .  .'  said  he, 
the  laat  thing  :  '  I  am  already  convinced  she  prays  for  me, 
becauBB  I  bave  done  ber  eo  much  wrong  ;  teli  her,  then, 
tbat  I  tbank  ber,  and  trust  in  Ood  ber  prajers  will  re- 
turn, alao,  in  equól  hleasings  upon  ber  own  head.' 
y  He  then  insisted  upon  accompanyine  bis  three  gueata 
to  the  carriage.  The  obaequiouB  and  eztravagant  ac- 
knovledgments  of  Don  Abbondio,  and  the  compiimeli tary 
ipeeches  of  Perpetua,  we  leare  to  the  reader's  imagina- 
tion.  They  set  off,  made  a  short  stay,  occording  to 
agreement,  at  tbe  tailor'a  cottage,  and  tbere  beard  a  hun- 
dred  particulars  of  tbe  march,  the  usuai  tale  of  tbeft, 
violence,  deatruction,  and  obscenity  ;  but  tbere,  fortun- 
ately,aone  of  t)ie  soldiery  had  been  «een. 

'  Ah,  Signor  Curate  !  '  said  the  tailor,  as  he  offered  him 
bis  arm  to  assist  him  again  tiito  the  carriage,  'tbey'll 
have  matter  enougb  for  a  printed  hook  in  a  acene  of  de- 
struction  like  thia.' 

Ab  they  adranced  a  little  on  their  joumey,  our  trarel- 
lers  began  to  nitneas,  with  their  own  eyes,  something  of 
what  they  had  board  described  ;  viueyarda  despoiled,  not 
8B  by  the  vintager,  but  as  though  a  storm  oi  wind  and 
hail  combined  had  ezerted  their  utmoat  eoei^es  ;  branches 
atrewn  upon  the  enrth,  broken  off,  and  trampled  under- 
fbot;  stakeB  tom  up,  the  ground  troddeu  and  coTored 
with  chips,  leaves,  and  twigs  ;  treea  nprooted,  or  their 
hranchea  lopped;  hedgee  broken  down;  atilea  carried 
away.    In  the  TÌUagea,  too,  doora  abivered  to  pieoea, 


,»Ogk' 


XXX.]  THE   BETROTHBD.  SS9 

Windows  deatrojed,  straw,  rag«,  rubbtsh  of  ali  kinds,  Ijing 
in  heaps,  or  scattered  ali  over  the  pavement  ;  a  dose 
atmospnere,  and  bocrid  odours  of  a  morerevalting  Datura 
proceeding  from  the  housea  ;  some  of  the  TÌllagers  busy 
in  Bweeping  out  the  accumulation  of  filtb  within  them  ; 
others  in  repairìng  the  doon  and  Windows  bb  tbej  beat 
could  ;  Bome  again  weeping  in  groupe,  and  indulging  in 
latnentationBtogetber;  and  as  thecarrìage  drore  throngh, 
hands  etretched  out  an  both  sidee  at  the  doon  of  the 
ve  hi  eie  imploring  alme. 

With  tbeae  seenes,  now  before  their  eyea,  now  picturad 
in  their  minds,  and  with  the  espectation  of  finding  their 
own  houaea  in  just  tbe  same  atute,  they  at  tengtb  arrifed 
there,  and  found  that  their  ezpectations  were  indeed 
realized. 

Agnese  depoaited  ber  bundlea  in  one  corner  of  ber 
little  yard,  tne  cleaneat  spot  that  remained  about  tbe 
house  ;  she  then  set  herself  to  sweep  it  tborougblr,  and 
cotlect  and  re-arrange  the  little  furuiture  which  haa  been 
left  ber  ;  sbe  got  a  carpenter  and  blockamith  to  come 
and  mend  tbe  doors  and  window-frames  ;  and  tben,  un- 
packing  the  linen  uhicb  had  been  given  ber,  and  eecretly 
counting  over  her  fresh  atore  of  coinè,  she  exclaimed  to 
heraelf, — l've  fajlen  uppn  my  feet  1  God,  and  the  Ma- 
donna, and  that  good  Signor,  he  tbanked  !  I  may  indeed 
■ay,  l've  ÉaJlen  npon  my  feet  ! — 

Don  Abbondio  and  Perpetua  eutered  the  house  witb- 
ont  the  aid  of  keya,  and  at  every  step  tht^  took  in  the 
paaaage  eneountered  a  fetid  odour,  a  poisonous  effluvia, 
wbicb  almoet  drore  them  back.  Holding  tbeir  uoaea, 
they  advanced  to  tbe  kitcben-door  ;  entnred  on  tip-toe, 
carefìillv  picking  their  way  to  aYoid  tbe  most  disgustine 
parts  or  tne  filthy  straw  which  corered  the  ground,  ana 
cast  a  glance  around.  Notbing  was  left  whole  ;  but  relicg 
and  fragments  of  what  once  had  been,  botb  bere  and  in 
other  parta  of  the  house,  were  to  be  seen  in  every  corner  : 
quills  and  fentbera  from  Perpetua's  fowls,  scraps  of  lineo, 
leavea  out  of  Don  Abbonaio's  calendara,  remnants  of 
kitcben  utensiis  ;  ali  heaped  together,  or  acattered  in  con- 
fniion  upoa  tbe  floor.     Oa  tbe  nearth  night  be  diacorered 


,c,oglc 


560  1    FKOUESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

/  tokeus  of  a  rìotoua  scene  of  destructìon.  like  a  multitude 
■J  of  ordinuy  ideas  scattered  tbrough  a  widely-difiìued 
period  bj  a  professed  orator.  Tbere  were  the  vestiges  of 
extinguished  faggete  and  billets  of  wood,  «hich  ahowed 
them  to  bave  been  ouce  the  arm  of  a  chair,  a  table-foot, 
the  door  of  a  cupboard,  a  bed-post,  or  a  stare  of  the  little 
caak  which  contaìned  the  wine,  so  beneficiai  to  Doa  Ab- 
bondio's  atomach.  The  reat  vas  cìnders  and  coals;  and 
with  Bome  of  theee  very  coals,  the  spoilera,  by  iray  of 
recreation,  bad  Bcranled  oa  the  walU  distorted  figures, 
doing  theirbcBt.by  the  belp  of  aundryaquarecapa,8haven 
crownB,  and  large  banda,  to  represent  prieats  atudioualr 
eihibited  in  ali  manoer  of  horrìble  and  ludicrous  atti- 
tudes  :  an  intention,  certainly,  la  whìcb  sucb  artista  could 
not  poasibly  have  failed. 

'Ah,  the  dirtypìgsl'  eiclaimed  Perpetua.  'Ah,  the 
thieves  !  '  cried  Don  Abbondio  ;  and,  as  if  makmg  tbeir 
escape,  they  irent  out  by  anotber  door,  that  led  into  the 
garden.  Once  more  drawing  tbeir  breath,  tbey  went 
Btraight  up  to  the  fig-tree  ;  but,  even  before  reoching  it, 
thev  diacovered  that  the  ground  had  been  disturbed,  and 
both  togetber  uttered  an  eiclamation  of  dismay,  and,  oii 


coraìng  np,  they  found  in  truth,  instead  of  the  dead,  only 
the  empty  tomo.  Thia  gare  rise  to  aome  disputes.  Uon 
Abbondio  began  to  scola  Perpetua  for  having  nidden  it  ao 


,l)Ogk' 


ZXX.J  THE   EBTKOTBBD.  661 

badl]^:  ìt  may  be  imagined  whetheif  ihe  wouid  fail  to 
retorfc:  and  after  ìndulging  in  mutuai  recrìmination  till 
ther  were  tìred,  thej  return^,  wìth  mauy  a  lingerìng 
looic  cast  back  at  the  empty  hole,  grumbling  into  the 
houBe.  Thejfbund  thingBnearlyin  tne  same  state  every- 
whera.  Lon^  and  diligenti^  thej  worked  to  cleonee  and 
purìfy  the  house,  the  more  bo  as  it  was  then  extremelj 
difficuit  to  get  any  help  ;  and  they  remaiiied  for  I  knov 
not  what  length  of  time,  as  if  in  eDcampment,  arrangine 
things  sa  they  beat  could — and  bad  waa  the  beat— and 
gradually  restorìng  doore,  fumiture,  and  ntensila,  vith 
money  lent  to  them  by  Agnese. 

In  addition  to  these  grierancei,  this  disaater  was,  for 
some  titae  afteTwarda,  the  source  of  many  other  very 
ticklìsh  disputea  ;  for  Perpetua,  by  dint  of  asking,  peep- 
ing,  and  hunting  out,  bad  come  to  knov  for  certain  that 
»)me  of  ber  master's  houaehold  goods,  vhich  were  thought 
to  bare  been  carried  off  or  destroyed  by  the  soldiers,  were, 
instead,  aafe  and  sound  witb  aome  people  in  the  neìgh- 
bourhood;  and  sbe  waa  contiDuallytonnentìng  ber  master 
to  make  a  stir  about  them,  and  claim  bis  own.  A  cbord 
mare  odiouB  to  Don  Abbondio  could  not  bave  been  t^uched, 
considering  that  hia  property  waa  in  tbe  banda  of  ruffiana, 
of  that  apectes  of  persona,  that  is  to  aay,  witb  wbom  be 
bad  it  most  at  heart  to  remaia  at  peace. 

'  But  if  I  don't  want  to  know  about  tbeae  things  .  ■  .  .' 
said  be.  '  How  often  am  I  to  teli  you  that  wbat  ia  gone, 
ÌB  gone?  Am  I  to  be  harasaed  in  thia  way,  too,  becauae 
iny  house  bas  been  robbed  P  ' 

'  I  teli  you,'  replied  Perpetua,  'that  you  woold  let  the 
very  eyes  be  eaten  out  of  yonr  head.  To  rob  othera  ia  a 
sin,  but  witb  you,  it  is  a  eia  not  to  rob  you.' 

'  Very  proper  language  for  you,  certainly  1  '  answered 
Don  Abbondio.     '  Will  you  bold  your  tongue  ?  ' 

Perpetua  did  bold  ber  tongue,  but  not  so  directly  ;  and 
even  tben  everytbing  was  a  preteit  tot  b^nning  again  ; 
BO  that  tbe  poor  man  was  at  last  reduced  to  the  necesaity 
of  suppressine  erery  lamentation  on  the  lack  of  this  or 
that  article  oi  fumiture,  at  the  moment  be  moat  wanted 
to  give  vent  to  bis  regrets  ;  for  more  thaa  once  be  bad 


IBI.  [CH. 

been  doomed  to  kesr .  '  Go  leek  ìt  at  snch  s  oae'i,  wlio 
tu  it,  and  wfao  wouldnt  bave  kept  it  till  now,  if  he  bodn't 
Iiftd  to  deal  with  auch  su  easy  man.' 

Aaother  and  more  Tivìd  cwiae  of  disquietude,  wae  tbe 
intelli^nce  that  eoldiare  contiiiued  daily  to  be  paaaiog  in 
confiuion,  aa  he  had  too  well  conjecturéd  ;  bence  he  waa 
erer  in  utprahenaioD  of  aeeing  a  man,  or  even  a  band  of 
ntKi,  arnnng  at  hja  doar,  wfaich  he  bad  had  repaired  in 
luAte  the  first  thing,  and  which  he  kept  barred  with  the 
great«Bt  procantion  ;  but,  thank  HeaTen  !  tbts  cataetropbe 
nerer  occurred.  Tbeee  terrors,  however,  were  not  ap- 
peaaed,  when  a  new  one  was  added  to  their  nnmber. 

But  bere  wa  muat  leave  the  poor  man  on  one  side  ;  for 
otber  matterà  are  now  to  be  treated  of  tban  bis  prirate 
apprehenaioiiB,  the  mìsfortmies  of  a  few  TÌll^ea,  or  a 
tranaiont  diaaster. 


;dbv  Google 


CHAPTBSXXXI. 

Il  HE  piagne,  wbich  the  Board  of  Health  Iiad 
1  feared  might  enter  with  tbe  Germau  troopB 
]  into  the  Milaneee,  bad  entered  it  indeed,  aa 
Ì8  well  known  ;  and  it  ia  likewiae  well  knowo, 
that  it  paused  not  here,  but  ìnvaded  and  ra- 
vaged  e.  grent  part  of  Italj.  Following  tbe  tbread  of  onr 
story,  we  now  come  to  relate  the  priacipol  incidente  of 
thÌB  colamity  in  the  Milanese,  or  rather  in  Uilan  simoet 
exciasìvely  :  for  almost  eiclusively  of  che  city  do  tbe  leoards 
of  the  timea  treat,  nearly  as  it  always  and  everywhere 
happene,  for  good  reaaona  or  bad.  And,  to  aay  the  tmth, 
it  ìb  not  onlr  out  ohject,  in  this  narrative,  to  represent 
the  state  of  toings  in  wbich  onr  charactera  will  shortly  be 
plsced  ;  but  at  the  lame  time  to  derelope,  aa  &r  as  maj 
be  in  Bo  limited  a  space,  and  troia  our  pen,  an  eTent  in 
tbe  biatory  of  onr  country  more  celebratéd  than  veU 

Of  the  many  contemporary  sccountB,  there  ìb  not  one 
which  isBufficient  by  itself  to  convey  a  diatinct  and  con- 
nected  idea  of  it  ;  aa  there  ìb  net,  perbapa,  one  vhich  may 
not  gire  UB  some  Bssistance  in  forming  that  idea.  In 
every  one,  not  excepting  that  of  Bipamonti,*  which  con- 
eiderably  exceedB  ali  the  reat,  both  in  copiousnesa  and  in 
ìts  selection  of  facta,  and  stili  more  in  ita  method  of  view- 
ing  them,  esseutial  facta  are  omitted  which  are  recorded 
in  othera  ;  in  every  one  tbere  are  errors  of  material  im- 
portance,  which  may  be  detected  and  rectified  with  the 


664  T  PB0USS8I  SFOOL  [CS. 

help  of  Bome  other,  or  of  the  few  printed  or  mannscript 
acts  of  public  authortty  which  stili  remain  ;  and  ve  mar 
often  diecoTer  in  oue,  those  causea,  the  efFecta  of  which 
were  foimd  partiallj  developed  in  another.  In  ali,  too, 
a  strange  confiiaioa  of  timea  and  tfaings  prevailed,  and  a 
perpetuai  wandering  backward  and  forward,  ss  it  were  at 
random,  without  design,  special  or  general  :  the  character, 
by  the  by,  of  books  of  ali  claasea  in  thoae  days,  chtefly 
among  auch  as  were  wrìtten  iu  tbe  vnlgar  tonguB,  at  least 
in  Italy  ;  whetber,  also,  in  tbe  rest  of  Europe,  the  leamed 
will  know,  and  we  ehrewdly  euspect  it  ao  to  bave  beeo. 
No  writer  of  later  date  haa  attempted  to  eiamine  and 
compare  these  memoire,  with  the  view  of  extracting  thence 
a  connected  eeries  of  eventg,  a  history  of  thia  plague  ;  ao 
that  the  idea  generally  fortned  of  it  muat  neceaaarily  be 
very  uncertain  and  eomewbat  confuaed,  a  vague  idea  of 
ereat  evila  and  great  errerà,  (and  aasuredly  there  were 
both  one  and  tbe  other  beyond  what  cau  poasibly  be  im- 
agined,) — an  idea  couiposed  more  of  opiniona  than  of 
''facte,  mingled,  indeed,  with  &  few  acattered  erents,  but 
unconnected,  aometimes,  with  their  mcnt  characterìetic 
circumatancea,  and  without  diatiar:tion  of  time,  that  is  to 
Bay,  without  percep  ti  on  of  cauae  and.  effect,  of  courae  and 
progreBs.  we,  having  ezamined  and  compared,  with  at 
leaat  much  dUigeuce,  ali  the  printed  atìcouuta,  more  tban 
one  unpubliahed  one,  and  (iu  comparìatVi  of  the  few  that 
remain  ou  tbe  aubject)  many  officiai  documenta,  bave  en- 
deavoured  to  do,  not,  perl^ps,  ali  that  ia  needed,  but 
Bomething  which  haa  not  hitherto  been  done.  We  do  not 
purpoae  relatiug  every  public  act,  nor  ttll  the  reeults 
wortby,  in  some  degree,  of  remembnince.  iStilI  leaa  do  wa 
preteUd  to  render  needieaa  to  euch  aa  would  gain  a  more 
complete  acquaiutaoce  wìtb  the  aubject,  tbe  peruaal  of  the 
originai  writjngs  :  we  are  too  well  aware  what  lively,  pe- 
Duliar,  and,  ao  to  aay,  incommunicable  force  ìnvariaDly 
belonga  to  worka  of  that  kind,  in  whatever  mauner  d^ 
aigned  and  executed.  We  bave  merely  endeavoured  to 
diatinguiah  and  aacertain  the  moat  general  and  important 
facta,  to  arrange  them  in  their  real  order  of  aucc^asion,  ao 
far  aa  the  matter  and  the  nature  of  tbem  will  aUow,  to 


,l)OglC 


XXXI.]  THE  BBntOTHBD.  SOS 

obeerve  their  reciprocai  effect,  and  thuB  to  ^ve,  for  the 
present,  and  until  some  one  else  sholt  do  batter,  a  auc- 
cinct,  biit  plain  and  continuouB,  account  of  tfais  calamity . 

Tbrouebout  the  whole  track,  then,  of  tbe  teirìtorj' 
travereetl  bj  the  anny,  corpeee  might  be  found  eitber  in 
the  house*,  or  lying  upon  the  highway.  Veiy  shortly, 
single  individuale,  or  wuole  familiee,  began  to  ucken  and 
die  of  TÌolent  and  atrange  complainta,  vith  symptoma  un- 
known  to  the  greater  part  of  tbose  who  were  then  alive. 
Tbere  vere  o^y  a  few  who  hed  erer  seen  tbem  before  : 
the  few,  that  la,  who  could  remember  the  plague  which, 
fifty-three  years  previously,  had  deeolated  a  great  part  of 
Italy  indeed,  but  eapecially  the  Mikneae,  where  it  was  then, 
and  ia  atill,  called  tne  plague  of  San  Carlo.  So  powerful 
ia  Charity  !  Among  the  Tarioua  and  awful  recollectiona 
of  a  general  calamity,  abe  could  cauae  that  of  one  individ- 
uai to  predominate  ;  becauae  abe  had  inspired  him  with 
feelinga  and  actiona  more  memorable  eveu  tban  tbe  erils 
themaeivea  ;  ahe  could  tet  him  up  ia  men'a  minda  aa  a 
aymbol  of  ali  theee  eventa,  becauae  in  ali  ahe  had  urged 
him  onward,  and  held  hiui  up  to  view  aa  guide,  and  helper, 
eiample,  and  voluntary  tictim  ;  and  could  frante  for  him, 
as  it  were,  an  emblematical  device  out  of  a  public  calsmity, 
and  Dame  it  after  him  aa  though  it  had  heen  a  conqueat 
or  diacovery. 

The  oldeat  phyaician  of  Ma  time,  Lodovico  Settala,  wbo 
had  not  only  aeen  that  plague,  but  bad  been  one  of  ita 
moat  active  and  intrepid,  and,  though  then  very  young, 
moBt  celebrated  succesafiil  opponente  ;  and  who  now,  la 
Btrong  Buapicion  of  tbia,  waa  on  the  alert,  and  busily  col- 
lecting  iniormation,  reported,  on  the  20th  of  October,  in 
the  Council  of  tbe  Board  of  Health,  that  the  contagioa 
had  undoubtedly  brokeu  out  in  the  village  of  Cbiuao,  the 
laBt  in  the  territori  of  Lecco,  and  on  the  confinea  of  tbe 
Bereamaacan  diatnct.  No  reaolution,  however,  waa  takea 
on  tnÌB  intelligence,  aa  appeara  from  tbe  '  Narrative  '  of 
Tadino.* 

Similar  tidioga  orrìved  from  Lecco  and  Bellano.  Tha 
Board  thea  deaded  upoo,  and  contented  tbemeelves  with, 
•  Tidii»,  p.  34, 


byCOO'^IC 


Se«  I  FSOM5S8I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

deflpatching  a  commiatiotier,  who  shoold  toke  a  phyncùui 
from  Como  br  the  war,  and  accompany  bim  oa  a  ririt  to 
tiie  placee  Wbich  bsd  been  signified.  'Both  of  them, 
eitber  from  ìgoonnce  or  some  otber  reason,  aufièred 
themBe)T«8  to  Se  perauaded  faj  an  old  ignorant  barber  of 
Sellano  tfaat  thiasort  of  diaeaae  waa  uot  the  peatilence;'* 
but  in  some  places  the  ordinary  efiect  of  the  autunma] 
exhalatione  fì:om  the  marshee,  and  elsevrhere,  of  the  prir- 
atìona  and  Bufferings  undergone  during  the  pRSsage  of 
the  Qerman  troopa.  This  affirmation  waa  reported  to  ths 
Board,  who  aeein  to  have  been  perfectly  satisfied  wìth  it. 

But  additional  reports  of  the  mortality  in  every  quarter 
pourìng  in  without  mtermiaaion,  two  deputiea  were  de- 
ntatched  to  see  and  provide  agoinat  it — ^the  above-named 
Tadino,  and  an  auditor  of  the  cotniuittee.  When  thess 
arrived,  the  evil  had  apread  so  widel^,'thBt  proofa  ofiered 
themaelTee  to  their  view  without  being  aought  for.  They 
paaaed  througb  the  territory  of  Lecco,  the  Talsaaaina, 
the  sbores  of  the  Lake  of  Como,  and  tbe  diatricts  de* 
nominated  II  Monte  di  Brionza  and  La  Gera  d'Adda  j 
and  everywhere  found  tbe  towns  barricaded,  otbere  al- 
moflt  deserted,  and  the  inhabitante  escaped  and  encamped 
in  the  fietds,  or  scattered  throughoat  tne  country  ;  '  who 
Beemed,*  pays  Tadino,  'like  bo  many  wild  eavagee,  carrj* 
ing  in  their  banda,  one  a  sprìg  of  mint,  another  of  rue, 
another  of  rosemary,  another,  a  oottle  of  TÌnegar.'  t  They 
made  inquìries  aa  to  the  number  of  deathe,  which  waa 
really  feiuful  ;  they  visited  the  aick  and  dead,  and  every- 
vhere  recognÌEed  the  dark  and  terrible  marks  of  the 
pestilence.  They  tbeu  Bpeedìly  conveyed  the  disBatrous 
intelligence  by  letter  to  the  Board  of  Health,  who,  on 
receiving  it,  on  the  30th  of  October,  'prepared,'  Bay! 
Tadino,  '  to  iaaue  warrante  to  ahut  cut  of  the  city  any 
persona  coming  from  the  countriee  nhere  tbe  plague  had 
shown  itself  ;  and  while  pr^aring  the  decree,'  %  they  gava 
Bome  anmmary  orde»  oeforehand  to  the  otutom-bousB 
ofBcera. 

Xn  the  mean  while,  tbe  commÌBiioners,  in  great  baste 
•  Tadino,  p.  24.  t  Ibìd-,  p.  S8.  t  Ibid.,  p.  27. 


,0031. 


XXXI.}  THE  BBraOTHBDÉ  C67 

wad  pTecipitBtìfni,  nade  vhat  pronaioni  tàìey-  knew,  ot 
Gould  think  of,  for  tìie  beat,  and  returned  wìth  the  m»- 
laocholf  oonsciounieu  of  their  inaafficiency  to  remedjr  or 
arreat  an  evil  ftliead^  io  far  odranced,  and  so  widely  dia- 
seminated. 

Od  the  I4th  of  November,  having  made  their  report, 
both  by  word  of  mouth  and  airesh  in  writing,  to  the 
Board,  thef  reoeired  from  thia  committee  a  comminila 
to  preaeat  themaelvea  to  the  goTsmor,  aod  to  lay  before 
him  the  itate  of  things.  They  went  accordingly,  and 
bnraght  back  word,  that  he  was  ezceedingly  sorry  to  bear 
auch  newa,  and  had  ahown  a  gieat  deal  of  feeling  about 
it  ;  but  the  thoughta  of  war  were  more  pretaing  ;  '  Sed 
belli  graviora  eue  euro».'  80  eayi  Ripamonti,  *  after 
having  ranaacked  the  reoorda  of  the  Board  of  Health, 
and  comparfcd  them  with  Tadino,  who  had  been  Bpecially 
chai^d  with  thia  misaion:  it  waa  the  second,  if  the 
re&der  remembera,  for  thia  pnrpoae,  and  with  thia  reeult. 
Two  or  three  days  afterwaidB,  the  18th  of  November,  tbo 
goremor  imued  a  proclamation,  in  which  he  preacrìbed 

Sublic  rejoicingB  for  the  birth  of  the  Frìnce  Charles,  the 
nt-bom  Bon  of  the  king,  Philip  IV.,  without  thinking 
of,  or  without  caring  for,  the  danger  of  anfiering  a  larga 
concourse  of  people  under  Buoh  circnrostances  :  erery- 
thing  aa  in  common  times,  just  aa  if  he  had  never  been 
Bpaken  to  about  anything. 

Thia  perBOQ  wao,  aa  we  bare  elsewhere  said,  the  oe1a> 
brnted  Ambrogio  Spinola,  eent  for  the  Tery  purpoae  of  ad- 
josting  this  war,  to  repair  the  errora  of  Don  QonEalo,  Mid, 
incidentallr,  to  govem-,  and  we  tnay  bere  incidentaily 
mention,  that  he  died  a  few  montha  }ater  in  that  Yery 
war  which  he  had  ao  much  at  heart  ;  not  wounded  in  tha 
field  of  battle,  but  on  bis  bed,  of  grief  and  ansiety  occa- 
aioned  by  reproaches,  affronta,  and  ili-treatment  of  every 
kind,  received  from  tjiose  whom  he  had  serred.  Uistory 
has  bewailed  bis  fate,  snd  remarked  upon  the  ingratitude 
of  otbers  ;  it  haa  described  with  much  diligence  bis  mili- 
tory  and  politicai  enterpriaes,  and  extolled  bis  foreaightj 
*  RipwnoBti,  y.  3*6, 


;dbv  Google 


«ctint^,  and  peraeveranoe  ;  it  might  also  bave  inqnired 
vhat  he  did  wìtb  ali  tbeu,  when  pestilence  threatened 
and  actually  inraded  a  population  committed  to  bis  caie, 
or  ratber  entirelv  civen  up  to  bis  authority. 

But  that  whicD,leaTÌng  cenaure,  diminiiibeB  our  w<HtdeF 
at  ÌÓB  bebaviour,  wbicb  ereii  createe  anotber  utd  greater 
feeling  of  wonder,  ìb  the  bebavioar  of  tbe  people  them- 
aelves  ;  of  tbose,  I  mean,  wbo,  unreached  aa  yet  by  tbe 
contagion,  bad  so  mucb  reason  to  fear  it.  On  the  arriTal 
of  tbe  intelligence  from  tbe  tenitorìea  wbicb  were  so 
grievouily  ìnfected  witb  ìt.terrìtorìee  wbicb  fonned  almoat 
a  aemi-circiilar  line  round  the  city,  in  some  placea  not 
more  than  twenty,  or  even  eighteen,  mìlee  distont  from 
it,  wbo  would  not  bave  thought  that  a  general  stir  would 
bave  been  created,  that  tbey  would  bave  beeu  diligent  in 
taking  precautiona,  whetber  well  or  ili  selected,  or  at  leaab 
bave  fett  a  barren  diaquietude  ?  ^evertbeleas,  if  in  ony- 
tbing  tbe  records  of  the  timea  agree,  it  is  in  atteating 
that  there  were  none  of  tbeae.  The  acorcity  of  tbe  an- 
tecedent  year,  tbe  violence  of  tbe  aoldiery,  and  tbeìr 
Bufieringa  of  mind,  aeemed  tothem  more  tban  enougb  to 
account  for  the  mortality  :  and  if  any  one  bad  attempted, 
in  tbe  stceeta,  abopa,  and  houaea,  to  throw  out  a  bint  of 
danger,  and  mention  the  piagne,  it  would  bave  been  re- 
oeived  witb  increduloua  acofia,  or  ongry  contempt.  Tbe 
same  incredulity,  or,  to  apeak  more  correctly,  the  aaoie 
blindneas  and  perveraity,  prevailed  in  tbe  aenate,  in  the 
CouDcil  of  the  Seertrwti,  and  in  ali  tbe  magiatrates. 

I  find  that  Cardinal  Federigo,  immediately  on  leaming 
the  £ret  caaea  of  a  contagioua  aiukneaa,  enjoined  bis 
prieata,  in  a  paatoral  letter,  among  otber  tbinga,  to  im- 
preaa  upon  tne  people  the  importance  and  obligation  of 
mafcing  bnown  every  similar  caae,  and  delivering  up  any 
infected  or  euapected  gooda  ;  •  and  thia,  too,  may  ho 
reckoned  among  hie  praiseworthy  peculiari tiea. 

Tbe  Board  of  Healtb  aolicited  precautiona  and  co- 
operation  :  it  waa  ali  but  in  vain.  And  in  tbe  Board 
itaelf  tfaeir  aolicitude  waa  far  from  equalling  tbe  ui^ncy 


b,C,oo'^lc 


XXXI.]  THE    BETROTHED.  689 

Of  the  CSM  ;  it  WM  the  two  pliysiciuis,  as  Tadino  ire- 
quently  affirms,  and  as  appean  stili  better  &om  the  whole 
context  of  his  narrative,  wbo,  jiersuaded  and  deeply 
'  Knsible  of  the  gravitr  and  imminente  of  the  danger, 
QTged  forward  tnkt  body,  which  waa  thea  to  urge  forward 
othen. 

We  h&Te  already  seen  how,  on  the  first  tidinga  of  the 
plazue,  there  hod  been  indiffereuce  and  remiseneBB  in 
acting,  and  even  in  obtaining  information  :  we  now  give 
anotber  instance  of  dilatorineaa  not  leès  portentoas,  if 
ìndeed  it  were  not  compelled  by  obstaclea  interposed  by 
the  auperior  magistratea.  Tbat  proclamation  in  the  forra 
of  warrant!,  resolved  upon  on  the  80th  of  October,  was  not 
completed  till  the  23ra  of  the  followìag  month,  nor  pub- 
liehed  till  the  29th.  The  piagne  had  already  entered  Milan. 

Tadino  afad  Hipamonti  would  record  the  name  of  the 
individuai  vrho  first  brougbt  it  thither,  togetber  with 
otber  circumstanceB  of  the  penon  and  the  fact  :  and,  in 
truth,  in  obaerving  the  beginninj^a  of  a  vrìde-epreading 
deatruction,  in  wnich  the  victima  not  only  cannot  be 
diatinguiahed  by  name,  but  their  numbera  can  acarcely 
be  eipreaeed  with  any  degree  of  exactneas,  even  by  the 
thousand,  one  feels  a  certain  kind  of  interest  in  ascer- 
taining  Choae  first  and  few  names  which  could  be  noted 
and  preaerved  :  it  aeema  as  if  thia  sort  of  distinction,  a 
precedence  in  exterminati  on,  inveets  tbem,  and  ali  the 
otber  minutile,  which  would  otherwiae  be  moet  indifi'erent, 
with  Bomething  fatai  and  memorable. 

Both  one  and  the  other  biatorian  say  that  it  waa  an 
It&lìan  Boldier  in  the  Spaniah  service;  but  in  nothing 
else  do  they  agree,  not  eren  in  the  name.  According  to 
Tadino,  it  was  a  person  of  the  name  of  Pietro  Antonio 
Lovato,  quart«red  in  the  territory  of  Lecco  :  according  to 
Si^amonti,  a  certain  Pier  Paolo  Locati,  quartered  at 
Cbiavenna.  They  difièr  also  aa  to  the  day  of  bis  entrance 
ìnto  Milan  ;  tbe  first  placing  it  on  the  22aa  of  October,  the 
second,  on  the  aame  day  in  the  following  month  ;  yet  it 
cannot  be  on  eitber  one  or  tbe  otber.  Botb  the  dateci 
contradict  otbera  wbich  are  far  better  authenticated.  Yet 
Bìparoonti,  viiting  by  ordei  of  tbe  Gtenenl  Coundl  of 


,„oglc 


870  I  TB(»1SHBI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

the  Deeuriotii,  ou^ht  to  luive  had  mxaj  meuu  ab  bis 
Dommand  of  gaining  the  necesesry  information  ;  and 
Tadino,  in  conaideration  of  hia  office,  might  have  beea 
better  informed  than  an^  odo  else  on  a  subject  of  thìs 
naturo.  In  short,  comparing  other  datfifl,  which,  as  wa 
have  said,  appear  to  ub  more  sutheatic,  it  would  aeem 
that  it  was  pnor  to  the  pubiication  of  the  warranta  ;  and 
if  it  were  worth  while,  it  might  even  ha  proved,or  nearlj 
BO,  that  it  must  have  beeu  very  earlj  in  that  month  :  but 
tbe  reader  will,  doubtless,  excuse  uà  the  task. 

However  ìt  may  be,  tbis  aoldier,  iinfortimate  bìmael^ 
and  the  bearer  of  misfortuue  to  others,  entered  tbe  city 
with  a  largo  buodle  of  clothes  purcbaaed  or  itolen  from 
the  Oernìan  troopsj  he  veut  to  stay  at  the  honae  of  one 
of  bis  relativea  in  the  auburba  of  the  Porta  Orientale, 
near  to  the  Capuchin  Convent.  Scarcely  had  be  armed 
there,  when  he  waa  taken  ili  ;  he  waa  convejed  to  the 
hoBpital  ;  bere,  a  apot,  diacovered  imder  one  of  the  arm- 
pits,  ezcited  some  auapivion  in  the  mind  of  the  peraon  who 
tended  him,  of  what  waa  in  truth  the  taci;  and  on  tbe 
fourth  day  he  died. 

The  Board  of  Health  immediately  ordered  hia  family 
to  be  kept  separate,  and  couBued  within  tbeir  own  house  ; 
and  bis  clotbes,  and  the  bed  on  which  he  had  lain  at  tbe 
hospital,  were  bumed.  Two  attendante,  who  had  there 
nureed  him,  and  a  good  friar,  who  had  rendered  him  bìa 
ossistance,  were  ali  three,  within  a  few  daya,  seited  with 
the  piagne.  The  suspicionfl  which  had  fiere  been  felt, 
from  tbe  beginnìng,  of  the  nature  of  tbe  diseaae,  and  the 
precautious  taken  in  conseqnence,  prevented  the  further 
spread  of  the  contagion  from  tbia  source. 

But  tbe  Boldier  had  left  seed  outsìde,  which  delayed  not 
to  spring  up,  and  ahoot  forth.  The  first  persou  in  whom 
it  broke  out  waa  the  master  of  tbe  house  wbere  he  had 
lodged,  one  Carlo  Colonna,  a  Iute-player.  Ali  tbe  inmates 
of  the  dwelling  were  then,  by  order  of  tbe  Board, 
oonveyed  to  the  Lazzeretto  ;  where  the  ereater  number 
took  to  their  beds,  and  many  shortly  died  of  evident 
infection. 

In  tbe  «ùty,  that  which  bad  been  alresdy  diaaeminatod 


,»Ogk' 


XZZI.]  THE  BBTBOTHED.  671 

tbere  by  interoours»  with  the  Above-mentionéd  ùnvly, 
and  bj  clotbee  and  fumitore  belongisg  to  them  preHerved 
hy  relations,  lodsen,  or  servantB,  from  the  searches  and 
flameB  preacnbed  by  the  Board,  ae  well  m  that  wbich  was 
B&esh  introduced  hy  defectireneas  in  the  re^ulations,  by 
negligence  in  eiecuting  tbem,  and  bj  dezteritj  in  eluding 
them,  continued  larking  about,  and  alowl^  inainuating 
itself  amon^  the  inhabitanta,  oli  the  reat  of  the  jeei,  aad 
in  the  earher  months  of  1630,  the  year  wbich  followed. 
From  timo  to  time,  now  in  tbis,  now  in  that  quarter,  aome 
one  vas  seized  with  the  cont^on,  some  one  wu  carried 
off  with  it  ;  and  the  ystj  infì^aency  of  the  caaea  con- 
tributed  to  lull  ali  suspicione  of  peatilence,  and  oonfinned 
the  generality  more  and  more  in  the  Benaeleta  and  mur- 
derous  assunuice  that  piagne  it  waa  not,  and  never  had 
been,  for  a  moment.  M anj  physicians,  too,  ecboing  th« 
Toice  of  the  people,  (waa  it,  in  this  inst&nce  also,  the 
Toice  of  Heaven  F)  dended  the  ominone  predictions  and 
threatening  wamings  of  tbe  few  ;  and  alwaye  bad  at  band 
the  namee  of  common  diaeaaeB  to  qoaliij  every  case  of 
pestilence  wbich  tbey  were  aummoned  to  cure,  with  wbat 
aymptom  or  token  soever  it  evinced  itsel£  '^ 

The  reporta  of  tbese  inatancea,  when  they  re&ched  the 
Board  of  Health  at  ali,  reached  it,  for  the  moat  part, 
tardily  and  nncertainly.     Dread  of  «equeetration  and  the 


Lazzeretto  sbarpened  every  one's  wita  ;  they  concealed 
the  sick,  they  comipted  the  gntve-diggen  ana  elden,  and 
Obtained   false    certificates,  by  means  of  brìbee,  from 


Bubaltema  of  the  Board  itaelf,  deputed  by  it  to  viait  and 
inspect  the  dead  bodies. 

Ab,  however,  on  every  discoTery  tbey  mcceeded  in 
inaking,  the  Board  ordered  the  wearing  apparsi  to  be 
committed  to  tbe  fiamee,  put  the  housea  under  aequea- 
tration,  and  aent  the  inmates  to  the  Laiseretto,  it  ia  eaay 
to  imagine  wbat  must  bare  been  the  anger  and  diasatia» 
faction  of  the  generolity  '  of  the  nohility,  merchanta,  and 
lower  orders,'*  persuadéd,  as  tbey  ali  were,  that  tbey  were 
mere  causeleaB  Texations  without  auy  advantage.  Th« 
principal  odiom  fell  upon  the  two  doctors,  our  fnqiientlj 
■  TadÌBo,  p.  73- 


,c,oglc 


S7S  I  FBOMBBSI    SPOSI.  [oH. 

mentioned  Tadino  and  Senatore  Settala,  Bon  of  the  senior 
phfBÌcian,  and  reached  auch  a  height,  tbat  thenceforward 
they  could  net  publicly  appear  without  beiug  assailed  with 
opprobriouB  Ungoage,  if  not  with  stones.  And,  certainly, 
the  aituation  in  which  theae  individuala  were  placed  for 
aererai  montha,  ia  remarkable,  and  worthj  of  beinK  re- 
corded,  seeing  a  horrible  scourge  adranciog  tovards  uiem, 
laboaring,  hj  every  method,  to  repulse  it,  yet  meeting  with 
obstaclea,  net  only  in  the  arduouaneas  of  the  task,  but 
from  every  quarter,  in  the  uuwillingneBs  of  the  people,  and 
being  made  the  general  object  of  execration,  and  regarded 
aa  the  enemiea  of  their  country  :  '  Fra  patria  hoitibut,' 
Bay  a  fiipanonti.* 

Sharera,  alao,  in  thia  hatred  were  the  other  phyaicianB, 
who,  convinced  like  them  of  the  reality  of  the  contagion, 
Buggeated  precautions,  and  aoi^ht  to  communicate  to 
otEers  their  melancholy  convictìone.  The  moet  knowing 
taied  them  with  credulity  and  obatinacy  ;  while,  with  the 
many,  it  was  evideutlv  an  imposture,  a  planned  combina- 
tion,  to  moke  a  profit  by  the  public  feara. 

The  aged  phyaician,  Lodovico  Settata,  who  had  almoat 
attained  hit  eightieth  year,  who  had  been  Professor  of 
Medicine  in  the  University  of  Pavia,  and  afterwarda  of 
Moral  Pbilosophy  at  Milan,  the  author  of  many  worka  at 
that  time  in  very  high  reputa,  eminent  for  tbe  invitations 
he  had  received  to  occupy  t!ie  chairs  of  other  imiversities, 
Ingolstadt,  Fisa,  Bologna,  and  Padua,  and  for  bis  refusai 
of  ali  theae  honours,  waa  certainly  one  of  the  moat 
influential  men  of  hia  time.  To  bis  reputation  for  leam- 
ing  was  added  that  of  his  life;  and  to  admiration  of  bis 
character,  a  feeling  of  good-will  for  his  great  kindneea  in 
ouring  and  benefiting  the  poor.  Yet  there  ia  one  circum- 
atance,  which,  in  our  minda,  disturba  and  overclouds  the 
eentiment  of  esteem  inspired  by  theae  merita,  but  which 
at  that  time  must  bave  rendered  it  stronger  and  more 
general  :  the  poor  man  participated  in  the  commoneat  and 
most  fatai  prejudicea  of  his  coutemporariea  :  he  waa  in 
advance  of  them,  but  noi  diatiuguishedfrom  the  muttitude; 
a  Btatioa  which  only  invites  trouble,  and  often  caueee  the 
•  Bipamonli,  p,  261. 


XXXI.]  TSB  BETBOIHBD.  673 

lo88  of  aa  ftathorìty  Acquired  b^  other  means.  Neverthe- 
lesa,  tbat  whicb  he  enjoyed  in  bo  great  a  degree,  wae  not 
only  insufficìent  to  overcome  the  general  opinioii  on  thia 
■ubject  of  the  peatilence,  but  ìt  could  not  even  protect 
bim  from  the  onimoHity  aad  the  insulta  of  that  part  of  the 
populace,  wbich  most  readilf  ateps  from  opinions  to  their 
ezhibitioQ  by  actual  deeds. 

Oae  day,  as  he  was  goiug  in  a  lìtter  to  visit  hia 
patieotB,  crowda  b^an  to  asaemble  round  him,  cryine 
out  that  he  waa  the  liead  of  tbcee  wbo  were  determined, 
in  spite  of  eveiythìng,  to  make  out  that  there  was  a 
piagne  ;  that  it  waa  he  wbo  pnt  the  city  in  alarm,  with 
bis  gloomy  brow,  and  shaggj  beard  ;  anà  ali  to  givo  em- 
ployment  to  the  doctors  1  The  multitude  and  their  fnij 
went  on  iacreasing;  so  that  the  bearers,  seeing  their 
danger,  took  refuge  with  their  master  in  the  house  of  a 
friend,  which  fortunately  happened  to  he  at  band.  Ali 
tbta  occurred  to  him  for  havuig  foreaeen  clearly,  stated 
what  was  realìj  tbe  fact,  and  wisbed  to  save  thouaands  of 
hia  f elio w-creat uree  from  the  peatilence:  wben  baring, 
by  bis  deplorable  advice,  co-operated  in  cauaing  a  poor 
unhappy  wretcb  to  be  put  to  tbe  torture,  racked,  and 
bumt  as  a  witch,  because  one  of  ber  raasters  had  Buffered 
extraordinary  pains  in  bis  stomach,  and  another,  some 
timo  before,  had  been  desperately  enamoured  of  ber,*  he 
had  received  from  the  popular  voice  additional  reputation 
for  wisdom,  and,  what  is  intolerable  to  think  of,  the 
sddition&l  title  of  tbe  well-deserving. 

Towards  the  lattar  end  of  March,  howerer,  Bickneaaes 
and  deatha  began  rapidly  to  multiply,  first  in  the 
suburba  of  the  Porta  Orientale,  and  then  in  ail  the  other 
quartera  of  tbe  city,  witb  tbe  unusual  accooipanimeuts  of 
Bpasms,  patpitation.  lethargy,  delbium,  and  those  fatai 
aymptoms,  Iivid  spota  and  aores  ;  and  tbeee  deaths  were, 
for  the  most  part,  rapid,  violeat,  and  not  unfrequently 
suddea,  witbout  any  prerious  tokena  of  illness.  Tboae 
pbysiciaos  who  were  opposed  to  the  belief  of  contagion, 
uowiJting  now  to  admit  what  tbey  had  hìtberto  dended, 


,c,oglc 


C74  I   rSOUESBI   SPOSI.  [CH, 

ytìt  obliged  to  pre  a  generica  n&me  to  tha  oev  iBalftdy, 
which  Esd  becotne  too  commoa  and  too  evident  to  go 
vitbout  ODO,  adopted  tbst  of  maligoant  or  pestUentid 
^/feve^B  ; — a  miseraole  eipedient,  a  mere  play  upon  words, 
which  waH  productive  of  mucli  harm;  oecauae,  vhile  it 
appeared  to  acknowledge  the  trutb,  it  aalj  contributed 
to  the  disbelief  of  what  it  waa  most  itnporttmt  to  believe 
and  diflcem,  tìe.  tJiat  the  infection  was  coaveyed  hj 
roeane  of  the  touch.  The  magistTates,  like  one  awaking 
from  a  deep  sleep,  begau  to  lend  a  little  more  ear  to  the 
appeala  ano  proposals  of  the  Board  of  Health,  to  aupport 
ita  proclamatians,  and  Becoad  the  sequeetrationa  pre- 
Bcribed,  and  the  quarantioee  enjoined  b;  thie  tribunal. 
The  Board  waa  also  conataatl^  demandine  mooey  to 
provide  for  the  daily  expenaes  of  the  Lazzeretto,  uow 
augmented  by  bo  maay  additional  services  ;  and  for  this 
tbey  applied  to  the  Decurioni,  whOe  it  woa  being  decided 
(wbiob  waa  never  doiie,  I  béliere,  except  by  practice) 
whether  auch  eipeoBea  should  be  charged  to  the  city,  or 
to  the  royal  ezchequer.  The  high  chancellor  also  amilied 
importimately  to  the  Decurioni,  by  arder,  too,  of  the 
govemor,  who  had  a^ain  retumed  to  lay  siege  to  the 
uofortunate  Casale;  the  aetiate  likewiae  applied  to  them, 
implorìng  them  to  Bee  to  the  beat  method  of  vìctualling 
the  city,  before  they  should  be  forbiddeo,  in  caae  of  the 
anhappy  diaaemiuatìon  of  the  coatngion,  to  bave  any 
ùitercourae  with  other  countriea  ;  and  to  find  meang  of 
maiutainine  &  large  proportion  of  the  population  which 
waa  now  (uprìved  of  employment.  The  Decurioni  en- 
dearoured  to  raise  money  by  Ioana  and  taiea  ;  and  of 
what  they  thua  accumulated  they  gave  a  little  to  the 
Board  of  Healtb,  a  little  to  the  poor,  purchaaed  a  little 
oorn,  and  thua,  in  some  d^gree,  aupplied  the  existing 
Deceaaity.    The  Bevereat  aufferinga  had  not  yot  arrived. 

In  the  lazzeretto,  where  the  population,  altbough 
deoimated  daily,  continued  daily  oh  the  increase,  there 
waa  another  arduous  undertaking,  to  inauro  attendance 
and  subordiuation,  to  preaerve  the  enjoined  aeparatioiis, 
to  maìntain,  in  short,  or  rather  to  establish,  the  gOTorn- 
ment  proscribed  by  tho  Board  of  Health  :  tor,  &om  the 


ma,]  THE    BBTBOTHED.  675 

Tery  first,  ererytbing  had  beem  in  confusion,  trom  tbe 
nngOT^mablenesa  of  man;  of  the  inmatea,  and  the  oeg- 
ligence  or  conniraDce  of  tbe  officiala.  The  Board  and 
the  Deeurioni,  not  knowing  which  way  to  tam,  bethought 
themselves  of  applying  to  the  Gapucbina,  and  beeought 
the  Father  Commissarf ,  aa  he  was  oaJled,  of  the  province, 
who  occupied  tbe  place  of  the  Father  ProTÌDcial,  latelr 
deceosed,  to  give  them  a  competent  pereoit  to  eovem  this 
desolate  kingdom.  The  commisBar^  propoeea  to  them, 
M  their  governar,  one  Fatber  Felice  Casati,  a  man  of 
ftdTanced  aee,  who  enjojed  great  reputation  for  cbority, 
activity,  and  gentleness  of  dìppoeition,  combined  witb  & 
stroug  miud, — a  cbaracter  whicb,  as  tbe  Bequel  will  abow, 
was  well  deserved  ;  and  as  bis  coadjutor  and  assistant, 
one  Fatber  Michele  FoEzobonelli,  stili  a  young  man,  but 
grave  and  Btem  in  mìnd  as  in  countenonce.  GÌadlr 
enougb  were  tbey  accepted  ;  and  on  tbe  SOch  of  March 
they  entered  the  Lazzeretto.  Tbe  President  of  the 
Board  of  Health  eoaducted  tbem  round,  as  it  were.'to 
put  tbem  in  pooseMion;  and  baviog  assembled  tbe 
aervanta  and  officiala  of  every  rank,  proclaìmed  Fatber 
Felice,  in  their  preeence,  govemor  of  tbe  place,  witb 
primary  and  nnlimited  authorìty.  In  proportiou  as  the 
wretcbed  multitude  there  asaetnbled  increased,  otber 
Capuchins  resorted  tbither  ;  and  here  were  superintend' 
ente,  confeBaors,  administrators,  nurses,  cooka,  overlook- 
er«  of  the  wardrobee,  waaber-women,  in  short,  every- 
thing  tbat  was  required.  Father  Felice,  ever  diligent, 
ever  watchfnl,  went  about  day  and  night,  tbroagh  the 
porticoes,  chambers,  and  open  apaces,  sometimes  canr- 
ing  a  spear,  »ometimes  armed  only  witb  hoir-clotb  ;  he 
animateci  and  regulated  every  duty,  pacified  tumulto, 
settled  diaputea,  threatened,  punished,  reproved,  com- 
forted,  dried  and  sbed  tean.  Àt  the  very  outset  he  took 
the  piagne  ;  recoverad,  and  witb  fresh  alacrity  resumed 
hia  nret  dutiee.  Moat  of  bis  brethren  here  aacrificed 
tbeir  lives,  and  ali  jo^yfully. 

fiuch  a  dictatorsDip  waa  certainly  a  atrange  espedìent  ; 
atraoge  aa  was  the  calamity,  etrauge  aa  were  the  timee  ; 
and  even  did  we  knor  no  more  about  it,  tbia  alone  would 


,c,oglc 


S76  t  PB0MES8I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

Buffice  u  «a  argament,  u  a  ipecinieii,  indeed,  of  a  mde 
sod  jll-reg:ulated  state  of  societv.  But  the  spirit,  tfae 
deeda,  the  Belf-aacrifice,  of  tlieae  Irìani,  deaerve  no  lesa 
than  that  ther  should  be  mentioned  witb  reapect  and 
tendemeifl,  and  with  that  species  of  gratitude  wnich  one 
feels,  0»  matte  as  it  were,  for  great  serricea  rendered  bj 
nen  to  their  fellows.  To  die  ia  a  good  cause  is  a  wiae 
and  beautiful  action,  at  any  time,  under  anj  state  of 
tbinge  whatsoever.  '  For  had  not  j"  Fatbere  repavred 
bither,'  asys  Tadino,  '  assuredlf  y*  vhdie  Citio  would  bave 
been  annibilated  ;  for  it  ve»  a  miracuìous  Thing  tbat  ;** 
Fathen  effected  so  mucb  for  y'  publick  Benefit  in  so 
short  a  apaoe  of  Time,  and,  receiving  no  Auistance,  or 
at  least,  very  little,  from  y*  Citie,  contrived,  by  their 
Industrie  and  Frudence,  to  maintain  so  many  thousanda 
of  Poore  iny*  Laweretto.' • 

Among  tbe  public,  also,  tbis  obstioacy  in  deaying  the 
peatilence  ^ve  way  naturally,  and  graduali^  disappeared, 
in'  proportion  as  the  conta^on  extended  itself,  and  ex- 
tended  itaelf,  too,  before  their  own  eyes,  by  meana  of  con- 
tact and  intercourse  ;  and  stili  more  when,  after  haviDg 
been  for  aonie  time  confined  to  tbe  lower  ordera,  it  began 
to  take  effect  upon  the  higber.  And  among  theae,  aa 
he  tros  tben  the  most  eminent,  so  by  uà  now,  the  aenior 
physician  Settala,  deserree  express  meution.  Feofile  must 
at  IcBBt  bare  said  ;  The  poor  old  man  was  rìgbt  !  But 
vho  knowB  ?  He,  bis  wife,  two  sons,  and  seven  persona 
in  his  scmce,  ali  took  the  pingue.  One  of  these  sona 
and  himself  recovered  ;  the  rest  died.  '  Theae  C&sea,'  sa^ 
Tadino,  '  occurring  in  the  Citie  in  the  first  familiea,  dis- 
posed  the  ^ohilitie  and  common  People  to  think;  and 
the  ineredulouB  Fhysicians,  and  the  ignorant  and  rasb 
lower  Orders,  began  to  bite  their  Lìps,  grind  their  Teeth, 
and  arch  their  Eyebrows  in  Amazement.'  f 

But  the  rerolutions,  the  reprisala,  the  vengeance,  so  to 
say,  of  convinced  obstinacy,  are  sometimee  sucb  as  to 
raiae  a  wish  that  it  had  continued  iinehaken  and  uncon- 
quered,  even  to  the  last,  against  reaaon  and  evidence  :  and 
thia  waa  truly  one  of  these  occasiona.  They  who  bad  ao 
*  Tadiao,  p.  98.  t  ^■>  P'  B6. 


,„oglc 


XXXI.]  THB    BETROTHED.  577 

resolutely  and  peraeTeringly  impugned  the  eiistence  of  ft 
germ  of  evll  near  them,  or  among  thetn,  which  mìght  pro- 
pagate itself  bj  Datura!  means,  aod  make  much  havoc, 
unable  now  tu  denj  ita  propagation,  and  unwillisg  to 
attributi  it  to  those  meana  (tor  this  would  bave  been  to 
confese  at  once  a  great  ddusion  and  a  great  error),  were 
ao  mucb  tbe  more  inclined  to  find  some  other  cauee  for 
it,  and  make  good  any  that  might  bappen  to  pretent  itself. 
Unbappiljr,  there  waa  one  in  readinees  io  the  idesa  and 
tradìtiona  common  at  that  time,  not  only  bere,  but  in 
every  pari  of  Europe,  of  magica!  arts,  diabolical  practices, 
people  flwom  to  disBemÌDat«  the  piagne  by  means  of  uon- 
tagiouH  poisons  and  witchcraft.  These  and  aimilar  things 
had  already  beea  auppoBed  and  believed  during  manj 
otber  plaguea  ;  and  at  Milao,  eppecially,  in  that  of  half  a 
century  before.  It  may  be  added,  that,  even  during  the 
preceding  year,  a  deapatch,  aìgned  by  King  Philip  IV,, 
had  been  forwarded  to  the  governor,  in  which  he  was 
informed  that  four  FreDchmen  had  escaped  from  Madrid, 
who  were  aought  upon  auapicion  of  spreading  poisonona 
and  puatilentìal  oititmenta  ;  and  requirJng  him  to  be  od 
the  watch,  perchance  they  should  arrive  at  Milan.  The 
governor  communicated  the  deapatch  to  the  Senate  and 
the  Board  of  Health  ;  and  tbenceforward,  it  aeema,  they 
thought  no  more  about  it.  When,  however,  the  plague 
broke  forth,  and  waa  recognized  by  ali,  the  return  of  this 
intelligence  to  memory  maj  bare  serred  to  confirm  and 
support  the  vague  suapicion  of  an  iuiquìtoua  fraud  ;  it  may 
evea  have  been  the  ffrat  occasion  of  creating  it. 

But  two  actions,  one  of  blind  and  undiaciplined  fear, 
the  other  of  I  know  not  vhat  malìcìoue  mìachief,  were 
what  converted  this  vague  auspicion  of  a  pooaible  attempi, 
into  more  than  auspicioQ  (aud,  with  many,  a  certain  con- 
Ticti6n)  of  a  real  plot.  Some  persona,  who  fancied  they 
had  aeeu  people,  on  the  evening  of  the  17th  of  May,  in 
tbe  cathedra!,  anointing  a  partition  which  waa  uaed  to 
aeparate  tb»  spacea  aaaigned  to  tbe  two  aexee,  had  thia 
partition,  and  a  nurober  of  benchea  enclosed  withìn  it, 
brought  out  during  the  night;  although  the  Fresident  of 
the  Board  of  Health,  having  repaired  thither  with  four 


078  I   FR0UES8I   SPOSI.  [cH. 

meubers  of  the  committee,  and  harinK  inspected  tbe 
Bcreen,  the  benchee,  and  the  atoups  of  nol^  water,  and 
found  aothing  that  could  confirm  the  ignoraut  suapiciou 
of  a  poiBonous  attempt,  had  dedared,  to  humour  other 
people's  fancies,  and  ratker  (o  exeeed  in  eeufion,  iiaajrom 
any  eonvietioti  of  aeeettiiy,  that  it  would  be  aufficient  to 
bave  the  partition  washed.  Thia  mass  of  piled-up  ftinii- 
ture  produced  a  Htrong  impre«8Ìon  of  conatemation  unoog 
the  multitude,  to  whotn  any  object  bo  readilj  bectune  au 
ftrgument.  It  was  aaid,  and  ftenerally  belìeved,  that  ali 
the  benches,  whIIb,  and  eveo  the  bell-ropee  in  the  cathe- 
dra!, had  beén  rubbed  over  with  nnctuoua  matter.  Nor 
waa  thÌB  afiirined  only  at  the  tìme  :  ali  the  recorda  of  con- 
temparariee  (soint;  of  tkem  written  af^r  a  lapse  of  manr 
yeare)  whiuh  allude  to  thia  incident,  apeak  of  it  with 
equal  certainty  of  asaeveration  :  sud  we  should  he  obliged 
to  conjecture  ita  true  hiatory,  did  we  Dot  tind  it  in  a  letter 
from  the  Board  of  Health  to  the  governor,  preaerved  in 
the  archives  of  San  Fedele,  from  vchkh  we  bave  extrncted 
it,  and  wheuce  we  bave  quoted  the  wurda  we  bave  written 
in  italicB. 

Nezt  moming  a  new,  stranger,  and  more  aignìGcant 
apectacle,  atruck  the  eyea  and  minda  of  the  citizens.  In 
.  every  part  of  the  city  they  aaw  the  doors  and  walla  of  the 
houaes  atained  and  daubed  with  long  streaka  of  1  know 
uot  what  filthineas,  something  yellowisb  and  wbitish, 
apread  over  them  aa  ìf  with  a  Bponge.  Wbetber  it  were 
a  baae  inclioation  to  witneaa  a  more  lOamorauB  and  more 
general  conatemation,  or  a  stili  more  wìcked  design  to  aug- 
ment  the  public  confusion,  or  whatever  elae  it  utaj  bave 
been,  the  tact  ia  attest«d  in  auch  a  manner,  that  it  Beema 
to  UB  lesa  retional  to  attributo  it  to  a  dream  of  the  imagin- 
atioo,  than  to  a  wickedly  malicioua  trick,  not  entirely 
new,  indeed,  to  the  wit  of  man, — not,  alaa,  deficieAt  in 
correaponding  efiects,  in  every  place,  ao  to  aay,  and  eveij 
age.  Bripamonti,  who  frequently  on  tbis  aubject  of  tbe 
anointing,  ridiculea,  and  etili  more  frequentlv  deplorea, 
the  popular  credulity,  bere  affirma  that  he  bad  t>een  thia 
plaatermg,  and  tben  descrìbea  it.*    In  the  above-quoted 

*  . .  .  .  '  Et  Doa  quoque  ìtìdui  <ÌMre.    Haouln  eruit  nunun  in- 


,»oglc 


X-Xil.]  THS  BBTBOTHSD.  579 

l«tter,  the  gentlemen  of  the  Board  of  Health  rel&te  the 
circutnstince  in  the  aame  terme  ;  they  speak  of  inepectioDB, 
of  experimenta  made  with  thia  matber  upon  doge,  without 
anf  injuriouH  effect;  and  add,  that  they  helieve  «uch  U- 
tnerity  praceeded  rather^rom  intolettim  thanjivm  any  guillg 
design  ;  an  opinion  which  evinces  that,  up  to  this  time, 
they  retained  auffident  tranquillitj  of  mmd  not  to  aee 
vbat  reallj  did  not  eiist.  Otber  coatemporarr  records, 
not  to  reckon  their  teatimony  ob  to  the  truth  of  the  foct, 
aigniiy,  at  the  aame  time,  that  it  waa  at  first  the  opinion 
of  DUDf,  that  this  beplaatering  had  been  done  in  joke,  in 
a  mere  frolle  ;  none  of  them  speak  of  aaj  one  who  denied 
it  ;  and  had  there  been  any,  they  certainly  wouid  bave 
mentioned  them,  were  it  oóly  to  cali  them  irrationai.  I 
have  deemed  it  uot  out  of  place  to  relate  and  put  together 
tbeae  particulara,  in  part  little  known,  in  part  entirely 
unknown,  of  a  celebrated  popular  delirium  ;  becauae  ia 
errore,  and  eapecially  in  the  errore  of  a  multitude,  what 
aeema  to  me  moet  intereetiog  and  most  uaeful  to  obserre, 
ìb,  the  course  thw  bava  takeu,  tbeìr  appearancea,  and  the 
vaya  br  vhicb  they  could  enter  meo'a  misda,  and  hotd 
Bway  there. 

llhe  city,  already  tumuttnoualy  inclined,  waa  now  tumed 
npgide  down  :  the  ownera  of  the  bousea,  with  lighted 
Straw,  bumed  the  beemeared  parta  ;  and  paaaere-by  atop- 
ped,  gazed,  ahuddered,  murmured.  Strangera,  suapected 
of  thia  alone,  and  at  that  time  easily  recognized  by  their 
dreaa,  were  arreated  by  the  people  in  the  atreets,  and  con- 
■igned  to  priaon.  Here  interrogationa  and  ezaminatioDg 
were  made  of  captured,  captora,  and  witneaaeB  ;  no  one  / 
waa  found  ^uilty  :  men'a  minde  were  atill  capable  of  doubt-J 
ing,  weighmg,  undentanding.  The  Board  of  Health 
ÌBBued  a  proclamation,  in  wbich  tbsy  promiaed  reward  and 
impunity  to  anv  one  who  would  bring  to  Itght  tbe  author 
or  anthors  of  tne  deed.  'In  any  trite,  tiot  thinkùig  it  «j> 
pedient' aay  these  gentlemen  in  the letter  we  bare quoted, 
which  heare  date  the  2l8t  of  May,  but  which  waa  evi- 

Kqiuliterqiie  manuiUi,  TSlati  n  ([aia  hamtam  ipongia  wniem  td>p«r- 
tiuEt,  impresaiuetrs  puìsli  :  et  lanosi  pusìm  oitiaqan  sdium  eadein 
adapargine  costaoiiiiata  cernabantur.' — Page  16. 


,c,oglc 


680  1   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

dently  wrìtten  on  the  19th,  the  d&j  signìfied  in  the 
printèd  proclamatìon,  '  thai  thit  erime  »houid  by  any  laeam 
remain  tmpmtùhed,  tpeeialìie  i»  timei  io  periùna  and  tvt- 
picioui,  ice  have,Jbr  the  eimtolation and peace  ofthepeople, 
thi»  daiepuèlithed  alt  edicteì  ^c.  In  tne  edict,  hawever, 
tiiere  ìb  no  mention,  at  leadt  no  diatinct  one,  of  tbat 
rational  and  tranquillìzing  conjecture  ther  had  suggeBt«d 
to  the  govemor  :  a  reseiration  which  indicates  at  once  a 
Aeree  prejudìce  in  the  people,  and  in  themaelTes  a  degre« 
of  obBequiouBneBs,  so  much  the  more  blameable  aa  the 
conaequences  might  prove  molti  peraiciou». 

While  the  Board  was  tfaua  makiog  inquirìee,  many  of 
the  public,  aa  ia  uBually  the  case,  had  alrèady  foimd  the 
answer.  Among  thoae  who  believe'd  this  to  be  a  poisoii- 
ouB  ointment,  some  were  aure  ìt  waa  an  act  of  revenge  of 
Don  Gonzalo  Femandez  de  Cordova,  for  the  inautta 
received  at  hie  departure  ;  some,  that  it  waa  aa  idea  of 
Cardinal  Uichelieu  a  to  desolate  Milan,  and  make  himself 
master  of  it  without  troable;  otfaere,  agaia — it  ia  not 
known  with  what  motivea — would  bave  that  the  Couut 
Collalto  was  the  author  of  the  plot,  or  Wallenstein,  or 
this  or  that  Milanese  nobleman.  There  wanted  not  too, 
ae  we  bave  said,  tbose  who  saw  nothing  in  thia  occurrence 
but  a  mischievous  jeet,  and  attributed  it  to  studeots,  to 
.  gentlemen,  to  of&cers  who  were  wearv  of  the  siege  of 
Casale.  It  did  not  appear,  however,  aa  nad  been  dreaded, 
that  infection  and  unirersal  slaughter  immediately  en- 
sued  :  and  this  was  probabl^  the  onuee  tbat  this  first  fear 
began  by  d^;reee  to  subside,  and  the  matter  ^as,  or 
■eenied  to  be,  forgotten, 

Tbere  was,  after  ali,  a  certain  number  of  persona  not 
vet  convinced  that  it  waa  indeed  the  plague;  aud  because, 
Doth  in  the  Lazzeretto  and  in  the  city,  some  were  re- 
atored  to  health,  '  it  was  affirmed,'  (the  final  argumenta 
for  an  opinion  contradicted  by  evìdence  are  alwaya  cutious 
enougb,)  '  it  was  affirmed  by  the  common  people,  and 
even  yet  by  many  partìal  phyaicians,  that  it  was  not 
reaUy  the  plague,  or  ali  would  bave  died,'  •  To  remove 
every  doubt,  the  Board  of  Health  employed  aa  ezpedient 
*  ladino,  p.  SS. 


byCOO'^IC 


XXXI.1  THB   BETKOTHED.  MI 

coDformable  to  tbe  necessitj  of  the  case,  a  me&ns  of 
speaking  to  the  eye,  auch  as  the  times  may  bare  required 
or  auggested.  Oh  one  of  the  festal  dajs  of  Whitsuutide, 
the  citizeaa  \rere  in  tbe  habìt  of  flockiag  to  the  cemetery 
of  San  Gregorio,  outaide  the  Porta  Orientale,  to  pray  for 
the  aouls  of  thoae  who  had  dìed  in  the  former  contagio!), 
and  whose  bodiea  were  there  interred  ;  and  borrowing 
from  devotion  an  opportunity  of  annuBemeot  and  aìgbt- 
Beeing,  evenr  one  went  thither  in  hia  beat  and  gayest 
clothing.  One  wbole  £amily,  amongst  othera,  had  this 
day  died  of  the  piagne.  At  the  hour  of  the  thickeat 
concourse,  in  tbe  midat  of  carriages,  riderà  on  horseback, 
and  fooÉ-paBsengera,  the  corpsea  of  thia  family  were,  by 
order  of  tbe  Board,  ^rawn  naked  on  a  car  to  the  above- 
named  burying-ground  ;  in  order  that  the  crowd  mlght 
behold  in  them  the  manìfest  token,  tbe  revolting  aeal  and\/ 
■ymptom,  of  the  peetilence.  A  cry  of  horror  and  con- 
eternation  aroee  wberever  tbe  car  waa  paaaing  ;  a  pro- 
longed  murmur  wai  predominant  where  it  had  paraed, 
another  murmur  preceded  it.  The  real  eiiatence  of  tha 
plague  waa  more  believed  :  beaidea,  every  day  it  con- 
tinued  to  gain  more  belief  by  itaelf;  and  tnat  very 
concouree  would  contribute  not  a  little  to  propagate  it. 

First,  then,  it  waa  not  the  plague,  absoJately  not — br 
no  meana  :  the  very  utterance  of  the  terra  waa  prohìbited. 
Then,  it  was  peatilential  ferera  :  tbe  idea  waa  indirectly 
adinitted  in  an  adjective.  Then,  it  waa  not  the  true  nor 
real  plague  ;  that  ie  to  aay,  it  was  the  plague,  but  ooly 
in  a  certain  senae  ;  not  positively  and  undoubtedly  the  y 
plague,  but  aomething  to  which  no  other  name  could  be 
affiied.  Lastly,  it  waa  the  plague  without  douht,  with- 
out  dìspute  :  but  even  then  another  idea  waa  appended  to 
it,  the  idea  of  poiaon  and  witchcraft,  which  altered  end 
oonfounded  that  conveyed  in  the  word  they  could  no 
longer  repress. 

There  la  no  necesaity,  T  imagine,  to  be  well  veraed  in 
tbe  biatory  of  worda  and  ideaa,  to  perceive  tbat  many 
othera  bave  foUawed  a  aimilar  oourae.  Heaven  b« 
praiaed  that  there  bave  not  been  many  of  aucb  a  nature, 
and  of  Bo  vaat  rmportance,  which  contradict  their  evi- 


S83  I   FBOMESSI    SPOSI.  [cH. 

dence  st  snch  &  price,  and  to  wMch  occeasorieB  of  roch 
a  ehancter  may  be  annezed  I  It  ìb  poBsible,  however, 
both  in  great  and  trìfling  concerna,  to  avoid,  in  great 
mesaure,  to  lengthened  and  crooked  a  path,  bj  foUowing 
tbe  method  wbich  faas  been  bo  long  laid  down,  of  ob- 
aerving,  llstening,  comparing,  and  tliinking,  befon 
Bpeaking. 

Bat  spealing — tìa»  one  thing  hj  itaelf — ia  ao  mnch 
easier  thaa  ali  the  others  put  together,  that  even  we,  I 
nj,  we  men  in  general,  ore  aomemiat  to  bc  pitied. 


;dbv  Google 


XXXll.]  THF  BETKIITHRD. 


CHAPTEE  XXXn. 

|HG  difficuit;  of  providìng  for  the  mooniful 
>|  eiìgencies  of  the  times  becoming  dailf 
1  er«ftter,  it  wai  resolved,  on  the  4tb  of  Mftf, 
I  m  the  Coundl  of  the  Deeuritmi,  to  have  re- 
coune  for  aid  luid  favour  to  the  gorenior; 
and  accordinglv,  on  the  22ii(l,  two  tnembera  of  that  body 
vere  de«patched  to  the  camp,  who  repreaent^d  to  him  the 
vufferìngs  and  porertj  of  the  cit^  :  the  enonnoos  eipen- 
diture,  the  treaeury  eihauat«d  and  involred  in  debt,  ita 
future  rerenue  in  pledge,  and  the  current  taxes  impaid, 
hj  reason  of  the  genml  impOTerìabment,  produced  hj 
ao  many  causea,  and  eapeci&lly  by  the  havoc  of  tbe 
military  ;  tbey  aubmitted  to  hia  coneìdention  that, 
accordine  to  lawa  and  cnstomB,  which  had  never  beea 
repealed,  and  by  a  apecial  decree  of  Charles  T.,  the  ex- 
pentea  of  the  peattlence  ought  to  be  defrayed  front  the 
icing'a  exchequer  :  tbat,  in  the  plague  of  1676,  the  gorem- 
or,  the  Marquia  of  Ayamonte,  had  not  indeed  remitted 
ali  tbe  taxefl  of  tbe  Chamber,  but  had  reliered  the  city 
with  forty  thouaand  teudi  from  that  game  Chamber  ;  and, 
finally,  they  demanded  four  thingt: — that,  aa  once  be- 
fore  already,  the  taiea  should  not  be  exacted;  tbat  the 
Chamber  should  grant  Home  Bnppliea  of  money  ;  that  the 
governor  should  acquaint  the  kmg  with  the  misery  of  the 
city  and  the  t«mtory;  and  tbat  the  duchy  should  be 
exempted  from  again  quartering  the  militaiy,  ai  it  had 
been  already  waated  and  destroyed  bv  the  former  troops. 
Spinola  gave  in  reply  condolences  and  fresh  exbortations; 
he  soid  be  waa  soiry  be  did  not  bappen  to  be  in  the  city, 


,c,oglc 


gg4  1   PBUMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

that  he  tnight  use  ali  hia  endeavours  for  ita  relief  ;  but  he 
hoped  tbat  nll  would  be  compenaated  for  b;  the  zeal  of 
these  gentlemeu  :  that  this  wos  the  titne  to  expead  vith- 
oat  paraimony^,  and  to  do  ali  they  could  by  every  means  : 
and  as  to  the  express  demanda,  he  would  proride  for  them 
in  the  beat  way  the  timea  and  eiiiting  neceasitiea  would 
allow.  Nor  waa  there  any  furtber  reault  :  there  were, 
indeed,  more  journeya  to  and  fro,  new  requìaitioas  and 
replies  ;  but  I  do  not  find  that  they  carne  to  any  more 
determinate  conclusìona.     Some   tìme   later,    irhen  the 

Slague  waa  at  ita  greateat  height,  the  gorernor  thought 
t  to  transfer  hia  authorìty,  by  lettera  patent,  to  the 
High  Chancellor  Ferrar,  he  having,  as  be  saìd,  to  attend 
to  the  war. 

Together  with  thia  reaolution,  the  Decurioni  had  a)ao 
taken  another,  to  reqaeat  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  to 
appoint  a  aolemn  proceoaion,  bearìng  through  the  city  the 
body  of  San  Carlo. 

The  good  prelate  refuaed,  for  manyreaionB.  Tliia  cod- 
fideuce  in  an  arbìtrsry  meaaure  diepleaaed  him  ;  and  he 
feared  tbat  il  the  effect  ahould  not  correspond  to  it,  which 
he  had  also  reaaon  to  fear,  confideace  would  be  conrerted 
iiito  offence.*  He  feared  furtber,  that,  if  indeed  therv 
were  pouonert  about,  the  proceasion  would  afTord  too  con- 
venìent  opportunìtiea  for  crime;  Jf  there  were  nof,  sucb 
aconcuuTseof  itaelf  ahould  not  fail  to  diaaeminate  the  con- 
tagion  more  widely  :  a  dannar Jàr  more  real.f  Eor  the 
auppreaaed  suapiciona  of  poixonouH  ointmenta  had,  mean- 
whiie,  revived  more  generally  and  more  vìolently  tban 
e  ver. 

People  had  agaìn  aecn,  or  this  time  they  fitncied  they 
had  aeen  asointed,  walls,  entrancea  to  public  buildinga, 
doors  of  private  houaes,  and  knockera.  The  newa  of  tbese 
diacoveriea  flew  from  moutb  to  mouth  ;  and,  aa  it  bappens 

■  Hemoirg  al  nicc««aive  Benitrksbte  Erents  in  Milao  >1>aat  the  tima 
nf  the  Pingue,  in  the  ytt  1630,  &o.,  compiled  by  D.  Pio  la  Croce, 
HiliD,  1730.  It  il  evidentlf  takeo  fiom  an  nnpuhliihed  wntingoran 
■uthor  who  tiied  al  the  tìme  of  the  pCBti'ence  ;  if  iadeed  jt  be  aot  • 
BÌmpIe  edilioD,  mther  theo  e  new  coiiiiiilatÌDa. 

t  '  Si  un/aenti  «elerata  et  unciores  in  orbe  enent ....  Si  noa 
cuent    .  .  .  Certinique adeo nulum.' — RijiamMli,p.  ISó. 


,l)OglC 


XXXIt.]  THE   BETROTHED.  585 

even  more  than  usuati;  in  great  preposBessiouB,  the  report 
prodiiced  the  ume  effect  tbat  tbe  aigbt  of  it  wouid  nave 
dona.  The  minda  of  the  populace,  ever  more  and  more 
etnbittered  bj  the  actual  pregence  of  aufierìne;.  and  irrì-  / 
tntedbythe  pertinacit;  of  tbe  danger,  embraced  thÌB  betief  v/ 
the  more  irilliiigly  ;  for  anger  buma  to  execute  ita  re- 
venge,  and,  asa  very  worthymaii  acute ly  observea  on  tbia 
sanie  subject,"  wouid  ratber  attributi  evila  to  human 
wickedness,  upoD  which  it  migbt  vent  ita  tormenting  en- 
ergica, tban  acknowledge  them  from  a  source  whicb  le&vea 
no  otber  remedv  tban  reaignation.  A  aubtle,  instanta- 
neous,  exceedingly  penetrating  puiifon,  were  worda  more 
tban  enough  to  eiplain  the  virulence,  and  ali  the  otber 
moat  myateriouB  and  unuaual  accompanimentBof  tbe  con- 
tagion.  It  waa  said  tbat  tbis  veuom  waa  compoaed  of 
toads,  of  aeqients.  of  saliva  and  matter  from  infected  per- 
souB,  of  wone  stili,  of  everytbing,  in  Bhort,  tbat  wild  and 
perverse  fancy  couid  inrent  which  waa  foul  and  atrocioua. 
To  these  waa  odded  nitchcraft,  by  which  auy  effect  became 
possible,  every  objection  loat  ita  force,  every  dtfficult^  waa 
resolved.  If  the  anticipated  effects  had  not  imir.ediately 
followed  upon  tbe  firat  anoioting,  the  reaaon  was  now  clear 
— it  hod  been  tbe  imperfect  attempt  of  novices  in  tbe  art 
of  sorcery  ;  now  it  was  more  matured,  and  the  willa  of  the 
perpetratore  were  more  bent  upon  their  infornai  project. 
New,  had  any  one  stili  maintained  tbat  it  had  beeu  a  mere 
trick,bad  an/one  stili  denied  tbe  eiiatence  of  a  conspir- 
acy,  he  wonld  bare  paased  for  a  delnded  or  obstinate  per- 
soli ;  if,  indeed,  he  wouid  not  bave  fallen  under  tbe 
suapicion  of  being  ìnterested  in  diverting  public  acrutiiiy 
from  tbe  truth,  of  being  an  accomplice,  apowwer.  The 
term  very  aoon  became  common,  solemn,  tremendoua. 
Witb  Buch  a  penuBsion,  tbat  poisoners  tbere  were, 
some  must  almost  infallibly  be  discovered  :  ali  eyes  were 
on  tbe  look-out  ;  every  act  niight  ezcite  jealouay  ;  aud 
jealousy  eaaily  became  certainty,  and  certaìnty  fury. 

Bipsmonti  relatea  two  instances,  informing  us  that  be 
had  Belectod  them,  not  as  tbe  most  outrageous  amongthe 

*  P.  Vnti.    Obaerratioiu  od  Torture  :  ttalisn  Wrìteit  od  Modera 
Politìesl  Ecoacni;,  toI,  itìì.  p.  206. 


,„oglc 


586  I   FROMBS8I   HPOfil.  [cB. 

many  wbich  dulj  occurred,  bat  becaoee,  unluppilf,  be 
Gould  epeak  of  both  as  an  eye-wìtaeea.* 

In  the  church  of  Sant'  Antonio,  on  the  daj  of  I  kiiow 


not  what  Bolemnìty,  an  old  man,  more  than  eigbty  vea 

af  age,  was  obaerved,  after  kueeling  in  prayer,  to  aìt  aowD, 

^mret,  bowever,  duating  the  bench  with  bis  cloak,     'That 


old  man  ii  anointing  tbe  benchea  !  '  exulaimed  n 
voice  some  womoD,  wbo  witneeaed  tbe  acL'  Tbe  people 
wbo  bappened  to  be  in  church,  (in  cburch  !)  fell  upon  the 
old  man  ;  thev  tore  bis  graj  locks,  heaped  upon  bim  blowB 
and  kicks,  and  dragged  bim  out  balf  dead,  to  couvev  bim 
to  prison,  to  tbe  judges,  to  torture.  '  I  bebeld  bim 
dragged  aloiig  in  tbis  way,'  sa^a  Ripamonti,  '  nor  could  I 
)eam  anytbine  further  about  his  end  ;  but,  indeed,  1  tbink 
be  could  not  bave  aurvived  many  momeuta.' 

The  otber  instance,  which  occurred  tbe  foUowing  day, 
waa  equally  atrange,  but  not  equally  fatai.  Three  Frencb 
youtba,  in  company,  oue  a  scholar,  one  a  painter,  and  the 
tbird  a  mechanic,  who  had  come  to  see  Italy,  to  atudy  ita 
antiquitiee,  and  to  try  and  make  money,  had  approacbed 
I  know  not  esactly  what  part  of  the  extenor  of  tue  cathe- 
dra], and  atood  attcntively  aurveyinff  it.  One,  two,  or 
more  passera-by,  atopped,  and  formea  a  Lttle  group,  to 
contemplate  and  keep  tbeir  eye  on  tbeae  viaitora,  whom 
tbeir  costume,  theìr  bead-dresa,  and  tbeir  walleta,  pn> 
claimed  to  be  strangera,  and,  what  waa  worae,  Frencbmen. 
'  Ab  if  to  asaure  tbemaelvea  tbat  it  waa  morble,  tbey  atretch- 
ed  out  tbeir  banda  to  touch  it.  Thia  vaa  enough.  They 
were  surrouuded,  aeized,  tormeated,  and  urged  by  blowa 
to  priaon.  Fortunately,  the  hall  of  justice  waa  not  far 
irom  the  cathedra!,  and  by  stili  greater  good  fortune,  they 
were  fouod  innoceut,  and  aet  at  liberty. 

Nor  did  sucb  tbinga  bappen  ooly  in  tbe  city  ;  tbe  freniv 
bad  apread  like  the  contagion.  The  traveller  trho  vù 
met  by  peaaanta  out  of  tbe  bighway,  or  on  the  public 
road  waa  aeen  loitering  and  amusing  himself,  or  atretched 
upon  tbe  ground  to  reet  ;  tbe  atraoger  in  whom  they 
fwcied  they  aaw  aometbing  aingular  and  anapiciona  in 
counten&nce  or  dreea — tbeae  were  poiaonraa  ;  ai  tbe  first 
•  Pitge  9S. 


byCOO'^IC 


ixsil]  the  bbtrothed.  687 

rapoit  of  whomsoeTer  it  migbt  be — at  the  cry  of  a  chfld 
— the  Blarm  was  given,  and  the  people  flockéd  together; 
the  unhapp;  victims  were  pelted  witn  stones,  or,  if  taken, 
were  TÌoleutl^  dragged  to  prison.  And  the  prison,  up  to 
ft  certain  penod,  b«cauie  a  havea  of  safety.* 

But  the  Deetirioni,  not  discouraged  b/  the  refusai  of 
the  judiciouB  prelate,  contiaued  to  repeat  their  entreatìes, 
which  were  noieily  seconded  by  the  poputar  Tote.  The 
Biehop  peraevered  for  Home  time,  amd  endeavoured  to  die- 
ansde  them  :  ao  much  and  no  more  could  the  diacretion  of 
one  man  do  againat  the  judgment  of  the  times,  and  the 
pertinacity  of  the  many.  In  thia  state  of  opinion,  with 
the  idea  of  d&nger,  confuaed  aa  it  was  at  that  period,  dia-  - 
pated,  and  very  far  from  poaseaBing  the  eridem-e  which 
Te  bave  for  H,  it  will  not  be  diffieult  to  ootnprefaend  how 
hia  good  reasona  migbt,  even  in  hia  own  miod,  be  overcome 
by  tue  bad  ones  of  othen.  Whether,  beeideB,ÌD  bis  sub- 
aéqaent  conceMÌon,  a  feebleneu  of  will  had  or  had  net 
any  ahare,  ia  a  myatery  of  tbe  human  heart.  Certaioly 
if,  in  any  case,  it  be  poseìble  to  attributo  eiror  wholly  to 
tbeinteUect,  and  to  relieve  the  conscieace  of  reeponeibility, 
it  is  wben  one  treats  of  thoae  rare  persona,  (and,  aasuredly, 
the  (Tardioal  waaof  thenumber,)  tbroughout  whoaewhole 
life  is  seen  a  resolute  obedience  to  conscience,  without 
regard  to  temperai  intereets  of  an^  kind.  Oa  the  repe- 
tition  of  the  entreatìes,  then,  he  yielded,  gave  hia  consent 
to  tbe  procession,  and  further,  to  the  deaire,  the  general 
eagemesB,  that  the  um  which  contained  the  relica  of  San 
Carlo  abould  aflerwarde  remain  ezposed  for  eight  dava  to 
tbe  public  concourse,  on  the  high  aitar  of  the  catbeJral. 

I  do  not  find  that  the  Board  of  Health,  or  the  otber 
authoritiea,  made  ouy  opposition  or  remonstrance  of  any 
kind.  Tbe  above-namea  Board  merely  ordeied  some 
precautions,  which,  without  obviating  the  danger,  ìndi- 
cated  their  apprehenaion  of  it.  They  gare  more  striot 
regulations  about  the  admiasion  of  persona  into  the  city, 
and  to  inaure  the  eiecution  of  them,  kept  ali  the  gatea 
ahut:  aa  also,  in  order  to  esclude  from  the  concourse, 
as  far  as  poasible,  the  infected  and  suspected,  they  caused 
*  Bipamonti,  pp,  SI,  92. 


byCOO'^IC 


S88  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH> 

the  doora  of  the  condemned  houaes  to  be  nailed  up; 
whìch,  80  far  as  tbe  b&rc  aBsertìon  of  a  writer — and  a 
vriter  of  tboae  times — la  to  be  valued  ia  auch  matters, 
amounted  to  about  five  hundred.* 

>*  Three  àa,ja  were  epent  io  preparationa  ;  and  ou  the 
llth  of  June,  which  was  the  day  fìxed,  the  proceaaioti 
etarted  by  earlj  dawn  from  the  cathedral.  A  long  file  of 
people  led  the  way,  ehiefly  women,  their  faces  covered 
with  ampie  ailken  veils,  and  many  of  them  barefoot,  and 
clothed  m  aackcloth.  Then  followed  banda  of  artificers, 
preceded  by  their  several  bannera,  the  diSerent  frater- 
nities,  in  babite  of  varioiia  shadea  and  colours;  then 
carne  the  brutherhooda  of  monka,  then  the  aecular  clei^, 
each  with  the  insignia  of  his  ranh,  and  hearing  a  ligbted 
was  taper.  In  the  centre,  amidit  the  brilliancy  of  atill 
more  numeroua  torchee,  and  the  louder  tones  of  the 
chanting,  carne  the  cofGn,  under  a  neh  eanopy,  aupported 
altemately  by  four  canona,  moat  potnpoualy  attired. 
ThroJgh  the  ciretal  aides  appeared  the  venerated  corpse, 
the  limba  enveloped  in  aplendìd  pontificai  robes,  asd  the 
akuU  covered  with  a  mitre  ;  and  under  the  niutilat«d  and 
decomposed  featuree,  aome  tracea  might  stili  be  dia- 
tinguiehed  of  bis  former  countenance,  auch  as  it  vaa 
represent«d  in  picturee,  and  as  aome  remembered  eeeing 
and  honourìng  ìt  during  hia  life.  Behìnd  the  mortai 
remaina  of  the  deceaaed  paator,  (Baja  Bipamonti.f  from 
whom  we  chiefiy  bave  taken  thia  description,)  and  near 
hìm  in  peraon,  as  well  aa  in  merìt,  blood,  and  dignity, 
carne  the  Archbiahop  Federigo.  Then  followed  the  reat 
of  the  clergy,  and  cloae  behind  them  the  magiatratea,  in 
their  beat  robes  of  office  ;  after  them  the  nobìlity,  some 
Bumptuously  apparelled,  as  for  a  aolemn  celebration  of 
voranip,  others  in  tokea  of  humiliation,  clothed  in 
moummg,  or  valking  barefoot,  covered  with  aackcloth, 
and  theliooda  dniwn  orer  their  faces,  ali  hearing  large 
torcbes.  A  miugled  crowd  of  people  brought  up  the  rear. 
The  wfaole  Street  nas  deck^  out  as  at  a  featàral  ;  the 

>  Allayiation  of  the  State  of  Milao,  £c„  bf  C.  G.  CaTatio  della 
Somiglk.     HiUo,  16BZ,  p.  248. 

t  Pf««  62—66. 


ivCoO'^lc 


XXXII.]  THE   BETBOTBED.  68ft 

rich  had  brought  out  their  most  efaowy  decontiona  ;  the 
fronts  of  the  poorer  houies  vere  omamented  by  tbeir 
wealthier  neighbouTB,  or  at  the  public  ezpeose;  bere 
and  there,  inetead  of  ornamenta,  or  over  the  ornaments 
tbemselvea,  were  leafy  branchea  of  trees;  everywhere 
were  Buspended  pìcturee,  mottoes,  and  emblematica! 
devicee;  oa  the  window-ledges  were  displayed  vasee, 
curioBities  of  antiquity,  and  valuable  omaments;  and 
in  every  direction  were  torchea.  At  mauy  of  these  Win- 
dows the  sick,  wbo  were  put  under  sequestration,  beheld 
the  pomp,  and  mingled  tneir  prayera  with  those  of  tho 
psasengera.  The  other  streeta  were  eilent  and  deaerted, 
sare  woere  BOme  few  liatened  at  the  windowe  to  the 
floatÌDg  murmuT  in  the  dietance;  while  othen,  and 
among  tbese  even  nuna  migbt  he  aeen,  mounted  upon 
the  roofs,  perchance  they  mtght  be  able  to  distinguiah 
afar  off  the  coffin,  the  retiniie — io  short,  something. 

The  proceBeion  pasBed  through  ali  quartera  of  the  city  ; 
at  eacb  of  the  croaswayB,  or  Bmall  aquares,  which  ter- 
minate the  principal  Btreets  iu  the  BuburbB,  and  which 
then  preBerred  the  ancient  name  of  carrobii,  now  reduced 
to  only  one,  they  made  a  halt,  depOBÌting  the  coffin  near 
the  croBB  which  had  beea  erected  in  every  one  by  San 
Carlo,  during  the  preceding  pestìlence,  Bome  of  which 
are  atill  atauding;  so  that  they  retumed  not  to  the 
cathedral  till  coufliderably  paat  midday. 

But  lo!  the  day  following,  just  while  the  preaump- 
tuouB  confidence,  nay,  in  many,  the  tanatical  oBBurance 
prefailed,  that  the  procession  must  bare  cut  short  the 
progreea  of  the  piagne,  the  moftality  increaaed  in  every 
claaa,  in  every  pkrt  of  the  city,  to  such  a  degree,  and 
with  Bo  Buddeu  a  leap,  that  there  was  Bcarcel^  any  one 
who  did  not  behold  in  the  very  proceBsion  itself,  the 
canee  and  occaBÌon  of  this  feariul  increaae.  But,  oh 
wonderful  and  melancholy  force  of  popular  prejudiceal 
the  greater  number  did  not  attribute  thia  efiect  to  so 
great  and  bo  prolonged  a  crowding  together  of  peraona, 
nor  to  the  infinite  multipUcation  of  mrtuitouB  contact, 
but  ratber  to  the  &cilitieB  aSbrded  to  tbe  poiaooen  of 
executing  their  iniquitona  deeigns  on  a  large  scale.    It 


,CK,glc 


690  I    FBOKBBSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

WM  soid  tìtat,  mixing  in  the  crowd,  ther  had  ìnfected 
with  their  oiatment  eveirbody  thej  haa  eocountered. 
But  u  tbis  ftppeared  neitoer  a  aufficient  nor  appropriate 
means  for  producine  so  vaat  a  mortality,  which  eztended 
itaelf  to  every  rsnk  ;  as,  apparenti/,  it  bad  not  been 
posaible,  even  for  an  eje  the  moet  watcbful,  and  tbe 
moat  quick-eigbted  from  Huspicìon,  to  detect  any  uactuous 
m&tter,  or  «pota  of  anj  kind,  during  the  marcQ,  recourae 
wBB  bod  for  the  explanation  of  the  fact  to  tbat  other 
fabrication,  alread;  ancient,  and  receired  ai  that  time 
into  the  common  acientific  leamin^  of  Europe,  of  magical 
and  venemouB  powden  ;  it  was  said  tbat  theae  powdera, 
Bcattered  along  the  Btreets,  snd  cbieSy  at  the  placet  of 
halting,  bad  cmug  to  the  traina  of  the  dresses,  and  stili 
more  to  the  feet  of  thoee  who  bad  tbat  day,  in  great 
numbers,  gone  about  barefoot.  "That  very  day,  there- 
fore,  of  tbe  procesaion,'  aaya  a  contemporary  wnter,* 
'aaw  piety  contending  with  iniqui^,  per&dy  with  sin- 
.  «rity,  and  Iosa  witb  acquisition.'  It  was,  on  the  con- 
trary,  poor  human  sense  contending  witb  the  phuitoms 
it  had  itself  created. 

From  that  day,  the  contagion  continued  to  rage  with 
increAsing  violence;  in  a  little  while,  tbere  was  ecarcely 
a  house  Teft  untouched  ;  and  the  population  of  the  Laz- 
zeretto, according  to  Somaglia  aoove-quoted,  amounted 
to  from  two  to  twelTe  tbousand.  In  the  course  of  time, 
according  to  almost  ali  reports,  it  reached  sixteen  tbou- 
sand. On  the  fourth  of  July,  as  I  find  in  another  letter 
from  the  conaervators  of  health  to  tbe  Qovernor,  the 
daily  mortality  ezceeded  five  bundred.  Stili  later,  wben 
the  piagne  was  at  ita  height,  it  reached,  and  for  aome 
time  remained  at,  tweWe  or  fifteen  hundred,  according  to 
the  moat  common  computation;  and  if  we  may  credit 
Tadino.t  it  sometimes  even  exceeded  three  thousand  five 
bundred. 

It  may  be  ìmagined  wbat  must  now  bave  been  the 
difficultieB  of  tbe  Decurioni,  upon  whom  waa  laid  the 

*  AgDstùioLanipunuiio:  Of  the  PeitUenct  that  happ«ncd  in  Uilaa, 
in  the  jrear  1630.    Hilati,  1634,  p.  44. 

U5.t.z=dbv  Google 


XXXII.]  THB   BETROTHED.  591 

burden  of  providing  for  tbe  public  neceMÌties,  and 
repairing  wnat  was  atiU  reparable  in  aucb  a  cslamity. 
They  were  obliged  btbtj  day  to  replace,  erery  dar  to 
augmeat,  public  office»  of  numerous  kiuds  :  JHonatit,  bj 
«hieh  denorainatiou  (evea  then  at  Itfilan  of  ancient 
date,  and  uncertain  origin,)  were  deaignated  thoee  who 
were  devoted  to  the  most  painfal  and  danseFous  aervices 
of  a  pesttlence,  tìe.  taking  corpsee  from  the  houiea,  out 
of  tbe  Btreets,  and  from  the  Lazzeretto,  transporting 
tbem  on  carta  to  the  graves,  and  burying  them  ;  cany- 
ing  or  conductingthe  sick  to  the  Lanierotto,  overlooking 
them  there,  and  burning  and  cleaniing  infected  or  sm- 
pected  gooda  :  Apparitoti,  *  whoae  apeci»!  office  it  waa 
to  precede  the  carta,  waming  pasaengers,  by  the  aoiuid 
of  a  little  beli,  to  retir«:  and  Cammittarii,  who  super- 
iuteuded  botb  the  other  clasaes,  under  the  immediate 
ordera  of  the  Board  of  Health.  The  Council  had  alsa 
to  keep  the  Lazzeretto  furniahed  with  phyaiciatia,  sur- 
geons,  medicinea,  food,  and  ali  the  other  neceasarìea  of 
an  infirmar^  ;  snd  to  provide  and  prepare  new  quartera 
for  the  newly-arising  neede.  For  thia  purpoae,  they  had 
cabina  of  vood  and  atraw  haatity  conatructed,  in  tbe 
unoccupied  apace  within  tbe  Lazzeretto  ;  snd  another 
Lazzeretto  was  erected,  alao  of  thatched  cabina,  with  aa 
encloaure  of  boarda,  capable  of  containing  four  thousand 
peraona.  Theee  not  belog  eufficient,  two  others  were 
decreed  ;  thej  even  began  to  build  them,  but,  from  the 
deticiency  of  meana  ofeverykind,  tbéy  remained  uncom- 
pleted.  Meana,  men,  and  courase  failed,  in  proportion 
aa  the  neceeaity  for  them  increaaed.  And  not  onljr  did  the 
ezecution  fall  ao  far  abort  of  the  projecta  and  oecreea — 
not  only  were  many  too  cleorly  auknowledged  necesaiCiea 
deficiently  provided  for,  even  in  worde,  but  they  arrived 
at  aucb  a  pitch  of  impotency  and  deaperation,  that  many 
of  themoat  deplorable  and  urgent  casca  were  left  wìtbout 
Buccour  of  aay  kind.  A  great  number  of  infante,  for 
example,  died  of  absolute  neglect,  their  mothera  baving 
been  carried  off  by  tbe  peatileuce.  The  Board  of  Health 
propoeed  that  a  place  of  refuge  ahould  he  founded  for 
■  A  bailiff  ot  the  metuiett  kiad. 


S98  I   FBOHBSSI  SPOSI.  [cH. 

these,  and  for  destitute  Ijìng-ia  wonien,  that  something 
tnigbt  be  done  for  them,  Dut  they  could  obtaia  nothÌDg. 
'  ^e  Decurioni  of  the  Citie,'  &aya  Tadino,  '  were  no  lees 
to  be  pityed,  who  found  themselTei  barassed  and  op- 
preBBed  by  the  Suldìerie  without  &aj  Bounds  or  Begarde 
whateoever,  as  veli  aa  thoae  in  the  unfortunate  Duchy, 
seeing  that  tbey  could  get  no  Help  or  Frouiaion  from  tue 
Gouemor,  becauBeit  happened  tobea  Tvme  of  War,  and 
they  must  needa  treat  ttie  Soldierie  well.'  *  ■  So  import- 
ant  waa  the  taking  of  Casale  !  so  gloriouB  appeared  the 
fame  of  victory,  iudepeodent  of  tbe  eauee,  of  the  object, 
fot  whìch  they  eontended  ! 

So,  «Iso,  an  ampie  but  eolit&ry  grave  which  had  been 
dog  near  the  Lazzeretto  being  completely  filled  witb 
corpsesi  and  fresh  bodies,  whicb  bei2ame  day  by  day 
more  numeroua,  remaÌDÌng  tberefore  in  every  diràctiou 
unburied,  the  magiatratea,  after  having  in  vaìn  Bought 
for  banda  to  execute  the  melancholy  task,  were  com- 
pelled  to  acknowledge  tbat  they  knew  nat  wbat  courae 
to  pursue.  ^or  woa  it  easy  to  cunjecture  what  would 
be  the  eud,  had  not  extraordiuary  relief  beea  afibrded. 
The  Presìdent  of  the  Board  of  Health  solìcited  it  almoat 
in  despair,  and  witb  teara  in  bis  eyes,  from  thoae  t«-o 
ezcellent  friars  who  presided  at  the  Lazzeretto  ;  and 
Father  Michele  pledged  himself  to  clear  tbe  city  of  dead 
bodies  in  the  course  of  four  days.  At  the  expiratjon  of 
eight  days  he  bad  net  only  pro?ided  for  tbe  immediate 
necesBity,  but  for  that  aleo  -wbieb  tbe  most  ominoue 
foresight  could  bave  anticipated  for  the  future.  With  a 
friar  for  his  companion,  and  witb  officerà  granted  bim 
for  this  purpoae  by  the  President,  be  set  off  out  of  tbe 
city  in  search  of  peasauts  ;  and  partly  by  tbe  authority 
of  tbe  Board  of  Healtli,  partly  by  tbe  mfluence  of  hia 
habit  and  his  worda,  be  aucceeded  in  coUectìng  two  hun- 
dred,  wbom  he  distrìbuted  in  three  separate  ploces,  to 
dig  tbe  ampie  gravea.  He  then  deapatched  monalli 
from  the  Lazzeretto  to  collect  the  dead,  and  oq  the  day 
appointed  bis  promise  waa  fulfilled. 

On  one  occasion,  tbe  Lazzeretto  waa  loft  deatitute  of 
•  Vagt  117. 


b,C,00'^lc 


XXXII.]  THE   BETAOTHED.  993 

pltyBiciaaa  ;  and  it  wbb  only  b^^  offera  of  la^e  Balaries 
and  hoaours,  wìth  much  labour,  and  coseiderable  delay, 
that  tUey  couid  procure  them  ;  and  even  then  their  num- 
ber  was  far  from  sufficient  for  the  need.  It  was  often 
so  reduced  in  provigìoUB  as  to  raìae  fears  that  the  inmates 
would  actuallj'  have  to  die  of  starvatìon  ;  and  more  than 
once,  while  they  were  trying  every  method  of  nùsiog 
money  or  supplies,  with  Bcarcely  a  hope  of  procuring 
them, — not  to  say  of  procuring  them  in  tÌme,-^Hbundant 
aseistance  would  most  opportunely  be  afForded  by  the 
unespected  gift  of  some  charitable  private  individuai  ; 
for,  in  the  midst  of  the  common  etupefaction  and  in- 
di&erence  to  othera,  arising  from  continuai  «pprehensiona 
for  themaelves,  there  were  yet  hearta  aver  awake  to  the  y 
cali  of  ch&rìty,  and  othera  in  whom  charity  first  aprang  '^ 
up  on  the  failure  of  ali  eorthly  pleaaures;  as,  in  the 
destmction  and  flight  of  many  wìiose  doty  it  waa  to 
flupsrintend  and  provide,  there  were  othera,  ever  heUthy 
in  body  and  unshaken  io  cournge,  who  were  always  at 
their  posts  ;  while  some  there  even  were  who,  urgèd  by 
compassion,  asaumed,  and  peraeveringly  Bustained,  cares 
to  which  their  office  did  not  cali  them. 

The  most  general  and  moat  willìng  fidelity  to  the 
trying  duties  of  the  times,  waa  conspicuonaly  evincali 
bj"  the  elergy.  In  the  Lazzerettoes,  and  throughout  the 
nty,  their  asatatanee  never  failed  ;  where  suffering  waa, 
there  were  they  ;  they  were  always  to  be  aeen  mingled 
with  and  interspersed  amene  the  faint  and  dying — Kiìiit 
and  dying  aometimes  themselves.  Together  with  spiritual 
succoura,  they  were  laviah,  aa  far  as  they  conia  be,  of 
temporal  ones,  and  freely  rendered  whatever  services 
happened  to  be  requìred.  More  than  sixty  pariah-priests, 
in  the  city  alone,  oied  of  the  contagion  :  about  eight  out 
of  every  nine. 

Federigo,  aa  was  to  be  expected  from  him,  gave  to  ali 


whole  of  bis  archi episcopaf  household  perìsh  around  him, 
Bolicited  by  relatives,  by  the  first  magìstratea,  and  by 
the  neighbouring  prìnoes,  to  withdraw  from  danger  to 
aome  solìtary  couutry-seat,  he  rejected  this  counMil  and 


,„oglc 


thew  cmtreatiea  in  the  epirit  with  whìch  he  wrote  to  bis 
cl^y:  '6e  read;  to  sbuidon  thù  mortai  life,  rather 
th&n  the  family,  the  children,  cominitt«d  to  m  ;  go  for- 
ward  into  the  pUgue,  aa  to  life,  ss  to  a  revard,  wben 
there  ia  one  bouI  to  be  won  to  Chriat.'  *  He  neglected 
&o  precautiona  which  did  oot  impede  bim  in  hia  duty  ; 
on  whicb  point  he  aUo  gare  instructions  and  regulatioos 
to  hia  clergy  ;  and,  at  the  «ame  time,  he  minded  not,  nor 
appeared  to  obaerve,  danger,  where  it  was  necesaaiy  to 
encQunter  ìt,  in  order  to  do  good.  Without  speakiDg  of 
the  ecclesiastica,  vhom  he  was  constaotly  wito,  to  com- 
mend  and  regolate  their  ceal,  to  arouse  such  aa  were 
lukewarm  in  the  work,  and  to  send  them  to  the  potfta 
where  otbers  had  perished,  it  was  hia  wish  that  there 
should  always  be  free  access  for  sny  one  who  had  oeed  of 
him.  He  visited  the  Lazzerettoes,  to  admiaister  coosola- 
tion  to  the  sick,  and  encouragement  to  the  attendants  ; 
he  travereed  the  city,  canring  relief  to  the  poor  crea- 
tures  sequestrated  in  tbeir  bouses,  atopping  at  the  doore 
«od  under  the  Windows  to  listen  to  their  lamentations, 
and  to  offer  in  eichauKe  words  of  comfort  and  encourage- 
ment. In  short,  he  threw  himself  iuto,  and  liveil  in  the 
midst  of,  the  pestilence,  and  was  himself  aatonished,  at 
the  end,  that  he  had  come  out  uninjured. 

TbuB,  io  public  calamities  and  iu  long-continned  dia- 

turbasce  of  settled  habits,  of  whatever  kind,  tbere  may 

alwaya   be  bebeld   an   augmentation,   a   anblimation   of 

/virtue;  but,  alas!  there  ie  never  wanting,  at  the  same 

*  time,  an  augmentation,  tàr  more  general  in  moat  oases, 

of  crime.     This  occasion    was  remarkable  for  it.     The 

villana,  whom  the  peatileuce  spared  and  did  not  terrify, 

fouud  in  the  common  cont'uision,  and  in  the  relazation  of 

ali  public  authority,  a  new  opportunity  of  activity,  to- 

gether  witb  new  asaurancea  of  ioipunity  ;  nay,  the  admin- 

JBtrationof  public  authority  itself  carne,  ina  greatmeaaure, 

to  be  lodged   in  the  banda   of  the  woret  among  them. 

Generally  apeaking,  none  deroted  themselves  to  the  officea 

of  monatti  and  apparitori  but  men  orer  whom  the  attrac- 

*  Bipamoiiti,  p.  164. 


;dbv  Google 


XXXII.J  THB    BBTSOTHXD.  BM 

tionB  of  rapine  and  Ucenie  had  mora  ìnfliieiiee  than  the 
terror  of  contagioa,  or  ut;  natoral  object  of  horror. 

The  atricteBt  orden  wera  laid  upon  theae  people  ;  the 
■ererest  penaltiee  threatened  to  them  ;  stationa  wera 
auigned  them  ;  and  commiuarieB,  aa  we  have  said,  placed 
over  them  ;  over  both,  t^vn,  magiatrates  and  noblei  were 
•ppointed  in  every  dÌBtrict,with  authority  to  enforce  good 
govemment  Bammarìly  od  every  opportunity.  Buoh  a 
■tate  of  things  «ent  on  and  took  efieot  up  to  a  certain 
period  ;  but,  with  the  increaae  of  deaths  and  desolatìon, 
and  the  teiror  of  the  eurrivon,  theae  oSìcera  carne  to  he, 
aa  it  were,  ezempted  from  ali  Buperriflion  ;  they  conatituted 
themBelTSB,  the  monatti  especially,  arbiten  of  eveiything. 
They  entered  the  hou»ee  bke  maaters,  like  enetniee  ;  and. 
Hot  to  mention  their  plunder,  and  how  they  treated  the 
unhappy  creaturea  reduced  by  the  piagae  to  paaa  through 
tuch  banda,  they  laid  them — tbeae  infectea  and  guil^ 
handa — on  the  healthy — children,  parenti,  huabanda, 
irìvea,  threat«nmg  to  drag  them  to  the  Lazzeretto,  anleaa 
they  redeemed  tbemselvea,  or  were  redeemed,  with  money. 
At  other  tìmea  they  aet  a  price  upon  tbeir  serricea,  refuaing 
to  carry  away  hadiea  already  corrupt«d,  for  leas  than  ao 
many  leudi.  It  wm  believed  (and  between  the  credulity 
of  one  party  and  the  wichednees  of  the  other,  belief  and 
dishelìef  are  e<]ually  uncertain),  it  waa  believed,  and  Tadino 
Beaerts  it,*  that  both  monatti  and  apparitori  purpoaely  tet 
fidi  from  their  carta  infected  ctothea,  in  order  to  propagate 
and  keep  up  the  peatilence,  which  had  become  to  them  a 
meane  of  liring,  a  kingdom,  a  festival.  Other  wretchee, 
feigning  to  be  mtmalti,  and  carrying  little  bella  tied  to  their 
feet,  aa  theae  officerà  were  required  to  do,  to  diatinguiah 
themaelTea  and  to  give  wamìng  of  their  approach,  intro- 
duced  tbemaelvea  into  houaea,  and  there  exercìsed  ali  kinda 
of  tyranny.  Some  of  these,  open  and  void  of  inhabitanta, 
or  inhabited  only  by  a  feeble  or  dying  creature,  were 
entered  hy  thievee  in  aearch  of  booty,  with  impunity; 
others  were  aurpriaed  and  invaded  by  bailifia,  who  there 
oommitted  robberiee  and  ezceeaee  of  every  deacription. 
*  F^e  lOi. 


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596  I   PB0ME3SI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

Togetlier  with  the  vickedneM,  the  folly  of  the  people 
increased  :  erery  preTailiog  error  receivea  mure  or  lesa 
additional  force  from  the  Btupefaction  and  sgitation  of 
tbeir  tninds,  and  wae  more  widely  and  more  precipitately 
applìed  ;  while  every  one  serred  to  strengthen  and  aggra- 
vate that  special  mania  about  poisoaings,  nhich,  in  ita 
effectB  and  ebulUtiona,  vss  often,  as  we  bave  seen,  ìtself 
another  crime.  The  image  of  this  aupposed  danger  beset 
and  torhired  the  minds  of  the  people  far  more  than  the 
reol  and  eiiating  danger. 

'  And  while,'  Ba;8  Bipamonti,  '  coi^>Bei8,  ecattered  here 
and  there,  or  l;iug  in  neapa,  ever  before  the  ejea  and 
Burroundìng  the  steps  of  the  living,  made  the  whole  city 
like  one  immeoee  aepulchre,  a  stili  more  appalling  symp- 
tom,  a  mora  intense  deformiti,  was  their  mutuai  animoaity, 
their  liceotiouBnees,    and  theìr   exCravagaat  suBpiciona. 

Not  onlj  did  they  miatruet  a  &iend,  a  guest  ;  but 

.  those  namea  which  are  the  bonds  of  human  affection, 
•*  husband  and  wife,  lather  and  son,  brotber  and  brother, 
were  words  of  t«rror  ;  and,  dreadfid  and  infamoua  to  teli  ! 
the  domeatìc  board,  the  nuptial  bed,  were  dieaded  as 
lurktng- placca,  as  receptacles  of  poiaon.'  " 

The  ìmaginary  vastnesa  and  atrangeneaa  of  the  plot 
diatracted  people'a  understandingB,  and  subrerted  every 
reaaon  for  reciprocai  confidence.  Besidea  ambition  and 
cupidity,  which  were  at  first  auppoaed  to  be  the  motires 
of  the  poiaoners,  they  fancied,  the^  e»en  beliered  at 
length,  that  there  was  aomething  of  diabolical,  Toluptuoua 
delight  in  this  anointing — an  attraction  predommating 
over  the  will.  The  ravings  of  the  aict,  who  occused  them- 
aelvea  of  what  they  had  apprehended  from  othera,  were 
conaidered  aa  rerelationa,  and  rendered  anything,  ao  to 
aay,  credible  of  any  one.  And  it  would  bave  Sor  greater 
weight  eren  than  words,  if  it  happened  that  ddlriooa 
patiente  kept  practiaing  tb<ae  manieuvrea  which  it  waa 
imagined  must  be  employed  by  the  poiaonera  :  a  thing  at 
once  very  probable,  and  tendmg  to  give  better  grounds 
for  the  popularperauaaion  and  the  uaertionB  of  numeroua 
•  P»g«81. 


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XXZII.]  THE    BBTROTHED,  S57 

writera.  In  tlie  urne  way,  during  the  long  and  mounif ul 
period  of  judicìal  investigation  on  the  Bubject  of  vìtch- 
craft,  the  cooTeBaions,  and  tbose  not  alwaye  extorted,  of 
the  accuBed,  eetred  net  a  little  to  promote  &nd  nphold  the 
prevailing  opinion  on  thia  mattar  ;  for  when  an  opinion 
obtaina  a  proloQged  and  ezteasive  eway,  it  ia  expreased  in 
every  tnanner,  tnes  every  outlet,  and  runa  through  every 
degree  of  perauaaion  ;  and  it  ia  difficult  for  ali,  or  verj' 
nMaj,  to  Delieve  for  a  length  of  time  tbat  eomethiug 
eitraordinniy  is  being  done,  witbout  aome  odo  comiug 
forward  who  believes  that  he  has  done  it. 

Among  the  aturìeB  which  thig  mania  about  poisoning 
gave  rise  to,  one  deaerrea  to  be  mentioned  for  the  credit 
it  acquired,  and  the  eztended  disse  mi  nation  it  met  with. 
It  waa  related,  not,  bowever,  by  everybody  in  tbe  aame 
way  (for  that  vould  be  too  remarkable  a  privilege  for 
atoriea),  but  nearly  ao,  that  auch  a  peraon,  on  such  a  day, 
bad  seen  a  carrìage  and  six  standing  in  the  Square  of  the 
Cathedra!,  containing  some  great  persoaage  with  a  large 
suite,  of  lordly  aspect,  but  dark  and  sunburnt,  with  fiery 
eyes,  hair  standing  on  end,  and  a  threatening  eipreasioa 
about  the  mouth.  The  spectator,  invited  to  enter  tbe 
equipage,  complìed  ;  and  after  taking  a  tum  or  two, 
stoppea  and  dismounted  at  the  gato  of  a  palace,  where,  y 
ent«ring  with  the  reat,  he  beheld  horrors  and  delighte,  / 
deserta  and  gardens,  caverna  and  balla  ;  and  in  these  were 
pbantoms  seated  in  councìl.  Lastly,  huge  chests  of  money 
were  abown  to  him,  and  he  vas  told  that  he  might  take 
aa  much  as  he  liked,  if,  at  the  aame  time,  he  wouid  accept 
a  little  Tessei  of  unctuoua  matter,  aud  go  about,  aaoiuting 
with  it,  through  the  city.  HaviDg  refused  to  agree  to 
the  termi,  he  inataatly  found  himself  in  the  place  whence 
he  bad  been  taken. 

This  story,  ^nerally  believed  tbere  by  tbe  peonie,  and, 
sccording  to  &pamoiiti,  not  sufficiently  ridicuied  by  many 
leamed  meo,*  travelled  through  the  whole  of  Italy,  and 
even  furthor  :  an  engraving  of  it  was  made  in  Oermauy  ; 
and  the  electoral  Arcbbisbop  of  Mayence  wrote  to  Gar- 

•  Paga  77. 

U5.t.z=dbv  Google 


A 


008  I  rxOUBSSI  SPOSI.  [CB. 

dind  Federigo,  to  uk  wbat  he  muat  believe  of  the  wonder» 
fai  prodigies  related  at  Milan,  uid  received  for  amwer 
that  thej  were  mere  dreami. 

Of  equal  value,  if  not  exaotjy  of  the  «Mie  nature, 
were  the  dreamB  <k  the  leamed;  and  equallf  disastroui 
were  thef  in  their  effects.  Moat  of  them  aaw  the  aa- 
Douncement  at  once  and  cause  of  their  traublea,  in  » 
comet  which  appeared  in  the  jear  1628,  and  in  a  con- 
unctioa  of  S&tum  with  Jupiter;  'the  aforoBaide  Con- 
unction,'  writes  Tadino,  '  inclininz  bo  clearlie  over  thia 
care  1G80,  that  every  Bodie  oould  understaad  it,  MoT' 
tàUi  fiorai  morbot,  miranda  videntur'  *  Thia  prediction, 
fabricated  I  know  not  when  nor  hy  whom,  waa  upon  the 
tongue,  aa  Bipamonti  informa  us,t  of  everybody  who  waa 
able  to  iitter  it.  Anotber  comet,  which  unexpectedly 
appeared  in  the  June  of  the  Tory  year  of  the  pestilence, 
waa  looked  upoa  aa  a  fresh  waming,  as  an  evident  proof, 
iodeed,  of  the  anointing.  They  ransacked  booka,  and 
found  <mly  io  too  great  abuDCUmce  eiamplea  of  peati- 
lence  produced,  as  they  said,  by  human  efibrta  ;  they 
quoted  Lirr,  Tacitas,  Dionysiua,  Homer,  and  Ovid,  and 
tne  numberlesB  other  ancienta  who  bave  related  or  alluded 
to  aimilar  eventa  ;  and  of  modem  wrìtera  they  had  a  atiil 
greater  abundance.  Tbev  cited  a  hundred  other  authora, 
who  bave  treated  theoretically,  or  inoidentally  spoken,  of 
poiaoiia,  Borceriea,  uoctiona,  and  pondera  ;  CeaalpinQ  waa 
quoted.  Cardano,  (i^revino,  8alio,  Pareo,  Schenchio,  Zachia, 
and  finally,  that  fatai  Delrio,  who,  if  the  renowa  of 
authora  were  in  proportion  to  the  good  or  eril  prodncml 
by  their  works,  wouid  assuredly  he  one  of  the  moat  emi- 
nent  ;  that  Delrio,  whoae  Duguùituma  on  Magic  (a  digest 
of  ali  that  men,  iip  to  hia  time,  had  wìldly  deyised  on 
this  Bubject),  received  as  the  moet  authoritative  and  irre- 
&agable  tezt-book,  waa,  for  more,  than  a  ceutury,  the  rnle 
and  powerful  impulse  of  legai,  horrible,  and  uninternipt- 
ed  murders. 

From  the  inventiona  of  the  illiterate  vulgar,  educated 

people  borrowed  what  they  could  accommodate  to  their 

ideas  ;  from  the  ìnrentions  of  the  educated  the  vulgar 

■  Fisa  M.  t  Paga  I7S. 


XXXI1.J  THX   BETSOTHED,  599 

borrowed  whtt  tìtey  could  imiJentand,  and  aa  tììey  beat     / 
could  ;  and  of  ali,  an  usdigested,  barbaroiu  jumble  wa« 
fonned  of  public  ìrratìonalitr. 

But  that  wbich  stili  furtner  CTcitoB  onr  gurpriae  ii  to 
we  the  pbyBicians,  thoae  phjBicians,  I  eaj,  who  &om  the 
beginniog  had  believed  in  the  plague,  and  especially  Ta- 
dÌDo,  who  had  predictod  it,  beheld  it  enter,  and  kept  his 
eye,  so  to  say,  on  ita  proereis  ;  who  had  affirmea  and 
publiahed  that  it  waa  the  plague,  and  waa  propagated  by 
contact,  Bod  that  if  no  opposition  vere  made  to  it,  it 
would  become  a  general  infectiou, — to  aee  bim,  I  aay, 
draw  a  Mitain  argument  from  these  very  conee<jaencefl, 
for  poiaODoua  and  magical  unctiouB  ;  to  héhold  him,  who 
in  Carlo  Colonna,  the  aecond  that  died  in  Miian,  had 
marked  delirium  aa  am  accampani ment  of  the  nutlady, 
afterwarda  adduce  in  proof  of  unctions  and  a  diabolidd 
plot  an  incident  such  as  this  : — two  witneaaes  depoeed  to 
navÌDg  heard  one  of  thoir  frienda,  under  the  influence  of 
the  contagion,  relate  how  some  peraona  carne  one  night 
ìnto  hia  room,  to  profiér  him  health  and  riches,  if  bd 
would  anoint  the  housee  in  the  vicinity,  and  how,  on  hia 
repeated  refusai,  they  had  taken  their  departure,  and  left 
in  their  atead  a  wolf  under  the  bed,  and  three  great  cats 
upon  it,  '  which  remained  there  till  break  of  day.'  *  Had 
such  a  method  of  drawing  couclusiona  been  conflned  to  one 
individuai,  it  migfat  bave  been  attrìbuted  to  hia  own  ei- 
treme  aimplicity  and  want  of  common  sanse,  and  it  would 
Dot  bave  been  worth  our  wbile  to  mention  it  ;  but,  as  it 
waa  received  by  many,  it  ia  a  apecimen  of  the  liumaa 
mind  ;  and  may  aerre  to  show  bow  a  well-regulated  and  ^ 
reaaonable  train  of  ideas  may  be  dieordered  by  another  / 
train  of  ideaa  thrown  direotly  acroaa  it.  In  other  respecta 
ibis  Tadino  waa  one  of  the  most  renowned  men  of  hia 
time  at  Milan. 

Two  iltuatrious  and  bighly-deBerring  writera  bare  as- 
lerted  that  Cardinal  Federigo  entertained  some  doubt 
about  these  poisoninga.f     We  would  gladJy  g^ve  itili 

•  t^.  13S.  124. 

t  Muratori,  on  th*  Traataent  of  th*  Pettìlence,  Uodana,  1714,  p. 
117.  P.  Toirì,  in  tlu  trattile  before  qnoted,  p.  2S1. 


GQO  I   FBOHBSSI   SPOSI.  [cB-. 

more  complete  commendatìon  to  the  memorj  of  this 
excellent  and  benerolent  man,  and  represent  the  good 
prelati  in  this,  ae  in  many  other  things,  distinguìshed 
irom  the  multitude  of  his  coutemporarìea  ;  but  we  are 
oonutraiiied,  inatead,  to  remark  in  him  another  examplo 
of  the  powerful  ìnfluence  of  public  opinion,  even  on  the 
most  eialted  mitide.  It  ìb  evident, — from  the  way ,  at 
leaat,  in  which  Uìpamonti  relates  hÌB  tboughta  on  the 
Buhject, — that  from  the  beginning  he  had  had  some  doubts 
about  it  ;  and  throughout  he  alwajrs  considered  that 
credulità ,  i^orance,  fear,  and  a  wieb  to  eicuse  tbeìr  long 
ne^ligence  in  guordtng  against  tbe  contagion,  bad  a  con- 
fiidérablB  share  in  this  opinion  :  that  tbere  waa  a  good 
deal  of  eiaggeration  in  it  ;  but  at  the  sanie  time  some- 
thing  of  truth.  Tbere  is  a  Bmall  work  on  this  peetileuee, 
writteo  hj  bis  own  band,  preserved  in  tbe  Ambrosian 
Library  ;  and  the  following  is  one  among  many  instancea 
where  auch  a  sentiment  is  eipressed  : — '  Ou  the  method 
of  compounding  and  spreading  auch  poiaonous  ointments 

ymany  and  various  tbings  are  reported,  aome  of  vhìcb  we 
consider  as  true,  whOe  otbers  appear  to  uà  entirelf 
imaginaiy.'  * 

Some  tbere  were  who,  to  the  veiy  laat,  and  ever  after-  ' 
vords,  thought  that  it  was  ali  itnagination  ;  and  we  leam 
thia,  Dot  from  themselves,  for  no  one  bad  ever  sufficienc 
hardihood  to  exposé  to  the  public  an  opinion  so  oppoaed 
to  that  of  tbe  public  ;  but  from  tbose  writere  who  deride 
it,  or  rebuke  it,  or  confute  it,  as  the  prejudice  of  a  few, 
an  error  wbich  no  one  had  ever  dared  to  make  tbe  subject 
of  open  dispute,  but  which  nevertheleaa  existed;  and  we 
leamt  it,  tao,  Irom  one  who  bad  derived  it  from  tradition. 
'  I  bave  met  with  senaible  and  weU-infonned  people  in 
Milan,'  aays  the  good  Muratori  in  the  above-quotea  pas- 
sage,.'  who  had  received  trustwortby  accounts  &om  tneir 

*  '  Ungaenl*  vera  htec  aiabant  componi  coaSciqu»  maltifuiaiD, 
batldiique  viu  esM  complnrea:  quarom  bids  fraudum  et  artiuin,  aliii 
qaìdem  aueatimur,  aliu  vera  dctos  fnìsae  cDmnientitisKque  arbitra- 
nuc' — De  Peate  qiue,  MedioUni,  uua  1630,  nuigaam  «tngem  edidU. 


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XXXII.]  TIIE   BETROTHED.  COI 

ftnceators,  and  irbo  were  hj  no  means  pereuaded  of  the 
trulli  of  the  facta  concemìag  these  paÌBOnouB  ointmenta.' 
It  Beems  there  waa  a  aecret  outlet  for  tnith,  acme  reinaìn- 
iag  domeatic  confidence  ;  good  genae  stili  eiiated  ;  but  it 
waa  kept  concealed,  for  fear  of  the  popular  sense. 

The  magistrates,  reduced  in  number  dai]y,  and  dia- 
heartened  and  perplexed  in  everjrthing.  tumed  ali  their 
little  vigilance,  ao  to  aay,  ali  the  little  reeolution  of  whìch 
they  were  any  longer  capable,  in  search  of  theae  poiaon- 
era.  And  tuo  eaaily  did  they  think  they  had  found 
them. 

The  judicìal  eentencea  whicb  followed  in  conaequenee 
were  not,  certninly,  the  first  of  BUch  a  nature  ;  nor,  in- 
deed,  can  they  he  coneìdered  aa  uncommon  in  the  hiatory 
of  jurisprudence.  For,  to  aay  nothing  of  antiquity,  and 
to  mention  onìy  some  inatancea  in  timea  more  nearly  ap- 
proaching  thoae  of  which  we  are  treating,  in  Oeneva,  in 
1530,  afterwarda  in  1545,  and  again  in  1574  ;  in  Caaale 
Monferrato,  in  1536  ;  in  Padua,  in  1555  ;  in  Turin,  in 
1599  ;  in  Palermo,  in  1526  ;  and  again  in  Turin,  thia  aame 
year  1630  ;  bere  one,  there  many  unhappy  creaturea  were 
tried,  and  condemned  to  punisbments  the  moat  atrocious, 
aa  guilty  of  having  propagated  the  piagne  by  meana  of 
powdere,  ointmentg,  witchcraft,  or  ali  tbeae  together. 
£ut  the  affair  of  the  so-called  anointings  at  Milan,  ae  it 
waa,  perhapa,  the  longeat  remembered  and  the  most  widety 
talbea  of,  ao,  perhapa,  it  ia  the  moat  worthy  of  obserra- 
tion  ;  or,  to  speak  more  exactlj',  there  ia  further  room  to 
make  obaerrationa  upon  it,  from  the  remaining  existence 
of  more  circumstantial  and  more  exteosive  documenta. 
And  although  a  wrìter  we  bave,  not  long  ago,  commend- 
ed,*  haa  employed  bimaelf  on  them,  yet,  hia  object  having 
been,  not  ao  mueh  to  give  the  hiatory,  properly  speaking, 
aa  to  eitract  thence  politicai  suggeations,  for  a  atill  more 
worthy  and  important  purpoae,  it  aeemed  to  uè  that  the 
biatory  of  the  piagne  mignt  form  the  aubject  of  a  new 
work.  But  it  ia  not  a  matter  to  be  paesed  over  in  a  few 
worda  ;  and  to  treat  it  with  the  copiouenesa  it  deserves 
*  P  Verri,  work  befon  meotiDaed. 


i,,C,00'^lc 


60S  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

Tould  canj  iu  too  far  beyond  our  limita.  Besides,  After 
we  should  bave  paused  upoD  oli  theae  inddents,  the  reader 
would  certainly  no  loager  care  to  know  tbose  that  remain 
in  our  narrative.  Beàerring,  therefore,  for  another  pub- 
lication  the  acconnt  of  the  former,  we  vili,  at  length, 
return  to  our  charscten,  not  to  leare  thetn  again  tiU  we 
reach  the  end. 


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XXXIII.]  THE    BRTRPTHEI). 


CUAPTEE  XXXIII. 

HNE  night,  towarda  tlie  end  of  Auguit,  exactlj 
1  during  the  very  teiglit  of  the  pestUence,  Don 
Bodrigo  retumed  to  hig  residence  at  Milan, 
accoinpanied  hj  the  faithful  Orìao,  one  of  the 
three  or  fourwho  remained  to  him  out  of  bis 
whole  boosebold.  He  was  returning  from  a  company  of 
frìends,  who  were  sccuatomed  to  assemblo  at  a  banquet, 
to  divert  tlie  melancholy  of  the  tiniei  ;  and  on  each  occa- 
BÌon,  some  new  frienda  were  there,  some  old  onei  misBÌog. 
That  day  he  had  been  one  of  the  menieat  of  the  party  ; 
and,  among  other  thinga,  had  ezcited  a  great  deal  of 
laughter  among  the  company,  by  a  kind  of  funerat  eulo- 
gium  on  the  Count  Attilio,  who  had  been  carried  off  by 
the  piagne  two  days  before. 

In  «alking  home,  howerer,  he  fett  a  longuor,  a  depres- 
Kon,  a  weakneM  in  hia  Umba,  a  difficulty  of  breathing, 
and  an  inward  buming  beat,  wbicb  be  would  willingty 
bave  «ttributed  entirely  to  the  wine,  to  late  bours,  to  fiié 
MAsoo.  He  nttered  not  a  ayllable  the  whole  way  ;  and 
the  first  word  wao,  when  they  reached  the  faonse,  to  order 


,c,oglc 


ISI.  [CH. 

Griao  to  light  hìm  to  hia  room.  Wbeci  they  were  there, 
Qriso  obaerved  the  wild  and  heated  look  of  hia  muter'a 
fnce,  hÌB  eyee  almoat  etarting  from  their  socketa,  Etnd 
peculìarly  btilliant  :  he  kept,  therefore,  at  a  diatance  ; 
for,  in  tbeee  circumBt&nces,  every  ragamufBn  waa  obliged 
to  look  for  himaelf,  aa  the  sayiog  is,  witb  a  medica]  ève. 

'  l'm  well,  jou  Bee,'  aaid  Don  Rodrigo,  who  read  in 
Qrìso'B  actioD  the  tfaougbta  vhicb  were  paasing  ia  bis 
mÌDd.  '  l'ra  very  well  ;  Dut  l've  taken  . .  .  .  l've  taken, 
perhaps,  a  little  too  mucb  to  drink.  Tbere  waa  aome 
capital  wine  !  .  . .  .  But  witb  a  good  night'a  sleep,  it  will 
go  off.  l'm  very  sleepj  ....  Take  that  ligbt  away  from 
before  my  eyea,  it  dazzfes  me  ....  it  teazea  me  !  ...  .' 

'  It'a  ali  the  effects  of  the  wine,'  aaid  Griao,  stili  keepìng 
at  a  distance  ;  '  but  lie  down  quickly,  for  eleep  will  do 
you  good.' 

'  You're  rigbt  ;  if  I  can  aleep  ....  After  ali,  l'm  well 
enough.  Put  that  little  beli  dose  by  my  bed,  if  I  ahould 
vant  anything  in  the  night  :  and  be  on  the  watch,  you 
know,  perchance  you  ahould  hear  me  ring.  But  I  ehan't 
wantanything  ....  Take  away  that  cursed  light  directly,' 
resumed  he,  while  Griso  executed  the  order,  approacbing 
him  aa  little  aa  poeaibìe.  '  The  — — —  !  it  plaguea  me 
excessively  1  '  Griso  then  took  the  light,  and  wìbdìhe;  hia 
master  good  night,  took  a  hasty  departure,  while  Bodrigo 
buried  himaelf  under  the  bed-clothea. 

But  the  couDterpane  aeemed  to  bim  like  a  mountain. 
He  threw  it  off,  and  trìed  to  compose  himaelf  to  reat  ;  for, 
in  fact,  be  waa  dying  of  sleep.  But  Bcarcely  had  he  cloaed 
Ims  eyea,  whea  he  awoke  again  with  a  atart,  aa  if  aome 
wickedly-disposed  pereon  were  givin^  him  a  shake  ;  and 
he  felt  an  increaae  of  burning  beat,  an  increaae  of  delirium. 
Hia  thougbta  recurred  to  the  season,  the  wine,  and  hìs 
debauchery  ;  he  «ould  gladly  bave  given  tbem  the  blame 
of  ali  ;  but  there  waa  conatantly  aubstituted,  of  ita  own 
accord,  for  these  ideas,  that  which  waa  then  asaociated 
with  ali,  which  entered,  so  to  say,  by  every  senso,  which 
bad  been  introduced  into  ali  the  conversationa  at  the 
banquet,  since  it  waa  much  easier  to  turn  it  into  ridicule, 
tban  to  get  out  of  ita  reach — the  peatilence. 


b,C,oo'^lc 


XXXni.]  THE   BBTROTHSD.  606 

After  a  loDg  battle,  lie  at  lengtb  fell  asleep,  and  began 
to  dream  the  most  gloomy  and  disquieting  dreama  in  tbe 
world.  He  went  on  from  one  thing  to  another,  till  he 
•eemed  to  find  himself  in  a  Urge  church,  in  the  first  ranks, 
in  the  midst  of  a  great  crond  of  people  ;  there  he  was 
wondering  how  he  nad  got  there,  how  the  thought  had 
ever  ent«red  hia  head,  particularly  at  Buch  a  time  ;  and 
he  felb  in  his  heart  eiceBsìveLr  vexed.     He  looked  at  the 


byetanders  ;  they  had  ali  pale  emaciated  couatenances, 
vitli  atariog  ana  glietening  eyea,  and  hanging  lìpa  ;  theìr 
garmenta  were  tattered,  and  falling  to  piecea  ;  and  tbrough 
the  rents  appeored  livid  spots,  and  swellìngs.  '  Make 
room,  you  rabbie  !  '  he  faacied  he  cried,  looking  towarda 
the  door,  vfaich  was  far,  far  sway  ;  and  accompanjing  the 
cry  wìth  a  threatenìng  eipreBsion  of  countenance,  but  with- 
out  moTÌng  a  limb  ;  nay,  eren  drawing  up  his  hoày  to 
avoid  cornine  in  contact  with  those  polluted  creaturee, 
who  crowdeo  only  too  cloeely  upon  him  on  every  side. 
But  net  one  of  the  aenBelesa  beings  aeemed  to  move,  nor 
eren  to  hare  heard  him  ;  nay,  they  presaed  stili  more 
upon  him  ;  and,  above  ali,  it  felt  as  ìf  some  one  of  them 
with  his  elbow,  or  whaterer  tt  might  be,  Tras  puahing 
against  hia  left  side,  between  the  heart  and  the  arm-pit, 
vhere  he  feU  a  painful  and,  as  it  n-ere,  heavy  pressure. 
And  if  he  writhed  himself  to  getrid  of  this  uueoay  feeling, 
immediately  a  fresh  unknown  something  began  to  prick 
him  in  the  verr  same  place.  Enraged,  he  attempted  to  lay 
his  hand  on  his  sword  ;  and  then  it  seemed  as  if  the 
thronging  of  the  multitude  had  raised  it  up  level  with 
hia  chest,  and  that  it  was  the  hilt  of  it  which  pressed  so 
in  that  spot  ;  and  the  moment  he  touched  it  be  felt  a  stili 
abarper  stitch.  He  cried  out,  panted,  and  would  have 
uttered  a  stili  louder  cry,  when,  behold  !  ali  these  faces 
turned  in  one  direction.  He  looked  the  same  way,  per- 
ceived  a  pulpit,  and  saw  slowly  rìsìug  above  ita  edge 
something  round,  smooth,  and  Bhining;  tben  rose,  and 
distinctìy  appeared,  a  bald  head  ;  then  two  eyes,  a  face, 
a  long  and  wnite  beard,  and  the  upright  figure  of  a  iriar, 
visihle  aboTe  the  sides  down  to  tne  gìrdle  ;  it  waa  &iar  i, 
Criatoforo.     Sarting  a  look  around  npon  his  audience,  he 


,c,oglc 


606  I  FsoHBSSi  apoai.  [ch. 

seemed  to  Don  Bodrigo  to  Gx  his  gaza  on  hùn,  «t;  the 
Bame  time  raisiiig  his  band  in  exacti;  the  attitude  he  had 
BBsumed  in  tfaat:  room  on  the  ground  ftoor  in  his  palace. 
Don  Bodrigo  then  himself  lifted  up  his  band  in  fmy,  and 
made  an  efibrt,  aa  if  to  throv  himself  forvard  and  graap 
that  arm  extended  in  the  air;  a  voice,  which  had  beea 
Tsinly  and  secreti;  struggling  in  bis  throat,  bunt  fortb 
in  a  ^reat  howl  ;  and  he  awoke.  He  dropped  the  arm  he 
had  m  reality  uplifted,  strove,  with  some  difficulty,  to 
recover  the  rìght  meaning  of  everjthing,  and  to  open  his 
eyes,  for  the  Tight  of  the  alreadj  advanced  day  gave  bim 
no  less  imeasìnesH  than  that  of  the  candle  nad  done; 
recognized  hia  hed  and  hia  chamber;  understood  that  ali 
had  been  a  dream  ;  the  church,  tbe  people,  the  friar,  aH 
had  vanished — ali,  but  one  thiog— that  pain  in  bis  left 
side.  Together  with  thìa,  he  felt  a  frìghtful  acceleration 
of  palpìtation  at  the  heart,  a  noiae  and  humming  in  his 
ears,  a  raging  fire  withia,  and  a  wei^ht  in  oli  bis  lìmba, 
worae  than  when  he  Uy  down.  He  hesitated  a  little 
before  loohing  at  the  spot  that  pained  him;  at  length,  he 
uncovered  ìt,  and  glanced  at  it  with  a  shudder: — there 
was  a  hìdeous  spot,  of  a  livid  purple  bue. 

The  man  saw  himself  lost  ;  tbe  terror  of  death  aeised 
bim,  and,  with  perhaps  stili  stronger  feeling,  tbe  terror 
of  becoming  the  prey  of  nto/iatti,  of  being  carried  off,  of 
heing  tbrown  Ìnto  the  Lazzeretto.  And  as  he  detiberat«d 
on  tììG  waj  of  avoiding  thia  borrible  fate,  he  felt  hie 
tbougbts  become  more  perplezed  and  obacure  ;  he  &lt  the 
moment  drawing  near  that  wonld  leave  bim  only  con* 
Bciousness  enougb  to  reduce  him  to  despair.  He  grasped 
the  beli,  and  abook  it  violenti;.  Oriso,  wbo  w&a  on  the 
alert,  immedintel;  answered  ita  summona.  He  stood  at 
some  distance  &om  the  bed,  gazed  attentivelv  at  bis 
master,  and  was  at  once  convinced  of  what  he  had  con- 
jectured  tbe  night  before. 

'  Qrìao  !  '  said  Don  Bodrigo,  with  difBcolt;  raising  him- 
self, and  sitting  up  in  his  bed,  '70U  bave  always  been  tny 
trustv  Bervant.' 

'  Tes,  Signor,' 

'  1  bave  always  dealt  well  b;  you.' 


b,C,oo'^lc 


xxziii.]  THB  BsmxnaxD.  vn 

'  Of  your  bounty.' 

'  I  think  I  may  tmst  yoo  . .  . .' 

•Ite V 

■  I  am  ili,  GMso.' 

'  I  had  perceived  ìt.' 

'  If  I  recorer,  I  wiìl  beap  apoD  yon  more  &Tonn  tfam 
I  ha»e  erer  yet  done.' 

QrÌBO  maoe  no  ancrver,  and  ttood  waitiiig  to  aee  to 
vhat  ali  tbese  preambles  woiild  Itiad. 

'I  will  not  truit  myielf  to  anybody  but  you,'  reiumed 
Don  Bodrìgo  ;  '  do  me  a  kìndneM,  Oriio.' 

'  Command  me,'  said  be,  replyin  gwith  tbia  luual  fonnula 
to  that  unuBual  one. 

'  Do  you  know  vbere  tbe  aui^oD,  Chiodo,  lìrea  t  ' 

'  I  know  very  well.' 

'  He  ìb  a  worthy  man,  wbo,  if  he  n  well  pvid,  will  con- 
ceal  the  aicb.  O-o  and  find  him  ;  teli  bim  1  will  gire  bini 
four,  bìz  tcudi  a  vinit  ;  more,  if  be  demanda  more.  Teli 
him  to  come  bere  direutly  ;  and  do  the  thing  cleverly,  bo 
tbat  nobody  may  obserre  iL' 

*  Well  tbought  o(,'  said  Griio  ;  '  I  go,  and  return.' 

'  Liaten,  Onso  ;  gìve  me  a  drop  of  water  first.  I  am 
BO  parched  with  tbirat,  I  can  bear  it  no  louger.' 

'  Signor,  no,'  replied  Orieo  ;  '  notbing  without  the  doc- 
tor'e  teave.  Theàe  are  tickUah  eompuinta  ;  there  te  no 
time  to  be  Ioat.  Keep  quiet — in  tbe  twinkling  of  an  eye 
l'il  be  bere  with  Chiodo.* 

So  aaying,  he  went  out,  impatiently  ahntting  tbe  door 
behind  oim. 

Don  Bodrigo  lay  down,  and  accompanied  bim,  in  inag- 
ination,  to  Chiodo'a  house,  counting  the  itepa,  calculating 
the  time.  Now  and  then  he  would  tum  to  look  at  hia 
left  side,  but  quicklr  averted  hii  face  with  a  shudder. 
After  Bome  time,  he  Degan  to  liaten  eagerly  for  the  Bur-  y^ 
geon'a  arrìral  ;  and  tbis  efibrt  of  atteotion  Buapended  hia 
BenBe  of  itlneai,  and  kept  bis  tbouglita  in  some  degree  of 
order.  Ali  of  a  Budden,  be  heard  a  distant  sound,  whicb 
Beemed,  however,  to  come  firom  tbe  rooms,  not  the  Street. 
He  Hstened  stili  more  intently  ;  be  hesrd  it  louder,  more 
quickly  repeated  ;  and  with  it  a  trampling  of  footstepa. 


SI,  [CH, 

A  horrid  suspicion  ruahed  into  tue  mind.  Heaat  up,  and 
gave  ttill  greater  attentìou  ;  hebeard  a  dead  sound  in  the 
Dezt  room  as  ìf  a  weight  were  being  cautiouBty  set  down. 
He  threw  bia  lega  out  of  bed,  as  if  to  get  up  ;  peeped  at 
the  door,  eaw  it  open,  and  beheld  before  bia  ejes,  and  ad* 
vancing  towarda  nim,  tno  ragged  and  filthy  red  dressea, 
twD  ill-looking  faces — in  one  word,  two  monatti.  He 
distinfruisbed,  too,  half  of  Qnso'a  face,  who,  bìddeu 
bebind  the  almost  cloaed  door,  remamed  there  on  tbe  look- 
out. 

'  Ah,  infamous  traitor  !  .  .  .  .  Segone,  you  raacala  !  Bi- 
ondino! Carlotto!  help!  l'm  murdered!'  ebouted  Don 
Bodrìgo.  He  tbrust  one  band  under  the  boUter  in  eearch 
of  a  pÌ8tol  ;  grasped  it  ;  drew  it  out  ;  biit,  at  bia  first  cry, 
tbe  monatli  bad  ruabed  up  to  the  bed  ;  the  foremoat  la 
upon  hirn  before  he  can  do  any thing  further  ;  he  wrenchea 
tbe  pistol  out  of  bis  band,  throwe  it  to  a  distance,  forcea 
tim  to  lie  àown  again,  and  keeps  him  there,  crying  with 
a  grin  of  fury  mingled  with  conterapt,  '  Ah,  villain  !  againat 
the  ntonalti  !  againat  the  officerà  of  the  Board  !  agaiost 
thoae  who  perfbrm  worka  of  mercy  !  ' 

'  Hold  bim  &st  till  we  carry  him  off,'  eaid  bis  compan- 
ion,  going  towards  a  trunk.  Qriao  tben  eutered,  and 
began  witb  him  to  force  open  tbe  lock. 

'  Scoundrel  !  '  howled  Don  Eodrigo,  looking  at  bim  from 
under  the  fellow  who  held  him  down,  and  writhing  himeelf 
under  the  graap  of  hia  ainewy  arma.  '  First  let  me  kill 
that  infamoua  rascal  t  '  aaid  he  to  the  monatti,  '  and  after- 
wtada  do  witb  mewbatvouwilJ.'  Tben  he  began  to  shout 
vith  loud  enea  to  his  other  aervante  :  but  in  vain  he  called  ; 
for  the  abominable  tìriao  bad  aeut  them  ali  off  with  pre- 
tended  ordere  from  their  master  himeelf,  before  going  to 
propose  to  the  monatti  to  coma  on  thla  expedition,  and 
divide  the  epoil. 

'  Be  quiet,  will  you,'  said  the  villain  who  held  him  down 
upon  the  bed,  to  the  unfortunate  Don  Bodrigo.  And 
tuming  bla  face  to  the  two  who  were  aeizing  the  booty, 
he  crìed  to  them,  'Do  your  work  like  honest  fello ws.' 

'  Tou  !  you  !  '  roared  Don  Rodrigo  to  Griso,  wbom  he 
beheld  busying  hlmaelf  in  breaking  open,  taking  out  money 


,»oglc 


XX.^111.]  THE   BETEOTHED.  609 

aaj  clotbea,  and  divìdine  theni.  '  You  !  afler  I  .  .  .  .  Ab, 
fieud  of  beli  !  I  luay  BtilT  recover  1  I  may  stili  recover  1  ' 
GrÌBo  BDoke  not,  nor,  more  than  he  could  help,  even  turaed 
ìd  tlie  direction  whence  these  words  proceeded. 

'  Hald  him  fast,'  eaid  the  other  monatto  ;  '  be'a  frantic. 

The  iniaerable  being  becarae  so  indeed.  After  one  laat 
aud  more  violent  efibrt  of  criea  and  contortions,  he  aud- 
denly  aank  down  aenaeless  in  a  awoon  ;  he  stili,  however, 
Btared  fiiedlj,  as  if  spell-bauod  ;  and  from  time  to  time 
gave  a  feeble  atruggle,  or  uttered  a  kind  of  howl. 

The  monatti  took  him,  one  by  the  feet  and  the  other  by 
the  ahouldera,  and  went  to  depoeit  him  on  a  hand-barrow 
which  they  had  left  in  the  adjoining  room  ;  aft^rwards 
one  retumed  to  fetch  the  booty  ;  and  then,  taking  up  their 
mÌBerable  burden,  they  carried  ali  away. 

Griso  remained  behind  to  aelect  in  baste  ivhatever  more 
might  be  of  uae  to  him  ;  and  making  them  up  into  a  bun- 
dle,  took  bis  departure.  Uè  had  carefully  avoided  touch- 
iog  the  monatti,  or  being  touched  by  them  ;  but  ia  the 
last  hurry  of  plunder,  he  had  taken  from  the  bed-side  his 
maater'a  clotKes  and  ahaken  them,  without  thinking  of 
anything  but  of  aeeing  whether  there  were  money  in  them. 
He  was  forced  to  think  of  ìt,  however,  the  neit  day  ;  for, 
while  makiug  merry  in  a  public-bouBe,  he  waa  auddenly 
aeiaed  with  a  cold  shlver,  bia  eyea  became  clouded,  bis 
atrength  failed  him,  and  he  aank  to  the  ground.  Abau- 
donea  by  hia  compauiona,  he  fell  into  the  banda  of  the 
monatti,  who,  despoiling  him  of  whatevcr  he  had  about 
him  worth  having,  threw  bim  upon  a  car,  on  which  be 
expired  before  reacbing  the  Lasseretto,  whither  hia  master 
had  been  carried. 

LesvÌDg  the  latter,  for  the  preaent,  in  thia  abode  of 
suffcring,  we  must  now  so  in  aearch  of  snother,  whoae 
bistory  would  never  bave  been  bleaded  with  hia,  if  it  bad 
not  been  forced  upon  him  whether  he  would  or  not  ;  in- 
deed we  may  ^fely  aay,  that  neither  one  nor  the  other 
would  have  had  aoy  bistory  at  ali  :^I  mean  Benzo,  whom  •/ 
we  left  in  the  new  ailk-mill  under  the  aasumed  name  of 
Antonio  Itivolto. 

Ha  had  been  there  about  five  or  sii  months,  if  I  am 


,„oglc 


610  I   FBOXBSSI  SFOai.  [CH. 

not  mistaken,  wten,  onmity  baving  been  openly  declared 
between  the  Bepublic  sud  the  King  gf  Spam,  and  there- 
fore  eveiy  apprebension  of  ìll-officea  and  trouble  from  that 
quarter  hanng  ceaeed,  Bortolo  eagerljr  went  to  fetcb  hìm 
awBj,  and  take  him  again  into  bis  own  employmeQt,  both 
because  he  waa  fond  of  bim,  and  because  £eiiEo,  being 
naturai]?  intetligent,  and  skilful  in  the  trade,  was  of  great 
UBO  to  tìiejaetolvm  in  a  manufactorr,  wìthout  ever  oeÌBg 
able  to  aiipire  at  tbat  office  bimsetf,  from  bis  inabilìty 
to  wrìte.  Ab  tbÌB  resBon  weigbed  with  bim  ìd  Bome 
measure,  we  were  obliged,  therefore,  to  mention  ìt.  Per- 
baps  the  reader  wouìd  rather  bave  had  a  moro  ideal  Bortolo  : 
but  wbat  can  I  aay  P  be  must  imagine  one  for  bimself. 
We  deBcribe  bim  as  he  waa. 

From  tbat  time  Banzo  continued  to  work  wìtb  hìm. 
More  than  once  or  twice,  and  eepecially  after  banng  re- 
ceÌTfid  one  of  tboBe  charming  lettera  from  Agnese,  he  had 
felt  a  great  fàncy  to  enliat  ob  a  soldler,  and  make  an  end 
ofiti  nor  wore  opportnnitieB  wanting  ;  for  just  durìng 
tbat  interrai,  the  Bepublic  often  stood  in  need  of  men. 
The  temptation  bad  sometimeB  been  the  more  pressing  to 
Renzo,  because  they  evea  talked  of  invading  the  Milanese  ; 
and  it  naturally  appeared  to  him  th&t  it  would  be  a  fine 
thing  to  return  in  the  ^uise  of  a  conqueror  to  bis  own 
home,  to  Bee  Lncia  again,  and  for  once  come  to  an  es- 
planation  witb  ber.  But,  by  clever  management,  Bortolo 
had  always  contrired  to  divert  him  from  the  resolutioD. 
'  If  tbey  bave  to  go  tbere,'  be  would  say,  '  tbev  can  go 
veli  enougb  without  you,  and  you  can  go  tbere  anerwarda 
at  your  convenience  ;  if  they  come  back  with  a  broken 
head,  won't  it  be  better  to  nave  been  out  of  the  fray? 
Tbere  woa't  be  wanting  desperate  fellowson  the  highway 
for  robberìes.  And  h^ore  they  set  foot  thera  !  .  .  .  .  Aa 
for  me,  I  am  somewbat  inereduiouB  ;  these  fellowe  bark; 
but  let  them  ;  the  Milanese  is  not  a  mouthful  to  be  ao 
easily  swallowed.  Spain  is  conceroed  in  it,  my  dear  fel- 
low  :  do  you  know  wbat  it  is  to  deal  with  Spain  P  St 
Mark  is  strong  enougb  at  home  :  but  ìt  will  take  some- 
thing  more  tban  tbat.  Bave patience  ;  ar'n'tyou  welloff 
here  P ....  I  know  wbat  you  would  aay  to  me  ;  but  if  it 


,»oglc 


XXXlIt.]  TUE   BBTEOTHED.  ffu 

he  decreed  sbove  tbat  the  thing  aucceed,  rest  usnred  it 
wJU  aucceed  better  bj  your  plAyioB  no  foolerìes.  Some 
MÌat  will  help  you.  Believe  me,  it  a  no  buBinaBB  of  yoiin. 
Do  you  think  it  would  suit  you  to  le&ve  winding  ulk  to 
go  vid  murder  P  What  would  you  do  amoQg  auch  a  aet 
of  people  ?    It  requiree  men  wfao  are  made  for  it.' 

At  other  times  Benzo  resolved  to  go  Hcietly,  dU- 
goised,  and  under  a  falae  name.  But  from  thia  project, 
too,  Bortolo  always  eontrired  to  divert  hìm  witn  argu- 
mente  that  may  be  too  eoaily  coniectured. 

The  plague  having  afterwarda  brokeu  cut  in  the 
Milanese  territory,  and  eren,  as  we  bave  aaid,  on  the 
confinea  of  the  Bergimaacan,  it  wob  not  long  before  it 
eitended  itaelf  hitber,  and  .  . .  .  be  not  diemajed,  for  I 
am  not  going  to  give  another  hiatory  of  thia:  if  auy  ona 
wishea  it,  it  may  be  found  ia  a  work  by  one  Lorenzo 
Ghirardelli,  written  by  public  order  ;  a  acarce  and  almoat 
unknowtt  work,  however,  although  it  containa,  perbapa, 
more  fully  than  ali  the  rest  put  together,  the  most  cele- 
brated  deacriptiona  of  peatilencea  :  on  so  many  thinga 
doea  the  celebrity  of  booka  depend  !  What  I  would  aay 
ÌB,  that  Henso  bIho  took  the  plague,  and  cured  himaelf, 
tbat  ia  to  aay,  he  did  notbing  ;  he  waa  at  the  point  of 
death,  but  bis  good  conatitution  conquered  the  atrengtb 
of  tbe  malady:  in  a  few  daya  he  was  out  of  danger. 
With  tbe  return  of  Ufe,  ita  cares.ita  wiahes,  hopea,  recol- 
lectiona,  and  deaigna,  were  renened  with  doublé  poìgnancy 
andvigour;  which  ia  equivalent  to  aayingtbat  he  tbought 
more  than  ever  of  Lucia.  Vhat  nad  become  of  ber, 
during  tbe  time  that  life  was,  as  it  were,  an  eiception  ?  ^ 
And  at  so  sliort  a  diatance  from  ber,  could  be  learn 
notbing  ?  And  to  remain,  Ghod  knew  bow  long  !  ia  such 
a  State  of  uncertaintr  !  And  even  when  thia  ahould  be 
remoTed,  wbea,  ali  clanger  being  over,  he  sbould  learn 
tbat  Lucia  stili  aurrìred  ;  there  would  always  remala 
that  other  knot,  tbat  obacurity  about  the  tow. — l'U  go 
m^aelf;  l'Il  go  and  leam  about  ererything  at  once, — 
■aid  he  to  himself,  and  he  aaid  it  before  he  was  again  in 
a  condition  to  ateady  himaelf  upon  bis  feet — Provided 
sbe  livea  !    Ah,  if  she  Hrea  !  l'U  fìnd  ber,  that  I  will  ;  l'U 


.OOgiC 


612  I   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

bear  once  fìram  ber  own  lipa  irhat  tbis  promiM  ts,  l'il 
moke  ber  see  th&t  it  cannot  dold  good,  and  l'II  bring  ber 
away  with  me,  ber,  and  tbat  poor  Agnese,  if  sbe's  living  ! 
wbo  has  alwayB  wisbed  me  well,  and  l'm  aure  sbe  doee  so 
stili.  Tbe  captare!  aha!  tbe  BurvivorB  bave  aometbing 
else  to  tbink  about  now.  People  go  about  safely,  even 
bere,  wbo  bave  on  tbem  ....  Will  there  bave  been  a 
Eafe-conduct  only  for  bailifia?  And  at  &Iilan,  everybody 
sajB  tbat  tbere  are  otber  disturbancea  there.  If  I  let  so 
good  aa  opportimìty  psss~(tbe  plague  !  Onl^  see  bow 
tbat  rever^  inatinct  of  referrìng  and  makìng  aubservient 
everribing  to  ouraelves,  maj  sometimes  lead  uà  to  apply 
vords  !) — I  may  never  bave  sucb  anotber  ! — 

It  is  veli  to  bope,  my  good  Benzo.  Scarcely  conld 
be  drag  bimBelf  about,  wbea  be  set  off  in  aearcb  of 
Bortolo,  wbo  bad  so  far  succeeded  io  escapiog  tbe  pesti- 
leoce,  and  was  stili  kept  in  reserve.  He  did  not  go  into 
tbe  bouse,  but,  calliug  to  bim  from  tbe  Street,  tneìae  bim 
come  to  tbe  window. 

'Aba!'  said  Bortolo:  'you've  escaped  it,  tben  !  It'a 
well  for  you  !  ' 

'  l'm  stili  rather  weak  in  my  limbs,  you  see,  but  as  to 
the  danger,  it's  ali  over.' 

'Ay,  l'd  gladly  be  in  your  eboea.  It  used  to  be 
everjthing  to  aay,  "l'm  well;"  but  now  it  counta  for 
very  little.  He  who  is  able  to  aay,  "  l'm  better,"  can 
indeed  Bay  Bometbing  !  ' 

Benzo  expresaed  some  good  wishee  for  bis  cousin,  and 
imparted  to  bim  bis  resolution. 

'  Oo,  tbis  time,  and  Heaveo  proepter  yon  !  '  replied  be. 
'  Tiy  to  avoid  juatice,  aa  I  sball  try  to  avoid  the  con- 
tagion  ;  and,  if  it  be  God's  will  tbat  thinga  should  go 
well  witb  US  botb,  we  abolì  meet  again.' 

'  Oh,  I  Bhall  certainly  come  back  :  God  grant  I  may 
not  come  alone  !     Well  :  we  will  bope.' 

'  Come  back  in  company  ;  for,  if  God  «ills,  we  will  ali 
work  togetber,  and  make  up  a  good  party.  I  onl^  bope 
you  may  find  me  alive,  and  tìiat  tbis  odious  epidemie  may 
bave  come  to  an  end  I  ' 


;dbv  Google 


XXXIII.]  THE   BETROTHED.  613 

'  We  sball  see  each  other  again,  we  sball  see  each  other 
igfàn  ;  we  must  see  each  other  again  !  ' 

'  I  repeat,  Qtod  graat  it  !  ' 

For  aeveral  da^B  Benzo  practised  taking  a  little  eser- 
eise,  to  aesaf  and  recruit  his  atrength  ;  and  no  sooner 
did  he  deem  himself  capable  of  performing  the  journef, 
tfaan  be  prepared  to  set  out.  Under  bis  clotbee  he 
buckled  a  girdle  round  hia  waist,  oontaining  tbose  fifty 
tcudi  upoD  whicb  be  had  never  laid  a  finger,  and  wbica 
he  had  never  confided  to  saj  one,  not  even  to  Bortolo  ; 
he  took  ft  few  more  pence  with  bim,  wbìcb  be  had  aaved 
day  after  day,  by  liviug  Tery  economieally  ;  put  under 
Ma  arm  a  amali  bundle  of  clothea,  and  in  bia  pocket  a 
character,  witb  the  name  of  Antonio  Rivolta,  wnicb  had 
been  very  willingly  given  bini  by  his  secoud  master  ;  in 
one  pocket  of  bis  trowaers  he  placed  a  large  knife,  the 
leaet  tbat  an  boneat  man  could  carry  in  tbose  days  ;  and 
set  off  on  his  peregrinations,  on  the  last  day  of  Augaat, 
three  days  after  Don  Rodrigo  had  been  carried  to  the 
LazEeretto.  He  took  tbe  way  towarda  Lecco,  wishing, 
before  renturing  hiraself  in  Milan,  to  pass  tbrougb  hia 
rillage,  wbere  be  hoped  to  find  Agnese  aiÌTe,and  to  begia 
by  learning  from  ber  some  of  the  many  tbings  be  so 
ùdently  longed  to  know. 

Tbe  few  who  bad  recovered  from  the  pestilence  were, 
among  the  rest  of  tbe  population,  indeed  like  a  ^rìvi- 
leged  class.  A  great  proportion  of  the  others  languished 
or  died;  and  those  wbo  had  been  bitbeito  untoncbed  by 
tbe  contagion  lived  in  Constant  apprebension  of  it.  They 
walked  cautiously  and  warily  about,  with  measured  steps, 
gloomy  looka,  and  baste  at  once  and  besitation  :  ter 
ererjthing  might  be  a  weapon  against  tbem  to  inflict  a 
mortai  wound.  Tbese,  on  the  contrary,  almost  certain  of 
■afety  (for  Ut  bave  the  pingue  twice  waa  rather  a  pro- 
digious  than  a  rare  inatance),  went  about  in  tbe  midat  of 
the  contagion,  freely  and  boldly,  like  the  knìgbtB  during 
one  pan  of  tbe  middle  agea  ;  wbo,  encased  in  stee^ 
vhereTer  steel  might  be,  and  mounted  on  chargera, 
themselTes  defeaded  as  impenetrably  as  possible,  went 


614  T   FKOMBSSI   SPOSI.  [CR. 

ramblìng  abdut  at  hazard  («hence  their  gloHoua  denotn- 
inatioQ  of  knigbts-erraat),  among  a  poor  pedestrian  herd 
of  burghers  and  villagers,  who,  to  repel  and  ward  off  their 
blows,  had  nothiiig  on  them  but  rags.  Beautiful,  eapìent, 
and  UBfiful  profesiion  I  a  profeEsion  fit  to  mahe  the  fint 
figure  in  a  treatise  oa  politicai  ecoQomy  ! 

With  Bucli  Beeuritr,  t«mpered,  howerer,  by  the  aniiety 
with  which  our  readere  are  acquainted,  and  bj  the  &è- 
qaent  spectocle  and  perpetuai  cootemplatìoa  of  the  ani- 
Tereal  calamity,  Benzo  punued  bis  homeward  wajr,  under 
a  beautiful  aky  and  tarough  a  beautiful  country,  but 
meetins;  nothing,  after  paaaing  wide  tracta  of  most  moum- 
ful  aolitude,  but  Home  wandering  ahadow  ratber  than  & 
living  being,  or  corpsea  carried  to  the  grave,  unhonoured 
by  funeral  ritea,  unaccompanied  by  tne  funeral  dii^e. 
About  neon  he  stopped  in  a  little  wood,  to  eat  a  mouthCulof 
bread  and  meat  whioh  he  had  brouglit  with  him.  Of  fruit, 
he  had  only  too  much  at  bis  comtnand  the  irbole  length  of 
the  way — figa,  peachea,  piuma,  aud  apples  at  will  ;  be  bad 
only  to  enter  a  Tioeyard,  and  extend  bis  arm  to  gatber  them 
&om  the  brancbes,  or  to  pick  them  up  from  the  ground, 
whiab  waa  thickly  atrewn  vith  tbem  ;  for  the  year  waa 
extraordinarìly  abundaut  in  fruit  of  everv  kind,  and  thers 
waa  scarcely  any  one  to  take  any  care  of  it.  The  grapes 
eren  hid  themaelves  beneatli  the  leaves,  and  were  left  for 
the  UBO  of  tbe  fint  comer. 

Tonarda  eroniag,  be  discovered  bis  own  viUa^  At 
tbia  aight,  tbougb  ne  must  bave  been  prepared  for  it,  he 
felt  bis  heart  begin  to  beat  violeutly  ;  he  waa  at  once 
aasailed  by  a  boat  of  moumful  reoollec-tiona  and  presenti- 
menta:  he  eeamed  to  bear  ringing  in  his  eara  thoae 
.  inauapicious  toUs  of  the  beli  which  had,  aa  it  were, 
accompanied  and  followed  bim  in  hia  flight  from  the 
TÌUage  i  and,  at  tbe  sanie  timo,  he  heard,  so  to  aay,  the 
deathlike  ailence  which  actually  reigned  around.  He 
experienced  stili  atronger  agitàtion  on  entering  the 
churchyard  ;  and  woree  stili  awaited  bim  at  the  end  of 
his  waUc  ;  for  the  spot  be  had  fized  upon  as  his  reating- 
place,  waa  the  dwelling  wbich  he  had  once  been  aocus- 
tomed  to  cali  Lucia's  cottage.     Now  it  could  not  be,  at 


,»Ogk' 


XZXIII.]  THS   BVTROTHBD.  616 

the  best,  more  tban  Agnese'a  ;  and  the  onl;  favour  he 
beeged  of  Heaven  wu,  that  he  might  find  ber  living  and 
mliealth.  And  in  tbJs  cottage  be  proposed  asking  for  a 
bed,  rightly  canjecturing  that  hia  own  Tould  no  longer 
be  a  place  of  abode  for  auything  but  rata  and  polecats. 

To  reach  that  point,  therefore,  without  paBsins  through 
the  TÌllage,  he  took  a  little  by-path  that  ran  behind  it, 
the  Yerj  one  along  which  he  had  gone,  in  good  company, 
OD  that  notoriouB  night  whea  he  trted  to  surpriee  the 
Curate.  Abuut  half  war  stood,  on  one  side,  hls  own 
house,  and  on  the  other  hie  vinejard;  so  that  he  couid 
enter  both  for  a  moment  in  pasaing,  to  aee  a  little  bow 
his  own  affaira  were  going  on. 

.He  looked  forward,  aa  he  punued  hÌB  waj,  anxions, 
and  at  tbe  laine  time  afroid,  to  meet  with  any  one  ;  and 
after  a  few  paoea,  he  saw  a  man  seat«d  in  bis  ebirt  on 
tbe  ground,  resti ng  his  back  against  a  hedge  of  jessa- 
tnine,  in  the  attitude  of  an  idiot  ;  and  from  this,  and 
afterwards  from  his  countenance,  he  tbought  it  waa  that 
poor  aimpleton  Gervaee,  vbo  had  gone  aa  tbe  eecond 
witnesa  in  his  iìl-fated  expedition.  But  going  a  little 
nearer,  he  perceived  that  it  was,  instead,  tbe  sprightly 
Tonio,  who  had  brought  bis  brother  with  him  on  that 
ocoasion.  The  contogion,  robbing  him  at  once  of  mental 
aa  veli  aa  bodily  vigour,  had  dereloped  in  his  look  and 
everjr  action  tbe  alight  and  veiled  germ  of  likeneaa  which 
he  bore  to  hie  half-witted  brother. 

'  Ob  Tonio!  '  said  Benso,  atopping  before  bim,  'is  it 
yon?' 

Tonio  raised  his  eyea,  witbout  moring  bis  head. 

'  Tonio  !  dou't  you  know  me  ?  ' 

'Whoerer  has  gol  it,  haa  got  it,'  anawered  Tonio, 
gazing  at  him  with  open  mouth. 

'  It'a  on  yoQ,  eh  ?  poor  Tonio:  bnt  don't  you  know  me 
again?'  ,- 

'  Wboever  has  got  it,  has  got  it,'  replied  he,  with  a  1/ 
kind  of  idiotio  amile.     Seeing  be  could  draw  nothing 
further  from  him,  Uenzo  pursued  bis  way,  stili  more  dis- 
Gonsolate.    Snddenly  he  eaw,  turning  tbe  corner,  and 
adTanciug  towarda  him,  a  black  object,  whicb  be  quickly 


616  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

recognized  aa  Don  Abbondio.  He  walked  slowly,  cany- 
iag  bis  Btick  like  one  who  ìb  alteroately  carried  by  it  ; 
tata  the  nearer  he  approached,  the  more  pUinly  might 
it  he  diacemed,  in  hie  pale  and  etnaciated  counteuance, 
and  in  everj  look,  that  he,  too,  bad  had  to  pass  through 
bia  Bbare  of  the  etorm.  He  looked  askance  at  Itenzo; 
it  seemed,  and  it  did  not  seem,  like  him  ;  tbere  was 
Boroething  like  a  stranger  in  bis  dress;  but  it  was  s 
atranger  from  the  territory  of  Bergamo. 

— It  ia  he,  and  nobody  elee  ! — aaid  he  to  himaelf, 
raiaing  bis  banda  to  Heaven,  with  a  motìon  of  diasatis- 
fied  Burprise,  and  the  staff  he  carried  in  bis  right  hand 
auddealy  cbecked  in  ita  pasaage  through  tlie  air  ;  and  hia 
poor  arma  might  be  Been  sbaking  in  bis  aleeves,  where 
once  there  was  scarcely  rooiu  for  tbem.  Benzo  hastened 
to  nieet  him,  aud  made  a  low  rcTCrence  ;  for,  although 
tbey  bad  quìtted  each  otber  in  the  way  the  reader  knowa, 
he  was  alwayB,  nevertbeleaa,  bis  Curate. 

'  Ape  you  here — you  ?  '  exclaimed  the  latter. 

'  I  am  indeed,  aa  you  see.  Do  yoQ  know  tmything  of 
Lucia  ?  ' 

'  What  do  you  suppose  I  can  know  ?  I  know  nothing. 
Sbe'a  at  Milau,  if  she  a  stili  in  thia  world.  But  you  . . . .' 

'  And  Agnese,  is  ahe  alive  ?  ' 
'  '  She  inay  be  ;  but  who  do  you  suppose  can  tei)  P  She'a 
not  bere,     But , . . ,' 

'  Where  is  she  ?  ' 

'  Sbe's  gone  tolìve  at  Talaassina,  among  ber  relations 
at  Pasturo,  you  know  -,  for  they  aay  the  piagne  doesn't 
make  the  havoc  there  it  doea  bere.     But  you,  I  say. . , .' 

'  Oh,  l'm  very  sorry.     And  Father  Criatoforo  'r* ' 

'  He's  been  gone  Ibr  some  time.     But  .  .  .  .' 

'  I  know  tbat,  tbey  wrote  and  told  me  so  mach  ;  but 
I  want  to  know  if  he  hasn't  yet  retumed  to  tbese  jHuts.' 

'  Nay  ;  they've  heard  nothing  further  about  him.  But 
yon  . . . .' 

*  l'ra  very  Borry  to  bear  tbis  too.' 

'  But  yon,  I  say,  «  hat,  for  Hearen's  Bake,  are  you 
ooming  to  do  in  thia  part  of  the  world  P  Don't  you  know 
about  that  affair  of  your  apprehension  F  ' 


ivCoot^lc 


XXXIII.]  THE    BETROTHED.  617 

'Wtat  docB  it  matter?  They'T©  aomething  else  to 
tbink  about.  I  waa  determiued  to  come  l'or  once, 
and  see  about  iny  a&irs.  And  isn't  it  well  enough 
known  ? .  . .  .' 

'  What  would  you  see  about,  I  wonder  P  for  now 
there'B  no  longer  anybody,  or  anything.  And  in  it  wìbb 
of  Tou,  with  tnat  buBinesa  of  your  appreheDaion,  to  come 
hither  eiactly  to  your  own  village,  into  tba  wolfs  very 
mouth  '/  Do  ae  an  old  man  advìaea  you,  who  ia  obliged 
to  bave  more  judgment  than  you,  and  who  apeaks  from 
tbe  love  he  beara  you  ;  buckle  on  your  sboea  well,  and 
aet  off,  before  any  one  sees  you,  to  where  you  carne  from  ; 
and  if  you've  been  aeen  already,  return  oiily  the  more 
quickly.  Do  you  tbink  tbat  thie  is  tbe  air  for  you  p 
Don't  you  knov  tbey've  been  to  look  for  you  P  that 
tbey've  rauaacked  everytbing,  and  tumed  ali  upaida 
down  ? ' 

'  I  know  it  too  well,  the  scoundrels  !  ' 

'  But  then  .  .  . ,' 

'  But  if  I  teli  you  I  don't  care  l  And  ìs  that  fellow 
ulive  yet  ?  ia  he  bere  ?  ' 

'I  teli  you  nobody's  bere;  X  teli  you,  you  muatn't 
think  about  tbinga  bere  ;  I  teli  you  .  .  .  .' 

'  I  aak  if  he'a  bere  ?  ' 

'  Oh,  aacred  Heaven  !  Speak  more  quietly.  la  it 
posaible  you've  ali  that  fierìuess  about  you  after  ao 
many  tbinga  bave  happened?  ' 

'  Ib  he  bere,  or  ia  he  not  p  ' 

*  Well,  well,  be's  not  bere.  But  tbe  pìague,  my  aon, 
the  plague  !  Who  would  go  travelling  about  in  auch 
times  aB  tbeae  P  ' 

'  If  tbere  wos  notbing  else  but  the  plague  in  thia 
world  ....  I  mean  for  myself  :  l've  had  it,  and  am  free.' 

'  ludeed,  indeed  !  wbat  news  is  thÌ8  P  When  one  has 
eacaped  a  danger  of  tbia  aort,  it  eeems  to  me  he  ehould 
thank  Heaven,  and ' 

'  And  ao  I  do.' 

*  A  nd  not  go  to  look  for  othere,  I  say.  Do  aa  I  advìse.' 
'  Tou've  had  it  too,  Signor  Curate,  ìf  I  miatake  not.* 

'  I  had  it  I    Obatinate  and  bad  euough  it  waa  I    l'm 


,»oglc 


618  I   FBOUBaSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

bere  by  mincle  ;  I  need  only  mj  it  baa  left  me  in  the 
state  ;ou  see.  Not,  I  had  just  need  of  a  little  qmet,  to 
set  me  to  rigbta  again.  I  was  beginniag  to  be  a  little 
better  .  .  .  .la  the  name  of  Hearen,  irbat  bare  jou  come 
to  do  bere  P     Qo  back  .  .  . .' 

'  You're  always  at  me  wìtb  thatyo  back.  As  for  goiag 
back,  I  bave  reasona  enough  for  not  atirring.  You  eaj, 
wbat  are  jou  come  for  F  what  are  you  come  for  ?  IVecome 
tome.' 

'  Home . .  . .' 

'Teli  me,  are  many  dead  bere  P  .  .  .  .' 

'  Alas,  alas  I  '  exdaimed  Doq  Abbondio;  and  begìnuing 
wìtb  Perpetua,  be  entered  upoa  a  long  enumeratìon  of  in- 
diridualsandentiFefarailieB.  SenEO  bad  certatnly  expect- 
ed  aomething  of  the  kind,  but,  oa  bearing  so  many  namea 
of  acquaiutaacee,  frienda,  and  relatives,  (be  had  loat  bia 

Earenta  many  years  before,)  be  Btood  overoome  witb  grief, 
is  bead  hung  down,  and  only  exclaiming  from  time  to 
time,  '  Poor  fellow  I  poor  girl  !  poor  creatures  !  ' 

'  You  see,'  coatinued  Don  Àboondiu  ;  '  and  it  ien't  jet 
over.  If  tbose  wbo  are  left  don't  use  tbeir  senses  tbis 
time,  and  drive  tbe  whima  out  of  tbeir  brains,  tbere'a 
nothing  for  it  but  the  end  of  the  world.' 

'  Don't  be  afraid  ;  l've  no  intentionB  of  stopping  bere.  ' 

'  Ab  1  tbank  Heaveu,  you  at  last  imderetand  I  And 
you'd  better  make  up  your  mind  to  return  .  .  .  .' 

'  Don't  you  trouble  yonrself  aboat  tbat.* 

'  What  !  didn't  you  once  want  to  do  aometbìng  more 
footìab  tban  tbis  eveap' 

'  N'ever  mind  me,  I  say  ;  tbat  ia  my  business  ;  l'm  more 
tban  eeven  years  old.  I  bope,  at  any  rate,  you  won't  teli 
anybody  you've  seen  me,  You  are  a  priest  ;  I  am  one  of 
your  flock  ;  you  won't  betray  me  ?  ' 

'  I  understand,'  said  Don  Abbondio,  sighing  pettishly, 
'  I  understand.  You  would  min  yonrself  and  me  too. 
You  haven't  gone  tbrough  enough  already,  i  suppose; 
and  I  haven't  gone  througb  enough  eitber.  I  understand, 
I  understand.'  And  continuing  to  mutter  theae  last 
words  between  bis  teeth,  he  again  resumed  bis  way. 

Benzo  Btood  there,  cbagriued  and  discontented,  tbink- 


,»OglC 


XXXIII.]  THB   BBTBOTHBD.  619 

ii^  where  he  could  find  a  lodgiug.  In  tbe  fnnereal  liat 
recounted  hj  Don  Abboudio,  there  wbb  a  f&milv  of  pea- 
Bants,  who  bad  been  ali  ewept  off  by  the  peetilence,  ex- 
cepting  oDe  yoath,  about  Benzo's  owd  age,  who  had  been 
hÌB  companion  from  infanta  ;  the  hoiue  wae  out  of  the 
TÌllage,  a  verr  little  waj  off.  Hither  he  detertnined  te  bend 
bis  BtepB  and  ask  for  a  night's  lodging. 

9e  had  nearly  reached  bis  owd  v'mejAti,  acd  was  «con 
able  to  infer  from  the  outside  in  what  state  it  was.  Sot 
a  single  tree,  not  a  BÌngle  lea^  which  he  had  left  there 
was  Tisible  abore  the  wsJl.  -  If  aDything  blosBomed  there, 
it  was  ali  what  bad  grown  diiring  hìa  abseoce.  He  went 
up  to  the  opeuing,  (of  a  gatethere  wasoo  loncer  the  least 
BÌgD  ;)  he  cast  a  glance  around  :  poor  TÌne/ard  !  l'or  two 
BucceasÌTe  wintera  the  people  of  the  neighbourhood  had 
gone  to  chop  firewood  '  in  the  garden  of  that  poor  fellow,' 
aB  the;  used to aaj.  Vines,  undbenj-trees,  &uìta of  ererf 
kind,  oli  had  been  rudely  tom  up,  or  cut  down  to  the  trunk. 
Veatigea,  however,  of  lonner  cultivatìon  atill  appeared  j 
f  oung  shoots,  in  brohen  lines,  which  retained,  nevertheleca, 
traces  of  their  now  deaolated  rowa  ;  bere  and  there  atumpa 
and  sproutB  of  mulberry,  Sg,  peach,  cherr;,  and  plum-trees; 
but  even  these  seemed  overwlielmed  and  cboked  by  a  fresh, 
raried,  and  luxuriant  progeny,  bom  and  reared  without 
the  help  of  man.  There  was  a  thick  maas  of  nettles,  feme, 
tareB,  aog-Erasa,  rre-grasa,  wild  oata,  green  amaranths, 
auccory,  wild  sorrel,  ^x-glove,  and  other  aìmilar  pianta  ; 
ali  thoae,  I  mean,  which  the  peeaant  of  every  country  haa 
included  in  one  large  claas  at  bis  pleasure,  denominating 
tbeni  weeda.  There  waa  a  medley  of  atalka,  each  trying  to 
out-top  the  othera  in  the  air,  or  rìvalling  ite  fellow  in  length 
ttpon  uie  ground — aÌEniiig,in  short,  to  secure  for  itaelfthe 
post  of  honour  in  every  direction  ;  a  misture  of  leareat 
flowera,  and  &nit,  of  a  hundred  coloun,  forma,  and  aiEes; 
cara  of  corn,  ludian  com,  tufts,  bunchea,  and  heada  of 
white,  yellow,  red,  and  blue.  In  the  midet  of  this  med- 
ley, other  taller  and  more  graceful,  though  not,  for  the  most 
part,  more  raluable  piante,  were  promìnently  conspicuouB  ; 
the  Torkiah  rine  eoared  above  ali  the  reat,  wìth  ita  long 
and  reddioh  brandies,  ita  large  and  magnificent  dark-green 


,CK,glc 


630  I   PROMESSI    SPOSI.  [CH. 

leavea,  some  already  fringed  with  purple  at  the  top,  and  ìts 
bending  clusters  of  grapea  ;  adomedoelow  with  berries  of 
a  bluiah-grey  tinge,  higher  up  of  a  purple  bue,  tben  green, 
and  at  the  \ery  top  with  wbitiefa  little  flowers.  There 
was  also  the  bearded  yew,  with  ita  large  rough  leaves  down 
to  the  ground,  the  atem  risiog  perpendicularlr  to  the  ek;, 
and  the  long  pendent  branchea  ecattered,  and,  as  it  were, 
bespangled  with  brìght  yellow  bloesoms  ;  thiatlea,  too,  with 
rough  and  pricklr  learea  sud  calvxea,  fifom  which  iaaued 
little  tufta  of  white  or  purple  fiowers,  or  elae  ligbt  and 
silvery  plumes,  which  were  quicklv  awept  awaj  by  tbe 
breeze.  Here  a  little  hunch  of  bindweed,  climbing  np 
and  twining  around  fresh  euckers  from  a  mulberry-tree, 
had  entirely  covered  them  with  ita  pendent  leavea,  which 
pointed  to  the  ground,  and  adorned  them  at  the  top 
with  ita  white  and  delicate  little  bella.  Tbere  a  red-herried 
bryony  had  twiated  itaelf  aniong  the  new  ahoota  of  a  rine, 
which,  aeeking  in  vain  a  firmer  aupport,  had  reoiprocally 
eutwioed  ita  tendrila  around  ita  companion,  and,  mingling 
their  feeble  atalka,  and  their  not  very  diasimilar  leavea, 
they  mutually  drew  each  other  upward,  es  often  happena 
with  the  weak,  who  take  odo  another  for  their  atay.  The 
bramble  intruded  every  where  ;  it  atretched  from  one  bough 
to  another  ;  now  mounting,  and  again  turning  downward, 
it  bent  the  branchea,  or  straightened  them,  according  as  it 
happened  ;  and  crossing  before  tbe  very  tbreabold,  seemed 
oa  if  it  were  placed  there  to  dispute  the  pasaage  eren  with 
the  owner. 

But  he  had  no  heart  to  enter  auch  a  vineyard,  and  prò- 
bably  did  not  atand  as  long  looking  at  it  aa  wo  bave  tuen 
to  make  this  little  sketch.  He  went  forward;  a  little 
way  off  atood  hia  cottage  ;  he  pasaed  through  the  garden, 
trampling  under-foot  by  hunareda  the  intruaiTs  risitora 
with  which,  lìke  the  TÌneyard,  it  was  peopled  and  orer- 
grown.  He  just  set  foot  within  the  tlureahold  of  one  of 
the  rooms  on  the  ground  floor  ;  at  the  sound  of  hia  foot- 
ateps,  and  on  hia  looking  in,  there  was  a  hubbub,  a  acam< 
penijg  to  and  fro  of  rata,  a  mah  under  the  rubbish  tbat 
coverad  tbe  whole  floor  ;  it  was  the  relica  of  the  G^rman 
BOldiers'  beda.    He  raised  hia  eyes,  and  looked  round 


;dbv  Google 


XXXIII.]  THE   BETKOTHSD.  S21 

upoa  the  walls  ;  thoy  yrere  atripped  of  plaater,  filthy, 
blackeued  with  smoke.  He  raieed  them  to  the  ceìling — 
a  mass  of  cobwebs.  K'othÌDg  else  was  to  be  aeeti.  ile 
took  hÌB  departure,  too,  from  thie  desolate  ecene,  twiniag 
bis  fingere  in  bis  bair;  returaed  tbrougb  the  garden,  re- 
tracing  the  patb  he  had  bimaelf  made  a  momeot  before, 
took  another  little  lane  to  the  left,  wbich  led  into  tbe 
fielda,  and,  without  seeing  or  hearing  a  living  creature, 
anÌTed  close  to  tbe  house  he  had  desigued  as  bis  place  of 
lodging.  It  was  already  evening  ;  his  friend  was  Beat«d 
outside  tbe  door  on  a  soialt  wooden  bench,  his  arma 
croased  on  bis  breast,  and  bis  eyes  fixed  upon  tbe  aky, 
like  a  man  bewildered  by  misfortunes,  and  rendered  aavage 
by  long  eolitude.  Hearing  a  footstep,  be  tumed  round, 
looked  wbo  waa  coming.and  to  what  be  fancied  he  saw  in 
the  twilìgbt,  betn'een  tbe  leaves  and  branches,  crìed  in  a 
loud  voice,  aa  he  stood  up  and  raiaed  bath  his  banda,  '  la 
tbere  nobody  but  me  P  didu't  I  do  enougb  yesterday  F 
Let  me  alone  a  little,  for  that,  too,  will  be  a  work  of 
charity.' 

Benzo,  not  knoiring  what  tbis  meant,  replied  to  bim, 
cailing  him  by  name. 

'  Beuzo  .  . . .'  said  he,  in  a  ione  at  once  of  exclamation 
and  interrogation. 

'  Myself,'  aaid  Senzo  ;  and  tbey  bastened  to  meet  each 
other. 

'  Is  it  really  you  ?  '  said  bis  friend,  wben  tbey  were  ' 
near.  '  Oh,  bow  glad  I  am  to  aee  jfou  1  "Who  would  haye 
thougbt  it  P  I  took  you  for  Paolin  de'  Morti,*  wbo  is 
always  coming  to  torment  me  to  go  and  bury  some  one.. 
Do  you  know  I  am  left  alone  ? — alone  !  alone  I  as  a 
hermit  I  ' 

'  I  know  it  too  well,'  said  Benzo.  And  interchanging 
in  tbis  manner,  and  crowdiog  upon  one  anotber,  welcom- 
ings,  and  questions,  and  answers,  tbey  went  iato  the  house 
together.  Here,  without  ìntemipting  the  conversation, 
bis  friend  busied  bìmself  in  doing  some  Uttle  bonour  to 
hìB  guest,  as  he  beat  could  on  so  sudden  a  waming,  and 
■n  tuoea  like  those.  He  set  some  water  ou  tbe  fire,  and 
*  One  of  ths  fiiui  of  the  Order  of  Doath. 


i,,C,oo'^lc 


688  I  PHOMESBI   BPOBI,  [cH. 

b^BQ  to  moke  the  palpita;  bnt  booii  gave  np  the  pestìe 
to  Benza,  th&t  he  might  proceed  with  the  minng,  and 
vent  out,  tayiag,  '  Vm  ali  bj  mjself,  you  see,  ali  bf 
mjaeAt  !  ' 

'^Bj  and  bf  he  retumed  vrith  a  small  pail  of  milk,  & 
littie  Bslt  meat,  a  couple  of  cream-choeses,  and  aome  figa 
and  peacbeH  ;  and  ali  being  ready,  and  tbepolenla  poured 
out  upon  the  trencher,  ther  sat  down  to  table,  mutuali/ 
thaaking  each  other,  one  n>r  the  vÌBÌt,  the  other  for  the 
reception  he  met  with.  And,  oiler  an  abeence  of  neu-1; 
two  yeara,  they  Buddenly  diacovered  that  thay  were  much 
greater  frienda  than  they  ever  thought  they  were  whea 
the^  saw  each  other  almost  every  day  ;  for,  be  the  manu- 
acnpt  bere  remarka,  eventa  h&d  occurred  to  both  wbich 
inake  one  feel  what  a  cordisi  to  the  heart  ia  kindly  feeling, 
both  that  wfaich  one  experiencea  oneaelf,  and  that  which 
one  meeta  with  in  othera. 

True,  no  one  could  supplr  the  place  of  Agnese  to 
Senio,  nor  coneolB  him  for  ber  abeence,  not  only  on 
account  of  the  old  and  special  afiection  he  entertained  for 
ber,  but  alao  becauae,  among  the  thinga  he  waa  anxious 
to  clear  up,  one  there  was  of  which  sbe  alone  posaeased 
the  key.  He  atood  for  a  moment  in  doubt  whether  he 
ahould  not  firat  go  in  aearch  of  her,  aince  he  waa  ao  short 
a  diatance  off;  but,  considering  that  she  would  kVow 
nothing  of  Lucia'a  health,  he  kept  to  hia  first  intentìon 
of  going  at  once  to  assure  himeelf  of  tbia,  to  confront  the 
one  great  trial,  and  afterwarda  to  bring  the  newa  to  her 
motber.  Even  from  bis  friend,  howerer,  he  leamt  manj 
thingB  of  wbich  he  waa  ìgnorant,  and  gained  some  light 
on  many  pointa  with  which  he  wos  but  partiaUy  acquaint- 
ed,  both  about  Lucia'a  circumatancea,  the  proaecutiona 
inatitut«d  againat  himaelf,  and  Don  BÀdrigo  a  departure 
thence,  followed  by  bis  whote  auite,  aince  which  tinte  he 
had  not  been  seen  in  the  neighbourbood  ;  in  ahort,  about 
ali  the  intricate  circumstancea  of  the  whole  affair.  He 
leamt  alao  (and  it  waa  to  him  an  acquìaition  of  no  little 
importance)  to  pronoonce  properly  the  name  of  Don 
Ferrante'a  &mily  ;  Agnese,  indeed,  had  written  ìt  to  him 
by  her  aecretary  ;  but  Heaven  knowB  how  ìt  waa  written, 


,»oglc 


XXX1II.J  THK   BBTROTHED.  623 

and  the  Bergamascan  interprater  bad  read  H  in  BUch  ■ 
way, — bad  giveo  him  auch  a  word, — tbat,  faad  he  gone 
with  it  tD  aeek  direction  to  his  house  iu  Milan,  he  would 
probably  bave  foimd  no  oue  who  could  bare  conjectured 
for  wbom  he  was  making  iuquiry.  Yet  this  was  the  onlf 
due  he  posBrased  that  could  put  him  in  the  waj  of  leam- 
ÌDg  tidingB  of  Lucia.  Ab  to  justice,  he  «ras  ever  more 
and  more  conriaced  that  tbis  wae  a  haurd  remote  enougb 
not  to  gire  him  much  concem  :  the  Signor  Foderìà  had 
died  of  the  piagne  ;  who  knew  when  a  aubstitute  vonld 
he  appointed  ?  the  greater  part  of  the  bailiffa  were  oarried 
off;  and  those  that  remained  had  something  else  to  do 
thau  look  aEter  old  matterà.  He  also  related  to  hiB  friend 
the  vicÌBeitudeB  he  had  undergone,  and  heard  in  eschange 
*  hundred  Btoriea  about  the  psBeage  of  the  army,  the 
pìague,  the  poieoners,  and  other  wonderful  matterà. 
'They  are  miaerable  thingB,'  said  hia  friend,  accompany- 
ing  Benzo  into  a  little  room  which  the  contagion  bad 
emptied  of  occupantB  ;  '  tbings  which  we  never  could  bave 
thougbt  to  eee,  and  after  which  we  caa  never  ezpect  to 
be  merry  agaìn  ali  oor  lives  ;  but  ueTertheless,  it  is  a 
lelief  to  epeak  of  tbem  to  one'e  friende.' 

By  break  of  day  they  were  both  down-ataire  ;  Benso 
equipped  for  bis  jounrày,  with  hia  girdle  hidden  under 
bis  doublet,  and  the  laive  knife  in  bia  pocket,  but  otbef- 
WÌM  ligbt  and  unencumoered,  having  left  bis  little  bundle 
in  the  care  of  his  boat.  '  If  oli  goes  well  with  me,'  said 
'  if  I  find  ber  alive  ;  if  . .  .  .  enough  ....  l'il  come 


back  bere  ;  l'Il  nm  over  to  Pasturo  to  carry  the  good 
•   ■  •   ■  -  ,tif,bT 

ill-luck,  by  ill-Iuok  which  Qod  forbid  I  .  ,  .  .  then  I  don  t 


r  Agnese,  and  then,  and  then  ....  But  it 


know  what  I  eball  do  ;  I  don't  know  where  I  ahall  g 
only,  asauredty,  you  wiU  never  Bee  me  again  in  theee 
paxta  !  *  And,  aa  be  said  ao,  standing  in  the  door-waj 
which  led  into  the  fields,  he  caat  bis  eyes  around,  and  con- 
teinplat«d,  with  a  mixed  feeling  of  tendemeos  and  bitter 
griM,  the  ann-rieing  of  bis  own  country,  whioh  he  had 
Dot  seen  for  bo  long  a  time.  His  friend  comforted  him 
with  bright  hopea  and  prognoBtioationB,  and  made  him 
take  witb  bim  some  little  store  of  proTÌtìon  for  that  day  ; 


..notale 


634  I    FBOHESSI   3P0ST.  [CK. 

then,  accompanjing  hìm  a  mile  or  two  od  hu  way,  he 
took  his  leave  with  renewed  good  wishea. 

'Renzo  pursued  bis  vraj  deliberately  and  easOr,  aa  &U 
he  cared  for  was  to  reach  the  vioinity  of  Milaa  that  day, 
Bo  that  he  might  enter  neit  looming  early,  and  imme- 
diately  begiu  his  aeajvb.  The  joumey  was  perfonned 
without  accident  ;  nur  was  there  aaythiug  which  partìcu- 
larly  attracted  his  attention,  except  the  uaual  spectacles 
of  misery  and  aorrow.  He  stopped  in  due  time,  aa  he 
had  dono  the  day  before,  in  a.  grove,  to  refreah  himself 
and  take  hreath.  Faasìng  tbrough  Monza,  before  an 
open  shop  where  bread  waa  displayed  for  aale,  he  asked  for 
two  loaves,  that  he  might  not  he  totally  unprovided  for 
under  any  cìrcuTaatances.  The  shopkeeper,  beckonìng  to 
him  not  to  enter,  held  out  to  bim,  on  a  little  shovel,  a 
amali  basìa  containing  vinegar  and  water,  into  which  he 
deaired  bini  to  drop  the  money  in  payment  ;  he  did  bo  ; 
and  tben  the  two  loavea  were  bande'd  out  to  him,  one 
afber  anotber,  with  a  pair  of  tongs,  and  depoaited  by 
Benzo  one  in  eaeh  pocket. 

Towards  evening  ne  arrived  at  Greco,  witbout,  bowever, 
knowing  ita  name  ;  but,  by  tbe  help  of  aome  little  recol- 
lection  of  tbe  placea  wbicb  he  retaìned  from  his  former 
joumey,  and  bia  calculation  of  the  distance  he  had  already 
come  from  Monza,  he  gueaaed  that  be  must  be  tolerably 
'  Bear  the  city,  and  therefore  left  tbe  high-road  aod  tumed 
into  tbe  fielda  in  aearcb  of  aome  eateinoUo,  where  he 
might  paaa  tbe  night  ;  for  with  inns  he  waa  determined 
not  to  meddle.  He  fouad  more  tban  he  looked  for  :  for 
Beeing  a  gap  in  a  bedge  wbicb  surrounded  the  yard  of  a 
cow-huuBe,  he  resolved  at  any  rate  to  enter.  No  one 
waa  there:  he  saw  in  one  corner  a  lai^  shed  with  bay 
piled  up  beueath  it,  and  againat  this  a  ladder  was  reared  ; 
he  once  more  looked  round,  and  then,  mounting  at  a 
venture,  laid  himself  down  to  pass  the  night  there,  and 
quickly  fell  asleep,  not  to  awake  till  moming.  When  he 
awoke,  be  crawled  towards  tbe  edge  of  this  great  bed, 
put  bia  head  out,  and  seeing  no  one,  deacended  as  be  had 
goue  up,went  out  where  he  had  come  ÌD,pureaed  bis  way 


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XXXIII.]  THE   BETBOTHEO.  626 

through  little  by-patlis,  taking  the  «tthedral  for  bis  polar 
Btnr  ;  and,  after  a  short  walk,  carne  out  under  tbe  walla  of 
Milan,  betneen  the  Porta  Orientale  and  the  Porta  Nuova, 
and  rather  nearer  to  the  latter. 


;dbv  Google 


I  PROMESSI   SPOSI  [oh. 


CHAPTEE  TTTTY. 

^  8  to  the  way  of  enteriag  the  city,  Benzo  h»A 
1  heard,  in  general  terma,  that  there  were  rery 
Btrìct  ordera  not  to  admìt  persone  without  a 
certificate  of  healtfa  ;  but  tnat,  in  fact,  it  was 
easy  eaough  for  anv  one  to  efiect  an  entrance 
wbo  at  ali  knew  hoT  to  help  hiraself,  and  to  leize  oppor- 
tunities.  So  it  wu  ;  and,  letting  alone  the  general 
causea  wby  erery  order,  in  those  dajs,  waa  so  imperfecttj 
executed  ;  letting  alone  the  particular  onea,  which  ren- 
dered  tbe  rìgorous  ezecution  of  thia  ao  imprsctìcable, 
Mìlan  was  now  reduced  to  such  a  posa  tbat  no  one  could 
see  of  wbat  use  it  vaa  to  defeniT  it,  or  against  vbat  ìt 
waa  to  be  defended  ;  and  wboever  carne  thither  might 
be  conaidered  ratber  to  risk  hia  own  health  than  to  en- 
danger  that  of  the  inhabitanta. 

UpoQ  thia  information,  Beuzo'a  intention  was  to 
attempi  a  paaaage  at  the  firat  gate  upon  which  be  might 
happen  to  light;  and  if  any  obatacl©  preaented  itaelf,  to 
go  round  outaide,  until  he  found  another  more  easy  of 
accesa.  And  Heaven  knowa  how  many  gates  he  thought 
Milan  muat  bave  1 

ArriTed,  then,  before  tbe  walls,  be  stood  stili  to  look 
about  him,  as  one  does  who,  not  knowing  which  will  be 
the  beat  wsy  to  bend  his  atepa,  aeema  aa  if  he  awaited  and 
asked  direction  from  anything.  But  he  could  discover 
nothing  either  way  but  two  reachea  of  a  winding  road, 
and  bofore  him  a  part  of  tbe  waU  ;  in  no  quarter  was 
there  a  aymptom  of  a  buman  being,  except  that  in  one 
apot,  on  the  platfonn,  might  be  seen  a  dense  colnran  of 
black  and  murky  amoke,  which  ezpanded  itaelf  as  it 
mounted,  and  curled  into  ampie  circles,  and  afterwarda 


,»Ogk' 


XXXIT.]  THB   BFTROTHED.  627 

disperseli  ìtself  through  the  gntj  and  motionleBB  atmo- 
ephere.  They  vere  clothes,  beda,  and  otheT  articlee  of 
iafected  fumitnire  which  were  beìng  committed  to  the 
flamsB:  and  Buch  melanchol;  couflagrations  were  con- 
Btantly  to  be  seen,  not  only  bere,  but  oq  every  side  of 
the  Wall. 

The  weather  was  dose,  the  air  thick  and  he&7y,  the 
whole  eky  veiled  by  a  unifonn,  aluggish  doud  or  mist, 
wbich  aeemed  to  forbid  the  aun,  wiCbout  giving  promise 
of  raiu  ;  the  country  round  was  partly  imcultivated,  and 
the  nbole  looked  parched  ;  vegetation  wa^  stuated,  and 
not  a  drop  of  dew  moigtened  tbe  drooping  and  withered 
leavea.  Thie  solitude,  this  deep  silence,  so  near  a  large 
mass  of  habitations,  added  new  coustemation  to  Benzo'a 
disquietude,  and  rendered  his  thoughts  stili  more  gloomy. 

Having  Btood  thus  for  a  moment,  he  took  the  rignt 
band,  at  a  venture,  directing  bis  steps,  without  beine 
aware  of  ìt,  tovards  the  Porta  Nuova,  wbich,  though 
dose  at  band,  be  bad  not  been  able  to  perceive,  on 
account  of  a  baation  bebind  which  it  was  concealed. 
After  taking  a  few  eteps,  a  tìukiipg  of  little  bells  feti 
upoD  bis  ear,  whicb  ceased  and  woa  renewed  at  intervals, 
and  theo  the  voices  of  men.  He  went  forward  ;  and 
having  turned  tbe  corner  of  the  bastion,  the  first  thing 
that  met  his  eye  on  the  esplauade  before  the  gate  waa  a 
amali  wooden  linuae,  or  aentry-boz,  at  tbe  doorway  of 
whicb  Btood  a  giiard,  leaning  cn  his  musketwith  a  languid 
and  negligent  air  ;  bebind  was  a  fence,  composed  of  stakes, 
and  beyond  that  tbe  gate,  that  ia  to  say,  two  wìngs  of  tbe 
Wall  connected  by  a  roof  above,  which  served  to  sbelter 
the  door,  both  leavea  of  whicb  were  wide  open,  as  waa 
alao  the  wicket  of  the  palisade.  Eiactly  before  the 
opening,  however,  atood  a  melancholy  impedimeut — a 
bandbarrow,  placed  upon  the  ground,  on  whicb  two 
monatti  were  laying  out  a  poor  creature  to  bear  bim 
away  :  it  waa  tbe  bead  of  the  cuatom-house  officerà,  in 
whom  tbe  plague  had  been  discovered  just  before.  Benzo 
Btood  stili  «bere  he  waa,  awaiting  the  iseue.  The  party 
being  gone,  and  no  one  appearìng  to  sbut  the  gate  again, 
noff  seemed  to  be  bia  titne;  he  hastened  forward;  but 


,„oglc 


ess  I  rROHEssi  SPOSI.  [ch. 

the  ill-looking  sentinel  called  out  to  him  :  '  Holla  !  '  He 
instanti^  stopped,  and  irinkìng  at  the  tosn,  drew  out  a 
balf-ducat,  and  ehowed  it  him.  The  fellow,  eitber  having 
alreadf  bad  the  pestilenee,  or  fearing  ìt  lesa  than  he  loved 
half-ducata,  beckooed  to  Benzo  te  throw  it  to  him  ;  and 
aooD  seeiog  it  roll  at  bis  feet,  muttered,  '  Go  forirard, 
quickly.'  Benso  gare  him  no  occasion  to  repeat  the 
order  ;  he  pasaed  the  palisade,  entered  the  ^te,  and  weat 
forward  without  aay  one  obaemng  or  taking  &aj  aotice 
of  him  ;  eicept  tbat  when  -he  had  gone  perhape  forty 
paces,  he  heard  another  '  bolla  '  from  a  tolt-gatherer  who 
was  calling  after  him.  Thia  he  preteaded  iiot  to  bear, 
and  instead  of  taming  round,  only  quickened  hia  pace. 
'  Holla  !  '  cried  the  coUector  i^in,  iu  a  tone,  howeyer, 
which  rather  indicated  vexatìon  than  a  determination  to  he 
obeyed  ;  and  finding  he  was  not  obeyed,  he  ehrugged  bis 
thouldere  and  retumed  iato  the  house,  like  one  who  waa 
more  concerned  about  not  approachìng  too  near  to  pas- 
aen^Ffl,  thau  inquiring  into  their  affaìn. 

The  atreat  inside  this  gate,  at  that  time,  as  now,  ran 
straight  forward  as  far  as  the  cacai  called  the  iViin^^- 
at  the  sides  were  hedgea  or  walla  of  gardens,  churcbea, 
conventa,  and  a  few  private  dwellingB  ;  and  at  the  end  of 
this  Street,  in  the  middle  of  that  which  ran  aloug  the 
brìnk  of  the  canal,  was  erected  a  cross,  called  the  Crosa 
of  Sant'  Eusebio.  And,  let  Renzo  look  before  bim  as  be 
would,  notbing  but  tbis  erosa  erer  met  bis  view.  Arrired 
at  the  eroga  road,  which  divided  the  street  about  half  way , 
and  looking  to  the  right  and  left,  be  perceìved  in  the 
right  band  one,  which  bore  the  name  of  Santa  Teresa,  a 
citizen  wbo  was  coming  eiactlj  towards  bim. — A  Cbris- 
tìan,  at  last  ! — aaid  he  to  himself,  and  be  immediatelj 
tnmed  into  the  atreet,  wìth  the  int«ntion  of  making  some 
inquiriee  of  him.  The  man  atared  at  and  eyed  the 
atranger  who  was  advancing  towards  him,  with  a  sus- 
picious  kind  of  look,  even  at  a  diatance  ;  and  stili  more, 
when  he  perceired,  that,  inatead  of  going  about  bis  own 
businesB,  he  was  making  np  to  him.  Benzo,  wben  be  was 
within  a  little  distance,  took  off  bis  hat,  like  a  respectful 
mountaineer,  such  aa  he  was  ;  and  holding  it  in  bis  leti 


,»Ogk' 


XXXIV.]  THB   BETROTHED.  629 

haud,  put  the  whole  fiat  of  hia  right  into  tlie  emptf 
crown,  and  advBDced  more  directl^  towarde  the  unknown 
paasenger.  But  he,  wildly  rollìng  his  eyes,  g&ve  back  a 
step,  uplifted  a  knottj  atick  he  carried,  with  a  aharp  apìke  v"'' 
at  the  end  lìke  a  rapier,  and  pointìng  it  at  Beozo'a  breast, 
cried,  '  Stand  off!  stand  off!  ' 

'  Oho  !  '  crìed  the  jouth,  in  hia  tum,  putting  on  hia 
hat  again  ;  and  wiUing  to  do  anything,  &a  he  afìerwarda 
aaid  in  relating  the  matter,  rather  than  pick  a  quarrel  at 
that  moment,  he  taraed  hia  back  upon  the  uncourteous 
citizen,  and  pureued  hia  way ,  or,  to  apeak  more  correctly, 
that  in  whicD  he  bappened  to  bave  aet  off. 

The  citizen  alao  continued  hi»  route,  trembling  from 
headtofoot,  anderery  now  and  thenlookiug  behind  him. 
And  baving  reached  nome,  he  related  how  a  poisoner  had 
come upto  him,  with  a  meekand  humble  air,  Dut  with  the 
look  of  an  infamous  impoator,  and  with  a  box  of  ointment 
or  a  paper  of  ponder  (he  waa  not  eiactly  certain  whìch) 
in  hia  band  in  the  orown  of  hia  hat,  witb  the  intention  of 
playing  a  trick  upoa  him,  if  he  hadn't  known  bow  to 
keep  bini  at  a  dietance.  '  If  he  had  come  one  atep 
nearer,'  added  he,  '  l'd  bave  mn  him  through  before  he'd 
had  timo  to  touch  me,  the  acoundrel  I  The  miafortune 
waa  tbat  we  were  in  ao  unfrequeiited  a  place  ;  had  ìt  been 
in  the  heart  of  Milan,  l'd  nave  called  people,  and  bid 
tbem  aeize  him.  l'm  aure  we  shouid  bave  found  tbat 
infamoua  poiaon  in  hia  hat.  But  there,  ali  alone,  I  waa 
obliged  to  be  cont«nt  with  aaving  myaelf,  without  run- 
ning  the  riak  of  gettìng  the  iofection  ;  fnr  a  little  powder 
iaaooD  throirn,  andtheae  people  are  remnrkably  deiteroua: 
beeidea,  thej  bare  the  devil  on  their  side.  He'U  be  about 
Milan  now  ;  who  knowa  what  murders  he  ia  committing  !  ' 
And  aa  long  aa  he  lived,  wbich  waa  man;  yeara,  every  time 
tbat  poieonera  were  talked  of,  he  repeated  bia  own  in- 
atance,  and  added  :  '  Thcy  who  etili  maintain  tbat  it 
wa^n't  true,  don't  let  them  talk  to  me  :  for  abaoLute  fketa 
one  couldn't  help  seeiog.' 

KenEo,  far  from  imaginìng  what  a  atab  be  had  eacaped, 
and  more  mored  with  anger  than  fear,  reflected,  in  walking, 
on  this  reception,  and  pretty  nearly  gueaaed  tbe  opinion 


«30  T    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

whicb  tbe  citÌEen  had  formed  of  bis  Bctionsi  jet  the 
thing  leemed  to  him  bo  befond  ali  reuon,  that  he  carne 
to  the  concluaioii  that  the  man  must  bave  b«en  haif  a 
fool. — It's  a  bad  begìnmng, — tbought  he,  however; — it 
eeems  as  if  there  wero  sa  evil  star  ior  me  at  thia  Milan. 
Bverytbing  aeconda  me  readily  enough  inentering;  bnt 
afterwards,  when  I  am  ìd,  I  find  diBagreeabilitiea  aL.  pre- 
pared  for  me.  Well .  .  .  nith  Qod's  help  . .  .  if  I  find 
. .  .  .  if  I  BOcceed  in  findiug  ...  Oh  !  ali  wìll  bave  beeo 
nothing  ! — 

Having  reached  tbe  foot  of  the  bridge,  he  tumed  witb- 
out  heaitation  to  tbe  left,  along  aroad  called  San  Marco'a 
Street,  aa  it  seemed  to  him  thia  must  lead  ìntu  the  heart 
of  the  city.  Ab  he  weot  aloDg,  he  kept  coaeCantly  oq 
the  look-out,  ili  bopeB  of  diacovering  aome  human  crea* 
ture  ;  but  he  coula  see  none,  ezcept  a  disfigured  corpae 
in  the  little  ditch  which  runa  between  the  few  housea 
(whicb  vere  tben  atill  fewer)  and  tbe  atreet,  for  a  part 
of  the  war.  Having  paeaed  thia  part,  be  faeard  aome 
cries,  which  aeemed  to  De  addreseed  to  bìm  ;  aod  tumìng 
bÌB  e; ea  upwards  in  the  direction  vhence  tbe  Bound  carne, 
he  perceived,  at  a  little  diiitance,  on  <the  balcony  of  an 
isolated  dwelUag,  a  ooor  woman,  nith  a  group  of  children 
around  ber,  who,  calling  to  him,  waa  bechoning  also  with 
her  band  to  entreat  faim  to  approach.  He  ran  towarda 
heFj  and  when  he  carne  near,  '  0  joung  man,'  aaid  the 
woman,  '  io  the  name  of  the  friend»  you've  loat,  baye  tba 
charity  to  go  and  teli  tbe  commiasary  tliat  we  are  bere 
forgotten  !  Tbey've  ahut  us  up  in  the  house  aa  auspected 
perBons,  because  my  poor  husbaud  ia  dead  ;  they've 
nailed  up  the  door,  aa  you  aee  ;  and  aìnce  yesterday 
morning  nobody  haa  brought  uà  anytbing  to  eat  ;  for  the 
raany  boura  l've  etood  bere,  1  haven't  been  able  to  find 
a  aingle  Chriatian  who  would  do  me  tbia  kiuduesB;  and 
tlieae  poor  little  innocenta  are  dyiog  of  bnnger  1  ' 

*  Of  huDger  I  '  exclaimed  Eenzo  ;  and  putting  bia  banda 
tnto  bis  pocket,  '  See  bere  1  '  said  he,  drawing  out  the  two 
loavee  :  '  aend  sometbing  down  to  tiÀe  them.' 

'  Gtod  reward  you  for  it  I  wait  a  moment,'  aaid  the 
woman  ;  and  abe  went  to  fetch  a  little  baaket,  and  a  cord 


,»oglc 


XXXIT.]  THE   BETROTHBD.  Q31 

bj  which  to  lower  it  for  the  bread.  Benzo  %t  this  mo- 
ment recollected  the  two  loavea  he  bad  fouDd  near  tbe^ 
CroHs  on  bis  firet  iustauce  into  Milan,  and  thought  to 
bimself  : — See  !  it'a  a  reetitotion,  and  perbapa  better  than 
ìf  l'd  found  the  real  owner  ;  for  thia  surely  is  a  deed  of 
charity  ! — 

'As  to  tbe  commiBBBry  Tou  mention,  my  good  woman,' 
Mìd  he,  puttÌDg  tbe  breadiuto  tbe  basket,  'l'm  afraid  I 
can't  serve  tou  at  ali  j  for,  to  teli  you  the  truth,  l'm  a 
itranger,  and  bave  no  acquaintance  with  any  one  in  this 
country,  Kowerer,  if  I  meet  any  one  at  ali  cìvil  and 
human  to  apeak  to,  l'il  teli  him.' 

-The  woman  begged  he  vould  do  bo,  and  told  him  the 
name  of  the  Street,  by  which  he  might  deacribe  the  aitua- 
tion. 

'  You,  too,  I  thìnk,'  resumed  Benzo,  '  can  do  me  a 
Bernce,  a  real  kindnees,  without  any  trouble.  A  famlìy 
of  high  rank,  very  greit  signors  bere  in  MiluD,  tbe  &mily 
of  •  •  •  * .  gan  you  teli  me  where  they  live  ?  ' 

'  I  know  very  well  there  is  aach  a  family,'  replied  tbe 
woman  ;  '  biit  where  ìt  ia  I  haven't  the  leaat  idea.  If  you 
go  forward  iuto  tbe  city,  in  thia  directiou,  you'll  fiud 
Bomebody  who  will  show  you  the  way.  And  don't  forget 
to  teli  him  about  us  I  ' 

'  Don't  fear  it,'  said  Benio  ;  and  he  pnTBued  bis  way. 

At  every  atep  he  heard  increosing,  and  drawing  nearer, 
a  noise  which  he  bad  already  begun  to  diatinguish  aa  he 
Btood  talking  witb  the  woman  :  a  noise  of  wbeels  and 
borsea,  with  a  tinkling  of  little  bells,  and  every  now  and 
then  a  cracking  of  whips,  and  loud  vociferations.  He 
looked  before  him,  but  aaw  nothing.  Having  reached 
the  end  of  thÌB  winding  Btreet,  and  got  a  view  of  the 
Bquare  of  San  Marco,  the  objects  whioh  first  met  bis  eye 
were  two  erect  beama,  with  a  rope  and  sundrr  pulleya, 
which  he  faiied  uot  immediately  to  recognize  (for  it  wos 
a  fàmiliar  apectacle  in  thoae  days)  «s  the  abominable  in- 
Htrument  of  torture.  It  was  ereuted  in  tbat  pUoe,  (and 
not  only  there,  but  in  ali  the  squares  and  moat  spacious 
Btreeta,)  in  order  tbat  tbe  deputiea  of  every  quarter, 
fumiabed  with  thia  most  arbitrary  of  ali  meana,  migbt  be 


63S  I   PROBCESSE   SPOSI.  [cH. 

able  to  applf  it  immedUtely  to  Kny  one  wbom  thej  should 
deem  deserviDg  of  paniahment,  whether  it  were  seques- 
trated  persoiiB  who  left  their  housee,  or  officerà  rebelling 
«gaiDBt  orders,  and  whatever  else  it  might  be  :  it  was  one 
oTthose  eitravagant  and  ìnefficacious  remedies,  of  wbich, 
in  those  dajs,  and  at  that  particular  period  eepeciaUv, 
they  were  ao  extremelj  prodigai. 

while  Benzo  waa  coutemplating  this  machine,  won- 
derìng  why  it  vbb  erected  in  that  place,  and  liateoing  to 
the  closeir-approaching  sound,  bebold,  he  saw  appearing 
from  beliind  tìie  corner  of  the  church  a  maa  nnging  a 
little  beli:  it  was  an  apparitore;  and  behind  him  two 
horsee,  whicb,  atretchÌDg  their  necks  and  paning  witb 
tbeir  hoofs,  could  witb  difficulty  make  tbeir  whj  ;  and 
drawn  by  theae  a  cart  full  of  dead  bodies,  and  after  that 
anotber,  and  then  another,  and  anotber;  and  on  each 
band  monatti  walking  by  the  side  of  the  horaea,  hastening 
them  on  witb  whipa,  blowe,  and  curaes.  These  corpaes 
vere  for  the  most  part  naked,  vhìie  some  were  miaerably 
enveloped  in  tattered  sheets,  and  were  heaped  np  and 
twined  together,  alnioat  Uko  a  nest  of  enakes  slowly  un- 
folding  themaelTes  to  the  warmtb  of  a  mild  apring  day  ; 
BO  that  at  every  trìfling  obatacle,  at  every  jolt,  these  fatai 
groupB  were  seen  quivering  and  failing  into  horrible  con- 
fuaion,  heads  dangling  down,  women's  long  treasea  dì- 
eherelled,  arme  tom  off  and  etrikiiig  againat  the  wheels, 
exhibiting  to  the  already  borror-atriuken  view  how  such 
a  spectacle  may  become  stili  more  wretched  and  dis- 
graceful. 

The  youtfa  bad  pauaed  at  the  corner  of  the  square,  hy 
the  aide  of  tbe  railiog  of  the  canal,  and  was  prayiog, 
meanwbile,  for  these  unknown  dead.  A  horrible  thought 
flaehed  acroas  bis  miud  : — Ferbape  there,  amongst  tbeae, 
beneath  them  !  ....  Oh  Lord  !  let  it  not  be  true  1  help 
me  not  to  tbink  of  it  I — 

Tbe  funeral  procesaion  having  disappeared,  he  moved 
on,  croeaing  the  square,  and  taking  tbe  atreet  along  the 
lefi-band  aide  of  tbe  canal,  without  other  reason  for  hia 
choice  than  becauee  tbe  proceasion  had  taken  the  oppo- 
BÌte  direction.    After  going  a  few  eteps  betveea  tbe  side 


,»Ogk' 


XXXIV.]  THE    BETROTHED,  633 

of  the  church  and  tlie  canal,  he  aaw  to  the  rigbt  the 
bridge  Marcellino  ;  he  croaeed  it,  and  b?  tbat  oblique 
paMage  arrived  in  the  etreet  of  the  Borgo  Nuovo.  Cast- 
ing hia  eyes  forirard,  on  the  Constant  look-out  for  aome 
one  of  whom  he  might  Bsk  direction,  he  saw  at  the  other 
end  of  the  Street  a  priest  ciothed  in  a  doublet,  witb  a 
amali  stick  in  hia  band,  standing  near  a  half-open  door, 
with  his  head  bent,  and  his  ear  at  the  aperture  j  and  verf 
BOOD  al'terwards  he  saw  him  raige  his  hand  to  pronounce 
a  bleeaing.  He  gueaaed, — wbat  in  fact  waa  the  case, — 
that  he  had  just  flnìshed  confessing  some  oae  ;  and  aaid 
to  himself  : — Thia  is  mjr  man.  If  a  priest,  in  the  eser- 
ciae  of  bis  functions,  hasn't  a  little  charìty,  a  little  good- 
uature  and  kindness,  I  can  only  saj  tbere  is  none  left  in 
the  world. — 

In  the  mean  whUe  the  prìeat,  leaving  the  door-way, 
■dranced  towards  Benso,  wslking  witb  mucb  cautioa  in 
tbe  middle  of  tho  road.  When  he  waswithiu  four  orfive 
pace»  of  bim,  Benito  took  off  his  bat  and  aignified  tbat  he 
wanted  to  epeak  to  bim,  stopping,  at  the  same  time,  so  as 
to  let  him  uoderstand  tbat  he  would  not  approach  too 
indiscreetlj.  The  priest  also  paused,  witb  tbe  air  of  on« 
prepared  to  listeu,  pjanting  bis  stick,  bowever,  on  tbe 
ground  before  bini,  to  serve,  as  it  were,  for  a  kind  of  bul- 
wark.  BeuEO  proposed  hia  iaquiries,  which  the  good 
priest  readilf  satìsfied,  not  only  telliog  him  the  name  of 
tbe  Street  where  tbe  bouee  was  situated,  but  giving  bim 
also,  US  he  saw  the  poor  fellow  bad  need  of  it,  a  little 
direction  as  to  his  way  ;  pointing  out  to  him,  i.  0.  by  the 
beip  of  right  and  left  banda,  crossea  and  cburchee,  those 
other  sii  or  eight  streets  he  bad  jet  to  traverse  before 
TBBching  tbe  one  he  was  ìnquiring  after. 

'  Ood  keep  you  in  good  bealth,  both  in  tbese  days  and 
always  !  '  said  Benzo  :  and  as  tbe  priest  prepared  to  go 
away,  '  Another  favour,'  added  he  ;  and  he  told  bim  of  the 
poor  forgotten  woman.  The  wortby  priest  thaabed  him 
for  baving  given  him  tbis  opportunity  of  conveying  aseist- 
ance  where  it  was  so  mucb  needed  ;  and  saying  tbat  he 
would  go  and  iaform  tbe  proper  autboritiee,  took  hia 
departure. 


,CK,glc 


634  I    FBOME88I  SPOSI.  [CH. 

Renzo,  making  a  bow,  also  punued  hie  waj,  and  tried, 
aa  he  went  atong,  to  revapitulate  the  instructiona  he  bad 
received,  that  he  might  be  oblìged  aa  Beldom  aa  poasible 
to  aak  further  dìrectiona.  But  it  cannot  be  imagined 
how  dìfficult  he  found  the  taak  ;  not  ao  much  oq  account 
of  the  perplexitv  of  the  tbiog,  aa  from  a  fresh  uneasineaa 
which  bad  arìsea  iu  bis  mind.  That  name  of  the  etreet, 
that  tracing  of  the  road,  bad  almoat  upaet  hira.  It  waa 
the  information  he  bad  desìred  and  requeated,  withont 
which  he  could  do  nothing  j  nor  bad  anything  ìneeia  eaìd 
to  bìm,  together  with  it,  wbich  could  auggest  a  presage. 
Dot  to  aaj  a  Buapidan,  of  mìarortuiie.  Tet  how  waa  it  P 
The  rather  more  diatinct  idea  of  aa  approacbing  termina- 
tion  to  bis  doubte,  wben  be  mìght  bear  either,  '  She  ia 
living  ;  '  or,  on  the  other  band,  '  She  ia  dead  ' — that  idea 
had  come  before  him  with  ao  much  force,  that  at  that 
moment  he  would  rather  bare  been  in  ignorance  about 
ererything,  and  bave  been  at  the  beginningof  that  journey 
of  wbich  be  now  found  bimself  so  near  the  end.  He  ga- 
thered  up  hia  courage,  howerer  : — Ah  ! — aaìd  he  to  himself, 
■^if  Te  begin  now  to  play  the  cbild,  how  will  thinga  go 
on  ? — Thue  re-emboldened  aa  beat  migbt  be,  he  poreued 
hia  way,  advancing  further  into  the  ci^. 

What  a  city  !  and  who  found  time  in  tboee  daya  to  re- 
collect  what  it  bad  been  the  year  before,  by  reaaon  of  the 
famine  1 

Benzo  bappened  to  bave  to  pass  tbrough  one  of  ite  rnoat 
unBÌghtly  and  deaolated  quarters  ;  that  junction  of  atreeta 
known  by  the  name  of  ine  Oarrobio  of  the  Porta  Nuora.  ' 
(Here,  at  that  time,  waa  a  croaa  at  the  head  of  the  Street, 
and  oppoBite  to  it,  by  the  aide  of  the  preeent  aite  of  Sao 
FranceBCO  di  Paola,  au  aocient  church,  hearing  the  name 
of  Santa  Anaataaia.)  Such  had  been  the  virulence  of  the 
contagion,  and  the  infection  of  the  scattered  corpaefl  in 
tbia  neighbourhood,  that  the  few  aurvirora  baa  been 
obliged  to  remore  ;  so  that  while  the  paaBer-by  waa  stunned 
with  BUch  a  spectacle  of  solitude  and  deaertion,  more  than 
one  Beuse  waa  unly  too  grievouBly  incommoded  and  offend- 
ed  br  tbe  tokene  and  relics  of  recent  habitation.  Benzo 
quickened  hia  atepB,  consolicg  himself  witb  the  tbought 


,»Ogk' 


XXXrV.]  THB   BBTROl'HED.  636 

tliat  ttie  auà  of  hiB  Bearch  could  not  jet  he  &t  band,  and 
hoping  tbat  before  be  arrived  &t  it,  be  would  find  the 
scene,  ai  least  in  part,  cbanged  ;  and,  in  fact,  a  lìttb  fur- 
tber  on,  be  carne  cut  into  a  part  wbicb  might  etili  be  called 
the  city  of  the  lìving — but  what  a  cityj  and  what  living  ! 
Ali  the  doorwajB  into  tba  streeta  kept  shut  from  either 
&uBpicÌon  or  alarm,  except  tboae  wbicb  were  lefl  open 
becauBO  deserted  or  invaded  ;  othere  nailed  up  and  sealed 
outside,  OD  account  of  tbe  eick,  or  dead,  who  ì&j  within; 
othera  marked  with  a  erosa  drawn  witb  coal,  as  an  inti- 
mation  to  tbe  monalti  tbat  there  were  dead  to  be  carrìed 
away  :  aìl  more  a  matter  of  chance  tban  otberwise,  accord- 
ing  as  tbere  happened  to  be  bere,  ratber  tban  tbere,  a 
GommisaaTj  of  health,  or  other  ufficer,  who  waa  inclined 
eitber  to  executo  tbe  regulationa,  or  to  eierciae  violence 
and  oppreaaion.  Everywhere  vere  rags  and  corrupted 
buidages,  infected  straw,  or  clotbes,  or  eheeta,  tbrown 
from  the  Windows  j  sometitnes  bodiea,  which  had  aud- 
dentv  fallen  dead  in  the  streeta,  and  were  lefl  there  till 
a  cart  bappened  to  paas  bv  and  pick  tbem  up,  or  ebaken 
from  off  toc  carte  tnemaelves,  or  even  tbrown  from  tbe 
Windows.  To  auch  a  degree  had  the  obstinecT  and 
virulence  of  the  contagion  hrutalized  men's  minds  and  y 
diveeted  tbem  of  ali  compasaionate  care,  of  every  feel-  \/ 
ing  of  social  reapect  1  The  stir  of  basineaa,  the  clatter  of  y/" 
caì^iag(.e,  Lbe  urlliS  of  sellere,  the  talking  of  passengera, 
ali  were  everywbere  busbed;  and  seldom  was  the  death- 
like  atillnesB  brnken  but  by  the  rutnbling  of  funeral  care, 
tbe  lamentatiouB  of  beggars,  the  groana  of  the  sick, 
tbe  abouta  of  the  frantic,  or  the  roctterations  of  the  tno- 
natti.  At  daybreak,  mìdday,  and  evening,  one  of  the  bella 
of  the  cathedra!  gave  tbe  aigual  far  recitlog  certain  prayera 
propoaed  by  the  Archbisbop  ;  ita  tones  were  reaponded  to 
by  the  bella  of  the  other  churcheSj  and  tben  persona  might 
be  seen  repairing  to  tbe  Windows  to  pray  in  common  ; 
and  a  murmur  of  sìgbs  and  voices  might  be  heard  which 
ÌDppired  aadnesa,  mìngied  at  the  aame  time  witb  some 
feeling  of  comfort. 

Two-thirds,  perbapa,  of  the  inbabitanta  being  by  tbis 
time  carried  on,  a  great  part  of  the  remainder  havìng  de- 


,„oglc 


636  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

ported,  or  Ij'ing  languìsbing  at  home,  and  the  concourse 
irom  witbout  being  reduced  almost  to  nothing,  pechapa 
not  one  individuai  among  the  few  wbo  stili  went  about, 
vould  be  met  'nitb  in  a  long  circuit,  in  wbom  something 
Btrange,  and  sufficient  in  itself  to  infer  a  fatai  change  in 
circutoetances,  wns  not  appareut.  Men  of  the  higheat 
rank  might  be  seen  without  cape  or  cloak,  at  that  time  a 
most  essentìal  part  of  any  gentleman's  dresa  ;  priests 
without  CBBSocke,  friara  without  cowls  ;  in  short,  ali  kinds 
of  dresa  were  dispenaed  with  which  could  contract  any- 
thing  in  fluttering  about,  or  give  (which  waa  more  feared 
than  ali  the  reat)  facilitiea  to  the  poisoners.  And  besides 
thie  carefulneaa  to  go  about  aa  trusaed  up  and  confiued  as 
poasible,  their  persona  were  neglected  and  diaorderly  ; 
the  beards  of  auch  as  were  accuatomed  to  wear  them 

Cwn  much  longer,  and  suiTered  to  grow  by  thoae  who 
.  formerly  kept  tbem  ahaven  ;  their  hair,  too,  long  and 
undreseed,  not  only  from  the  neglect  which  uaually  at- 
tenda prolonged  depresaion,  but  becauae  suspicion  had 
been  attached  to  barbera  ever  aince  one  of  them,  Gian- 
giacomo  Mora,  had  been  taken  and  condemned  as  a 
famous  poiaoner  ;  a  namo  which,  for  a  long  while  after- 
wards,  preserred  throughout  the  duchy  a  pre-eminent 
celebrity  in  infamy,  and  deserved  a  far  more  eiteneire  and 
lasting  one  in  commieeration.  The  greater  number  oar- 
ried  in  one  band  a  stick,  some  even  a  piatol,  aa  a  threat- 
ening  waming  to  any  one  who  sbouid  attempi  to  approach 
themstealtbily;  and  in  the  otber.perfumedpastils,  or  little 
balla  of  metal  or  wood,  perforated  and  filled  with  spongea 
ateeped  in  aromatìc  vinegar,  wbìch  they  appiied  from 
time  to  time,  as  they  went  along,  to  their  noses,  or  held 
tbere  continually.  Some  carried  a  amali  vial  hung  round 
their  neck,  contaiuing  a  little  quickailver,  perauaded  that 
tbis  possesaed  the  vìrtue  of  absorbing  and  arreatìng 
every  pestìlential  effiuyia  ;  tbis  they  were  very  careful  to 
renew  from  time  to  time,  Gentlemen  not  only  traversed 
the  streeta  without  their  usuai  attendante,  but  even  went 
about  with  a  basket  on  their  arma,  providing  the  common 
neceasarìes  of  life.  Even  friends,  when  they  met  in  the 
streets  olive,  aaluted  eacb  other  at  a  distance,  with  aileut 


,»Ogk' 


XXXIV.]  THE   BEIROTHED.  637 

and  haatj  eignE.  Every  oae,  ae  he  walked  along,  had 
enough  to  do  to  avoìd  the  filthj  and  deadlj  etumbling- 
blocks  with  which  the  eraaad  was-  stremi,  and  ìd  eome 
places  even  eacumbered.  Every  one  trìed  to  keep  the 
middle  of  the  road,  tot  fear  of  some  other  obetacle,  Bome 
other  more  fatai  weight,  which  might  fall  from  the  Win- 
dows; for  fear  of  venomous  powdera,  which  it  was 
affirmed  were  often  thrown  down  thence  upon  the  paEh 
sengera  ;  for  fear,  too,  of  thè  wolls,  which  might,  per- 
chance,  be  anointed.  Thua  ìgooraoce,  unaeasonably 
secure,  or  prepoeterously  circiimspect,  now  added  trouble 
to  trouble,  and  ìncited  false  terrore  in  compensation  for 
tbe  reasonable  and  salutaiy  ones  which  it  had  withstood 
at  the  begìnning. 

Sueh  are  tbe  lesa  diaGgured  and  pitiable  spectaclea 
which  were  evetywhere  present  ;  the  sight  of  the  whole, 
the  wealthj  :  for  after  so  many  picturea  of  miaerj,  and 
Temembering  that  stili  more  paiaful  one  whtcb  it  remaina 
for  US  to  deacribe,  we  will  not  now  stop  to  teli  what  was 
tbe  condition  of  the  sick  who  dragged  themselves  along, 
or  lay  in  the  atreets— heggars,  women,  children.  It  waa 
auch  that  the  apectator  could  find  a  desperate  consola- 
tioo,  as  it  were,  in  what  appeara  at  first  aigbt,  to  thoae 
who  are  far  removed  in  place  and  time,  the  climax  of 
misery;  the  thought,  I  mean, — the  Constant  obaervation, 
that  the  surviTors  were  reduced  to  so  amali  a  number.        , 

Benso  had  alreadj  gone  some  distance  on  bis  war 
tbrough  the  midst  of  thìs  desolation,  when  he  faeard, 
proceeding  from  a  Street  a  few  yards  off,  iota  which  be 
had  been  dlrected  to  tum,  a  coniuaed  noise,  in  which  he 
Ksdily  diatinguiehed  tbe  uaual  horrible  tinkliog. 

At  the  entrance  of  the  Street,  which  naa  one  of  the 
most  spacioufi,  he  perceived  four  carta  standing  in  the 
middle  ;  and  as  in  a  com-market  there  ia  a  conetant 
hurrying  to  and  fro  of  people,  and  an  emptying  and 
filling  of  aacks,  such  was  tbe  buatle  bere  ;  monatti  in- 
truding  into  houses,  mcmatli  coming  out,  hearing  a  burden 
upon  their  ahouldere,  which  they  placed  upon  one  or 
other  of  the  carta  ;  some  in  red  lìrery,  others  without 
that  distinctiom  many  wìth  another  stili  more  odioue. 


,c,oglc 


638  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [ce. 

plumes  and  cloa^B  of  toiìoub  colaurs,  whìch  thesa  miser- 
able  wretchea  wore  in  the  mìdat  oftbe  general  moumìng, 
M  if  in  honour  of  a  festival.  From  titne  to  time  the 
moumful  cry  reeounded  irom  one  of  the  windom  : 
'Here,  monatti/'  And,  with  a  stili  more  vretched 
Bound,  a  harah  voice  rose  from  thia  hoirible  Bouree  in 
reply  :  '  Corning  directly  1  '  Or  else  tfaere  were  lamenta- 
tions  nearer  at  band,  or  entreatiea  to  moke  haate  ;  to 
which  the  monatti  responded  with  oathe. 

Having  entered  the  atreet,  Benno  quickened  his  steps, 
trying  not  to  look  at  these  ohataclea  further  than  waa 
neceaeery  to  avoid  them  ;  hia  attention,  hawefer,  waa 
arrested  bj  a  remarkable  object  of  pity,  auch  pity  aa 
inclinea  to  the  contemplatioa  of  ita  object;  so  that  he 
carne  to  a  pauae  almoet  without  determiuing  to  do  bo. 

Corning  down  the  ateps  of  one  of  the  door-ways,  and 
advancing  towards  the  conToy,  he  beheld  a  woman,  whose 
Mpearance  announced  atill-remaining,  though  aomewhat 
advanced,  youthfulneBa  ;  a  veìled  and  dimmed,  but  not 
destroyed  oeauty,  was  stili  apparent,  in  apìte  nf  much 
sufferiug,  and  a  fatai  languor — that  delicate,  aud,  at  the 
sanie  time,  majestic,  beauty,  wbich  ìs  conapicuoua  in  tbe 
Lombard  blood.  Her  gait  waa  weary,  but  not  tottering  ; 
no  teara  fell  from  her  eyee,  though  tìiey  bore  tokeos  of 
having  ahed  many  ;  there  was  aomething  peaceful  aud 
profound  in  ber  sorrow,  wblch  indicated  a  mind  fully 
conaciouB  and  aeneitive  enough  to  feei  it.  But  it  was 
not  outy  her  own  appearance  wbich,  in  tbe  midst  of  ao 
much  miaery,  marked  ber  out  ao  especially  aa  an  objeot 
of  commiaeration,  and  revived  in  ber  bebalf  a  feeling 
now  eihauat«d — eztinguÌBhed,  in  men's  hearts.  Sbe 
carried  in  ber  arma  a  little  cbild,  about  itine  yeara  old, 
now  a  lifeleas  body  ;  but  l^d  out  and  arranged,  with  ber 
bair  parted  ou  ber  furebead,  and  in  a  ì^hite  and  remark- 
ably  clean  dreaa,  aa  if  those  banda  had  decked  ber  out 
for  a  long-promtsed  feaat,  granted  as  a  reward.  Nor 
was  ahe  lying  there,  but  upheld  and  edjuated  on  ons 
arm,  with  her  breaat  reclining  againat  ber  mother'a, 
like  a  living  creature  ;  aave  that  a  delicate  little  band, 
aa  white  aa  waz,  bung  from  one  side  with  a  kind  of 


,»Ogk' 


XXXIV.]  THE   BETROTHED.  630 

inanimate  ireight,  and  the  hesd  rested  npcm  ber  mother'i 
Bhoulder  with  an  ab&ndonment  deeper  than  that  of  aleep  : 
h«r  mother  ;  for,  eren  if  their  likeness  to  eacli  other  hsd 
uot  givea  aasurance  of  the  fact,  the  countenance  whìch 
atill  depicted  any  feeling  would  bave  clearlr  roTealed  it. 

A  borrìble-lookitig  monatto  approached  the  woman, 
and  attempted  to  take  the  burden  irom  bef  arma,  with 
a  kìnd  of  unuaual  respect,  however,  and  with  involontary 
heaìtation.  But  she,  sHghtly  drawìng  back,  yet  with  the 
air  of  one  wbo  showB  neitber  ecom  nor  displeunre,  uid, 
'  No  !  don't  take  ber  from  me  yet  ;  I  must  place  ber  my- 
self  on  tliis  eart  :  bere.'  So  saying,  abe  opened  ber  band, 
diapfóyed  a  purae  wbicb  she  held  in  it,  aud  dropped  it  iuto 
tbat  vhicb  the  monatto  estended  towarda  ber.  She  tben 
coutinued  :  '  PromiM  me  net  to  take  a  tbread  from 
aroimd  ber,  nor  to  let  any  one  else  attempt  to  do  so,  and  to 
lay  ber  in  tbe  ground  thua.' 

The  monatto  laid  bis  right  hand  on  hia  heart;  and 
then  zealouslj,  and  almoat  obsequinualy,  rather  from  tbe 
neff  feeling  bj  which  be  wae,  aa  it  were,  aubdued,  than 
on  account  of  tbe  unlooked-for  reward,  haatened  to  make 
a  little  room  on  tbe  car  for  the  infant  dead.  Tbe  lady, 
giving  it  a  kÌB6  on  the  forehead,  laid  it  on  the  spot  pre- 
pared  fur  it,  na  upon  a  bed,  arranged  it  there,  coverìog  it 
with  a  pura  white  liaen  cloth,  and  pronounced  the  parting 
word  a  :  'Karewell,  Cecilia!  rest  inpeacel  Thia  evening 
we,  too,  will  join  you,  to  rest  together  for  ever.  In  the 
mean  while,  pray  for  ub  ;  fur  I  will  pray  for  yon  and  the 
otbers.'  Tben,  tnming  again  tu  the  monatto,  '  You,'  said 
ebe,  '  whcn  you  pass  thìs  way  in  the  eveniiig,  roay  come 
to  fetcb  me  too,  and  not  me  on)y.* 

So  aaying,  abe  re-entered  the  bouae,  and,  after  an 
instant,  appeared  at  tbe  window,  holding  in  ber  arma 
anotber  more  dearìy-loved  one,  etili  lìrìng,  but  witb  the 
marks  of  deatb  on  ita  countenance.  She  remained  to 
contemplate  theae  ao  unworthy  obaequieB  of  the  first 
cbild,  from  the  time  tbe  car  started  until  it  was  out  of 
sight,  and  tben  diaappeared.  And  what  remained  for 
ber  to  do,  but  to  lay  upon  tbe  bed  the  only  one  that 
was  left  her,  and  to  stretch  berself  beeide  it,  that  tbey 


,c,oglc 


y  IH 


640  I  PBOnSBl  SPOSI.  [CH. 

miglit  die  togetfaer?  aa  tbe  fiower  alreadj  Aill  blown 
Apon  the  stem,  falls  together  «ith  the  bud  stili  enfolded 
ÌD  ita  calyr,  under  the  scjthe  wbich  ìevéìa  slike  ali  the 
herbage  of  the  field. 

'  0  Lord  !  '  exclaimed  Benzo,  '  hear  ber  !  take  het  to 
TbfBelf,  her  and  that  little  infant  ooe  :  thej  bave  anffered 
enongh  !  anrely,  tbej  bave  sufiered  enongh  1  ' 

Becovered  from  these  aingular  emotians,  and  wbile 
trjing  to  recali  to  memorj  tbe  directiona  be  bad  reeeived, 
to  aacertaìa  wfaether  he  was  to  tum  at  the  first  Street, 
aud  wbetber  to  tbe  rìght  or  left,  he  beard  anotber  and 
a  different  sound  proceeding  from  tbe  Utter,  a  coofused 
Bouud  of  imperioaa  cries,  feebte  lamentations,  prolonged 
groans,  sobs  of  women,  and  cbildren's  moana. 

He  went  forward,  oppreased  at  beart  \>j  tbat  one  ssd 
and  gloomy  foreboding.  Having  reachedthe  spot  where 
tbe  two  Btreeta  crosaed,  be  beheld  a  confused  multitude 
advancing  from  one  side,  and  stood  stili  to  wait  till  it 
bad  pasaed.  It  was  a  party  of  aick  on  their  way  to  the 
Lazzeretto  ;  some  driven  thither  by  force,  vainly  ofiering 
resistance,  vainly  crying  that  tbey  would  rather  die  apon 
their  beda,  and  replying  witb  impotent  imprecations  to 
the  oaths  and  commanda  of  tbe  monatti  vho  were  coa- 
ducting  them  ;  otbers  wbo  «alked  on  in  ailence,  witbont 
any  apparent  grief  and  witbont  hope,  like  inaenaible 
bemgs;  women  witb  infanta  clinging  to  their  bosoma; 
children,  terrified  by  tbe  cries,  tne  mandates,  and  tbe 
crawd,  more  tban  by  the  confused  idea  of  deatfa,  with 
lond  cries  demanding  their  motber  and  her  trusted  em- 
brace,  and  implorìng  that  they  might  remain  at  their 
well-known  bomee.  Alaa  I  perbapa  their  motber,  whom 
they  supposed  they  bad  left  asleep  upon  her  bed,  bad 
there  tbrowu  heraelf  down  eenselesa,  subdued  in  a 
moment  by  the  disease,  to  be  carrìed  away  on  a  cart  to 
the  Lazzeretto, — or  the  grave,  if  perchance  tbe  car  should 
arrive  a  little  later.  Ferhapa — ob  miafortuae  deserring 
of  Btill  more  bitter  tears — tbe  motber,  entirely  taken  up 
by  ber  own  aufferìnga,  bad  forgott«Q  CTerytbing,  eren 
her  own  children,  and  had  no  longer  any  wiab  but  to  die 
in  quiet. 


;dbv  Google 


XXXIV.]  THB   BETROTHED.  841 

Iq  Bucb  B  Bcene  of  confusion,  however,  some  examplea 
of  constaocj  and  piety  mìght  stili  be  seen:  parents, 
brothera,  boiib,  huBDande,  supportine  their  loved  onea, 
and  accompoajing  them  wìlh  worda  of  comfort  ;  and 
net  adulta  only,  but  even  bo;B  and  little  girla  eecorting 
their  younger  brotherB  and  aiatera,  and,  with  manlj  aenae 
and  compsaaion,  eihorting  them  to  obedience,  and  aaaur- 
ing  them  that  they  were  going  to  a  placa  wbere  others 
nould  take  care  of  them  and  try  to  reatore  them  to 
health. 

la  the  midat  of  tbe  aadneBa  and  emotiona  of  tender- 
neae  excited  by  theae  Bpectaclea,  a  far  different  aolicitude 
pressed  more  doaely  upon  our  traveller,  and  held  him  in 
paini'ul  auBpenae.    The  house  muat  be  near  at  hand,  and 

wbo  kuBw  whether  among  tbese  people But  the 

crowd  having  ali  paeaed  by,  and  thia  doubt  being  removed, 
be  turned  to  a  moaatio  who  vai  walkiug  behind,  and 
aaked  him  for  tbe  atreet  and  dwelling  of  Con  Ferrante. 
'  It'a  gone  to  amaah,  clown,'  waa  tlie  reply  he  receired. 
Benzo  cared  not  to  anawer  again  ;  but  perceiring,  a  few 
yarda  diatant,  a  commiaaary  who  brougat  up  the  convoy, 
and  had  a  little  more  Chrietian-like  countenance,  he  re> 
peated  to  him  tbe  aame  inijuiry.  The  commìsaary,  poiut^ 
ing  with  a  stick  iu  the  direction  whence  be  had  come, 
aaid,  'The  firat  etreet  to  the  right,  the  laat  gentleman'a 
house  OD  the  left.' 

"With  new  and  stili  deeper  anxiety  of  mind,  the  youth 
bent  bis  atepa  thitherwara,  and  quìckly  distinguisbed  the 
house  among  others  more  humble  and  uopretending  ;  be 
approached  the  closed  door,  placed  hit  hand  on  the 
knouker,  and  held  it  there  in  aiupense,  as  in  an  ura, 
before  drawiug  out  the  ticket  upou  which  depends  life  or 
death.  At  length  he  raiaed  the  hammer,  and  gave  a 
reaolute  knock. 

In  a  moment  or  two  a  window  was  sUgbtly  opened, 
and  a  womau  appeared  at  it  to  peep  out,  lookinK  towarda 
the  door  with  a  auspìcioua  countenance,  whicn  seemed 
to  Bay, — ManatHÌ  robbersF  commiasoriea F  poiaonera? 
devila  P— 

'Signora,'  aaid  Beiuo,  lookiug  upwards,  in  a  some- 


,CK,glc 


642  I  FBOMsasi  SPOSI.  [da. 

what  tremnlous  tone,  'ia  there  a  young  country  girl  bere 
at  Bwrice,  of  tbe  name  of  Lucia  P  ' 

•'She's  bere  no  longer;  go  away,'  aiuwered  the  voman, 
preparing  to  shut  the  window. 

'  One  moment,  for  pity's  Bake  !  Sh«'B  no  longer  bere  ? 
Whereiishe?' 

'  At  the  Lazzeretto  ;  '  and  she  wae  agaia  about  to  <.-loee 
the  wiodow. 

'  But  one  momeot,  for  Heaven's  lake  !  With  the 
pestilence  ?  ' 

'Tobesure.     Something  nen-,  eh  ?     Oet  you  gene.' 

'  Oh  utay  1     Waa  she  very  ili  ?     How  long  le  ìt  P  .  .  .' 

But  this  timo  the  window  waa  closed  in  reality. 

*  Oh  Signora!  Signora  !  one  word,  for  charity  !  for  the 
sake  of  your  poor  dead  !  I  don't  aak  you  for  anythinE 
of  youia  :  alas  !  oh  !  '  But  he  might  as  veli  bave  talked 
to  the  wa)l. 

Afilicted  by  this  intelligence,  and  Tozed  witb  tha 
treatment  he  had  receired,  B«nzo  agaia  seiced  tho 
knocker,  and  standing  cloae  to  the  door,  kept  squeeEÌng 
and  twisting  it  in  bis  hnbd,  tben  lìited  it  to  KnocK  again, 
in  a  kind  of  despair,  and  paused,  in  act  to  strike.  Li 
this  agitation  of  feeling,  he  tumed  to  see  if  bis  eye  could 
catch  any  peraoD  near  at  band,  from  whom  he  tnigbt, 
perhapii,  receire  some  more  sober  information,  some 
direction,  some  light.  But  the  first,  tbe  only  person  he 
discovered  was  another  woman,  distant,  perhaps,  about 
twenty  yards  ;  wfao,  witb  a  look  full  of  terror,  batred, 
impatience,  and  mslice,  witb  a  certain  wild  expression  of 
eye  wbich  betrayed  an  attempt  to  look  at  bim  and  some- 
thing  else  at  a  àistance  at  the  same  time,  witb  a  mouth 
opened  bs  if  on  the  poìut  of  sbouting  as  loud  as  she 
could  ;  but  holding  even  ber  breatb,  raising  two  thin, 
bony  arma,  and  eitending  and  drawing  back  two  wrinkled 
and  cLenched  banda,  as  il  reaching  to  berself  Bometbiag, 
gave  evident  signs  of  wishlng  to  cali  people  without 
letting  Bomebody  perceiTe  it.  On  their  eyes  encounteT- 
ing  each  other,  sbe,  looking  stili  more  hideoua,  started 
like  one  tskeu  by  Burpriae. 


;dbv  Google 


ICtXIV.]  THE    BSTROTHED.  643 

'"What  the P'  began  Benzo,  raiaing  bis  fiat  to- 

warda  the  wurnaa  ;  but  she,  haTÌng  loet  ali  bope  of  being 
sble  to  bave  bim  uneipectedlj'  eeized,  gare  utterance  'to 
the  cr^  ahe  bad  hitberto  reetraìned  :  '  The  poiaoner  ! 
seizebim!  aeizehim!  aeizehim!  the  poiaoiierr 

'  Who  P  I  !  ah,  you  lying  old  witcb  !  Iiold  youp  toDgae 
there!'  cried  Beozo;  and  he  eprang  towarda  ber  to 
t'irigbten  ber  and  make  ber  be  ailent.  He  peroeived, 
however,  at  thie  momeat,  that  be  must  ratber  look  after 
himBelf.  At  the  screame  of  the  woman  people  flocked 
firom  both  eidea  ;  not  the  crowds,  indeed,  which,  in  a 
sìmilar  caae,  would  bave  collected  tbree  roootha  before; 
but  etili  more  thau  enough-  to  cruah  a  single  individuai. 
At  tbis  verf  iuatant,  the  window  waa  again  tbrown  open, 
and  the  same  woman  who  had  ahowa  her»elf  so  un- 
courteouB  joat  before,  diaplayed  berself  thia  time  in  full, 
'  aad  cried  oub,  '  Take  bim,  take  bim  ;  for  he  must  be  one 
of  those  wicked  wretchea'who  go  about  to  anoint  the 
doora  of  gentlefolks.' 

Benzo  determined  in  an  inatant  that  it  Tould  be  a 
better  courae  to  make  bia  eaca^  from  them,  than  stay 
to  clear  himself;  he  caat  an  eye  on  eacb  side  to  eee 
where  were  de  fewest  people;  and  in  that  direction 
took  to  bia  lega.  He  repulsed,  viti)  a  tremendoua  puah, 
one  who  attempted  to  stop  bis  paaaage  ;  with  another 
blow  on  the  cheat  he  forcea  a  aecond  to  retreat  eigfat  or 
tea  yards,  wbo  waa  nmuing  to  meet  bim  ;  and  away  be 
went  at  full  apeed,  with,bja  tightly-cienched  lìat  uplifted 
in  the  air,  in  preparation  for  wbumaoever  ebould  come 
in  bia  way.  T^e  atreet  waa  clear  before  bim  ;  but  be- 
hiud  bia  back  he  beard  reaounding  more  and  more  loudly 
the  aavage  cry  :  '  Sei»  bim  !  aeize  bim  !  a  poiaoner  !  '  be 
beard,  drawing  nearer  and  nearer,  tbe  footateps  of  the 
Bwifteat  among  bia  pursuera.  Hia  anger  became  fury, 
bia  aoguiah  waa  changed  into  desperation  ;  a  doud 
aeemed  gatheriug  over  nia  eyea;  he  aeized  hold  of  hia 
poniard,  unaheathed  it,  atopped,  drew  bimaelf  up,  tumed 
round  a  more  fierce  and  eavage  face  than  be  oad  erer 
before  put  on  in  bia  whole  life  ;  and,  bnmdisbing  in  the 

L);.l..s.lbyClOO'^IC 


eu  I   PS0UE8S1   SPOST.  [CB. 

air,  with  outstretched  arm,  the  glittering  biade,  exdaimed, 
'  Let  him  who  daree  come  forward,  f  ou  rascals  !  and  1*11 
anoint  him  with  this,  in  eamest.' 

But,  wìtL  aBtooiBhment  and  a  canfused  feeling  of  reliet, 
he  perceived  that  hie  peraecutorB  had  already  atopped  at 
some  distance,  aa  if  ia  henitation,  and  tbat  while  they 
continued  shouting  afW  him,  they  were  beekoiiing  witD 
upUfted  handa,  like  people  poaseaBed  and  terrìfied  out  of 
their  senses,  to  othera  at  Bome  dietance  beyond  him. 
He  agaia  tumed  round,  and  beheld  before  him,  and  a 
very  little  way  off,  (for  bis  extreme  perturbation  had 
prevented  his  obserring  it  a  moment  before,)  a  cart 
adranciog,  indeed  a  file  of  the  usuai  fiineral  carte,  with 
their  usuai  accompanimentB  ;  and  beyond  them  another 
small  band  of  people,  who  were  ready,  on  their  part,  to 
fall  upou  the  poisoner,  and  take  bim  in  the  midst  ;  tbese, 
however,  nere  also  restrained  by  the  aame  impediment. 
Finding  bimeelf  tbuB  between  two  firea,  it  occurred  to 
him  tbat  wbat  waa  to  them  a  canee  of  terror  might  be 
for  himeelf  a  means  of  eafety  ;  be  thougbt  tbat  tbis  waa 
not  a  time  for  Bqueamish  scruples  ;  so  again  sbeathing 
hÌ8  poniard,  he  drew  a  little  on  one  side,  resumed  his  way 
towarib  the  carts,  and  passing  by  the  firat,  remarked  in 
the  aecond  a  tolerably  empty  apace.  He  took  aim,  sprang 
up,  and  lit  with  his  right  foot  in  the  cart,  bis  left  in  the 
air,  and  hia  arms  stretched  forward. 

-'  Bravo  I  bravo  !  '  eiclaimed  the  monatti  T>ith  one 
voice,  some  of  whom  were  foUowing  the  convoy  on  foot, 
othera  were  seated  on  the  carta  ;  and  otbera,  to  teli  the 
horrìble  fact  as  it  really  waa,  on  tbe  dead  bodies,  quaff- 
ing  trom  a  large  flaak  which  waa  going  the  round  of  the 
party.     '  Bravo  !  a  capital  hit  !  ' 

'  TouVe  come  to  put  yourself  under  the  protection  of 
themonalti  :  youmay  reckonyourself  aa  safe  aa  in  chtirch,' 
Baid  one  of  the  two  wbo  were  seated  on  the  cart  npon 
whicb  he  had  tbrown  bimself. 

The  greater  part  of  his  eneroies  had,  on  the  approach  of 
the  train,  tumed  their  backa  upon  him  and  fled,  crying  at 
the  same  time,  'Setze  himl  aeize  him!  a  poisoner!' 
Some  fev  of  them,  however,  retired  more  deliberatelyt 


,»Ogk' 


XXXIV,]  THE    BETBOTHBD.  645 

atopping  eveiy  now  and  then,  and  tuming  with  ahideous 
grin  of  rage  and  threatening  geetures  towarde  Renzo; 
who  replied  to  them  from  the  cart  by  sbaking  hia  fiat  at 
them. 

■  Leare  it  to  me,'  eaid  a  monatto  ;  and  t«arìng  a  fllthy 
rag  irom  one  of  the  hodìea,  he  hastil^  tied  it  in  a  knot, 
and  Uking  it  hy  one  of  ita  ean,  raieed  it  like  a  slin^ 
towarda  these  obatinate  fellowe,  and  pretended  to  buri  it 
-at  them,  crying,  '  Here,  ;^ou  rascala  !  '  At  tbis  action 
ther  ali  fled  in  horror  ;  and  Benzo  saw  nothing  hot  tbe 
bacEB  of  bÌB  enemiea,  and  heels  which  bounded  rapidi^ 
througb  the  ab,  like  tbe  bammerg  in  a  clothier'a  mill. 

A  howl  of  triumph  arose  among  tbe  monatti,  a  Btormy 
bunt  of  laughter,  a.  prolonged  '  Eh  I  '  as  an  accompaniment, 
ao  to  Bay,  to  thia  fugue. 

'Aha!  look  if  we  don't  know  bow  to  protect  honest 
fellowa  1  '  Baid  the  aame  monatto  to  Benzo  :  '  one  of  us  ia 
worth  more  than  a  bundred  of  those  cowards  !  ' 

'  Certainty,  I  may  eay  I  owe  70U  my  life,'  replied  he  ; 
'  and  I  thank  yen  with  ali  mj  beart.' 

*  Not  a  word,  not  a  word,'  aiuwered  the  monatto  :  '  rou 
deaeiTe  it  ;  one  cau  Beo  you're  a  brave  young  fellow.  lou 
do  right  to  poiaon  these  raacala  ;  anoint  away,  estirpata 
ali  those  who  are  good  for  nothing,  eiuept  wheo  they're 
dead  ;  for  in  reward  for  the  life  we  leaJ,  they  only  curae 
UB,  and  keep  aaving  that  wben  the  pestilence  ia  over, 
they'U  bare  uà  ali  huiged.  They  must  be  finiahed  before 
the  peatilence  ;  the  monatti  only  must  be  left  to  chaot 
victory  and  revel  in  Milan.' 

'  Long  live  the  pestilence,  and  death  to  the  rabbie  1  ' 
exclaimed  the  other  ;  and  with  thia  beautiful  toast  be  put 
the  floek  to  hia  mouth,  and  holding  it  with  both  hia  banda 
amidat  the  ioltinga  of  the  cart,  took  a  long  draugbt,  and 
then  handed  it  to  Benso,  aaying,  'Drink  to  our  bealtb.' 

'  I  wish  it  you  ali,  with  my  wbole  heart,'  aaid  Beato, 
'  but  l'm  not  thiraty  ;  I  don't  feel  any  inclination  to  drink 
juat  now.' 

'  You've  had  a  fine  frìght,  it  aeema,*  aaid  the  monatto. 
'  Tou  look  like  a  harmlesa  creature  enough  ;  you  sbould 
bave  another  &ce  than  that  to  be  a  poiaoner.' 


eie  I  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

'  Let  everyhoàj  do  u  he  can,'  said  the  other. 

'  Here,  give  it  me,'  uid  one  of  those  on  foot  tt  the  side 
of  the  car,  '  for  I,  too,  want  to  drink  another  cup  to  the 
health  of  his  honoor,  who  finds  himeelf  in  Buca  capital 
companj ....  there,  there,juet  there,  among that elegaot 
camage-full.* 

And  wìtb  ose  of  hìa  hideous  and  curaed  grins  he  point- 
ed  to  the  cart  in  Iront  of  that  upon  whicb  our  poor  Senzo 
was  aeated.  Tben,  cotnposing  hÌB  face  to  an  expreasion 
of  gerioueneu  etili  more  wicked  and  revolting,  he  made 
a  howin  that  direction,  and  reaumed  :  '  Ma;  it  pleaseyou, 
my  lord,  to  let  a  poor  vretch  of  a  monatto  taate  a  little  of 
this  wine  from  tout  celiar  P  Mind  you,  air  :  our  way  of 
life  Ì3  onlf  BO  80  :  we  have  taken  you  into  our  carriage  to 
give  you  a  ride  into  the  country  ;  and  then  it  takea  very 
little  wine  to  do  harm  to  your  lordahips  :  the  poor  monatti 
have  good  stomachs.' 

And  amidst  the  lotid  laughs  of  his  companions,  he  touk 
the  flaek,  and  Ufted  it  up,  but,  before  drinkiug,  tumed  to 
HenEO,  ftzed  his  eyes  ou  hia  face,  and  said  to  oim,  with  a 
certain  air  of  scomful  compassion  :  '  The  devil,  witb  wbora 

a  have  made  agreement,  must  be  Tory  young  ;  forif  we 
,'t  been  by  to  rescue  you,  he'd  have  given  you  mighty 
aasistance.'  And  amidat  a  fresh  burat  of  laugbter,  ha 
applied  the  flagon  to  his  lipa. 

'  Oive  US  aome  !  Wbat  !  give  ub  some  !  '  ahouted  manv 
voices  from  the  precedine  car.  The  ruffian,  having  swaf- 
lowed  aa  much  oa  he  wished,  handed  the  great  flaak  witb 
both  banda  into  those  of  bis  fello w-ruffiana,  who  continned 
paasing  it  round,  unti)  one  of  tbem,  having  emptied  it, 
grasped  it  by  the  neck,  alung  it  round  in  the  air  two  or 
three  times,  and  daabed  it  to  atoms  upon  the  pavement, 
crying,  '  Long  live  the  pestilenoe  !  '  He  then  broke  iuto 
one  of  their  hcentious  ballads,  and  was  aoon  accompaoied 
by  oli  the  Test  of  thia  depraved  chorua.  The  infenial 
Bong,  mingied  with  the  tinkling  of  the  bella,  the  rattie  of 
the  carta, and  the  tramplìng  ofmen and  horaea, reaounded 
tbrougb  tbe  lilent  vacuity  of  the  streets,  and  ecboing  in 
the  bousea,  bitterly  wrung  the  hearts  of  the  few  who  atiU 
inbabited  tbem. 


b,Goo'^lc 


XIXIV.]  THB    BETROTHED.  847 

But  wh&t  eonnot  sometiineB  baia,  to  advontage  F  What 
cannot  appear  good  in  Bome  case  or  onother  ?  The  ex- 
tremitj  ot  a  momeat  befora  had  readered  more  tban  tol- 
erable  to  Benzo  the  companj  of  tbeae  dead  and  living 
uompanioas  ;  and  now  the  soands  that  relieved  him  fram 
the  awkwardneBs  of  euch  a  conrerBation,  were,  I  had  al- 
moat  Boid,  acceptable,  muaic  to  hì«  eara.  Stili  balf  be- 
wildered,  and  in  great  agitation,  he  tbaaked  Providunco  in 
bis  heart,  as  he  beat  could,  that  he  had  eooped  Buch  im- 
miuenC  daoger  without  receiving  or  inflicting  Ì11JU17  ;  he 
prayed  for  aasiatance  to  delirer  himself  now  trom  hii 
deliverera  ;  and  for  bis  part  kept  on  the  look-out,  wateb- 
ine  hìa  companiona,  aod  recoanoitring  the  road,  that  he 
mieht  teize  the  proper  moment  to  ^ide  quieti/  down 
wiAiout  giring  theca  an  opportunity  of  making  any  dis- 
turbance  or  uproar,  whtch  might  atir  up  miachief  in  the 
paoBen-bj. 

And  lo  !  on  turnii^  a  corner,  be  seemed  to  recogniie 
the  place  along  whicb  tbe^  were  about  to  paaa  :  he  looked 
more  attentively,  and  at  once  knew  it  hj  more  cert&in 
BJgna.  Does  the  reader  know  wbera  he  waa  p  In  the 
direct  courae  to  the  Porta  Orientale,  in  that  very  Street 
^ong  wbicb  be  had  gene  bo  bIowI;,  and  retumed  so  Bpeed- 
ily,  about  twenty  montha  before.  He  quickly  remembered 
that  &om  tbence  he  could  go  atraigbt  to  the  Lazzeretto; 
and  tbia  finding  of  binuelf  in  the  right  way  without  anjr 
endearour  of  hisown,  and  without  direction,  he  looked 
upon  aa  a  special  token  of  Divine  giiidance,  and  a  good 
omen  of  what  remained.  At  that  moment  a  commisaarj 
carne  to  meet  the  cara,  who  called  out  to  the  monatti  to 
Btop,  and  I  know  not  what  beaides  :  it  need  onlj  be  Baid 
that  they  carne  to  a  halt,  and  the  muaic  waa  chùged  into 
clamoroua  dialoguea.  One  of  the  monatti  seated  on  Ben- 
eo'b  carjumped  down:  Benzo  eaid  to  the  other,  'Thank 
you  for  your  kindnesB  ;  God  reward  you  for  it  1  '  and 
Bprang  down  at  the  opposite  side. 

'  Get  you  gone,  poor  poiaoner,'  replied  tbe  man  :  '  you'll 
not  be  the  fellow  that'll  min  Uilan  !  ' 

Fortnnately  there  waa  no  one  at  band  who  oonld  over- 
bear  him.    The  party  had  Btoppedonthelefthand  of  the 


Aiooi^lc 


648  I  FSOHESEI  SPOSI.  ^CH. 

Street  :  Benio  Iiutìly  croBsed  over  to  the  opposìte  side  ; 
find,  keeping  dose  to  tbé  wall,  trudged  oaward  towards 
the  bridge  ;  croesed  it  ;  followéd  the  well-known  atreet  of 
the  Borgo,  and  recognized  the  Convent  of  tbe  Capucbins  ; 
be  comea  cloae  to  the  gate,  sees  the  projecting  corner  of 
tbe  Lazzeretto,  paeses  through  the  palÌBade,  and  the  Bceno 
outBÌde  the  encloaure  ìs  laid  open  to  bis  TÌev  ;  not  ao 
much  au  iudication  and  Bpecimen  of  the  interior,  u  itaelf 
a  VBBt,  diversìfied,  and  ìndeBcribable  scene. 

Alone  the  two  sidea  wbich  are  viaible  to  a  spectator 
from  thiB  point,  ali  waa  buiitle  and  confuaion  ;  there  was 
a  great  concourse  ;  an  influx  and  reflui  of  peonie  ;  aick 
docking  in  crowda  to  the  Lazzeretto  ;  some  sitting  or 
lying  on  the  edge  of  ona  or  other  of  the  moats  th&t 
^ofed  the  road,  whoae  atrength  had  proved  inauffident 
to  carry  them  within  their  place  of  retreat,  or,'when  the^ 
bad  abandoned  it  in  despair,  had  equally  failed  to  conrey 
them  furtber  away.  Others  were  wandering  about  aa  if 
BtupeGed  ;  and  not  a  feir  were  abaolutel^  U«side  tham- 
selvea  :  one  wouid  be  eagerly  relating  bis  fandea  to  a 
miserable  creature  lahouring  under  the  malady  ;  another 
would  be  actually  raving  ;  while  a  third  appeared  with  a 
smiling  countenance,  as  if  aaaiating  at  some  gay  spectacle. 
But  the  atrangest  and  most  clamorous  kind  of  so  melan- 
choly  a  gaiety,  waa  a  loud  and  continuai  singing,  which 
aeemed  to  proceed  from  that  wretcbed  asaembly,  and  erea 
drowned  ali  tbe  other  voices — a  |>opu]ar  song  of  love,  joy- 
oua  and  playful,  one  of  tboae  which  are  ctMea  rural  ;  and 
following  thìa  sound  by  the  eye  to  diacorer  who  could 
posaibty  be  so  cheerful,  yonder,  tranquilly  aeated  in  the 
Dottom  of  the  ditch  that  waabea  the  waUs  of  the  Lazzeretto, 
he  perceired  a  poor  wretch,  wìtb  uptumed  eyea,  aingirg 
at  tne  verv  stretch  of  his  Toice  ! 

Benso  &ad  scarceir  gone  a  few  yarda  along  the  soudi 
aide  of  the  edifioe,  when  an  eztraordinary  noise  aroae  in 
the  crowd,  and  a  diatant  cry  of  '  Take  care  !  '  and  '  Stop 
himl  '  Heetood  n^n  tiptóe,looked  forward,  and  beheld'i, 
a  jaded  horae  gallopine  at  full  apeed,  ìmpelled  forward  by 
a  atill  more  wretched  looking  rider  :  a  poor  frantic  crea- 
ture, who,  leeing  the  beaat  loose  and  unguarded,  atanding 


,»Ogk' 


SXXIV.]  THE    BETROTHED.  649 

hj  a  cart,  had  hastilj  mouated  his  bare  back,  and  atrik- 
ing  him  OQ  the  Deck  with  hU  fiets,  and  apurrinf;  him  with 
bis  heeU,  waa  urf;iag  him  impetuously  onward  ;  monatti 
were  following,  ahoutingand  howling;  and  ali  were  en- 
veloped  in  a  cloud  of  duat,  which  wbirled  around  their 
heada. 

Confounded  and  weary  with  the  BÌ(;ht  of  ao  rouch 
tniaery,  the  youth  arrìred  at  the  gate  of  that  abodewhere 
perhapa  more  waa  concentrated  than  had  been  icattered 
0*er  the  whole  apace  it  had  yet  been  bis  fortune  to  tra- 
verse. He  walked  up  to  tne  door,  entered  under  the 
vaulted  roof,  and  atood  for  a  moment  without  moving  in 
the  middle  of  tbe  portico. 


;dbv  Google 


1   PBOMESSI  -SPOSI,  ^rH. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

|1ET  the  reader  imagtne  the  encloaure  of  the 
1  LazEcretto  peopled  with  HÌiteen  thouBaod 
I  persona  ili  or  the  pingue  ;  the  whole  area  en- 
I  cumbered,  here  with  tenta  and  cabine,  there 
irìth  carta,  elsewfaere  with  people  ;  those  two 
inTemunable  ranges  of  portico  to  the  nght  and  left, 
covered,  crowdeif  with  dead  or  dying,  stretched  upon 
mattreesea,  or  the  bare  atraw  ;  and  throughout  the  whole 
of  this,  ao  to  say,  immense  den,  a  commotioo,  a  fluctua- 
tion,  like  the  swelL  of  the  aea  ;  and  within,  people  coming 
and  going,  Btopping  and  running,  some  eiuking  under 
disease,  othen  nsing  from  their  sick  beda,  either  couva- 
lescent,  frantic,  or  to  attend  upoa  othera.  Such  was  the 
Bpectacle  which  suddenly  burat  upon  Benzo's  view,  and 
foTced  him  to  pause  there,  harror-struck  and  overpowered. 
We  do  uot  intend  to  describe  thia  spectacte  bj  itself,  for 
which,  doubtleas,  none  of  our  readera  would  tbank  us  ; 
we  will  only  follow  our  jouth  in  bis  paìnful  walk,  stop 
where  he  stopped,  and  relate  what  he  happeued  to  wit- 
oesB,  Bo  far  aa  is  necessary  to  eiplain  what  he  did,  and 
what  chanced  to  occur  to  him. 


XXXV.]  '    THB    BBTROTHED.  601 

From  the  gst«  where  be  atood,  up  to  the  tempie  in  the 
middle,  and  from  that  again  to  the  oppaaite  gate,  ran  a 
liind  of  pathway,  iree  from  cabina,  and  ereiy  other  >ub- 
stactial  impediment  ;  and,  at  a  second  gtance,  he  obeerved 
a  great  bustle  of  removing  carte,  and  mabing  the  va^ 
clear  ;  and  disooTered  officerà  and  Gapuchiaa  directing  this 
operation,  aod  at  the  same  time  dismiflaing  ali  those  who 
had  no  buainesa  there.  Fearìng  lest  he  alao  ehould  be  tnm- 
ed  out  in  this  manner,  he  elipped  in  between  the  pavilions, 
On  the  side  to  which  he  had  casually  tumed — the  right. 

He  weDt  forward,  aceordiug  ab  he  found  room  to  set 
bis  foot  down,  from  cabin  to  cabin,  popping  hìs  head  into 
each,  casting  hia  eye  upon  every  one  who  lay  outside, 
gasing  upon  coontenancea  broken  down  by  aufiering, 
contraeteci  by  apaam,  or  motionlesa  io  death,  perchance 
he  might  happen  to  find  that  one  which,  nevertheless,  lie 
dreaded  to  fiod.  He  had  already,  howerer,  gone  some 
conaiderable  diatance,  and  often  and  often  repeated  thie 
melancholy  inapection,  without  having  yet  aeen  a  aingle 
woman  ;  he  concluded,  therefore,  tlut  these  must  be 
lodged  in  a  separate  quarter.  So  lar  he  gneeeed  ;  but  of 
the  whereabouta  he  had  no  indication,  sor  could  he  form 
the  least  conjecture.  Pram  time  to  time  he  met  attend- 
ants,  aa  difierent  in  appesrance,  dreea,  and  behaviour,  aa 
the  motire  woa  different  and  oppoaite  which  gare  to  both 
one  and  the  other  atrength  to  live  in  the  exerciae  of  auch 
officeB  :  in  the  one,  the  extinction  of  ali  feelinga  of  com- 
paaaion  ;  in  the  other,  compasaion  more  than  hunian. 
But  from  neitber  did  he  attempi  to  aek  direetioDS,  for  fear 
of  creating  for  himself  new  obataclee  ;  and  he  resolved  to 
walk  on  by  himaelf  tiU  he  aucceeded  in  diacovering 
women.  And  os  he  walked  along,  he  failed  not  to  looiÉ 
narrowly  around,  though  from  time  to  time  he  waa  com- 
pelled  to  withdraw  hia  eyea,  orercome,  and,  aa  it  were, 
dazEÌed  by  the  apectacle  of  ao  great  miaeriea.  Tet, 
whither  could  he  tum  them,  where  an&r  them  to  reat, 
care  upon  other  miaeriea  aa  great  ¥ 

The  very  air  and  aky  added,  if  anything  could  add,  to 
the  horror  of  these  eigbte.  The  fog  had  condenned  by 
degreee,  aod  resdred  iteelf  isto  la^  clouds,  which,  be- 


..OO'^  le 


6Sa  I   PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

comìng  darker  and  dttrker,  made  it  seem  like  tlie  tem- 
peatuous  closing  in  of  ereuiug  ;  except  that  towarde  the 
£enith  of  thU  deep  and  loweriug  tikj,  the  sun's  disk  was 
visible  aa  &om  beaind  a  thick  veil,  pale,  emitting  around 
a  verv  feeble  light,  which  was  epeedilf  ezhaled,  sai  pour- 
iug  <{own  a  death-like  and  oppreuire  beat.  Everj  iia*r 
and  then,  amidet  the  raat  murmur  that  floated  aro&nd, 
was  faeard  a  deep  rumbling  of  thunder,  ìnterrupted,  (te  it 
were,  and  ìirestàute;  nor  could  tbe  liateaer  £stinguish 
from  which  side  it  carne.  He  might,  iodeed,  easilf  hare 
deemed  it  a  distant  aound  of  cara,  uneipeotedly  coming 
to  a  Btaad.  In  tbe  country  rouii,d,  not  a  twig  bent  under 
a  breath  of  air,  not  a  bird  was  aeen  to  alight  or  fly  awajr  ; 
the  awallow  alone,  appearing  auddenlT'  from  the  eaves  of 
the  endosure,  akimmed  along  tbe  ground  wtth  extended 
wiog,  eweeping,  bb  it  were,  the  surfaoe  of  the  field  ;  but, 
alarmed  at  the  Burrounding  coafusion,  rapidi/  mountod 
agaiu  into  the  air,  and  flew  away.  It  was  one  of  those 
dayB  in  which,  aniong  a  party  of  travellerB,  not  one  of 
them  breakB  the  sileace  ;  and  the  hunterwalks  penaively 
along,  with  bis  eyea  bent  to  the  ground  ;  and  the  peasaut, 
digging  in  the  field,  pauaea  in  bis  song,  without  being 
aware  of  it;  one  uf  those  days  which  are  the  forerua- 
nera  of  a  tempest,  in  which  nature,  aa  if  motionless 
without,  whiìe  agitated  by  internai  travail,  eeema  to 
oppreea  every  Uvmg  thing,  and  to  add  an  nndefinable 
wmght  to  every  emploTment,  to  idlenees,  to  eiiatence 
ìteelf.  But  in  that  aooae  apecialiy  aasigned  to  Bufferìng 
and  death,  men  hitfaerto  struggUng  with  their  malady 
might  be  Been  sinking  under  thìa  new  pressure  ;  they 
were  to  be  eeen  by  hundreds  rapidly  becoming  wone; 
and  at  the  sime  time,  tbe  Uat  Btruggle  wae  more  die- 
treBsing,  and,  in  the  au^entation  of  sufiering,  the 
groana  were  stili  more  atifled  ;  nor,  perhaps,  had  there 
yet  been  in  that  place  an  hourof  bitternesBeqoal  to  this. 
The  youth  had  already  threaded  bis  way  for  some  timo 
without  success  through  thia  maze  of  cabins,  when,  in 
the  variety  of  lamentations  and  confused  murmura,  be 
be^an  to  distinguish  a  aingular  intermiiturs  of  falestings 
and  infante'  cries.     Hearrived  at  length  before  a  crackeil 


,»oglc 


CXXV.]  THE    BBTBOTHBD.  863 

and  dÌBÌointed  wooden  partition,  from  «ithin  which  tbis 
extraordinaiy  sound  proceeded  ;  and  peeping  tbrough  a 
large  aperture  betweea  two  boarda,  he  beheld  sa  en- 
closure  acattered  thronghout  «ith  little  huts,  and  in 
theae,  as  well  ae  in  the  spaceB  of  the  amali  camp  between 
the  cabina,  not  the  UBual  occupanta  of  an  infirmar^,  but 
infanta,  Ijing  upon  little  beda,  pillowa,  sbeets,  or  clotha 
spread  upon  the  ground,  and  nuraea  and  other  women 
buaìty  attending  upon  them  ;  and,  nhich  abore  everj* 
tbing  else  attractea  and  engroaaed  hia  attention,  she- 
goata  mingled  with  tbese,  and  acting  aa  their  coadju- 
trìcea  :'  a  aospitai  of  innocenta,  auch  oa  the  place  and 
timea  could  afford  tbem.  It  waai  I  aa;^,  a  novet  aight,  to 
behold  aome  of  tbese  animala  atanding  quietly  over  thia 
or  that  infant,  eiving  it  auck,  and  aoother  haatening  at 
the  cry  of  a  child,  aa  if  endued  with  matemal  feeling, 
and  atoppin^  by  the  aide  of  the  little  claimaat,  and  con- 
trivin^  to  dispose  itself  orar  the  infant,  and  bleating,  and 
fidgetmg,  almoat  aa  if  demanding  aome  one  to  come  to 
the  asaistance  of  botb. 

Here  and  there  nursea  were  aeated  with  infanta  at  the 
breast  ;  aome  employing  auch  eipreaaiona  of  afiection  as 
raised  a  doubt  in  the  mind  of  the  apectator  whether  they 
had  been  induced  to  repair  thither  by  the  promiaea  of 
rewsrd,  or  by  that  voluntary  benevolenco  which  goss  in  , 
aearch  of  the  needy  and  afflicted.  One  of  these,  with 
deep  aorrow  depicted  in  her  counteoance,  drew  &om  ber 
breaat  a  poor  weeping  little  creature,  and  moumfully 
went  to  look  for  an  sninml  wbicb  might  be  able  to  aupplr 
her  place  ;  another  rogarded  with  a  compaaaionate  look 
the  little  one  aaleep  on  her  boaom,  and  gently  kisains  it, 
went  to  lay  it  on  a  bed  in  one  of  the  cabina;  while  a 
third,  surrenderìng  ber  breaat  to  the  atranger  suckling, 
with  an  air  net  of  negligence,  but  of  pre-occupation,  gsied 
fixedly  np  to  heaven.  What  waa  sne  thinking  of,  with 
that  gesture,  with  that  look,  but  of  one  brought  forth 
from  her  own  bowela,  who,  perbapa  only  a  short  time 
before,  had  been  nouriahed  at  that  oreaet,  percbance  had 
eipired  on  that  boaom  !  • 

Other  women,  of  more  ezperience,  supplied  diSereat 


,c,oglc 


694  I  PROUSSSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

offices.  One  vould  nm  at  tfae  cty  of  s  famished  chOd, 
lifl-it  fpom  the  ground,  aad  orry  it  to  a  goat,  feediog 
npoa  a  heap  of  fresh  herbage  ;  and  applying  it  to  the 
creature'a  papa,  would  chide,  and,  at  the  aame  time,  cosz 
the  inexperienced  aitimal  with  ber  voice,  that  it  might 
quietly  tend  itself  to  ita  new  office  ;  another  would 
sprìng  forward  to  drive  off  a  goat  which  waa  trampling 
under-foot  a  poor  babe,  in  ita  eagemeis  to  auckle  an- 
other; while  a  third  wae  cairying  about  her  own  iofaut, 
asd  rocking  it  in  her  arme,  now  timing  to  luti  it  to  aleep 
hy  siagÌDg,  now  to  pacify  it  with  eoothing  worda,  aua 
calling  it  by  a  name  ahe  had  herself  given  it.  At  this 
moment  a  Capuchin,  with  a  very  whtte  beard,  arrived, 
brioging  two  acreaming  iofants,  one  in  each  arm,  which 
he  had  jiut  taken  from  their  djiog  mothere  ;  and  a 
woman  ran  to  receive  tbem,  and  went  to  Beek  among  the 
crowd,  and  in  the  flocka,  Bome  one  that  would  immedi- 
ately  aupplj  the  place  of  a  mother. 

More  tnan  once,  the  youth,  urged  by  hia  anxiety,  had 
tom  himeelf  from  the  opeoing  to  resumé  hia  way  ;  and, 
after  oli,  had  again  peeped  in  to  watch  another  moment 
or  tn-o. 

Having  at  length  lefl  the  place,  he  went  od  close  along 
the  partition,  untìl  a  group  of  huta,  which  were  propped 
againat  it,  compelled  him  to  tum  aaide.  He  theo  went 
round  the  cabina,  with  the  intention  of  regaining  the 
partition,  tu ming  the  corner  of  the  encloanre,  and  msking 
some  freeh  dìecoveriee.  But  while  he  waa  looking  for- 
ward  to  reconnoitre  bis  way,  a  Budden,  transient,  in- 
atantaueouB  apparition,  strnck  hia  eye,  and  put  him  in 
great  agitation.  He  aaw,  about  a  himdred  yarda  off,  « 
Capuchin  threading  his  way  and  quickly  becomìng  lost 
among  the  paviliona  :  a  Capuchin,  who,  even  thua  paaa- 
ingly,  and  at  a  diatance,  had  ali  the  hearing,  motions,  and 
figure  of  Father  Cristoforo.  With  the  iìantic  eagemefts 
the  reader  can  imagine,  he  aprang  forward  in  that  direc- 
tion, looking  bere  and  there,  winding  about,  backward, 
forward,  inside  and  out,  by  circlea,  and  through  narrow 
paasages,  until  he  ^in  saw,  with  increaaed  Joy,  the  fonn 
of  the  aelf-same  imi  ;  he  aaw  him  at  a  little  diatance, 


,»Ogk' 


XXXT.]  THB   BBTROTHED.  650 

just  leaving  a  large  boiling  pot,  and  going  vìth  a  pomn- 
ger  in  bis  hand  towards  a  cabiii  ;  tnen  he  beheld  bim 
Beat  bimfielf  in  the  doorway,  make  the  sign  of  the  ctom 
on  the  bssin  he  beld  before  bini,  and,  looking  around  him, 
'  like  one  coustantly  od  the  alert,  begin  to  eat.  It  wss, 
indeed,  Father  Cristoforo, 

The  bistoiT  of  the  friar,  front  the  point  at  whicb  we 
lost  sight  of  him  up  to  the  preaeut  meeting,  ma;  be  tbld 
in  a  few  worda.  He  had  never  remoTed  from  Bimini, 
nor  even  tbought  of  remofing,  until  the  plague,  breaking 
out  in  Mibtn,  afforded  bim  tbe  opportunità  he  bad  long  eo 
eamestly  deeired,  of  aacrificing  bis  lifo  for  bis  fellow- 
creatures.  He  ui^entl;  entreated  that  he  migbt  be 
recalled  from  Bimini  to  asaiat  and  attend  upon  the  in- 
fected  patieota.  Tbe  Count,  Attilio'a  uncle,  was  dead; 
and  beaides,  the  timea  roquired  tenderà  of  tbe  aick  ratber 
thnn  politicians;  bo  that  his  requeat  was  granted  with> 
out  dijfficultj.  He  came  immediatelj  to  Milan,  entered 
the  Lazzeretto,  and  bad  dow  been  there  about  three 
tnonthe. 

But  the  consolatioD  B«nzo  felt  in  thna  again  «eeing  hia 
good  friar  waa  not  for  a  moment  unallored  ;  together  with 
tbe  certainity  that  it  waa  be,  be  was  atao  made  punfullj 
aware  of  how  mucb  be  waa  cbanged.  Hia  atooping,  and, 
sa  it  were,  laborious  carriage,  hia  wan  and  shrivelled  face, 
ali  betokened  ap  eihaustfid  nature,  a  broben  and  sinking 
frame,  wbicb  was  asaiated  and,  aa  it  were,  upheld  from 
bour  to  hour  only  by  the  energy  of  hia  mind. 

He  kept  bia  eje  nxed  on  the  youth  who  waa  approach- 
ìng  him,  and  who  waa  seeking  Dy  gestures,  (not  daring 
to  do  BO  with  hÌB  voice,)  to  make  him  diatioffuiah  and 
recognize  bim.  '  Ob,  Father  Cristoforo  !  '  said  he,  at  laat, 
wben  he  waa  near  enongb  to  be  beard  without  sbouting. 

'  You  bere  1  '  aaid  tbe  friar,  aetting  the  porringer  on 
the  ground,  and  riaing  from  bis  Beat. 

'  Kow  are  you,  Fathar  ? — how  are  you  ?  ' 

'  Better  tban  the  many  pour  creaturea  you  see,'  replied 
tbe  friar  ;  and  bia  voice  was  feeble,  hollow,  and  aa  changed 
aa  everything  else  abont  bim.  Hia  eye  alone  waa  what 
it  always  waa,  or  bad  aomethiiig  about  it  eren  more 


,»OglC 


«L  [CH. 

briglit  and  resplend^it  ;  aa  if  Charitj,  elevated  hy  tbe 
approaching  end  of  ber  Jabours,  and  eiulting  in  the  con- 
scioiianeBB  oF  being  near  ber  Bouree,  reatored  ta  it  a  more 
ardent  and  purer  nre  tban  that  which  infirmitj  waa  eveiy 
bour  eitiaguÌBbing.  'Biit  joa,'  pursued  he,  'how  ia  it 
you're  in  tbia  pl^  ?  What  makee  you  come  thua  to 
brave  tbe  peatilence  ?  * 

'  l've  had  it,  tbaok  Heaven  t    I  come  . . . .  to  aeeh  for 
....  Lucia.' 
-^  Lucial     Ib  Lucia  bere  P  ' 

'  She  ìb  ;  at  leaet,  I  hope  in  God  ehe  may  stili  be  bere.' 

'  la  ahe  jour  wife  P  ' 

'  Oh,  mj  dear  father  I  M7  wife  !  no,  that  ehe'B  not 
Bon't  you  know  anythiiig  of  wbat  bas  happened  P  ' 

'  No,  mj  son  ;  aince  God  removed  me  to  a  dJatance 
from  70U,  l've  never  beard  anything  further;  but  now 
that  he  baa  sent  you  to  me,  l'iltell  you  the  truth,  that  I 
wiah  Tery  mnch  to  know.  But ....  and  the  eentence  of 
outlawry  P  ' 

'  Tou  knoT,  tben,  wbat  tbinge  they've  dono  to  me  ? 

'  But  you,  what  had  you  done  P  ' 

'  Listen  :  if  I  were  to  aay  that  I  waa  prudent  that  day 
in  Milan,  I  ebould  teli  a  lie  ;  but  I  didn't  do  a  aìngle 
wicked  action.' 

'  I  beheve  you  ;  and  I  believed  it  too  bef<»«.' 

'  Now,  then,  I  may  teli  you  ali.' 

'  Walt,'  eaìd  the  trita  ;  and,  going  a  few  yards  out  of 
tbe  but,  he  ealled,  '  Father  Vittore  !'  In  a  moment  or 
two,  a  young  Capuchin  appeared,  to  whom  Cristoforo 
aaid,  'Do  me  the  kindnesB,  Father  Vittore,  to  take  my 
ahare,  too,  of  waiting  upon  our  patienta,  while  I  am 
abaent  for  a  little  whiie  ;  and  if  any  one  sbould  aak  for 
me,  will  you  be  good  enough  to  cali  me.  That  one,  par- 
ticularly  ;  if  erer  be  givea  the  least  aign  of  retuming  con- 
Btnousnesa,  let  me  be  informed  of  it  directly,  for  chuity's 
aake.' 

The  youDg  friar  answered  that  he  would  do  as  he  re- 
queated;  and  then  Cristoforo,  tuming  to  Benso,  aaid, 
'  Let  UB  go  in  bere.    But  .  .  . .'  sdded  he  directly,  stop- 


;dbv  Google 


XXXV.]  THE   BBTROTHBD.  657 

ping,  '  you  Beem  to  me  very  tired  ;  jon  must  waat  some- 
thing  to  est.' 

'  So  I  do,'  aaid  Benzo  :  'now  that  you've  remtoded  me, 
I  remember  I*m  stili  fasting.' 

'  Stay,'  said  the  Mar  ;  aad  taking  another  pomoger, 
he  went  to  fili  it  from  the  Urge  boiler  ;  he  tben  returned, 
and  offered  it,  witb  a  epoon,  to  Benzo  ;  made  hìm  Bit  down 
OD  a  Straw  mattreas  whicb  serred  him  for  a  bed;  went  to 
a  cask  that  stood  in  one  corner,  and  drew  a  glass  of  wine, 
which  he  set  on  a  little  table  near  his  guest  ;  and  tben, 
taking  up  hie  owa  porrìnger,  seatad  himself  beside  him. 

'  Oh,  Kather  Cristoforo  I  '  aaid  Benzo,  '  is  it  your  busi- 
neaa  to  do  ali  thia  P  But  you  are  alwaya  the  eame.  I 
thank  you  with  ali  my  hearù' 

'  Don't  thank  me,'  said  the  friar  :  '  that  belonga  to  the 
poor  ;  but  you  too  are  a  poor  man  just  now.  Now,  then, 
teli  me  what  I  don't  kaow  ;  teli  me  about  our  poor  Lucia, 
and  try  to  do  it  in  a  few  worda,  for  time  ia  acarce,  and 
there  ia  plenty  to  be  done,  aa  you  see.' 

Benzo  began,  between  one  spoonful  and  another,  to 
relate  the  histoiy  of  Lucia,  bow  abe  bad  been  aheltered  in 
the  monastery  at  Monza,  how  abe  bad  been  forciblv 
carried  off ....  At  the  idea  of  such  sufferinge  and  such 
dangera,  and  at  the  thought  that  it  was  be  who  bad  dt- 
rected  the  poor  innocent  to  that  place,  the  good  friar 
became  almost  breathless  with  emotion  ;  but  he  was 
quickly  relìeved  on  hearing  how  she  bad  been  miracu- 
loualy  liberated,  restored  to  ber  motber,  and  placed  by 
her  with  Donna  Prasaede. 

'  Now  I  wiU  teli  you  about  myself,'  puraued  the  nar- 
rator  ;  and  he  briefly  sketched  the  day  be  epeut  in  Milan, 
and  hia  flight,  and  how  he  had  long  been  abaeut  from 
home,  and  now,  everytbin^  beiug  turned  upside  down, 
he  had  ventura  to  go  thitber  ;  bow  be  haa  not  found 
Agnese  there  ;  and  bow  be  had  leamed  at  Milan  that 
Lucia  was  at  tìto  Lazzeretto.  '  And  bere  I  am,'  be  con- 
oluded  ;  '  bere  I  am  to  look  for  her,  to  see  if  ahe'e  stili 
liring,  and  if .  .  . .  she'll  stili  bare  me  ... .  because  .... 


;dbv  Google 


65B  I  PROMESSI  SF06I.  [CR. 

'  But  how  were  ;od  dlrected  bere  P  *  asked  the  friar. 
'  Have  TOH  tiay  information  whereabouòa  ahe  wae  lodged, 
or  at  what  time  ahe  carne  F  ' 

'  None,  dear  Tather  ;  none,  except  that  she  ù  bere,  ìf, 
iodeed,  she  be  stili  linng,  wbich  maj  Ood  grant  !  ' 

*  Oli,  jou  poor  fellow  I  But  what  search  have  you  ynt 
made  bere  P  ' 

'  l've  vandered  aud  wandered  about,  but  bìtherto  IVe 
■carcely  seen  auything  but  men.  I  thought  that  the 
women  must  he  in  a  separate  quarter,  but  ì  baven't  yet 
Bucceeded  in  finding  it;  if  it  is  really  bo,  now  joa  can 
teli  me.' 

''Don't  jou  know,  my  eon,  that  men  are  forbìdden  to 
entbr  that  quarter,  unleas  they  bave  aome  business  there  F  ' 

'  Well,  and  what  couid  happen  to  me  e" 

'  The  regulation  is  just  and  good,  my  dear  son  ;  and  if 
the  number  and  weìght  of  BorrowB  forbid  the  posaibility 
of  ita  being  respected  with  full  rìgour,  is  that  a  reasoa 
why  an  boueat  man  should  tranigress  it  P  ' 

'  But,  Father  Cristoforo,'  said  Renzo,  '  Lucia  ought  to 
be  my  wife  ;  you  know  how  we've  heen  seporated  ;  it'a 
twenty  montha  that  l've  suffered  and  bome  patieutly  ; 
l've  come  as  far  aa  bere,  at  the  risk  of  so  many  tbinga, 
one  worse  than  the  other  ;  and  now  tben  .  .  .  .' 

'  I  don't  know  what  to  say,'  resumed  the  friar,  replying 
rather  to  bis  own  thoughts  than  to  the  words  of  the 
young  man.  '  You  are  going  with  a  good  intention  ;  and 
woula  to  God  that  ali  who  Imve  free  access  to  that  place 
would  conduct  themselvea  as  I  can  feel  sure  you  will  do  ! 
Glod,  who  certainly  hleases  this  your  perseverance  of 
afiection,  this  your  faithfulness  in  wishing  and  seeking 
for  ber  wbom  He  baa  given  you,  God,  who  is  more  rìgor- 
0U8  than  men,  jet  more  indulgent,  wiU  not  regard  what 
may  he  irregular  in  your  mode  of  seeking  for  ber.  Onlv 
rememher,  that  for  your  behaviour  in  this  place  we  shall 
both  bare  to  render  an  account,  not,  probably,  to  men, 
but,  without  fail,  at  the  bar  of  G-od.  Come  thia  way.' 
So  saying,  be  rose  :  Benzo  foUowed  bis  eiample  ;  and, 
without  ueglectJD^  to  listea  to  bis  worda,  had,  in  the 
mean  time,  determined  in  himself  not  to  speak,  as  he  had 


,»Ogk' 


ZZZV.]  THB   BBTBOTHED.  659 

at  first  intended,  about  Lacia's  tow. — If  he  hcan  this, 
toc, — thought  he, — he  will  certaiolj  raiee  more  diffioulties. 
Either  I  irill  find  her,&iid  then  there  will  be  timeenough 
to  discuH  it,  or  .  .  .  .  and  then  !  what  vili  it  matter  ? — 

Leading  him  to  the  door  of  the  cabin,  wbich  faced 
towarda  the  north,  the  frìar  reaumed  :  '  Listen  to  me  ; 
Father  Felice,  the  preeident  of  the  Lazzeretto,  will  to-day 
conduct  the  few  who  bave  recovered  to  perform  their 
quarantine  elaewhere.  Yuu  aee  that  cburch  there  in  the 
middle  .  . . .'  and  raising  bis  tbin  and  tremulous  band,  be 
poiutcd  out  to  the  left,  through  tbe  cloudy  atmoBphere, 
the  cupola  of  the  little  tempie  rising  above  the  miserable 
teats,  and  continued  :  '  About  there  they  are  now  aaseui* 
bling,  to  go  out  in  proceeeion  through  the  gate  by  wbich 
you  must  bave  entered.' 

'  Ah  I  it  waa  fi>r  this,  then,  tbat  they  were  trying  to 
clear  the  paesage.' 

'  Just  Bo  :  and  ;ou  must  aleo  bave  beord  some  tollingi 
of  the  belL' 

'  I  heard  one.' 

'  It  was  the  eecond  :  when  the  third  rings,  they  will  ali 
be  assembled  :  Father  Felice  «ili  addreae  a  few  word»  to 
them  ;  and  tlien  they  will  set  off.  At  this  Bignal,  do  you 
go  thither  ;  contrìre  to  placo  yourself  bebind  the  aasembly 
on  the  edge  of  the  pa3Bnge,nhere,  without  giviugtrouble, 
or  beiug  observcil,  you  caii  watch  them  pasa  ;  and  look 
....  look  ....  look  if  ahe  is  there.  If  it  be  not  Ood's 
will  that  ebe  abould  be  there,  that  quarter  .  .  .  .'  and  ba 
again  raised  hia  band,  and  pointed  to  the  aide  of  the 
edifice  which  faced  tbera,  '  that  quarter  of  the  building, 
and  part  of  the  iield  before  it,  are  asaìgned  to  the  women. 
You  will  aee  some  paling  that  divides  tbia  from  tbat 
encloBure,  but  bere  and  there  broken  and  iuterrupted,  ao 
that  you'll  find  no  difficulty  in  gainìng  admittance.  Once 
io,  if  you  do  nothing  to  givo  offence,  no  one  probably 
will  Bay  auything  to  you  ;  if,  however,  they  ahnuld  make 
any  oppuBition,  Bay  that  Father  Criatoforo  of  *  *  *  knowa 
you,  and  will  answer  for  you.  Seek  ber  there  ;  Beek  ber 
vìtb  confidence  and  ....  with  reeignation.  For  you 
must  remember  it  is  a  great  tbing  you  bave  come  to  aak 


,„oglc 


660  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

bere  :  a  peraon  alire  withiu  the  Lazzeretto  !  Do  you 
kuow  how  often  I  have  seen  my  poor  people  bere  renewed  F 
bow  many  I  bave  seen  carried  off!  bow  few  go  out  re- 
covered  !  .  .  .  .  Go,  prepared  to  make  a  aacrifice  .  .  .  .' 

'  Ay  !  I  underatand  1  '  interrupted  Benzo,  bis  eyea 
roUing  wildly,  and  bis  face  becoming  verj  dark  aud 
tlireatening  :  '  1  understand  !  l'il  go  :  l'il  look  in  one 
place  or  another,  from  top  to  bottam  of  the  Lazzeretto 
....  aad  if  I  doa't  fiud  ber  !....' 

'  If  you  don't  find  ber  ?  '  Bnid  the  friar,  with  an  air  of 
grave  and  serìouB  expectatìon,  and  an  admouishing  look. 

But  Kenzo,  whoae  anger  had  for  some  time  been  awell- 
ìng  in  bÌ9  boBom,  and  noiv  clouded  bis  stght,  and  deprived 
him  of  ali  feelinge  of  respect,  repeated  and  continued  ; 
'  If  I  don't  find  ber,  l'II  Bucceed  in  finrfing  aomebodj  else. 
Eitber  in  Milan,  or  in  bis  detestable  palai^e,  or  at  the  end 
of  the  world,  or  in  the  abode  of  the  devìl,  111  find  tbat 
raacal  who  aeparated  us  ;  that  TÌllaiii,  but  for  whoni  Lucia 
would  bave  been  mine  twenty  montbs  ago  ;  and  if  we  had 
been  doomed  to  die,  we  would  at  leaat  bave  died  togetber, 
It'  tbat  fellow  atill  lives,  l'il  find  him ' 

'  Renzo  !  '  said  the  friar,  graaping  bim  by  one  arm,  and 
gazing  on  him  stili  more  severely. 

'  And  if  I  find  bim,'  continued  he,  perfectlv  blinded 
with  rage,  'if  the  pingue  hasn't  already  wrougQt  justiee 
....  ThÌB  is  no  luuger  a  time  when  a  coward,  with  bis 
braroes  at  bis  heels,  can  drive  people  to  desperatioD,  and 
tben  mock  at  them  :  a  time  is  come  wben  meu  meet  eacb 
other  face  to  face  ....  l'il  get  justiee  !  ' 

'  Miserable  wretcb  !  '  cried  Father  Cristoforo,  in  a 
voice  which  bad  aasumed  ita  former  full  and  sonorous 
tone  :  '  Miserable  wretcb  !  '  And  he  caised  bia  sunkea 
head,  bia  cheeka  hecame  flushed  with  tbeir  originai 
colour,  and  the  fire  that  flaabed  from  bis  eyea  had  Bome- 
thing  terrible  in  it.  '  Look  about  you,  miaerable  man  1  ' 
And  wbile  with  one  band  he  graaped,  and  strongly  ahook, 
Senzo'a  arm,  he  vraved  the  other  before  him,  pointing^^a 
well  as  be  could,  to  tbe  mournful  ecene  around  them; 
'  See  who  ia  He  that  chaatises  !  Wbo  ìa  He  tbat  jndges, 
and  is  not  judged  !    He  tliat  scourges,  and  forgiTea  !  But 


XXXV.]  THE   Bin'ROTHED.  661 

yoii,  ft  worm  of  tbe  earth,  ^ou  would  get  justice  !  Fou  ! 
do  you  know  what  justice  is  F  Away,  unhappy  mao  ; 
awaj  witb  jou  !  I  hopetl  ....  yes,  I  did  hope  tbat,  be- 
fore  my  death,  God  would  bave  giien  me  tbe  comfort  of 
bearing  that  my  poor  Lucia  waa  fìlìve  ;  perbapB  of  seeing 
ber,  aud  hearing  ber  promiae  me  tbat  abe  wouid  seud  oue 
prayer  towarda  tbe  grave  where  I  Bliall  be  latd.  Oo,  you 
nave  robbed  me  oTthis  hope!  God  bas  not  let  ber 
remain  upon  earth  for  you  ;  and  you,  surely,  canuot  bave 
the  hardibood  to  believe  yoursell  worthy  tbat  God  should 
think  of  comforting  you.  He  wili  bave  thougbt  of  Aer, 
for  Bbe  waa  oae  of  tboae  hou1b  for  vbain  eternaJ  consola- 
liana  are  reeerved.     Go  !     l've  no  longer  tinie  to  lieten 

And  Bo  saving,  he  threw  from  bim  Benzo's  arm,  aud 
moved  towaraa  a  cabin  of  sick. 

'  Ah,  Fatber  !  '  said  Benzo,  following  him  witb  a  sup- 
plicating  air,  '  will  you  send  meaway  in  thls  mannerP  ' 

'What!'  rejoined  the  Oapucbin,  relaxing  notbing  of 
bis  Beverity  ;  '  dare  you  require  that  I  shoutd  Bteat  tbe 
time  from  theee  poor  afflicted  once,  wbo  are  awaiting  for 
me  to  Bpeak  to  tnem  of  the  pardon  of  Qod,  to  liat«n  to 
Tour  worda  of  fury,  your  propoaitious  of  revenge  ?  I 
listened  to  you  vheu  you  asked  conaolation  and  direc- 
tion; I  neglect«d  one  duty  of  charity  for  tbe  sake  of 
another  ;  but  now  you  bave  vengeance  in  your  heart  ; 
nhat  do  you  want  witb  me  P  Eteeone  I  I  have  beheld 
tlioae  die  her©  who  bave  been  offended  and  bave  forgiven  ; 
offendere  wbo  bave  moumed  that  tbey  could  not  humble 
tbemselves  before  the  offended  :  1  bare  wept  with  both 
one  and  the  otber  ;  but  what  bave  I  to  do  witb  you  ?  ' 

'  Ah  !  I  forgive  bim  I  1  forgive  bim.  ìudeed,  and  fot 
ever  !  '  ezclaimed  the  jouth. 

'  Benzo  !  '  said  the  friar,  with  more  tranquil  stemneaB  : 
'  bethink  yourself,  and  ji[st  say  how  often  yoa  bave  for> 
given  bim.' 

And  having  waited  a  moment  witbout  receiving  a 
reply,  be  suddenly  bent  bis  head,  and  witb  an  appeaaed 
voice  resumed  :  '  Tou  know  why  I  besr  tbia  babit  f  ' 
.  Benso  besitated. 


b,C,oo'^lc 


662  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CB. 

'  Toa  laow  it  !  '  resumed  the  old  man. 

'  I  do,'  aoswered  Benzo. 

'  I  too  bave  hated,  and  therefore  I  bare  rebnked  joa 
for  a  thonght,  for  a  word  ;  the  man  whom  I  hated,  wbom 
I  cordia)!;'  hated,  whom  I  had  long  hated,  that  man  X 
murdered  !  ' 

'  Yee,  but  a  tyrant  !  one  of  thoae  .  . .  .' 

'Huah!'  interrupted  the  finar:  'thitik  yon  that  if 
there  were  a  good  reasou  for  it,  t  ahouldn't  bave  found  ìt 
in  thirtj  ^eara  F  Ah  !  if  I  could  now  inatil  inlo  joar 
heart  the  sentiment  I  bare  ever  eince  had,  and  stili  bave, 
for  the  man  I  bated  !  If  I  could  !  IP  But  God  can  : 
may  He  do  so  !  ...  .  Lieten,  Beuzo  ;  He  wishes  you  more 
good  thaa  you  eren  wish  youreelf:  you  bave  dared  to 
meditate  revenge  ;  but  He  bas  power  and  mercy  enough 
to  prevent  you  ;  He  bestows  upon  you  a  farour  of  which 
anotber  was  too  unwortby.  Tou  know,  and  you  bava 
otiten  and  often  said  it,  that  He  can  arreat  the  band  of  the 
oppresflor  :  but,  remember.  He  can  also  arrest  that  of  the 
revengeful  ;  and  tfaink  you  tbat,  because  you  are  poor, 
because  you  are  iniured,  He  cannot  defend  against  your 
veugeance  a  man  whom  He  haa  created  in  His  own  image  P 
Did  you  think  tbat  He  would  aufier  you  to  do  ali  you 
wiebed  ?  No  !  but  do  you  know  wbat  He  can  do  f  You 
may  bate  and  be  loat  far  ever  ;  you  may,  by  sucb  a  temper 
of  mind  as  thia,  deprive  youraelf  of  every  bleBsiug.  1  or, 
however  things  may  go  with  you,  wbatever  condition  you 
may  be  placed  in,  rest  eaenred  that  ali  will  be  puniah- 
ment  unti!  you  bave  forgiven — forgiven  in  aucb  a  way, 
tbatyou  may  never  again  be  able  to  aay,  I  foi^ve  b'im.' 

'  Tea,  yes,'  eaid  Benzo,  with  deep  ahame  and  emotioa  : 
'  I  aee  now  that  I  bave  never  before  really  forgiven  him  ; 
I  see  tbat  I  bave  apoken  like  a  beaat,  and  not  like  a 
Christian  :  and  now,  by  the  grace  of  God,  I  witt  forgive 
him  ;  yes,  l'il  forgive  him  from  my  very  heart' 

'  And  supposing  you  were  to  see  him  ?  ' 

'  I  woula  pray  the  Lord  to  gire  me  patience,  and  to 
touch  hit  beart.' 

'  Would  you  remember  that  the  Lord  boa  not  only  com- 
manded  uà  to  forgive  our  euemiea,  but  alao  to  love  them  P 


,l)OglC 


XXXT.]  THS   BETROTHKD.  663 

"Wouldyon  remerober  tbat  Se  sa  lored  him  bs  to  taf 
down  Hia  iife  far  him  P  ' 

'  YeH,  by  Hia  help,  I  would.' 

'  Well,  tben  ;  come  and  aee  him.  You  have  said,  "  IH 
find  him  ;  "  and  you  ahall  find  him.  Come,  and  you  ahall 
see  againat  wbom  you  would  nourish  hatred  ;  to  whom 
you  could  wiah  evil,  and  be  ready  to  do  it;  of  what  Iife 
you  would  render  yourself  maater  1  ' 

And,  taking  Benzo'a  band,  wbich  be  grasped  as  a 
healthy  young  mah  would  bave  done,  ha  moved  forwsrd. 
Uenzo  followed,  wìthout  daring  to  Ask  aaythiDg  furtber. 

After  a  abort  walk,  the  fì-iar  atopped  near  the  entraoce 
of  a  cabin,  flied  bis  eyea  on  Benzo'e  face  witb  a  mixture 
of  gravity  and  tenderneas,  and  drew  bim  in. 

The  fint  thing  be  obaerved  on  entering,  waa  a  eick 
penon,  eeated  on  some  etraw,  in  the  back  ground,  wbo 
Old  not,  bowerer,  aeem  »ery  ili,  but  nther  recovering 
from  illneaa.  On  aeeing  the  Fatber,  be  ahook  bis  beau, 
aa  if  to  Bay  No:  the  Fatber  bent  bis  with  ad  air  of 
aorrow  and  reaignation.  Eeneo,  meanwbile,  eyeing  the 
Burrounding  objects  with  uneasy  curioaity,  beheld  three 
or  four  aick  persona,  and  distinguiabed  one  againat  the 
Wall,  lying  upon  a  bed,  and  wrapped  in  a  aheet,  with  a 
nobleman's  cloak  laìd  upon  him  aa  a  quilt  :  he  gazed  at 
bim,  recognized  Don  Bodrigo,  and  involuntarily  sbrank 
back  -,  but  the  friar,  again  making  bim  feel  the  band  by 
which  be  held  him,  drew  him  to  tbe  foot  of  the  bed,  and 
fltretchiug  orer  it  hia  other  band,  pointed  to  tbe  man  who 
tbere  lay  prostrate.  Tbeunhappy  being  waa  ^fectl^ 
motionlesB  ;  hia  eyes  were  open,  but  be  saw  notbmg  ;  bis 
&ce  was  p^e  and  covered  witb  black  spots  ;  bis  lips  black 
and  Bwollen  ;  it  would  bave  been  called  tbe  face  of  B 
corpse,  bad  not  convulsive  twitehinga  revealed  a  tenacity 
of  ufe.  Hia  boeom  heaved  from  time  to  time  witb  pain- 
fully  short  reapiration  ;  and  bis  rìght  band,  laid  outside 
the  cloak,  pressed  it  closely  to  bis  heart  witb  a  firragrasp 
of  hia  clencbed  fingerà,  which  were  of  a  livìd  colour,  aod 
black  at  tbe  extremitiefl. 

'  You  aee,'  aaid  the  friar,  in  a  low  and  solemn  roice. 
'Tbls  may  be  a  pnniahment,  or  it  may  be  mercy.    The 


,c,oglc 


SM  I  PBOHB88I   SPOSI.  [CB. 

duposìtìoa  jron  now  bare  tow ards  this  mnn,  wbo  certainlj 
haa  offended  joa,  that  diroosition  will  Qod,  whom  aa- 
auredly  fou  bare  offended,  nave  towarda  you  atthe  great 
dav.  Bleaa  him,  and  be  bleaaed.  For  four  days  bas  he 
laiD  tbere,  as  you  aee  bìm,  without  giving  anj  signa  of 
cousciouBiieBa.  Ferbapa  the  Lord  ia  ready  to  gmat  him 
an  baur  of  repentauce,  but  waita  for  ;ou  to  ask  it  :  per- 
hapa  it  18  Hia  will  tbat  joa  sbould  pray  for  it  witb  tbat 
ionocent  creature  j  perhapa  be  reserves  tbe  mercr  for 
your  aahtary  prayer,  the  prayer  of  an  afiticted  and  resigned 
oeart.  Perhapa  tbe  ealvation  of  tbìs  maa  aud  your  owd 
depend  at  this  moment  upon  yourself,  upon  tbe  diapoai- 
tioQ  of  your  mind  to  forgiveneaB,  to  compasaìon .  .  .  .  to 
love!'  He  ceaaed;  and  joining  bis  bands,  bent  hia  head 
orer  them  both,  aa  if  in  prayer.     Benso  did  tbe  aame. 

Tbey  had  been  for  a  few  momenta  in  tbie  position, 
wheu  tbey  beard  the  third  tolling  of  tbe  beli.  Both 
moved  togetber,  aa  if  by  agreement,  and  went  out.  The 
one  made  no  inquiriea,  tbe  otber  no  proteatations  :  tbeir 
couQtenancea  apoke. 

'  Go  now,'  reaumed  tbe  friar,  '  go  prepared  to  make 
a  McrìGce,  and  to  blesa  God,  whatever  be  tbe  iasue  of 
your  researcbea.  And,  wbatever  it  be,  come  and  give  me 
an  account  of  it  ;  we  will  praise  Him  together.' 

Here,  without  further  worda,  tbey  parted  ;  tbe  one 
retumed  to  tbe  place  be  had  lefl,  the  otber  set  off  to  the 
little  tempie,  wbicb  wap  scarcely  more  than  a  atone's  tbrow 
diatant. 


;dbv  Google 


XXKVI,]  THE    BKTROriIED. 


CHAPTEE  XXXVl. 

HO  would  ever  bave  told  Benio,  a  few  hours 
before,  tbat,  in  the  very  criais  of  hìs  search, 
at  the  approach  of  the  momeat  of  greatest 
Buapeose  wbich  was  eo  soon  to  be  deciBÌve, 
bis  beart  would  bave  been  divided  between 
Lucia  and  Don  Bodrìgo  ?  Yet  so  it  was  ;  tbat  figure  he 
bad  just  beheld,  carne  and  mìnglcd  itself  in  ali  tbe  dear  or 
temble  pictures  wbich  either  hope  or  fear  altemately 
brought  before  him  in  tbe  course  of  bis  walk  ;  the  worda 
be  had  heard  at  the  foot  of  tbat  bed  blended  tbeniBelves 
with  the  coafiicting  thougbts  hj  wbich  bis  mind  waa 
agitated,  and  he  could  not  conclude  a  prayer  for  tbe 
happy  iesue  of  thia  ereat  eiperiment,  witbout  connecting 
with  it  tbat  whicb  be  had  begun  there,  and  wbich  tbe 
Bound  of  tbe  beli  had  abruptly  terminated. 

Tbe  Bmall  octagonal  tempie,  nhich  stood  elevated  from 
the  ground  by  several  etepa,  in  the  middle  of  the  Lazse* 
retto,  was,  in  ita  originai  construction,  open  on  every 
side,  without  other  support  thon  piiasters  and  colamns — 
a  perforated  building,  ao  to  say.  In  each  front  waa  an 
arcb  between  two  columns  ;  within,  a  portico  no  round 


,„oglc 


686  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [Cff. 

that  which  mìght  more  propterly  be  called  the  clinrcb, 
but  vhjch  was  compOHed  onlj'  of  eigbt  archea  aupported 
hj  pilaaters,  BurmouDted  by  a  smaìl  cupola,  and  corre- 
spoodiug  to  those  on  the  outside  of  the  arcade  i  bo  that 
the  aitar,  erected  in  the  centre,  mìgbt  be  seca  from  the 
window  of  each  room  in  the  enclosure,  and  almost  from 
any  part  of  the  encampinent.  Now,  the  ediGce  being 
conrerted  to  quite  a  difiereut  use,  the  epaces  of  the  ei^ht 
fronts  are  waUed  up  ;  but  the  ancient  framework,  which 
stili  remainB  uninjured,  ìndicatea  with  aufficient  cleamen 
the  originai  condition  and  deatination  of  the  building. 

Benzo  had  scarcely  atarted,  when  Father  Felice  made 
bis  appearsQce  in  the  portico  of  the  tempie,  and  advanced 
towaras  the  arch  in  the  middle  of  the  iide  which  faceathe 
city,  in  front  of  which  the  asaembly  were  arranged  at  the 
foot  of  the  Bteps,  and  along  the  course  prepared  for  them  ; 
and  sbortly  he  perceived  by  bis  manner  that  he  had  begun 
the  seinnoD.  He  therefore  went  round  by  aome  little  by- 
paths,  ao  aa  to  attain  the  rear  of  the  audience,  aa  hadbeén 
BUggeated  to  him.  Arrived  there,  he  Btood  stiU  very 
quietly,  and  ran  over  the  whole  nitb  hÌB  eye  ;  but  he 
could  see  nothingfrom  hia  poaJtion,  eicept  a  maaa,  I  had 
almost  BBÌd,  a  pavement  ot  heada.  In  the  centre  there 
were  some  covered  with  haudkerchiefs,  or  veila  ;  and  bere 
he  fiied  hia  eyes  more  attentively  ;  but,  failiug  to  distin- 
guùb  auything  more  clearly.he  also  raiaed  them  to  where 
ali  the  otherB  were  directed.  He  was  touched  and  affected 
by  the  venerable  figure  of  the  apeaker;  and,  with  ali  the 
attentioii  he  could  command  iu  auch  a  moment  of  expect- 
ation,  liatened  to  the  following  portion  of  bis  solemn  ad- 
dreea:— 7 

'  Let  uà  remember  for  a  moment  the  thouaanda  and 
thousands  who  bare  gone  forth  thither  ;'  and  raiaing  hia 
finger  above  hia  aboulder,  he  pointed  bebind  him  towards 
the  gate  which  led  to  the  cemetery  of  San  Gregorio,  the 
whole  of  which  «aathea,wemight  Bay,  one  immense  grave; 
'let  US  cast  au  eye  around  upon  the  thouBaude  and  tbon- 
aanda  who  are  stili  left  bere,  uncertain,  alas  !  by  which 
way  they  will  go  forth  ;  let  us  look  at  ourselves,  so  few  in 
number,  wbo  are  about  to  go  fortb  reetored.     Bleswd  be 


,l)OglC 


XXXVI.]  THE    BBTROTHED.  867 

the  Lord  !  Blessed  be  He  in  Eia  justìce,  blessed  in  Hìb 
,  mercy  !  bleased  ìii  death,  and  blessed  in  lìfe  !  bleaeed  in 
tbe  cboice  He  has  been  pleued  to  make  of  us  !  Oh  !  wby 
hae  He  bo  pleaaed,  my  brethren,  if  not  to  preaerTe  to 
Himself  a  little  remnant,  corrected  by  afflictios,  and 
varmed  with  gratitude  ?  if  sot  in  order  that,  feeling  more 
TÌvidly  tban  ever  how  life  ìb  Hìb  gift,  we  msy  eeteem  it  as 
a  gift  from  Hia  banda  deaervea,  and  employ  it  in  Huoh 
Works  OS  ne  may  dare  to  -ofTer  to  Him  p  if  not  in  order 
that  tbe  remembrance  of  our  owd  sufieringa  may  make  uà 
compassionate  towarda  otbers,  and  ever  ready  to  relìere 
.  them  P  la  the  niean  wbile,  let  those  in  wboae  company 
we  bave  suffered,  boped,  and  feared;  aniong  vhom'we 
ara  leaving  friends  and  relatiTee,  and  who  are  ali,  besidea, 
our  bretbreu;  let  those  among  them  vbo  will  aee 
uà  paae  througb  the  midst  of  them,  not  only  derive  some 
ralief  from  the  thought  that  others  are  going  out  bence  in 
nealth,  but  also  be  edìfìed  by  our  behaviour.  Qod  forbid 
tbat  tbey  should  behold  in  ub  a  clamorous  festivity,  a 
carnai  Joy,  at  having  eacaped  that  deatb  against  which  tbey 
are  stili  struggling.  Let  them  see  tbat  we  depart  in 
thankagivings  for  ourselves  and  ptayers  for  them  ;  and 
let  them  be  able  to  say,  "  Even  Seyond  these  walla  tbey 
will  not  forget  us,  tbey  will  continue  to  pray  for  us  poor 
creaturea  !  "  Let  us  begin  from  this  time,  from  the  first 
steps  we  are  sbout  to  take,  a  life  whoUy  made  up  of  love. 
Let  tboae  who  bave  regained  tbeic  former  vigour  lend  a 
brotherly  arm  to  thefeeble;  young  men,  auatain  tbeaged; 
you  who  ara  left  without  children,  look  around  you  now 
uiany  childran  are  left  without  parenta  !  besuch  to  theml 
And  thia  charìty,  covering  tbe  multitude  of  nns,  will  also 
alleviate  your  own  aorrows.' 

Hera  a  de«p  murmur  of  groans  and  soba,  which  bad 
been  increasing  in  tbe  assembly,  was  suddenlj  suspended, 
ou  aeeiog  tbe  praacher  put  a  rope  round  bis  neck,  and 
fall  upon  bis  knees  ;  and,  in  profound  aUeuce,  they  stood 
avraiCiug  what  he  was  about  to  say. 

*  For  me,'  continued  he,  '  and  tbe  rast  of  my  eom- 
paniona  wbo,  without  any  merit  of  our  own,  have  been 
cboaen  out  for  the  high  privilege  of  eerring  Christ  in 


668  I    PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [cK. 

yon,  I  humbly  imploro  your  forgiveness,  if  we  have  not 
wonhily  fulfilled  so  great  a  miniatry.  If  slothfuluesa, 
if  the  ungovemablenesB  of  the  fleah,  has  rendered  us  leae  ' 
att«ntÌTe  to  your  necesBÌties,  lesa  ready  to  answer  your 
calla;  if  unjust  inipatience,  or  btameworthy  weariness, 
haa  aoinetimes  made  ub  show  you  a  aev-ere  aud  dìspirit«d 
couateaauce  ;  if  the  miaerable  thought  that  we  were 
neceasary  to  you,  haa  anmetìmea  iodut^ed  uà  to  faìl  ìd 
treatìug  you  with  that  humility  wbich  became  uà  ;  if  our 
frailty  haa  led  us  hastily  to  coromit  any  action  which  haa 
been  a  cause  of  oifeuce  to  you  ;  foi^ve  us  !  And  so  tnay 
God  forgile  you  ali  your  treapasaes,  and  blesa  you.'. 
Thfen,  making  the  sign  of  a  large  erosa  .over  the  aasembly, 
he  rose. 

We  bave  auceeeded  in  relating,  if  not  the  actual  vords, 
at  least  the  aeaae  and  burden  of  thoae  vhich  he  really 
uttered  ;  but  the  manner  in  which  they  were  delivered  it 
ia  impoBaible  to  deacribe.  It  was  the  manner  of  one  wbo 
called  it  a  privilege  to  attend  upon  the  infected,  because 
he  t'elt  it  to  be  so  ;  who  confeased  he  bad  not  worthily 
acted  up  to  it,  because  he  waa  couscious  he  had  not  done 
so  ;  who  beaoDght  forgiveness,  becauae  he  waa  convinced 
he  stood  in  need  of  it.  But  the  peopte  who  had  beheld 
theae  Capucbins  sa  they  went  about,  engaged  in  nothing 
but  waitine  upon  them  ;  who  had  seen  bo  many  ainh 
under  tbe  auty,  and  bim  who  waa  now  addresain^  them 
ever  the  foremoat  in  toil,  ae  in  autbority,  eicept,  indeed, 
when  he  bitnaelf  waa  lying  at  the  point  of  death  ;  thinlc 
wìth  what  aighs  and  teara  they  reeponded  to  suuh  an 
ap{>eal.  The  admìrable  friar  then  took  a  large  croaa 
which  Btood  resting  againat  a  pillar,  elevated  it  before 
him,  left  hie  sandala  at  tbe  edge  of  the  outside  portico, 
and,  through  tbe  midst  of  tbe  crowd,  which  reverently 
made  way  for  him,  proceeded  to  place  himaelf  at  their 
head. 

Benzo,  no  lesa  affected  than  if  he  had  been  one  of 
thoae  from  whom  thU  «iugular  forgìveneaa  was  requeated, 
aleo  witbdrew  a  little  furtber,  and  succeeded  in  placing 
himaelf  by  the  side  of  a  cabin.    Here  be  etood  waitìug,  . 
with  bis  body  half  concealed  and  bis  head  etvetcbed  for- 


XXXVI.]  THE   BETROTHED.  ffi» 

ward,  bis  eyea  wide  open,  and  hìs  heart  beating  rioleotlj, 
but  at  the  aame  time  with  a  kiad  of  nev  and  paitlcular 
confidence,  Briaing,  I  think,  from  the  tendemess  of  epirit 
whicb  the  semioa  and  the  apectacle  of  the  general  emotion 
bad  escited  in  bim. 

Father  Felice  now  carne  up,  barefoot,  with  the  rope 
round  bis  neck,  and  tbat  tali  and  beavy  erosa  elevated 
before  bim;  bis  face  was  pale  and  baggard,  inspiring 
both  Borroir  end  encouragement  ;  he  walked  with  elow, 
but  reaolute  steps,  like  one  who  would  spare  the  weakneas 
of  otbers  ;  and  iu  everrthing  wsb  like  a  man  to  whom 
these  auperaumerary  hbours  and  troubles  ìmparted 
Btrength  to  Bustain  those  whicb  were  necesaary,  and  in- 
eeparable  from  bis  ebarge.  Immediatelj  behind  him 
carne  the  taller  cbildren,  barefooted  for  the  moat  part,  yeiy 
few  entirely  clothed,  and  acme  actually  in  their  abirts. 
Then  carne  the  wonien,  almoat  everr  one  leading  a  little 
child  b?  the  band,  and  alternatela  cfianting  tbe  Miaerere  ; 
while  tbe  feebleneae  of  their  voJcea,  and  the  paleneaa  and 
languor  of  their  conntonanceB,  were  enough  to  fili  the 
heart  of  any  one  with  pity  who  chauced  to  be  there  as  a 
mere  epectator.  But  Òenzo  woa  gazing  and  ezamiuing, 
from  rank  to  rank,  from  face  to  face,  without  psssing 
over  one  ;  for  whicb  the  eitreraely  bIow  advance  of  the 
procession  gave  him  abundant  leiaure.  On  and  od  it 
goes  ;  he  looka  and  looks,  alwaya  to  no  pnrpose  ;  be  keepa 
glancing  rapidly  over  tbe  crowd  which  rtill  remaine  be- 
hind, and  wnich  ia  gradually  diminishing:  now  there  are 
very  few  rowa  ; — we  are  at  tbe  last  ; — ali  are  gene  by  ; — ali 
were  unknown  facee.  Witb  drooping  arma,  and  bead 
recliuing  ou  one  ahoulder,  he  aufierea  bia  eye  stili  to 
wander  after  tbat  little  band,  while  that  of  the  men 
paaaed  before  him.  Hia  attention  waa  again  arrested, 
and  a  new  hope  arose  in  bis  mind,  on  aeeing  some  carta 
appear  behind  these,  hearing  tbose  convalescenta  wbo 
were  not  yet  able  to  walk.  Uere  the  women  carne  lost  ; 
and  the  traia  proceeded  at  ao  deliberate  a  pace,  that 
Eenzo  couid  with  equal  ease  reriew  ali  theae  witbout  one 
escaping  hie  acrutiny.  But  what  then  P  he  eiamìned  tbe 
fiiat  cart,  the  second,  the  third,  and  >o  oo,  one  hy  one, 


,„oglc 


QTO  I  PBOUEsst  SPOSI.  [ce. 

ftlwayB  with  the  Bame  reault,  Qp  to  the  last,  bebind  wbicli 
followed  a  «olitary  (Japuchin,  witt  a  grave  couatenauc«^ 
aad  a  stick  io  bis  band,  as  the  regulator  of  the  cavalcade. 
It  waa  that  Father  Michele  whom  ve  bava  mentioned  tu 
betng  appointed  coadjutor  in  the  governtnent  with  Father 
Felice. 

ThuB  waB  thÌB  Bootbiag  hope  completely  diesipated; 

and,  aa  it  waa'  diasipated,  it  not  onl;  carrìed  away  tb» 

comfort  it  had  brought  aloDg  with  it,  but,  as  ii  generally 

the  case,  left  him  in  a  worse  condition  than  betbre.     Now 

the  happieet  alternative  waa  to  End  Lucia  ili.     Tet,  wbìle 

increasing  fears  look  the  place  of  the  ardour  of  preseDt 

^^^gne,  he  clung  with  ali  the  powere  of  bia  mind  to  tbii 

■^uròuPfl^Mholy  and  fr^le  thread  ,  and  iasning  into  the  road, 

just  left.    ^S)us  way  towarda  the  place  the  proceaaion  hai 

went  and  knelT^nreaching  the  foot  of  the  little  tempie,  he 

poured  fortb  a  prSVdown  upon  the  loweet  Bt«p,  and^  the» 

connected    eipressioflS^er  to  God,  or  rather  a  crowd  of  nn- 

entreaties,  oomplainta,  .,^^.    broken  sentenceB,   ejaculatioiu, 

drcBBea  which  are  never  nil^d  promises  ;   one  of  thoae  ad- 

not  auffiuient  quicknesB  to  u^^de  to  raen,  becauae  thev  bare 

to  listeu  to  them  i  tbey  are  no^k^deratand  them,  nor  pa'tience 

paBsion  without  contempt.  Itareat  enough  to  feei  eam- 

He  rose  somewbat  more  re-animat^k^ 
tempie,  catne  into  the  otber  road  whicl^^ftd;  went  round  the 
aeen,  and  which  led  to  the  opposite  ga^^  he  had  not  before 
on  a  little  way,  Baw  on  both  Hides  the  p^^Ke,  and  after  going 
told  him  of,  but  full  of  breaka  and  gapa,  c^Wing  the  ùitt  had 
aaid.  He  entered  through  one  of  tbese,  a^^i^tlj  u  he  had 
self  in  the  quarter  asaigned  to  the  womei^^j  fonnd  biio- 
the  first  step  he  took,  he  saw  lying  on  the  g^fc  Alniost  at 
beli,  Buch  as  the  monatti  wore  npon  their  feet^^und  a  little 
fect,  with  ali  its  atraps  and  buchlea  ;  and  it  iml^gnite  »ó- 
atruek  him  that  perbapa  Buch  an  ìnstrument  migl^e^Mtcly 
him  aa  a  pasaport  in  that  place.  He  therefore  pJ^^MHiene 
up,  and,  looking  round  to  see  if  any  one  were  w^^^Hed  it 
him,  buckied  it  ou.  He  then  set  himself  to  bia  B^^^thìng 
to  that  aearch,  which,  were  it  only  for  the  multiplicit^tjuc^ 
the  objecta,  would  bave  been  extremely  ireariaome,  eved^ 


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XXXTI.]  THE    BETBOTHBD.  671 

faad  those  objecte  beea  aaytbing  but  what  tbey  were.  He 
began  to  Burrej,  or  rather  to  contemplate,  new  acenee  of 
Bufferìns^,  in  part  bo  similar  to  those  be  had  already  wit- 
□esaed,  m  part  sa  dÌBBÌmìlar  :  for,  under  the  same  calamitj, 
there  was  bere  a  different  kind  of  suffering,  so  to  aay,  a 
difierent  languor,  a  different  complainìog,  a  difierent  ea- 
duraace,  a  different  kind  of  mutuai  pity  and  aasiatance  ; 
there  was,  too,  in  tbe  spectator,  another  kind  of  compas- 
aion,  Bo  to  Bay,  and  anotber  feeling  of  horror.  He  nad 
now  gone  I  know  not  bow  far,  without  Buccera  and  with- 
out  accidente,  wben  he  beard  bebind  him  a  '  Hey  !  ' — a 
cali,  whicb  seemed  to  be  addreased  to  him.  He  tumed 
roundf  and  saw  at  a  little  diatance  a  commiasary,  who, 
with  uplifted  band,  was  beckoning  to  none  other  but  him, 
and  crying,  '  There,  in  those  roome,  you're  wanted  i  bere 
we've  only  just  finiahed  clearing  away,' 

Senzo  immediately  perceived  whom  he  was  taken  for, 
and  tbat  the  little  beli  was  the  cause  of  the  miatake  ;  he 
called  bimaelf  a  great  fool  for  having  tbought  only  of  the 
inconveniences  TChich  this  token  might  enable  him  to 
avoid,  and  not  of  tboae  which  it  might  draw  down  upon 
him  ;  and  at  the  sanie  ìnstant  devised  a  pian  to  free  him- 
self  from  the  difficulty.  He  repeatedly  nodded  to  him  in 
a  burried  manner,  as  if  to  aay  tbat  he  understood  and 
would  obey  ;  and  then  got  out  of  his  aigbt  by  slipping 
aaide  between  the  cabins. 

Wben  he  thou^ht  himself  far  enough  off,  he  began  to 
think  about  dismiasing  this  cause  of  otfence  ;  and  to  per- 
form  the  operation  without  being  ohservcd,  he  stationed 
himself  in  the  narrow  passago  between  two  little  huts, 
which  bad  tbelr  back»  tumed  to  each  other.  Stoopiog 
down  to  unioose  the  buckles,  and  in  thia  position  resting 
his  head  agaiust  the  straw  wall  of  one  of  the  cabina,  a 
voice  reached  his  ear  from  it .  .  .  .  Oh  heavena  !  is  it  poa- 
sibleP  Hia  «hole  soul  was  in  that  ear;  he  held  his 
breath  ....  Yes,  indeed  !  it  is  that  Toice  !....'  Feat  of 
what  ?  '  Baid  that  gentle  voice  :  '  we  bave  passed  through 
much  worse  than  a  stona.  He  who  has  preserred  uà 
bitherto,  will  preserve  us  even  now.' 

If  Benzo  uttered  no  cry,  it  was  not  for  fear  of  being 


,CK,glc 


672  I  PROMESSI   SPOSI.  [CH. 

diBcorered,  but  because  he  kad  no  breatb  to  ntt«r  it. 
Hìb  kaeea  failed  beueath  him,  >iia  flight  became  dita  ;  bnt 
it  was  only  for  the  first  moment  ;  at  the  second  he  was 
on  his  feet,  more  alert,  more  vigorous  than  erer  ;  in  tliree 
bounda  he  waa  round  the  cabin,  atood  at  the  doorwar, 
eaw  ber  who  had  beea  epeaking,  saw  ber  standing  hy  a 
bedaide,  and  bendin^  over  it.  She  turned  on  hearing  & 
noise  ;  looked,  fancied  she  mifltook  the  objoct,  looked 
again  more  fiied^,  and  eiulaimed  :  *  Oh,  bleaflcd  Lord  !  ' 

'Lucia!  l've  found  you  !  l've  found  jou!  It'a  rtallj 
you  !  Tou're  living  !  *  eiclairaed  Henzo,  advancing  to- 
warda  her,  ali  in  a  tremble. 

'  Oh,  bleaaed  Lord  I  '  replied  Lucia,  trembling  lÓF  mora 
violently.  '  You  ?  What  is  thia  ?  What  way  ?  Why  ? 
The  piagne  !  ' 

'  I  ve  had  it.     And  you  !....' 

'  Ah  !  and  I  too.     And  about  my  mother  F  .  .  . .' 

'I  baven't  eeen ber, for ehe'aat  Pasturo;  I  believe,  haw- 
ever,  ahe'a  Tery  well.  But  you  ....  how  pale  you  atill 
are  !  how  weuL  you  seem  !  Tou're  reeovered,  however, 
aren't  you  P  ' 

'  The  Lord  haa  been  pleased  to  leave  me  a  little  longer 
belon.     Ah  B«dzo  I  why  are  you  bere  ?  ' 

'  Why  V  '  aaid  Beazo,  drawing  ali  the  time  nearer  to 
ber  ;  '  do  you  aak  wby  ?  Why  I  sbould  come  bere  ! 
Need  I  aay  why  P  Who  ia  there  I  ougbt  to  think  about  ? 
Am  I  no  longer  Benzo  P     Are  you  no  longer  Lucia  ?  ' 

'Ah,  what  are  you  eayiDg!  What  are  you  aaying! 
Didn't  my  mother  write  to  you  p  .  .  .  .' 

'  Ay  :  that  indeed  she  did  !  Fine  thinga  to  wrìte  to 
an  unfortuoate,  afflicted,  fugitìve  wretch- — to  a  young  fel- 
low  who  has  nover  oSered  you  a  single  aflVont,  at  leaat  !  ' 

'  But  Benzo  !  Benzo  !  since  you  knew  ....  why  come  ? 
wbyP' 

'  Wby  come  P  Oh  Lucia  !  Why  come,  do  you  aay  t 
After  so  tuany  promiflea  !  Are  we  no  longer  ourselvea  ? 
Don't  you  any  longer  remember  P     Wbat  la  wanting  ?  ' 

'  Oh  Lord  !  '  exclaimed  Lucia,  piteoualy,  clasping  ber 
banda,  and  roising  ber  eyea  to  heaven,  '  wby  hast  Thou 
not  gnmted  me  the  mercy  of  takisg  me  to  Thyself  ! . , . . 


;d>.  Google 


XXXVt.]  TUK  BETROI'HED.  673 

Oh  Renzo,  whatever  bave  70U  done  ?  Bee  ;  I  wos  beKÌn- 
nmg  to  hope  that ....  in  tiine  ....  70U  wonld  bave  lor- 
gotten  me  . .  . .' 

'  A  fine  hope,  indeed  !  Tine  things  to  teli  me  to  mj 
face!' 

*  Ah,  what  have  you  done  ?  and  in  tbia  place  !  aroong 
alt  thia  mÌBerv  !  among  theee  eigbta  !  bere,  wbere  thej  do 
Dothing  but  die,  yon  have  !  .  . .' 

'  We  muat  pray  Qod  for  those  who  die,  and  bope  that 
they  tìU  go  to  a  good  place  ;  but  it  ien't  Burely  fave,  eren    y 
for  tbifl  reason,  that  they  nho  live  ahould  lire  in  de-  v 
spair  .  .  .  .' 

'  But  KeoED  !  Benso  !  you  don't  think  what  you're  say- 
ing.    A  promÌBe  to  tbe  Madonna  ! — a  tow  !  ' 

'  And  I  teli  yon  they  are  promJBeB  that  go  fornothing.' 

'  Oh  Lord  !  Wbat  do  you  aay  ?  wbere  nave  you  been 
ali  tbis  tìme  P  wbom  bave  you  mixed  witb  ?  how  are  you 
talkiog  P  ' 

'  l'm  talking  like  a  good  Christian  ;  and  I  tbink  better 
of  the  Madonna  than  you  do  ;  for  I  belìere  ahe  doeen't 
wieb  for  promiaea  that  iujure  one'a  fellow-creatures.  If 
the  Madonna  bad  apoken,  then,  indeed  I  But  what  has  \y^ 
happened  P  a  mere  lanoy  of  your  own.  Don't  you  know 
-what  you  ought  to  promìae  the  Madonna  P  promise  her 
that  the  first  daugbter  we  bave,  we'U  cali  ber  Maria;  for 
that  l'm  willing  to  promise  too:  these  are  tbings  that  do 
much  more  honour  to  tbe  Madonna  ;  theae  are  devotione 
that  bave  some  use  in  tbem,  and  do  no  barm  to  any  one.' 

'  No,  no  ;  don't  eay  io  :  you  don't  know  what  you  are 
laying  ;  you  don't  know  what  it  is  to  make  a  row  ;  you've 
never  been  iu  euch  circumstances  1  you  haven't  tried. 
Leave  me,  leave  me,  for  Hearen'a  sake  t  ' 

And  ahe  impetuoualy  ruabed  from  bim,  and  retumed 
towarda  tbe  bed. 

'  Lucia  !  '  laid  he,  without  stirring,  '  just  teli  me  thia 
one  tbing  :  if  tbere  waa  not  tbis  reoaon  . .  .  would  you 
be  tbe  aame  to  me  aa  ever  P  ' 

'Heartleae  manl'replied  Lucia,  tuming  round,  and 
with  difficulty  reetraining  ber  tears  :  '  wben  you've  made 
me  aay  what's  quìte  uaelees,  what  would  do  me  barm,  and 


,„oglc 


674  I  PU>11B58I  SPOSI.  [m. 

wh&t,  perhaps,  wouid  be  aÌnful,T)Il  yoa  be  content  then  F 
Oo  away— ob,  do  go  1  think  no  mora  of  me  ;  we  vere  not 
iotecided  for  each  otber.  We  ehall  meet  agaio  abo^e  ; 
now  we  caanot  bave  much  loDger  to  etaj  ÌD  this  woi4d. 
Ah,  go  !  try  to  let  my  mother  know  that  l'm  recovered  ; 
that  here,  too,  Qod  haa  alwaya  hulped  me  :  and  that  l've 
found  a  kind  creature,  this  good  lady,  who's  like  a  mother 
to  me  ;  teli  her  I  hope  she  will  be  preserred  from  tliia 
diseaae,  and  tbat  we  sball  aee  eacb  otber  again,  wben  aad 
how  God  pleases.  G-o  away,  for  Heaven's  aike,  and 
think  DO  more  about  me  .  .  .  eicept  wben  you  say  your 
prayers,' 

And,  like  oDe  who  baa  notbing  more  to  say,  and  wìsfaea 
to  bear  notbing  furtber, — like  one  wbo  would  withdraw 
heraelf  from  danger,  she  again  retrttated  closer  to  the  bed 
where  Isy  the  lady  she  haa  mentioned. 

'  Listen,  Lucia,  liatea,'  said  Keneo,  withowt,  bowerer, 
attempting  to  go  auy  nearer. 

'  No,  no  ;  go  away,  for  cbarity'a  Bake  1  ' 

'  LìBten  ;  Father  Cristoforo  .  .  .' 

*  What  P  ' 
He'B  here.' 

'  Here  !    Where  ?    How  do  you  know  ?  ' 

'  l've  Hpofcen  to  him  a  little  while  ago  ;  l've  been  wìtli 
bim  for  a  abort  time  :  aud  a  religioiu  mui  like  bini,  it 
seemB  to  me  .  .  .' 

'  He'a  bere  I  to  assist  tbe  poor  sicfc.  I  dare  say.  But 
he  ?  haa  he  had  the  plague  P  ' 

'Ah  Lucia!  l'm  afraid,  l'm  sadly  afntid  .  .  .'  And 
while  Benzo  wbs  thua  heaitating  to  pronoance  the  words 
which  were  so  distressiug  to  himself,  and  he  felt  must  be 
equally  so  to  Lncia,  she  had  again  left  the  bedaide,  aad 
was  once  more  drawing  near  him  :  *  l'm  afraid  he  has  it 
nowl  ' 

'  Oh,  the  poor  boly  man  I  But  wby  do  I  aay,  Poor 
man  P  Poor  me  1  How  ìb  he  P  ìb  he  in  bed  P  is  he  otteod- 
edP' 

'  He's  np,  goiog  about,  and  attending  upon  otben  ;  but 
if  you  couid  eee  hu  looks,  and  how  be  totters  !  One  aeoB 


;dbv  Google 


XXXVI.]  THE  BETROTHED.  670 

80  many ,  tbat  ifa  too  etaj  .  . .  .  to  be  sure  there'B  no  mis- 
Uke!' 

'  Oh,  and  be'i  bere  indeed.' 

'  Tee,  and  only  a  little  waj  off  ;  very  little  farther  than 
from  your  house  to  mine  .  . . .  ìf  you  remember  ! . .  .' 

'  Oh,  moBt  holy  Virgin  !  ' 

'  Well,  very  little  farther.  Ton  may  think  whether  we 
didn't  talk  about  you.  He  said  tbingB  to  me  . .  .  And 
ìf  you  knew  what  he  Bhoired  me  !  Tou  ahall  bear  ;  but 
DOW  I  want  to  teli  you  vhat  he  eaid  to  me  first,  he,  vith 
bis  ovn  Tipe.  He  told  me  I  did  right  to  come  and  look 
for  you,  and  that  the  Lord  approvea  of  a  Touth's  acting 
Bo,  and  would  hejp  me  to  find  yoa  ;  which  has  really  beeii 
the  truth  ;  but  Burely  he'a  a  saint.     So,  you  aee!  ' 

'  But  if  he  said  bo,  ìt  wbb  becauBO  he  dido't  know  a 
word  . .  .' 

'  Wbat  would  yoa  bave  bim  know  about  things  you've 
done  out  of  your  own  head,  witbont  rule,  and  without  the 
advice  of  any  one  P  A  good  man,  a  man  of  judgment,  aa 
he  is,  would  never  tbink  of  things  of  this  kind.  But  oh, 
wbat  he  showed  me  I  .  .  .'  And  bere  he  related  bis  visit 
to  the  cabin  ;  while  Lucia,  however  her  Benaes  and  her 
mind  must  bave  been  accuetomed,  in  that  abode,  to  the 
atrongeBt  impreasioaB,  wbb  completely  overwhelmed  with 
horror  and  compaesion. 

'And  there,  too,'  pursued  Benzo,  '  be  spoke  like  a  saint  ; 
he  said  that  perhapB  the  Lord  has  designed  to  show  mercy 
to  that  poor  fellow  .  .  .  (now  I  really  cannot  give  him  any 
otber  name) .  .  .  and  waits  to  take  him  at  tbe  right  mo- 
ment ;  but  wishes  tbat  we  should  pray  for  bim  together, 
. . .  Tt^tber  !  did  you  bear  ?  ' 

'  Tea,  yes  ;  we  will  pray  for  bim,  each  of  uà  wbere  tbe 
Lord  Bhall  placa  ub;  He  will  know  how  to  unite  oor 
prayers,' 

'  But  if  I  teli  you  bis  veiy  words  !  . ,  ,' 

'  But,  Benzo,  ne  doesn't  know  .  . .' 

'  But  don't  you  see  that  when  it  ia  a  saint  wbo  speaka, 
itia  tbe  Lord  that  makes  bim  speakF  and  tbat  be  wouldn't 
bare  spoken  thus,  if  it  Bhonldn't  really  be  so  . , .  And  thia 


..notale 


«76  I  PBOUBSSI  SPOSI.  [cK. 

poor  fellow's  bouI  I  I  have  indeed  praj-ed,  aod  will  stili 
pray,  for  him  ;  l've  prayed  from  my  heart,  just  aa  if  it  hsd 
been  for  a  brotber  of  mine.  But  how  do  you  wìbIi  tbo 
poor  creature  to  be,  in  tbs  otber  world,  if  this  matter  be 
not  settled  bere  below,  if  the  evìls  he  has  done  be  not  un- 
done  ?  For,  if  you'll  return  to  reaoon,  then  ali  will  be  as 
at  first  ;  what  hiae  been,  has  been  ;  he  has  had  bis  punish- 
ment  bere. ,  .  ,' 

'  No,  Benzo,  no  ;  God  would  not  bave  ub  do  e?il  that 
He  may  show  mercy  ;  leave  Him  to  do  thia  ;  and  for  ne, 
our  duty  ìb  to  pray  to  Him.  If  I  bad  died  that  night, 
could  not  God,  then,  bave  forgiven  him  F  And  if  l've  not 
died,  if  l've  been  delivered  .  .  .' 

'  And  your  mother,  that  poor  Agnese,  who  baa  always 
wisbed  me  well,  and  who  atrove  so  to  eee  ub  buaband  and 
wife,  has  sbe  never  told  you  that  it  was  a  perverted  idea 
of  youTflP  Sbe,nbohaB  madeyoulÌBten  to  reason,  too,  at 
other  timea  ;  for,  on  certain  subjecta,  ahe  thinke  more 
wisely  than  you  .  .  .' 

'My  motber  I  do  you thinkroy mother vould adnae me 
to  break  a  vow  !  But,  Benso  I  you're  not  in  yourproper 
BenBoe.' 

'  Ob,  vili  you  bave  me  aay  so  P  You  vomeu  cannot 
underatand  tbeae  things.  Fatber  Cristoforo  told  me  to  go 
back  and  teli  him  whether  I  had  found  you,  l'm  goìng  : 
we'll  bear  wbat  he  aoye  ;  whatever  he  thinks  .  .  .' 

'  Tes,  yeB  ;  go  to  that  hoty  man  ;  teli  him  that  I  pray 
for  him,  and  aak  bim  to  do  bo  for  me,  for  I  need  it  ao 
mucb,  SD  Tery  much  I  But  for  Heaven'a  aake,  for  your 
uwn  Boul's  Bi^e,  and  mine,  never  come  back  bere,  to  do 
me  barm,  to  . .  .  tempt  me.  Fatber  Cristoforo  will  know- 
how  to  explain  tbinsB  to  you,  and  brìng  you  to  your 
pKiper  Bensea;  be  will  make  you  set  your  heart  at  reet.' 

*  My  heart  at  reat  I  Oh,  you  may  drive  this  idea  out 
of  your  head.  YouVe  already  had  those  abomjnable  worda 
written  to  me  ;  and  I  know  what  l've  sufiered  from  them  ; 
and  now  you've  the  heart  to  «ay  bo  to  me.  I  teli  you 
^aialy  and  flatly  that  l'U  never  set  my  heart  at  reat. 
You  want  to  forget  me  ;  but  I  don't  want  to  forget  you. 
And  I  aasure  you — do  you  bear  p — tbat  if  you  tuake  me 


,l)OglC 


XXXVl.]  THB   B8TB0THED.  677 

lose  mj  Hnsea,  I  eball  nerer  get  themj^ÌD.  Aws^  wìth 
ttij  businesB,  away  with  good  ralea.  Will  you  coademn 
me  to  be  a  modman  ali  mj  life  P  and  like  a  madraan  I 
shall  be. .  . .  Aud  that  poor  fellov  !  The  Lord  knows 
whether  l've  not  forgiven  him  from  my  heart  ;  but  you 
....  Will  you  make  me  think,  for  the  restof  mylifè,  that 
if  he  had  not  P  .  .  .  Lucìa,  you  bave  bid  me  farget  you  : 
forgetyou!  HowcanlF  Whom  do  you  thiak  I  bave 
tbought  about  for  ali  thia  time  ?  . .  .  And  after  eo  niany 
things  !  after  so  many  promisea  !  Wbat  bave  I  done  to 
you  eince  we  parted  r  Do  you  treat  me  in  this  way  be- 
cauBe  l've  suffered  P  because  l've  had  misfortuneg  p  be- 
cause  the  world  boa  peraecuted  me  P  becauee  l've  epent 
80  long  a  time  from  home,  unhappy,  and  far  from  you  P 
becauae  the  first  moment  I  ceuid,  I  carne  to  look  for 
you?' 

When  Lucia  could  eufficiently  command  henelf  toapeok, 
sbe  exclaimed  again,  joining  ber  banda,  and  raiaing  ber 
eyes  to  beaven,  bathed  in  teara  :  '  0  moet  holr  Vir^n,  do 
tnou  help  me  1  Thou  knoweet  tbat,  aince  that  night,  I 
bave  neTer  pused  iucb  a  moment  aa  thia.  Tbou  didat 
Buccour  me  then  ;  oh  succonr  me  alao  now  I  ' 

'  Tea,  Lucìa,  you  do  rìght  to  invoke  the  Madonna  ;  but 
vby  will  you  believe  thnt  ahe,  wbo  ia  ao  kìnd,  the  mother 
of  mercy,  can  bare  pleaaure  in  makìng  uà  Buffer  ....  me, 
at  any  rate  ....  for  a  word  tbat  escaped  you  aC  a  moment 
wben  you  knew  not  what  you  were  sayingp  Will  you 
believe  tbat  ahe  helped  you  then,  to  brìngua  into  trouble 
aflerwarda  F  .  .  .  If,  after  ali,  thia  ia  only  an  excuae  ;— if 
the  truth  Ih,  that  I  bave  become  hateful  to  you  .  .  .  teli 
me  so  .  .  .  Bpeak  plainly.' 

'  For  pity'a  Bske,  Kenzo,  for  pity's  sake,  for  the  sake 
of  your  poor  dead,  have  done,  bave  done,  don't  kill  me 
quite  ! .  .  .  .  That  would  not  he  a  good  concluaioD.  Oo 
to  Father  Crìgtoforo,  commend  me  to  bìm  ;  and  don't 
come  back  bere,  don't  come  back  bere.' 

'  I  go  ;  but  you  may  fancy  wbether  I  shall  return  or 
not  !  l'd  come  back  if  I  wbb  at  tbe  end  of  the  world  ; 
tìiat  I  would.'     And  be  dìaappeared. 

Lucia  vent  and  aat  dovn,  or  rather  auffered  heraelf  to 


,„oglc 


m.  [cH- 

flink  upon  the  ground,  hj  the  side  of  the  bed  ;  and  reeting 
ber  head  against  it,  coQtinued  to  weep  bitteriy.  The  lady, 
«ho  until  now  had  been  attentÌTely  vatching  and  liaten- 
ing,  but  had  not  spoken  a  word,  asked  what  wu  the 
meaning  of  thie  apparition,  thia  meeting,  theae  teara.  But 
perhapB  the  reader,  in  hia  tum,  may  ask  vbo  thie  peraon 
waa  ;  WS  will  endeaToor  to  satiafy  him  in  a  few  worda. 

8he  waa  a  wealthy  tradeawoman,  of  about  thirtj  yeara  of 
ags.  In  the  courae  of  a  few  daya  ahe  had  witneeaed  the 
death  of  ber  husband,  in  bis  own  bouae,  and  every  one  of 
ber  cbildren  ;  and  being  heraelf  attacked  ahorUy  alter- 
warda  with  the  common  malady,  and  conveyed  to  the 
Xiaszeretto,  ahe  had  been  accommodated  in  thia  little  cabin, 
at  the  time  that  Lucia,  after  having  unconscioualy  auF- 
mounted  the  virulence  of  the  diaease,  and,  equally  un- 
conBcioQsty,  changed  her  companiona  aererai  timea,  waa 
beginning  to  recover  and  regain  her  aenBee,  which  she  had 
loet  since  the  fint  comraencement  of  ber  attack  in  Don 
Ferrante'»  houee.  The  hnt  could  only  contain  two  pa- 
tienta  :  and  an  intimocy  and  afiection  had  very  aoon  apning 
up  between  these  aasociatea  in  Bichness,  berearement,  and 
depreasion,  alone  u  they  were  in  the  midat  of  so  great  a 
multitude,  auch  as  could  acarcely  bave  ariaen  from  long 
intercourse  under  other  circumatanwB.  Lucia  waa  aoon 
in  a  condition  to  lend  her  aervicea  to  her  companion,  who 
rapidly  became  worse.  Now  that  she,  toc,  nad  paaaed 
the  criaie,  they  aerved  as  compnnioDS,  encouragement,  and 
guarda  to  eacb  otber,  had  made  a  promiae  not  to  leave  the 
Lazzeretto  except  together,  and  had,  beaidea,  concerted 
other  measurea  to  prerent  their  aeparation  after  baving 
quitted  it. 

The  Dierchant-woman,  wbo,  haring  lefl  her  dwelling, 
warehouae,  and  coffera,  ali  well  fumished,  under  the  care 
of  oue  of  her  brothera,  a  commiBsioner  of  healtb,  waa 
about  to  become  aole  and  moumful  miatreas  of  much 
more  than  she  required  to  live  comfortably,  wiahed  to 
keep  Lucia  with  ber,  like  a  daughter  or  «iater;  and  to 
this  Lucia  bad  acceded,  with  what  gratitude  to  ber  bena- 
fìictresB  and  to  Frovidénce  the  reader  may  ìmagine;  but 
only  until  ehe  could  bear  lome  tidinga  of  ber  motber,  and 


,»Ogk' 


XXXTI.]  TUB   BBTROTHED.  S?» 

leam,  ae  she  hoped,  what  wu  her  will.  With  ber  usuai 
reseire,  bowever,  ehe  had  nerer  breathed  a  s^llable  about 
her  inteuded  marrìa^,  nor  of  her  other  remorkable  ad- 
ventureB-  But  now,  io  luch  agitation  of  feeliugs,  she 
bad  at  least  as  mach  need  to  gtve  vent  to  them,  as  the 
otber  a  wish  to  Heten  to  them.  And,  claaping  the  right 
band  of  ber  friend  in  both  bera,  she  tmmediately  begaa  to 
aatìafy  ber  inquirìee,  without  further  obstaclea  thau  tboaa 
-which  ber  Boba  presented  to  the  melancholy  recital. 

Benzo,  meauwhile,  trudged  off  in  great  baste  towards 
the  quartere  of  the  good  friar.  Witb  a  little  care,  and 
Dot  without  some  atepa  thrown  away,  he  at  length  auc- 
ceeded  in  reaching  them.  He  fouud  the  cabin  :  ita  occu- 
pant,  bowever,  waa  not  there  ;  but,  rambling  and  peeping 
about  in  ita  vieinitj,  he  diacovered  him  in  a  tent,  atooping 
towardfl  the  ground,  or,  indeed,  almost  lyiug  upoa  hia 
face,  adminiitering  conaolation  to  a  dying  per«on.  He 
drew  back,  and  waited  in  ailence.  In  a  few  momento  be 
saw  him  dose  the  poor  creature'a  eyea,  raise  himaelf  upon 
hia  knees,  and  after  a  short  prajer,  get  up.  He  tDeu 
went  forward,  and  advanced  to  meet  him. 

'  Oh  !  '  aaid  the  friar,  ou  seelug  him  approach  : 
'Wel!?' 

'  Sbe's  there  :  IVe  found  ber  !  ' 

'  In  what  atate  P  ' 

'  Becovered,  or  at  least  out  of  her  bed.' 

'The  Lord  be  praìaed  !' 

'  But . . . .'  said  Benso,  wben  he  carne  near  enough  to 
be  able  to  i^eak  in  an  uader-tone,  '  there's  anotber  di£G- 
cultT.' 

'  What  do  you  mean  ?  ' 

'I  mean  that  ....  You  know-already  what  a  good 
creature  this  young  girl  ia;  but  ahe'e  sometimea  ratber 
pceitive  in  her  opiniona.  After  ao  many  promises,  after 
ali  you  know  of,  uow  ahe  actually  tella  me  aue  can't  marry 
me,  becauee  she  says, — how  can  I  express  it  ? — in  that 
night  of  terror,  ber  hrain  became  heated — that  Ìs  to  say, 
ihe  made  a  tow  to  the  Madonna.  Tbiogs  without  any 
foundation,  aren't  they  f  Good  enough  for  thoee  vho 
bare  kuowledge,  and  grouuds  for  doing  them  ;  but  for  uà 


,c,oglc 


I   PROMESSI  8P08I.  [cH. 

1  people,  that  doo't  ««11  knov  what  we  ought  to 
do  ...  .  fireD't  they  things  thftt  von't  bold  good  ?  ' 

'  Ib  she  Tery  far  from  Bere  ?  ' 

'  Oh,  DO  :  a  few  jardH  beyond  the  church.' 

'Wait  bere  for  me  a  moment,'  aaid  the  fiw;  'and 
then  we'll  go  together.' 

'Do  you  mean  that  you'U  gire  herto  uoderstaDd.  ,  .  .' 

'  I  know  nothing  about  it,  my  son  ;  I  muat  firat  bear 
vrhat  ahe  baa  to  say  to  me.' 

'  I  understand,'  said  Benso  ;  and  he  iraa  left,  with  hia 
eyea  fixed  on  the  ground,  and  bis  arma  croaud  on  bis 
breaati,  to  ruminate  in  Btill-unallared  Buapenaa.  Tbe  &iar 
again  went  in  aearch  of  Pather  Vittore,  oegged  bim  once 
more  to  aupply  bis  place,  went  intu  bis  cabin,  carne  forth 
with  a  baBKet  oq  bia  arm,  and  retuming  to  bia  eipectant 
companion,  said  :  '  Let  uà  go.'  He  then  went  lorwanl, 
leading  the  way  to  that  aame  cabin  wbich,  a  little  while  - 
loBt  rinc'e  the'taf^^O-tered  together.  Tbia  time  he  left 
Perrante'a  bouse.  Thwelf  entered,  and  reappeared  in  a 
tientB  :  and  an  intimac;  anVotbing  !  We  must  pray  ;  we 
tip  between  these  asBOciates  iilyou  muat  be  my  guide.' 
depreBBÌon,  alone  aa  tbev  were  ifaer  words.  The  weatber 
mnltitude,  nicb  aa  coula  acarcely  ì  becoming  worae,  and 
intercouTBe  under  other  circumatandiatant  atorm.  Fre- 
in  a  condition  to  lend  ber  Berricea  to  hu>n  the  increaatng 
rapidi^  became  woree.  Now  that  abe,  \tary  briliiancy 
the  cnaifl,  tbev  aerved  aa  companione,  encouiea,  the  cupola 
goarda  to  eacn  other,  had  made  a  promise  noi  the  cabina  ; 
Lazzeretto  ezcept  together,  and  oad,  beaidea.in  audden 
other  measures  to  preveut  their  aeparation  aftjT  of  the 
qnitted  it.  forward 

The  merchant-woman,  who,  baving  left  her'eipecla- 
warebouae,  and  coffera,  ali  well  fumiahed,  under  twx,  to 
of  one  of  ber  brothera,  a  commiasioner  of  healtb,wba, 
about  to  become  aole  and  moumful  miatreas  of  ne  of 
more  than  ahe  required  to  live  comfortabl^,  wiabed  (m 
keep  Lucia  witb  ber,  like  a  daughter  or  aiater;  and  U. 
this  Lucia  had  acceded,  with  what  gratitude  to  ber  bene* 
factresB  and  to  Providence  the  reader  may  ìmagine;  bat 
only  until  sbe  conld  bear  aome  tidinga  of  ber  motber,  and 


,»Ogk' 


XXXTI.]  THE    BETKOTHBD.  631 

stopped,  tunied  round,  and  eaid  with  a  tremblìng  voice  : 
'There  sbe  ia.' 

The;  enter  . . . .  '  8ee  :  tbey're  there  !  '  excUimed  the 
lady  from  ber  bed.  Lucia  tumed,  Bpraagup  precipìtately, 
and  adranced  to  meet  the  oged  man,  crjing  ;  *  Ob,  wbom 
do  I  see  ?     Ob,  Father  Cristoforo  !  ' 

'  Well,  Lucia  !  from  bow  many  troubles  haa  the  Lord 
delivered  you  !  Yon  must  indeed  rejoice  that  you  bave 
alwaya  truated  ia  Hini.' 

'  Ob  yea,  indeed  !  But  you,  Fatber  p  Poor  me,  how 
you  are  altered  I     How  are  you  ?  teli  me,  bow  are  you  ?  ' 

'ABOx>d  witle,  and  aB,by  Ria  gr&ce,I  wìU  also,' replied 
the  friar,  with  a  placid  look.  And  drawing  her  on  one 
BÌde,  he  added;  'Liaten:  I  can  only  stay  bere  a  few 
momenta.  Are  you  inclined  to  confide  in  me,  aa  you 
bave  dooe  bitherto  ?  ' 

'Oh  !  are  you  not  alwaya  my  Father  ?  ' 

'Tben,  my  danghter,  what  is  tbia  tow  that  Senzo  haa 
been  telling  me  about  ?  ' 

'  It'a  a  vow  that  I  made  to  tbe  Madonna  not  to  marry^' 

'  But  did  you  recollect  at  tbe  time,  that  you  were 
already  hound  by  another  promiae  P  ' 

'  Wuen  it  related  to  tbe  Lord  aud  tbe  Madonna!  .... 
No  ;  I  didn't  thiuk  about  it.' 

'  My  daughtor,  the  Lord  approves  of  aacrificea  and 
offerinea  wht-n  we  make  tbem  of  our  own.  It  is  the 
beart  that  He  deaires, — the  will  ;  but  you  could  net  offer 
bim  tbe  will  of  anotber,to  whom  you  bad  already  ptedged 
yourself.' 

'  Have  I  done  WTong  ?  ' 

'  No,  my  poor  child,  don't  think  bo  :  I  believe,  rather, 
that  tbe  boìy  Vii^n  will  bave  accepted  tbe  intention  of 
your  afflicted  beart,  and  bave  preaented  it  to  God  for 
you.  But  teli  me  :  bave  you  never  conaulted  with  any 
one  on  tbia  aub^ect  ?  ' 

'I  didn't  tbmk  it  waa  a  ain  I  ougbt  to  confeas;  and 
wbat  little  good  one  doee,  one  bas  no  need  to  teli.' 

'  Have  you  no  other  motiva  that  biaderà  you  tram  fui- 
fiUing  the  promiae  you  have  mado  to  Benzor 


ivCoO'^lc 


ess  I  pROiressi  SPOSI.  [cs. 

'  Ab  to  this  ....  for  me  ....  what  motive  ?,...! 
cannot  B&y  .  .  .  ..nothing  else,'  replied  Lucia,  wìth  s 
hesitatìon  bo  eipresaed  that  it  announced  anything  but 
uncertaiotr  of  taought  ;  and  her  cheeks,  stili  pale  from 
iltnesB,  suddenlj  glowed  with  the  de«pest  crimBou. 

'Do  yon  believe,'  resumed  the  old  tnaa,  lowering  bis 
eyea,  'tbat  God  hae  gÌTen  to  Hia  Church  authority  to 
remit  and  retain,  according  as  it  provee  beat,  tbe  debts 
and  obligations  tbat  men  may  bave  coDtracted  to  Him  F' 

'Tea,  indeed  I  do.' 

'  Ejiov,  then,  that  we  wbo  are  cbarged  with  the  care  of 
the  Belila  ia  thia  place,  bave,  for  ali  those  who  apply  to  na, 
the  moet  ampie  povera  of  the  Church  ;  aod  Gooeequently, 
that  I  caD,  when  you  request  ìt,  free  you  irom  the  obliga- 
tion,  wbatever  it  may  bè,  that  yoii  may  bave  coatracted 
by  tbia  your  tow,' 

'  But  ia  it  not  a  sin  to  tum  back,  and  1(0  repent  of  a 
promiae  made  to  the  Madonna  P  I  made  it  at  the  time 
with  my  irhole  heart . . .  .'  said  Lucia,  riolently  agitated 
by  the  aaaault  of  bo  unexpected  a  hope,  for  so  I  muBt  cali 
it,  and  by  tbe  uprìaing,  on  the  otfaer  band,  of  a  terror, 
fortified  by  ali  the  thoughts  which  had  so  long  been  the 
principal  occupation  of  her  mind. 

'  A  BÌn,  my  daughter  ?'  aaìd  the  Father,  '  a  sin  to  bave 
reconrse  to  tbe  Church,  and  to  ask  ber  miniater  to  make 
uae  of  the  authorìty  which  he  iuta  received  from  ber,  and 
ahe  haa  received  from  God  f  I  bave  aeen  how  you  two 
bave  been  led  to  unite  youraelvea  ;  and,  aasuredly,  if  erer 
it  would  seem  that  two  were  jolned  togetber  by  God,  joq 
were— you  are  those  twoj  nor  do  I  now  aee  tbat  God 
may  wish  you  to  be  put  asunder.  And  I  bleas  Him  that 
He  bas  given  me,  unwortby  as  I  am,  the  power  of  apeak- 
ing  in  Hia  nsme,  and  retuming  to  you  your  plighted 
word.  And  if  yon  request  me  to  declare  you  absolved 
from  tbia  tow,  I  shall  not  besitato  to  do  it  i  nay,  I  wish 
you  may  request  me.' 

'  Then  !  .  .  .  ■  tben  ! ....  I  do  requeat  you,'  aaid  Lucia, 
witb  a  couutenance  no  longer  agitatèd,  eicept  by  modeat^. 

The  friar  beckoned  to  the  youth,  who  was  standing  in 
tbe  forlbest  corner,  intently  watching  (since  be  couid 


,»oglc 


ZXXV1.]  THR   BBTROTHBD.  683 

do  Qothìng  elHe),tIie  dialogue  in  vhich  be  waa  m  mnck 
interested  ;  and,  on  hie  dr&wing  near,  pronounced,  in  an 
explicil  voice,  to  Lucia,  '  By  the  authonty  I  have  received 
from  the  Church,  1  declare  you  absotred  from  the  vow  of 
virginity,  annutling  what  may  have  been  unadTised  in  it, 
and  freeing  you  from  every  obligation  you  may  thereby 
bave  contracted.' 

Let  the  readcr  imagine  how  theae  words  sonnded  in 
Benio'i  eare.  Hia  eyee  e^erly  thanked  bim  wbo  bod 
nttered  them,  and  inatantly  aougbt  thooe  of  Lucia  i  but  in 
Tain. 

'B«tDm  in  Becurity  and  peace  to  Tour  former  deBires,' 
pureued  the  Capucbin,  addressing  Lucia;  'beaeecb  the 
Lord  again  for  thoae  graces  you  once  besougbt  to  make 
you  a  holy  wife;  and  rely  upon  it,  that  He  will  bestow 
them  upou  you  more  abundaiitly,  after  so  many  boitows. 
And  yoìi,'  said  he,  turnìng  to  Renilo,  '  remember,  my  soo, 
that  if  the  Church  reatorea  to  you  thia  companion,  ahe 
doee  it  not  to  procure  for  you  a  temporal  and  earthly 
pleasure,  whicb,  even  could  it  be  complete,  and  free  from 
ali  intermizture  ofsoiTow,  must  end  inoaegreat  afSictioa 
at  the  moment  of  leaving  you  ;  but  she  does  it  to  lead  you 
both  forward  in  thatway  of  pleaeantnesa  whicb  sball  have 
DO  end.  Love  each  othcr  aa  companiona  in  a  joumey, 
with  the  thought  that  you  will  bave  to  part  from  one 
another,  and  with  the  hope  of  being  reunited  for  ever. 
Thank  Heaven  that  you  have  been  led  to  thia  «tate,  not 
throagb  the  midat  of  turbulent  and  tranaitory  joye,  but 
by  sufferinga  and  niiaery,  to  dispose  you  to  tranquil  and 
collected  Joy.  If  Qod  granta  you  cbildren,  make  it  your 
object  to  bring  them  up  for  Him,  to  inapire  them  with 
love  to  Him,  and  to  ali  meu;  and  then  you  will  traÌD 
them  rìgbtly  in  eve^thing  else.  Lucia  I  bae  be  told  you,' 
and  be  pointed  to  ^nzo,  '  whom  be  baa  aeen  bere  ì  ' 

'  Oh  yee,  Father,  be  baa  I  ' 

'  You  will  pray  for  bim  I  Don't  be  weary  of  doing  so. 
And  you  will  pray  also  for  me  !  ... .  My  cbildren  I  I 
wiah  you  to  bave  a  reinembrance  of  the  poor  friar.'  And 
be  drew  out  of  bis  baaket  a  little  box  of  aoma  common 
kind  of  wood,  but  turned  and  potiahed  with  a  certain 


,»Ogk' 


684  1   PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

Cspucbm  precision,  and  contmued  ;  '  Witbin  this  Ì8  th^ 
'remainder  of  that  loaf .  ...  the  first  I  asked  for  chftrìty; 
that  loaf,  of  which  jou  must  bave  heard  apeak  !  I  leave 
it  to  you  ;  take  care  of  it  ;  show  ìt  to  your  children  ! 
They  vili  be  bom  into  a  wretched  vorld,  into  a  miaerable 
age,  in  the  midst  of  proud  and  exasperating  men  :  teli 
thetn  alwajB  to  forgive,  alwaysl — eTetythxng,  eveiy- 
thiog  !  and  to  pray  for  the  poor  frìar  !  ' 

So  BayÌDg,  he  haaded  the  box  to  Imcia,  irho  leceired 
it  with  reverence,  aa  if  it  had  been  a  aacrad  relic.  Then, 
irìth  a  calmer  voice,  he  added,  '  Now  then,  teli  me  ;  whai 
bave  you  to  depend  upon  bere  in  Milan  P  Where  do  rou 
propoae  to  lodge  od  leaving  thìs  P  And  who  will  conduct 
you  to  youF  mother,  whom  may  Glod  bare  preserred  in 
health  ?  ' 

'  Tbis  good  lady  is  like  a  mother  to  me  :  we  shall  leave 
this  place  together,  and  then  she  will  provide  for  every 
tliing.' 

'  Qoà  blesa  voa,'  said  the  frìar,  approaching  the  bed. 

'  I,  too,  thaDK  you,'  said  the  widow,  '  for  the  comfort 
you  bave  given  tbese  poor  creature»;  though  I  had 
counted  upon  keeping  tnia  dear  Lucia  always  with  me. 
But  I  will  keep  ber  in  the  mean  while  ;  I  will  accompany 
her  to  ber  own  country,  and  deliver  ber  to  ber  motlier  ; 
and,'  added  she,  in  a  lower  tane,  '  I  ahould  like  to  pro- 
vide  her  wardrobe.  I  bave  too  much  wealtb,  and  bave  not 
one  left  out  of  those  who  abould  bave  shared  it  with 
me.' 

'Toamay  tbus,'  said  the  frìar,  'mabe  an  acceptable 
offerìng  to  the  Lord,  and  at  the  same  time  benefit  your 
neighbour.  I  do  not  recommend  tbis  young  girl  to  you, 
for  I  see  already  bow  ahe  bas  become  your  daugbter  :  it 
only  remains  to  bless  GK>d,  who  knows  how  to  abow  HÌm< 
self  a  father  even  in  chastiaement,  and  who,  by*  brìnging 
you  together,  bas  given  so  plain  a  proof  of  HÌs  love  to 
both  of  you.  But  come  !  '  resumed  ne,  tuming  to  BeniOt 
and  taking  him  by  the  band,  '  we  two  bave  nothing  more 
to  do  bere  :  we  bave  already  been  bere  too  long.  Let 
nego.' 

'  Oh,  Fatber!  '  said  Lucia  :  '  Shall  I  sea  you  again  p 


,»oglc 


XXIVI.]  THE  BBTBOTHBD.  686 

I,  who  un  of  no  seirice  in  thìe  world,  bave  recorered  ; 
and  yoìi  !....' 

'  It  ìb  now  a  long  tìme  ago,'  replied  the  old  man,  in  a 
mild  and  serioua  tone,  '  eince  I  oesougbt  of  the  Lord  a 
very  great  mercy,  that  I  niight  end  raj  daye  in  the  aerrice 
of  my  fello w-creatureB.  li  He  now  vouchaafea  to  grant 
ìt  me,  I  would  wish  ali  thoae  who  bave  anj  love  for  me, 
to  asBist  me  tn  praiaing  Him.  Come,  gire  Benzo  jour 
measageB  to  your  mother.' 

'  Teli  her  what  you  bave  seen,'  said  Lucia  to  ber 
betrothed  ;  '  that  I  HaTe  found  anotber  motber  bere,  tbat 
we  vili  come  to  her  togetber  as  quickly  aa  noaaible,  and 
that  I  bope,  eamestly  hope,  to  find  ber  welL 

'  If  you  want  money,'  said  Benzo,  '  I  bare  about  me  ali 
that  rou  aent,  and  .  . . .' 

'  No,  no,'  intemipted  the  widow  ;  '  I  bare  only  too 
mach.' 

'  Let  tu  go,'  Buggeated  the  fnta. 

'  Qood-bye,  till  we  meet  agaìn.  Lucia!  ....  and  to 
you  too,  kind  lady,'  aaid  Benzo,  unable  to  find  worda  to 
express  ali  that  he  felt  in  eucb  a  moment. 

'Who  bnowB  whetber  the  Lord,  in  His  mercy,  will 
aUow  UB  ail  to  meet  agaìn  I  '  exclaimed  Lucìa. 

'  May  He  be  with  you  alwaya,  and  blese  you,*  said 
Friar  Cristoforo  to  tbe  two  companions  ;  and,  accompa- 
nied  by  Ben  io,  be  quitted  tbe  cabin. 

Tbe  evnmng  waa  not  far  distant,  and  tbe  crisis  of  tbe 
Btonu  seemed  stili  more  dosely  impending.  Tbe  Capucbia 
Bgain  proposed  to  the  houselesa  youth  to  take  ahelter  for 
that  night  in  bis  bumble  dwelline.  '  I  cannot  keep  you 
company,'  added  be  ;  '  but  you  willat  least  be  under  cover.' 

B«nzo,  bovever,  waa  buming  to  be  gone,  and  cared 
not  to  remain  any  tonger  in  sucb  a  place,  where  be  wouid 
not  be  allowed  to  aee  Lucia  again,  nor  even  be  able  to 
bave  a  little  conversation  with  tìie  good  friar.  As  to  the 
timo  and  weather,  we  may  safely  say  that  night  and  day, 
Bunabine  and  Bbower,  zephyr  and  burrìcane,  were  ali  the 
fame  to  him  at  tbat  moment.  He  therefore  thanked  bia 
kind  friend,  but  said  tbat  be  would  rather  go  aa  bood  aa 
powible  in  leareb  of  Agneee. 


;dbv  Google 


686  I   FBOMSSSI   SPOSI.  leu. 

Wlien  thej  regaìned  the  road,  the  friar  presaed  bis 
band,  and  Boid,  'If  (as  may  God  graat!)  jou.  Snd  that 
good  Agnese,  salute  her  io  my  Dame  ;  una  beg  her,  and 
ali  those  wbo  are  lefc,  and  remember  Friar  Cristoforo, 
to  pray  for  bim.  QoA  go  with  70U,  and  blesa  jou  for 
ever ! ' 

'  Oh,  dear  Father  !  .  .  .  .  we  ahall  meet  again  ? — we 
aball  meet  again  P  ' 

'Above,  I  hope.'  And  with  tbeae  words  be  parted 
from  Benzo,  who,  atariog  to  watch  bim  till  he  beheld 
him  disappear,  set  off  haatil^  towarde  the  gate,  casting 
bis  farewell  lookB  of  compasaion  on  each  side  over  the 
melancholy  scene.  There  wag  an  unusual  bustle,  carta 
rolling  about,  monatti  running  to  and  fro,  people  Becuring 
the  curtaios  of  tbe  tcnts,  andoumbers  of  feeblecreaturea 
groping  about  among  tbese,  and  in  tbe  porticoes,  to 
shelter  themselves  frotn  tbe  impendìng  atonn. 


;dbv  Google 


XJfSVll.]  THE   BETROTHED, 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

ICAUCELT  had  Benzo  crosKd  tlie  thresbold 
of  the  Lazseretto,  and  taken  the  way  to  the 
rtght,  to  find  the  narrow  road  b;  which,  in  the 
moming,  he  bad  come  out  under  the  walle, 
wheu  a  few  lai^  and  acattered  dropa  began  to 
fall,  wbìcb  lighting  upon,  and  rebounding  from,  the  whìte 
and  parched  road,  stirred  up  a  cloud  of  verj  fine  duat; 
tbese  soon  muttiplied  into  rain  ;  and  before  be  rescbed 
tbe  by-path,  it  poured  down  in  torrenta.  Par  from  feel- 
ing any  diequietude,  Benzo  luiurìated  in  it,  and  enjorsd 
himeelf  in  that  refreabing  coolnesa,  that  murmur,  tbat 
general  motion  of  the  grana  and  leavee,  abaking,  dripping, 
reTived,  and  gliatening,  as  they  were  ;  be  drew  in  aeveru 
deep  and  long  breatba  ;  and  in  tbat  lelenting  of  nature, 
felt  more  freely  and  more  riridly,  as  it  were,  that  wbìcli 
had  been  wrougbt  in  bis  own  destiny. 

But,  how  far  fuller  and  more  unalloyed  would  bave 
been  tbia  feeling,  could  he  bave  divined  wbat  actualty  was 
bebeld  a  few  daye  aflerwarda,  that  that  rain  carried  off,— 
washed  away,  io  to  aay, — the  coutagion  ;  that,  irom  that 


,c,oglc 


81,  [CH. 

day  forwarcl,  the  Lazzeretto,  if  it  wu  not  abont  to  resto» 
to  the  liviog  ali  the  living  whom  it  coatained,  wouid  en- 
gulf,  at  least,  do  othera  ;  that,  within  one  week,  doors  and 
abops  would  he  seen  re-opened  ;  quarantine  wouId  ecarcely 
be  epoken  of  aay  loDger  ;  and  of  the  peetilence  only  a 
Bolitary  token  or  two  remain  bere  and  there  -,  that  trace 
which  every  peattlence  had  left  bebìnd  it  for  some  time. 

Our  trafeller,  then,  proceeded  wìth  great  alacri^, 
trìthout  having  formed  aay  plana  as  to  nhere,  bov,  wheo, 
orwhetber  at  ali,  be  ahoula  stop  for  the  night,  and  anxioiu 
oalj  to  get  forward,  to  reach  bis  own  village  quicklr, 
to  DDd  somebody  to  talk  to,  Bomebody  to  whom  he  might 
relate  bis  adventurea,  and,  above  idi,  to  set  od'  again 
immedlately  on  bis  way  to  Pasturo,  in  Bearcb  of  Agnese. 
Hìb  mind  waa  quite  conruaed  by  tbe  eventa  of  the  day  ; 
but,  from  beneath  ali  the  mieery,  the  horrora,  and  tne 
dai^rs  be  recalled,  one  little  thought  always  rose  to  the 
eor&ce: — l've  fouad  ber;  sbe's  recorered;  ahe'a  mine  ! 
— And  tbeu  he  would  give  a  spria^  whicb  scattered  & 
drizEling  ahower  aroun<^like  a  spaniel  coming  up  out  of 
the  water  ;  at  other  times  be  would  content  bimself  with 
rubbing  bis  banda  :  and  then,  on  he  would  eo  more 
cbeerily  tban  ever.  With  bis  eyea  fixed  upon  the  road, 
he  gatbered  up,  so  to  aay,  tbe  tboughts  he  had  left  tbere 
in  tbe  mornìng,  and  tbe  day  before,  aa  he  carne  ;  and, 
with  tbe  greatest  glee,  thoae  very  aame  which  he  bad 
then  moat  eought  to  banish  from  his  mind — the  doubta, 
the  difficulty  of  finding  ber,  of  finiling  ber  &lÌTe,  amidat 
so  many  dead  aad  dyiug  ! — And  I  bave  found  ber  alive  1 
— he  concluded.     He  recurred  to  tbe  moat  criticai  mo- 


be  bere  or  not  F  and  a  reply  eo  little  encouraging  ;  and 
before  he  had  time  to  digeat  it,  that  crowd  cf  mad  raacala 
upon  him  ;  and  that  Lazzeretto,  tbat  sea  P  tbere  I  wished 
tofindher!  And  to  bave  found  ber  tbere  !  He  recalled 
the  moment  when  the  proceasion  of  convalescente  bad 
done  pasaing  by  :  what  a  moment  !  what  bitter  Borrow  at 
not  finding  neri  and  now  it  no  longer  mattered  to  him. 
And  that  quarter  for  the  women  I    And  tbere,  bebind 


,»Ogk' 


XXXVII.]  THE   BBTROTHED,  689 

tbat  cabin,  wben  he  was  least  ezpecting  it,  to  bear  that 
voica,  tbat  very  voice  !  And  to  see  ber  !  To  eee  ber 
Btanding  1  But  vbat  then  ?  There  wsb  atìll  tbat  knot 
about  tbe  vow,  auì  drawa  tigbter  tbaii  ever.  This  tao 
untied.  And  tbat  madneea  against  Don  Itodrigo,  tbat 
curaed  canker  wbicb  exaaperated  ali  bis  sorrows,  and 
poisoned  ali  bis  jojs,  even  tbat  rooted  out.  So  tbat  ìt 
would  be  difGcult  to  imagiue  a  Btate  of  greater  Batisfaction, 
bad  it  not  been  for  tbe  uocertaiaty  about  Agnese,  hie 
grlef  for  Father  Cristoforo,  and  tbe  remembrance  that 
he  was  stili  in  tbe  midat  of  a  pestilence. 

He  orrived  at  Sesto  as  evening  was  coming  on,witbout 
any  token  of  tbe  rain  being  about  to  stop.  But  feeling 
more  than  ever  disposed  to  ^o  forward  ;  conaiderìng,  too, 
the  many  difficulties  of  findmg  a  lodgìng,  and  saturateti 
as  he  was  witb  wet,  he  would  not  even  think  of  an  ion. 
The  only  necessity  tbat  made  itself  folt  was  a  Tery  craring 
appetite  ;  for  Buccess,  sucb  as  he  had  met  with,  would 
bave  enabled  bìm  to  digest  sometliiag  more  subatantial 
than  the  Capucbìa's  little  bowl  of  soup.  He  looked 
about  to  see  if  be  couid  dÌBcovt;r  a  baker's  shop,  quickly 
found  one,  and  received  two  loares  witb  the  tongs,  and 
the  other  ceremonies  wb  bave  deacrìbed.  One  be  put 
into  hia  pocket,  the  other  to  bis  mouth  ;  and  on  be  went. 

Wben  he  paased  through  Monza,  the  night  had  cotn- 
pletely  cloaed  io  :  he  managed,  however,  to  leave  the 
town  in  the  direction  that  led  to  the  rìgbt  road.  But 
except  for  this  qualificatìon,  wbicb,  to  saj  tbe  truth,  was 
a  great  compensation,  it  may  be  ima^ed  what  kind  of  a 
poad  it  was,  and  how  it  was  becoming  worse  and  worse 
eveiy  moment.  Sunk  (as  were  ali  ;  and  we  must  bave 
said  so  elsewbere)  betweeu  two  banks,  almost  like  the 
bed  of  a  river,  it  migbt  then  bave  beeu  called,  if  not 
a  river,  at  least  in  realit?  a  water-course  ;  and  in  many 
places  were  boles  aud  puddles  &oin  wbicb  ìt  was  di£cult 
to  rBCover  one's  sboes,  and  somatimes  one's  footing.  But 
Benzo  eztricated  himself  aa  be  could,  without  impatienoe, 
witbout  bad  language,  and  without  regrets  ;  consoUng 
himself  witb  tbe  thought  that  every  step,  whatever  it 
migbt  cost  bim,  brougbt  him  further  oq  hia  way,  that  tho 


,c,oglc 


690  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  [CB. 

rain  wonld  stop  vrhen  Orod  eliould  see  fit,  that  Aaj  vonld 
come  in  ita  own  time,  and  that  the  joomiej'  he  waa  mean- 
while  performing,  would  then  be  perfonned. 

Indeed,  I  maj  aaj,  he  nerer  even  tbooght  of  thia, 
except  in  the  moments  of  greatest  need.  Theae  were 
digressiona:  the  grand  employment  of  bis  nòni  wu 
going  over  the  biatory  of  the  melancholy  jears  tbat  haà 
pBBsed,  BO  many  perplezities,  so  maay  advenitìee,  bo 
maoy  motnentB  in  wbich  be  bad  been  about  Co  abaodou 
'  even  bope,  and  give  up  everjthing  for  loat  ;  and  then  to 
oppose  to  theae  the  imagea  of  so  far  different  a  fìitnre, 
the  arrivai  of  Lucia,  and  the  wedding,  and  the  settiug  np 
house,  and  the  relatìog  to  each  other  past  viciaaitudea, 
SDd,  in  ebort,  their  wbole  life. 

How  he  fared  at  forka  of  the  road,  for  some  indeed 
therewere;  vhether  hia  little  experience,  together  with 
the  gtìmmering  twilight,  enabled  bim  alwaya  to  Gnd  the 
rigbt  road,  or  whether  he  atwaya  tomed  into  it  by  chance, 
I  am  not  able  to  say;  for  he  bimaelf,  who  naed  to  relate 
hia  biatory  with  great  minuteness,  ratber  tedioualy  tban 
otberwiee  (and  everrthing  leads  ub  to  believe  tbat  our 
anonymouB  autbor  bad  Eeard  it  from  bim  more  thaa 
once),  be  bimaelf  declared,  at  tbis  place,  tbat  be  remem- 
berea  no  more  of  that  nì^ht  tban  if  be  bad  spent  it  io 
bed,  drearaing.  Certain  it  ia,  however,  tbat  towards  ita 
dose,  he  fouud  himaelf  od  the  banka  of  the  Adda. 

It  bad  never  ceased  raining  a  moment  ;  but  at  a  cer- 
tain stage  it  bad  changed  from  a  perfect  deluge  to  more 
moderate  rain,  and  then  into  a  fine,  ailent,  uniform  drizzle  : 
the  lofly  and  rarefied  cloud»  formed  a  continuai,  but  lìght 
and  tranaparent,  veil;  and  the  twilight  dawn  allowed 
Benzo  to  diatinguiah  the  aurrounding  country.  Witbin 
tbis  tract  waa  bis  own  village  ;  and  wbat  he  felt  at  the 
tbougbt  it  ìb  impoasible  to  describe.  I  can  only  say  that 
tboBe  mountains,  that  neigbbouring  Itetiyone,  the  vrhole 
territory  of  Lecco,  bad  become,  as  it  were,  hia  own  prò- 
perty.  He  glanced,  too,  at  bimnelf,  and  discovered  that 
helooked,to  saj  thetruth,eomewhBtof  acontrasttowbat 
be  felt,  to  wbat  he  even  iancied  be  ougbt  to  look  :  bis 
clothea  sbrunk  up  and  clinging  to  bis  lx>dy  :  firom  the 


,»Ogk' 


XXXTU.]  THB    BETROTHED.  081 

crown  of  bis  head  to  his  gìrdle  one  dripping,  saturated 
mass  :  from  hia  girdle  to  the  aolea  of  his  feet,  mud  aud 
apleelies:  the  placea  vhich  vere  free  from  theee  migbt 
themaelves  have  been  called  spots  and  aplaohes.  And  could 
he  hare  seen  hia  whole  figure  in  a  looRing-glaas,  with  the 
brim  of  his  hat  unatifiened  and  hangìng  down,  and  hia  haìr 
straight  and  Bticking  to  bis  face,  he  vould  have  considered 
himself  a  stili  greater  beauty.  Ae  to  being  tìred,  he  may 
bave  been  so  ;  but,  if  he  were,  be  kuew  nothing  about  it  ; 
and  the  freshneae  of  tbe  moming,  added  to  that  of  the 
night  and  of  hia  trifliag  bath,  only  inapired  him  with  more 
energy,  and  a  wisb  to  get  forward  on  his  way  more  rapidly. 

He  ìb  at  Pescate  ;  he  pursuea  bis  course  along  tbe 
remainin^  part  of  the  road  that  runa  bj  the  side  of  the 
Adda,  girmg  a  melancholy  glance,  hovever,  at  Pescarenico; 
he  crossea  the  bridge  ;  and,  through  fieids  and  lanes,  ahortly 
aiTÌves  at  his  frìend's  hospitable  dwelling.  He,  wbo,  ouly 
just  risen,  waa  standing  in  tbe  doorway  to  watch  the 
weather,  raiaed  hia  eyea  in  amazement  at  tbat  atr&nge 
figure,  Bo  drenched,  beepattered,  and,  we  roav  Bay,  dirty, 
yet  at  the  aame  time,  so  lively  and  at  ease  :  in  bis  whole  liie 
he  bad  never  seen  a  man  worse  equipped,  and  more 
thoroughly  cout«nted. 

'  Aha  I  '  said  he  :  '  bere  already  F  and  in  eucb  weather  ! 
How  bave  things  gone  ?  ' 

'She'a  tbere,'  said  Benzo:  'ahe'a  there,  ahe'a  tbere.' 

'WellP' 

'  Becovered,  which  is  better.  I  bave  to  thank  the  Lord 
and  the  Madonna  for  it  as  long  as  I  live.  But  oh  !  auch 
grand  things,  such  wonderful  tbinga  !  l'il  teli  you  ali 
afterwards.' 

'  But  wbat  a  plight  you  are  in!  ' 

'  l'm  a  beauty,  am  I  not  F  ' 

'  lo  say  the  truth,  you  migbt  etnploy  the  overplua  abore 
to  WBsb  off  tbe  overplus  below.  But  waìt  a  minute,  and 
l'il  make  you  a  good  fire.' 

'  I  won't  refuae  it,  I  aaaure  you,  Wbere  do  you  think 
it  caught  me  P  j^ist  at  the  gate  of  the  Laszeretto.  But 
never  mind  1  let  tbe  weatber  do  ita  own  buainess,  and  I 


,c,oglc 


903  I   PROUBSSt   SPOSI.  [CR, 

Hifl  friend  then  veni  out,  and  soon  returoed  wìth  two 
bundlee  of  faggots  :  otie  he  laid  oa  the  ground,  the  other 
on  the  heartb,  and  with  a  few  emben  remaining  over  from 
the  evening,  quickly  kindied  a  fine  blaze.  £enzo,  mean- 
while,  had  taken  off  hta  hat,  and  giving  ìt  two  or  three 
sìiakea,  threw  it  upon  the  ground;  and,  not  quite  so  eaaily, 
had  aW  pulled  ofl  his  doublet.  He  then  orew  from  hta 
breeches'  pocket  his  poniard,  the  sheath  of  which  waa  ìki 
wet  that  it  aeemed  to  bave  been  laid  in  soak  ;  thia  he  put 
iipon  the  table,  aaying,  '  Thia,  too,  is  in  a  prett^  pligbt  ; 
but  tbere'a  rain!  there's  rain  !  thank  6od  ....  l've  Itad 
Bome  bair-breadbh  eacapes  !  .  .  .  .  X'II  teli  you  \ty  and  by.' 
And  he  begau  rubbing  his  banda.  '  ^ow  do  me  another 
kindueso,'  added  be  :  '  that  little  bundle  that  1  let't  upataira, 
just  fetch  ìt  for  me,  for  before  tbeae  clothes  that  I  bare 
oa  dry  .  .  .  .' 

Ketuming  with  the  bundle,  bis  frìend  said,  '  I  ehould 
think  jou  muat  bave  a  prett?  good  appetite  :  I  foocy  you 
baven't  wanted  enougb  to  drink  by  iJie  way  j  but  aome- 
thing  to  eat .  ,  .  .' 

'  I  bougbt  two  rolla  yeaterday  towards  evening  ;  bnt, 
indeed,  they  haven't  touched  my  lipa.' 

'  Leave  ìt  to  me,'  said  bia  friend  ;  be  tben  poured  some 
vater  ìnto  a  kettle,  vbich  be  auepended  upon  the  hook 
over  tbe  fire  ;  and  added,  '  l'm  goìng  to  milk  :  wben  I 
come  back  the  water  will  be  ready,  and  we'll  make  &  good 

Clenla.  Tou,  meanwhile,  can  dreaa  youraelf  at  your 
aure.' 

Wben  left  alone,  Benzo,  not  wìtbout  some  difficulty, 
took  off  tbe  reat  of  bis  dotbes,  which  were  almoat  as  ìf 
glued  to  bia  skin  ;  he  tben  drìed  himaelf,  and  dreaaed  hìm- 
aelf  anew  from  head  to  foot.  Hia  &ìend  returoed,  and  set 
himaelf  to  make  the  polenta,  Benzo,  meanwhile,  aitting  by 
in  expectation. 

'  Noff  I  feel  that  I*m  tired,'  said  be.  '  But  it'a  a  fine 
long  stretoh  !  That'a  nothìug,  bowever.  l've  so  much  to 
teli  you  it  will  take  the  whole  day.  Oh,  what  a  state 
Milan'B  in!  What  one'a  obliged  to  aee!  what  one's 
obliged  to  touch  !  Enougb  to  make  one  loatbe  oneaelf.  I 
dare  aay  I  wanted  nothìug  lesa  tban  tbe  little  waebiog  l've 


,»OglC 


XXXVII.]  THE    BETROTHED.  693 

had.  Aod  what  those  gentry  down  there  would  bave  done 
to  me  1  Tou  shall  hear.  Éut  if  you  could  see  the  Laz- 
zeretto  !  It'a  enough  to  inake  one  lose  oneself  in  miBeriee. 
Well,  well  ;  l'il  teli  you  ali  ...  .  And  bWb  there,  and 
you'U  aee  her  bere,  and  Bhe'll  be  my  vife,  and  you  must  be 
a  witneBS,  and,  plague  or  no  piagne,  we'U  be  merry,  at  least 
for  a  few  houra.' 

In  short,  he  verìGed  what  he  had  told  bis  friend,  that 
ìt  would  take  ali  the  day  to  relate  everythìng  ;  for,  as  it 
never  ceased  drÌEiling,  the  latter  spent  the  whole  of  it 
under  cover,  partly  sested  by  the  side  of  his  friend,  partly 
busied  over  oua  of  bis  wine-vats  and  a  little  caak,  snd  in 
other  occupationB  preparatory  to  the  vintage  and  the 
dresBlng  of  the  grapes,  in  which  Benzo  faiied  not  to  lend 
a  band  ;  fot-,  as  he  used  to  Bay,  he  was  one  of  tbose  who 
are  Booner  tired  of  doing  nothing  tban  of  working.  He 
could  not,  however,  reaist  taking  a  little  run  up  to  Agnese's 
cottage,  to  see  once  more  a  certain  window,  and  there,  too, 
to  rub  hÌB  banda  witb  glee.  He  went  and  returned  unob- 
served,  and  retired  to  rest  in  good  time.  In  good  time,  too, 
he  rose  nezt  moming  ;  and  finding  tbat  the  rain  had  ceaeed, 
if  settled  fine  weather  had  not  yet  returned,  he  set  off 
quickly  on  bis  way  to  Pasturo. 

It  waa  stili  early  wheti  he  arrived  there  ;  for  he  was  no 
lesi  willing  and  in  a  hurry  to  bring  matterà  to  an  end, 
thaa  tbe  reader  probably  ie.  He  inquired  for  Agnese,  and 
heard  that  she  wassafeand  well;  asmall  cottage  standing 
by  itself  waB  pointed  out  to  him  as  the  place  where  she  was 
fltaying.  He  went  tbither,  and  called  ber  by  name  from 
the  Street.  On  hearing  such  a  cali,  she  rushed  to  the 
window  ;  and  whìle  she  stood,  witb  open  mouth,  on  tbe 

gint  of  utterìng  I  know  not  wbat  sound  or  exclamation, 
Dzo  prevented  her  by  saying,  '  Lucia's  recovered  :  I  saw 
her  the  day  before  yesterday  :  abe  sends  you  ber  love,  and 
will  be  bere  soon.  And  besides  these,  l've  eo  mony,  many 
tbings  to  teli  you.' 

Between  the  aurpriae  of  the  apparition,  the  Joy  of  these 
tjdings,  and  the  buming  desire  to  know  more  about  it, 
Agnese  begaa  one  moment  an  eiclamation,  the  next  a 
question,  without  fiaishiag  any  ;  then,  lòrgetting  tbe  pre- 


604  I  PBOMBSn  SPon.  [CH- 

cautions  she  had  long  beeii  accnetomed  to  take,  the  aaid, 
'  l'il  come  and  open  the  door  for  you.' 

'  Wait  :  the  piagne  I  '  wiid  Senzo  :  '  you're  not  had  it,  I 
believe  ?  ' 

'  No,  not  I  :  hme  you  P  ' 

'  Tee,  I  h&ve  ;  vou  must  therefora  be  pradeut.  I  eome 
from  MUan  ;  and  you  ahall  bear  that  l've  beeu  up  to  the 
eves  in  tbe  midst  of  the  conta^on.  To  be  aure,  IVe 
cnanged  from  bead  to  foat  ;  but  it's  an  abommable  thing 
that  clings  to  oue  eometimeB  like  witchcrait.  And  since 
the  Lord  haa  preserved  you  hitberto,  you  must  tabe  care 
of  youTBelf  tilt  thÌ8  infection  Ì8  over  ;  for  jfou  are  our 
mother  ;  and  I  want  uà  to  live  together  bappily  for  a  1<Hig 
wbile,  in  compensation  for  the  great  suflerines  we  h»Te 
undei^ne,  I  at  leaat.' 

But . .  . .'  began  Agnese. 

Eb  !  '  intemipted  Benzo,  '  there'e  no  hvt  tbat  will 
bold.  I  know  wnat  you  mean  ;  but  you  abaJt  bear,  you 
shall  hear  that  there  are  no  longer  any  lui*  in  the  way. 
Let  UB  go  iuto  Bome  open  apace,  wbere  we  caa  talk  at  our 
Base,  witbout  danger,  and  you  ahall  bear.' 

Agnese  pointed  out  to  htm  a  garden  bebind  the  boiue  ; 
ìf  he  would  go  in,  and  Beat  hiniBelf  on  one  of  tbe  two 
benchea  which  he  would  find  opposite  each  otber,  ahe 
would  come  down  directly,  and  go  and  Bit  on  tbe  otber. 
HiuB  it  waa  orraaged  ;  and  I  am  aure  that  if  the  reader, 
informed  as  he  ia  of  preceding  erenta,  could  bave  pUced 
himself  tbere  as  a  third  party,  to  witnesB  witb  bis  own 
eyes  that  onimated  convettation,  to  bear  with  bis  own 
esTB  tboae  deBcriptions,  queations,  explanationa,  ejocula- 
tiona,  condolences,  and  congratulationa  ;  about  Don  Rod- 
rigo, and  Tatber  Criatoforo,  and  everythiog  elae,  and  tboae 
deacriptiona  of  tbe  future,  aa  dear  and  certain  oa  thoae 
of  the  paat  ; — I  am  aure,  I  aav,  he  would  bave  enjojed  it 
exceedingly,  and  would  bave  been  tbe  laat  to  come  away. 
But  to  bave  this  conversation  upon  paper,  in  mule  worda 
wrìtten  witb  ink,  oud  witbout  meeting  witb  a  aingle  neir 
incidenti  I  fiui<^  he  would  not  care  mucb  for  it,  and 
would  ratber  that  we  abould  leave  him  to  conjecture  it. 
Tbeir  concluaion  was  that  they  would  go  to  ^eep  bouae 


,»Ogk' 


XXXTII.]  THB   BBTROTHBD.  6S5 

ali  togetfaer,  in  the  terrìtoiy  of  Bergamo,  vfaere  Benso 
had  abeadr  gained  a  good  footing.  Aa  to  the  time,  the; 
could  decìde  notlimg,  becaiue  ìt  depended  upon  the  plague 
and  other  circumstances  ;  but  no  MODer  should  the 
danger  be  over,  than  Agnese  would  return  home  to  wait 
there  for  Lucia,  or  Lucia  would  wait  there  for  her  ;  and 
in  the  mean  time  Benzo  would  often  take  another  trip  to 
Pasturo,  to  see  hia  mother,  and  to  keep  her  acquaìnted 
with  wbatever  might  happen. 

Before  taking  bis  teave,  he  offered  money  to  her  also, 
saying,  '  I  bave  them  ali  bere,  joa  eee,  those  mudi  70U 
Bent  :  I,  too,  made  a  tow  not  to  touch  them,  until  the 
DiTStery  waa  cleared  up.  Now,  bow ever,  if  you  want  any 
of  tbem,  brìng  me  a  little  bowl  of  vinegar  and  water,  and 
1*11  throw  in  the  fifty  mudi,  good  and  gLttering  aa  70U 
sent  them.' 

'  No,  no,'  aaid  Agnese  ;  '  l're  more  than  I  need  stili  by 
me  :  keep  joun  untouched,  and  they'll  do  nioely  to  set 
up  bouee  with.' 

Benzo  took  bis  departure,  with  tbe  additìonal  consola- 
tion  of  having  found  one  so  dear  to  him  aafe  and  well. 
He  remained  tbe  reat  of  tbat  day,  and  for  tbe  night,  at 
bis  friend'a  houae,  and  on  the  morrow  waa  ^;ain  on  bis 
waj,  butinanatherdirection,towardahiaadopted  country. 

Here  he  foond  Bortolo,  stili  in  good  healtn,  and  in  lesa 
apprehension  of  losìng  it  ;  for  in  those  few  daya,  tbinga 
bad  there  alao  rapidi;  taken  a  lavourable  tum.  New 
cftsea  of  illnesB  haa  become  rare,  and  the  malady  waa  no 
longer  what  it  bad  been  ;  tbere  were  no  lonser  tbose 
fatai  blotches,  nor  violent  ^mptomi  ;  but  slight  feTers, 
for  the  mo«t  part  intenpittent,  with,  at  tbe  vont,  a  dis- 
coloured  spot,  wbicb  waa  cured  like  an  ordinar;  tumour. 
The  face  of  tbe  country  seemed  already  cbanged;  the 
■nrvivors  began  to  come  fortb,  to  reckon  up  tbeir  num- 
berg,  and  mutually  to  excbange  condolencee  and  congratu- 
lations.  Tbere  waa  already  a  talk  of  reeuming  businees 
Bgflin  ;  anch  masters  aa  aurvived  already  began  to  look 
ont  for  and  bespeak  workmen,  and  principali;  in  tbose 
brancbea  of  art  wbere  tbe  number  had  berà  acarce  eveii 
before  the  contagion,  aa  waa  that  of  silk-weaving.    BenEO, 


,c,oglc 


(09  I   PKOMESSI   SPOSI.  [CB. 

without  aQf'display  of  levitf,  promised  his  coiuii]  (witfa 
the  proviao,  however,  tbnt  ne  obtained  nll  due  conseDt) 
to  resumé  his  employment,  when  he  could  come  in  com- 
pany to  aettle  himself  in  the  country.  In  the  mean 
while  he  ^ve  ordera  for  the  most  neceiaaiy  preparatious  : 
he  provided  a  more  spacious  dwelling,  a  task  beconie  onlj 
too  easy  to  eiecute  at  a  amali  coet,  and  furaished  it  with 
itll  necesaary  articles,  thia  time  breaking  into  bis  little 
treasure,  but  withcut  making  any  very  great  hole  in  it, 
far  of  ever^thing  there  was  a  auperabuudance  at  a  verj 
moderate  price. 

In  the  course  of  a  few  daya  he  returned  to  his  native 
TiU^e,  nhich  he  found  stili  more  aignally  changed  for  the 
better.  He  went  over  immedtately  to  Pasturo  ;  there  be 
found  Agneae  in  good  apirìts  agaìn,  and  ready  to  return 
home  aa  aoon  as  might  t>e,  so  that  he  accompanied  her 
thither  at  once  ;  nor  will  ve  attempt  to  describe  what 
were  tbeir  feelìnga  and  vords  on  again  beholding  thoae 
scenea  togetlier.  Agnese  found  everything  aa  ahe  bad 
left  it  ;  so  that  ahe  waa  forced  to  dechire,  that,  conaider- 
isg  it  was  a  poor  widow  aud  her  daughter,  the  angela  had 
kept  guard  over  it. 

'  And  that  other  time,'  added  ahe,  '  when  it  might  bave 
been  thougbt  that  the  Lord  waa  looking  elsewbere,  and 
tbought  not  of  us,  since  he  suS'ered  ali  our  little  property 
to  be  cairied  away,  yet,  after  ali,  He  showed  us  the  con- 
trary  ;  for  He  sent  me  from  another  quarter  that  grand 
store  of  money  which  enabied  me  to  restore  everything. 
I  say  everything,  but  I  am  wrong;  bscansa  Lucia  s  wed- 
dìng-clothes,  which  were  stolen  among  the  rest,  good  and 
complete  as  they  were  at  £rst,  were  stili  wanting  ;  and 
behold,  now  tbej  come  to  us  in  another  direction.  Who 
would  bave  told  me,  when  I  was  working  so  busily  to 
pre|>are  thoae  othere,  Tou  think  you  are  working  for 
Lucia  :  nay,  my  good  woman  !  you  are  working  for  you 
know  not  whom.  Heaven  knowa  what  sort  of  being 
will  wear  thia  veil,  and  oli  thoae  clotbes  :  tboae  for  Lucia, 
— the  real  wedding-drees  which  iato  eerre  for  ber, will  be 
provided  b^  a  kind  aoul  wbom  you  knotr  not,  nor  evea 
tbat  tbere  ih  such  a  peraon.' 


;dbv  Google 


XXXrn.]  THB   BBTBOTHKD  897 

Agneae's  fint  care  was  to  prepare  for  thÌB  kind  ooul 
tbe  moBt  comfortable  sccommoaationa  ber  poor  little 
cottage  coald  &fford  ;  then  she  went  to  procure  Rome  sìlk 
to  wiod,  and  thus,  eroployed  with  ber  reel,  beguiled  the 
'wearisome  houre  of  delaj. 

Beozo,  on  bis  p&rt,  Buflered  not  tbese  daya,  long  enaugb 
in  themaelree,  to  pam  away  in  idlenesa  :  fortunately  be 
undentood  two  tndee,  and  of  tbeae  two  cbose  tbat  of  a 
labnurer.  He  partly  belped  bis  kind  boat,  vho  coaaidered 
it  particalarly  fortunate,  at  euch  a  time,  to  bave  a  work- 
man  jrequently  at  big  command,  and  a  workmao,  too,  of 
hìa  abllìtieB  ;  and  partly  cultirated  and  reatored  to  order 
Agneae'fl  little  garden,  wbicb  bad  completely  run  wild 
durinz  ber  abaence.  Ab  to  hia  own  property,  be  never 
tbougbt  about  it  at  ali,  because,  he  saia,  it  waa  too  en- 
tangfed  a  periwig,  and  wanted  more  tban  one  pair  of 
banda  to  aet  it  to  rigbts  again.  He  did  not  even  set  foot 
ìnto  it  ;  stili  lesa  into  bia  bouae  :  it  would  bave  pained  him 
too  mucb  to  Boe  ita  deaolation  ;  and  he  bad  already  resolved 
to  dìapoae  of  everything,  at  whatever  price,  and  to  spend 
in  bia  new  country  ali  tbat  be  couid  make  by  the  sale. 

If  the  Burvivora  of  the  piagne  were  to  one  another 
reauBcitated,  aa  it  vrere,  be,  to  bis  felloiv-cottntrrnieii, 
iras,  HO  to  aay,  doubly  so  :  every  one  wetcomed  and  con- 
gratulated  him,  every  one  wanted  to  bear  &om  him  bia 
biatory.  The  reader  will  perhapa  Bay,  baw  «ent  on  the 
affair  of  bis  outlawry  F  It  went  on  very  veli:  heacarcely 
thought  anytbing  more  about  it,  auppoaing  tbat  they  who 
could  bave  enforced  it  would  no  longer  think  about  it 
themaelvea  ;  nor  waa  he  mistaken.  Thìs  aroee  not  meraly 
irom  the  peatilence,  whioh  had  thwarted  so  many  under- 
takings  ;  but,  m  may  bave  been  aeen  in  more  tban  one 
place  in  this  atory,  it  wae  a  common  occurrence  in  thoae 
daya,  tbat  special  aawellaa  general  orders  against  persona 
(unlesa  there  vere  aonie  private  and  poverful  animosity 
to  keep  them  alive  and  render  them  availing),  often  con- 
tinuea  without  taking  effect,  if  they  had  not  done  so  aa 
tlieir  first  promulgation  ;  like  muaket-ballB,  vhicb,  if  they 
strìke  no  blov,  lie  quietly  upon  the  ground  vitbout 
giving  molestation  to  any  one.    A  necesaary  conseqnence  of 


,c,oglc 


098  I   PKOVESai  SP06T.  fCH. 

the  flxtreme  fiu^lìty  with  which  theoe  ordMB  were  fltuig 
about,  both  rìght  and  lefl.  ììhh'b  actàrìty  ìb  limitod; 
■nd  whatever  exceaa  there  waa  in  the  makiug  of  regul»- 
tiomi,  must  hftTe  produced  so  much  greater  a  deficieBcj' 
in  the  eiecution  of  them.  Wbat  goe«  ìuto  the  sleerea 
cannot  go  into  the  skirt,* 

If  any  one  wanta  to  know  how  Renzo  got  od  irith 
Don  Abboadio,  durine  this  intervsl  of  expectatioo,  I 
need  only  my  thnt  they  kept  at  a  mpectful  distonce 
Iram  each  other  ;  the  latter  for  fear  of  hearing  a  whiaper 
about  the  weddiug  ;  and  at  the  very  thought  of  aucn  & 
thine,  hiB  imagination  coujiired  up  Don  Bodrigo  «rith 
bis  bravoeB  on  the  one  aide,  and  the  Cardinal  with  bia 
argumenta  on  the  other  ;  and  the  former,  becauae  be 
bad  resolved  not  to  mention  it  to  him  till  the  veiy  laat 
moment,  beiug  unwilling  to  run  the  riak  of  makiog  him 
native  beforehand,  of  etirnng  up — who  oould  teli  ? — some 
difficulty,  and  of  entangling  tnings  bj  useleea  chit-«hat. 
AU  bis  chit-ch&t  waa  with  Agnese.  '  So  jouthiuk  ahe'U 
come  aoonP'  one  would  aak.  'I  bope  ao,'  woold  the 
other  reply  ;  and  frequently  the  one  who  had  given  the 
anawer  would,  not  long  afterwards,  make  the  asme 
inquiry.  With  theae  and  similar  cheata  they  endeavoured 
to  beguUe  the  time,  which  seemed  to  them  longer  and 
loDger  in  proportion  aa  more  paesed  away. 

We  wiu  make  the  reader,  however,  pass  over  ali  thia 
period  in  one  moment,  by  brìefiy  stating  tbat,  a  few  daya 
after  Benzo'a  viait  to  the  Lazzeretto,  Lucia  left  it  with 
the  kind  widow  ;  that,  a  general  quarantine  having  beea 
enjoined,  they  kept  it  togetber  in  the  houae  of  the  latter, 
that  part  of  the  time  waa  Bpent  in  preparine;  Lucia'a 
wardrobe,  at  which,  after  sundry  ceremonious  objecticmB, 
she  waa  obliged  to  work  heraelf  ;  and  that  the  quajrantine 
baving  expired,  the  widow  left  ber  wu^ouae  and  dwelling 
under  the  cuatody  of  ber  brother,  the  commisaioDer,  and 
prepared  to  set  off  on  ber  journey  with  Lucia.  We  oould, 
too,  apeedily  add, — they  set  ctf,  arrìved,  and  ali  the  reti  ; 
bo^  with  aU  our  wilUngaOBa  to  aocommodate  ourselvea  to 
tbia  haete  of  the  reader'a,  there  are  tbree  thingi  ^per- 
*  '  Quel  ohe  tr  nelle  nmielie  non  pnù  tndu-  Da'  gheronL* 


,»OglC 


XXXni.]  THE   BBTBOISSD,  «M 

tftiniug  ta  tfaia  perìod  of  timo,  whicb  weare  noi  wilUiif;  to 
pass  over  in  BÌlence  ;  and  with  ttro,  ai  least,  we  behere 
the  reoder  Hmself  will  nj  th&t  we  ehould  hiave  been  to 
blame  in  eo  doing. 

The  first  is,  tbat  whea  Lucia  retumed  to  relftte  ber 
adventures  to  tbe  good  widow  more  in  porticular,  and 
Witb  greater  order  tnan  she  could  do  ìq  ber  agitation  of 
mind  when  sbe  first  confided  tbem  to  ber,  and  wben  sbe 
more  ezpressly  mentioned  tbe  Signora  who  had  gircin  ber 
sbelter  in  the  monastery  at  Monza,  she  leanit  from  ber 
friend  tbinga  whicb,  by  giving  ber  tbe  kej  of  maoy 
inysteries,  filled  ber  mind  with  meUncboly  and  fearfiu 
aatonishment.  She  leamt  from  tbe  widow  that  the  un- 
happj  lady,  having  fallen  under  auapicion  of  moet  atro- 
cìouB  conduci,  had  been  couveyed,  hj  order  of  tbe 
Cardinal,  to  a  monasteri  at  Milan  ;  tbat  there,  after  long 
iudulgence  in  rage  and  struggles,  she  bad  repented,  and 
coofeesed  ber  faults,  and  tbat  ber  present  life  waa  one  of 
snch  ToluntaiT  isflictions,  that  no  one,  except  by  de- 
pri>-ing  ber  of  tbat  life  eutirely,  could  bave  invented  a 
severer  punÌBhmeut  for  ber.  Should  any  one  wiah  to 
be  more  partìcularly  acquainted  witb  this  melancholy 
bistory,  he  will  find  it  in  the  worfe  and  at  the  place 
wbicb  we  baTe  elaewhere  quoted  in  relation  to  tbis  ssme 
peraoa.* 

The  otber  fact  is,  tbat  Lucia,  after  making  inqniriea 
about  Father  Cristoforo  of  ali  tbe  Capucbioa  sbe  could 
meet  witb  in  tbe  Lazzeretto,  beard  there.  witb  more 
Borrow  than  surprise,  that  be  had  died  of  the  pesti- 
lence. 

Lastly,  before  leaving  Milan,  she  wisbed  also  to  asoer- 
tain  Bomctbing  about  ber  former  patrona,  and  to  perforai, 
as  she  said,  an  act  of  duty,  if  any  yet  remained.  Tbe 
nrìdow  accompanied  ber  to  the  house,  wbere  thev  leamed 
that  botb  one  and  the  otber  had  beeu  carried  off  witb  tbe 
multitude.  Wben  we  bare  said  of  Donna  Praasede  tbat 
abe  waa  dead,  we  bave  said  ali  ;  bui  Don  Ferrante,  con- 
aidering  that  he  waa  a  man  of  erudition,  is  deemed  by  our 
auonymous  author  wortby  of  more  extended  mentioni 
•  BipuuMti,  Ewt.  Pst  Dm.  V.  Ub.  ri.  eqi.  ìli 


b,C,oo'^lc 


700  1  pKoirasei  srosL  [cb. 

and  we,  at  our  own  nsk,  «ili  transcribe,  u   nemrlj  m 
poesible,  wbst  he  haa  lefl  on  record  aboiit  bim. 

He  saye,  then,  tbat,  on  the  ^ery  first  wbìeper  of  pesti- 
lence,  Don  Ferrante  waa  one  of  tbe  most  resolute,  and 
ever  afterwards  one  of  the  most  penevering,  in  denjing 
it,  not  indeed  with  loud  cl&inoun,  like  the  people,  bot 
with  ugumentB,  of  which,  at  least,  no  one  conld  complain 
th&t  they  wanted  con  catena tion. 

'Jh  rerum  natura,'  he  used  to  aay,  'there  are  bat  two 
Bpeciea  of  things,  eubstances  and  acddents  ;  and  if  I 
prove  that  the  coutagion  cwinat  he  eìther  one  or  tbe 
other,  I  ahalt  liave  proved  tbat  it  does  not  eziat — that  it 
ìb  a  mere  chimera.  Here  I  am,  then.  Substances  are 
eitber  spiritual  or  materiaL  That  tbe  cootagioa  ia  a 
Bpiritiial  substance,  ia  an  abaardity  no  one  wonld  ventole 
to  nuiutain  ;  it  ìb  needlesB,  therefore,  to  Bpeak  of  it.  * 
Material  substauceB  are  eìther  simple  or  compound. 
Now,  the  contagio!!  ìb  not  a  aimple  subetance  ;  and  thia 
may  he  shown  in  a  few  vorda.  It  is  not  an  etbereal 
BUNtance  ;  becauae,  if  it  vere,  instead  of  pasaing  from 
one  bodjto  another,  it  would  flyoff  aB  quicktjaspoBsible 
to  ita  own  Bphere.  It  ia  not  aqueous  :  becaiise  it  would 
wet  thioga,  and  be  dried  up  hj  the  wind.  Jt  is  not 
igneous  ;  Decauae  it  would  bnrn.  It  is  not  earthy  ;  be- 
cause  it  would  be  viaibie.  Neither  Ìb  it  a  compound 
snbatance  ;  becanse  it  must  by  ali  meana  be  aensible  to 
tbe  sight  and  the  touch  ;  andwhohaaseen  thia  contagion? 
who  haa  toucbed  it?  ]t  remaìua  to  be  eeen  whether  it 
can  be  an  accident.  Wone  and  worae.  These  gentle- 
men,  the  doctors,  aay  that  it  ìb  communicated  from  one 
body  to  another  ;  for  thia  ia  their  Achillea,  thia  the  pre- 
tezt  for  iaauing  ao  maiiy  uaeleea  ordera.  Ifow,  anppoaing 
it  an  accident,  it  cornea  to  thia,  that  it  muat  be  a  transi- 
tive accident,  two  worda  quite  at  variance  with  each 
other;  there  being  no  plainer  and  more  establiahed  fact 
in  the  wbole  of  philoaophy  than  thia,  that  an  accident 
cannot  paaa  from  one  Bubject  to  another.  For  if,  to  avoid 
thia  Scjila,  we  ehelter  ouraelvea  under  the  asaertion  tbat 
it  is  an  accident  produced,  we  fly  &om  Scylla  and  run 
npon  Cbarybdifl  :  Decauae,  ìf  it  be  producéd,  then  it  ia 


,»Ogk' 


XXXTII.]  THE    BBTBOTHED.  701 

not  communicated,  it  ia  not  propagateli,  as  people  go 
about  affirmìng.  Tbeee  priociptea  being  laid  down,  wtut 
use  is  it  to  come  talking  to  us  bo  about  weab,  pusCulea, 
and  c&rbimcleB  ?....' 

'  Ali  abaorditieB,'  once  eacaped  from  somebody  or  other. 

'  No,  no,'  resumed  Don  Ferrante,  '  I  don  t  eav  so  : 
Bcience  is  science  ;  onlf  we  must  know  how  to  empfoy  it. 
\VealB,pustulea,carbuQcle8,  parotides,  vìolaceoua  tumoura, 
black  swellingB,  are  ali  respectable  words,  which  bave 
tbeir  true  and  legitimate  significatìon  :  but  I  sa;  that 
thej  don't  affect  tbe  queatiou  at  ali.  Wbo  deniea  tbat 
there  may  be  such  thinge,  nay,  tbat  tbere  actually  are 
Bucb  ?     Ali  depeuds  upon  aeeÌDg  vbere  thej  come  from.' 

Here  began  the  woea  even  of  Don  Ferrante.  So  long 
as  be  confined  bimsetf  to  ^cclaiming  against  tbe  opinion 
of  a  pestilence,  he  found  eyerywhere  willìng,  obliging, 
and  reapectful  listenera  ;  for  it  cannot  be  espressed  bow 
much  autbority  the  opinionof  aleamedman  by  profeesion 
carripfl  with  it,  wbile  ne  Ì3  attempting  to  prove  to  others 
tbings  of  whicb  they  are  already  convinced.  But  wben 
he  carne  to  distinguÌBb,  and  to  try  and  demonatrate  tbat 
tbe  error  of  tbeae  phyBicians  did  not  coniittt  -in  affirming 
tbat  tbere  wae  a  tecrible  and  prevalent  malady,  but  in 
Bssigning  itB  rules  and  causea  ;  then  (I  am  Bpeaking  ot 
the  earliest  tìmea,  wben  no  one  would  listen  to  a  word 
abont  peatilence),  tben,  instead  of  liatenere,  be  found 
rebelliouB  and  intractable  opponente  ;  then  there  was  no 
room  for  Bpeecbifving,  and  he  could  no  longer  put  fortb 
bis  doctrìnes  but  by  scraps  and  piecemeal. 

'There'B  the  true  reagon  only  too  plain]y,  after  ali,' 
aaid  he  ;  '  and  eren  they  are  competled  to  acknowledge 
it,  wbo  mointain  tbat  otber  empty  proposition  beaides. 
....  Let  tbem  denr,  if  they  can,  tbat  iatal  conjunction 
of  Saturo  witb  Jnpiter.  And  when  was  it  ever  beard 
lay  that  influences  may  be  propagat«d.  . .  .  And  woutd 
theae  gentlemen  deny  the  eiiatence  of  infiuencea  p  Wilt 
they  deny  that  there  are  atars,  or  teli  me  that  they  are 
placed  up  tbere  fot  no  ptirpoBe,  like  bo  many  pin-headB 
Btuck  into  a  pin-cuahion  ?  .  .  .  But  what  I  cannot  under- 
Btand  about  theee  doctprs  ìb  thiaj  to  confeas  that  we  are 


,l)OglC 


702  i   FBOHE88I   SfOSI.  [CH. 

under  so  malignant  &  conjimction,  ftnd  tbeii  to  come  and 
teli  US,  with  an  eager  ùue,  '  Don't  touch  thia,  sud  don't 
touch  that,  aaà  y ou'll  be  ufe  I  '  Ae  if  this  avoiding  of 
material  contact  with  terrestrial  bodiea  could  hinder  the 
virtual  efifect  of  celesti^  ones  1  And  such  anxiety  about 
bumìng  old  clothes  !  Poorpeoplel  will  you  bum  Jupi- 
ter,  wOl  70U  bum  Satum  ?  ' 

Hitjretui,  that  is  to  aay,  on  theee  grouuda,  he  ased  no 
precautions  against  the  peatilence  ;  took  ìt,  went  to  bed, 
and  went  to  die,  lilce  odo  of  Metaatasio's  heroea,  quanel- 
linc;  with  the  stare. 

And  that  fatuous  library  of  bis  p  Pdrhapa  it  is  stili 
there,  diatrìbuted  around  Iub  walla. 


;dbv  Google 


TUE    BBTROTHED. 


CHÀPTER  XXJCVIII. 

nNE  fine  evening,  Agnese  heard  a  carriage  stop 
at  the  door. — It  is  she,  and  none  other! — It 
wae  iniieed  Lucìa,  with  the  good  widow  :  the 
mutuai  greetiugs  we  leave  the  reader  to 
imagi  ne. 

Neit  mornìng  Benzo  arrived  io  goad  time,  totali^ 
ignorant  of  what  had  happeaed,  and  with  no  other  iuten- 
tions  than  of  pouring  out  hìs  feelings  a  little  trith  Agnese 
about  Lucia's  long  delay.  The  geeticulations  he  made, 
and  the  eiclamations  he  uttered,  on  finding  ber  tbua 
before  bis  eyes,  we  will  abo  refer  to  our  reader'a  imagina- 
tion.  Lucia's  eihibitions  of  pleasure  towardo  him  were 
■uch.that  it  vili  not  take  maoy  words  to  give  an  account 
of  theni.  '  G^ood  moming,  BenEO  :  how  do  you  do  P  ' 
aaid  sbe,  witb  donncaet  eyea,  and  an  air  of  composure. 
Not  let  the  reader  tbink  that  Benzo  considered  tbis  mode 
of  reception  too  cold,  and  took  it  at  ali  amiss.  He 
entered  fully  into  the  meaning  of  ber  behaviour;  and  aa 
among  educated  people  one  knows  how  to  make  allow- 
ance  for  complimenta,  ao  he  underatood  Tery  well  what 
feelings  lay  bidden  beneath  these  worda.  Besides,  it  waa 
eaa^  enough  to  perceire  that  abe  bad  two  wajs  of  profier* 


ISl.  fcH. 

in^  them,  one  for  Benzo,  and  imotber  for  di  thoBe  ahe 
might  happen  to  know. 

'li  does  me  good  to  aee  Tou,'  replied  the  youtli, 
making  use  of  a  set  phraae,  wfaich  be  bimself,  howerer, 
had  invented  on  the  ^ur  of  the  moment. 

'Ourpoor  Father Cristoforo I  .  .  .  .'  said  Lucìa:  'pray 
for  bis  Boul  :  tbough  one  maj  be  almoet  aure  thst  ne  ia 
now  praying  for  us  above,' 

'I  ezpected  no  lesa,  ìndeed,'  said  Benso.  Nor  was 
this  the  only  melancboly  chord  toucbed  In  the  courae  of 
thia  dialogue.  But  what  tben  P  Whatever  snbject  wtm 
the  topic  of  convereatìon,  it  alwaya  Beemed  to  them  de- 
Ugbtful.  Like  a  capricious  horae,  which  balta  and  pianta 
itself  in  a  certain  spot,  and  lifts  Grat  one  hoof  and  then 
another,  and  seta  it  down  again  in  the  self-aame  place, 
and  cute  a  bundred  caperà  before  taking  a  single  atep, 
and  then  ali  on  a  sudden  starts  on  ita  career,  and  Bpeeas 
forward  as  if  bome  on  the  wings  of  the  wind  ;  snch  bad 
time  become  in  bis  eyes:  at  Brst  miuntes  had  aeemed 
boursi  nov  houra  seetned  to  him  like  minutes. 

The  widow  not  onl^  did  not  apoil  the  party,  but  entered 
ìnto  it  witb  great  spu-it  :  nor  could  Beato,  wben  he  aaw 
ber  lying  on  tbat  miserable  bed  in  the  Lazzeretto,  have 
imaginea  ber  of  bo  companionable  and  cheerful  a  disposi- 
tion.  But  the  Lazzeretto  and  the  country,  deatb  ood  a 
wedding,  are  not  exactly  one  and  the  aame  thing.  With 
Agnese  sbe  was  rery  soon  on  friendly  terms  ;  and  it  waa 
a  pleasiLre  to  see  ber  witb  Lucia,  so  tender,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  playful,  rallying  ber  gracefully  and  without 
effoTt,  just  BO  much  as  was  necessary  to  gire  more  counge 
to  ber  worda  and  motions. 

At  lengtb  Benso  said  tbat  he  waa  going  to  Don 
Abbondio,  to  make  arrangemeuts  about  the  wedding. 

He  went,  and  witb  a  certain  air  of  respectfut  raiUeir, 
'  Signor  Curate,'  said  he,  '  bave  you  at  lost  lost  tbat  heaa- 
aohe,  which  you  told  me  prevented  your  marrying  uà  F 
We  are  now  in  time  ;  the  bride  is  bere,  and  l've  come  to 
know  wben  it  will  be  convenient  to  you  :  but  thia  time, 
I  must  request  you  to  make  baste.' 

I>on  Abbondio  did  not,  indeed,  reply  that  he  wouid 


XXXVIII.]  THK   BBTKOTHED.  705 

not  ;  but  he  began  to  hesitate,  to  bring  forward  sundry 
excuBCB,  to  throir  out  sundry  ineÌQutitioiia  :  and  why 
brìng  himself  into  notice  and  publìah  bis  name,  with  that 
proclainatioii  for  Ìiìb  seizure  etili  out  against  him  ?  and 
that  the  thìng  could  be  done  equally  well  elaewhere; 
and  this,  that,  and  the  other  argument. 

'  Oh,  I  eee  !  '  said  Bonzo  :  '  you've  etili  a  little  paìn  in 
Tour  head.  But  liaten,  liaten,'  And  he  began  to  deecrìbe 
ax  whnt  state  he  had  beheld  poor  Dan  Bodrìgo  ;  and  that 
by  that  tinte  he  must  uadoubtedly  be  gone.  '  Let  us 
hbpe,'  concluded  he,  'that  the  Lord  vili  bave  had  mercy 
OD  him.' 

'  ThiB  haa  nothing  to  do  with  ub,'  said  Don  Abbondio. 
*Did  1  aa?  noF  Ccrtainly  I  did  not;  but  I  speak  .... 
I  Bpeak  for  good  reaaong.  Besides,  don't  jou  see,  aa 
long  aa  a  man  haa  breath  in  hin  body  ....  Ouly  look  at 
me:  l'm  aomewhat  sickly;  I  too  bave  been  nearer  the 
other  vorld  than  this  :  and  yet  l'm  bere  ;  and  .  .  .  .  if 
troubles  don't  come  upon.  me  ...  .  why  ....  I  may  hope 
to  stay  bere  a  little  longer  yet.  Thình,  too,  of  some 
people'B  consti  tu  tions,  But,  aa  I  Bay,  this  has  nothing 
to  do  with  UB.' 

After  a  little  furtber  conTereation  neither  more  nor 
lesa  concluBive,  Benzo  made  an  elegant  bow,  retumed  to 
hia  party,  made  bis  report  of  the  interview,  and  concluded 
by  aaying  :  '  l're  come  away,  becauae  l've  bad  quite 
enough  of  it,  and  that  I  mightn't  run  the.rìak  of  losing 
my  patience,  and  uaing  bad  words.  Sometimes  he  seemea 
exBCtly  like  what  be  waa  that  other  time  ;  the  very  eame 
heaitation,  and  the  very  aame  argumeuta  :  l'm,  aure,  if  it 
had  lasted  a  little  longer,  be'd  bare  retumed  to  the  charge 
with  some  worda  in  Latin.  I  aee  there  must  be  another 
delay  :  it  would  be  better  to  do  what  he  says  at  once, 
and  go  and  get  married  where  we're  about  to  live.' 

'  l'U  teli  you  what  we'll  do,'  said  the  widow  :  '  1  ahouìd 
like  Tou  to  let  uà  women  go  make  the  trial,  and  eee 
whetner  we  con't  find  rather  a  better  way  to  manage 
bitn.  By  this  means,  too,  I  abolì  bave  the  pleasure  of 
kuowìng  this  man,  whether  he's  just  aucb  ae  you  deacribe 
him.  After  dinner  I  ahould  like  to  go,  not  to  aasail  him 
again  too  qoickly.  And  now,  Signor  bridegroom,  please 
2  z 

lì,  , .:  A. notale 


706  1  ntOHBSSI  SPOSI.  £cH. 

to  accompaay  ni  two  io  &  little  wslk,  wliile  Agnese  ìb  m> 
buBily  employed  :  I  will  act  the  part'  of  Lucia's  motlier. 
I  nant  venr  much  to  tee  theae  mouiitainB,  and  this  ìak» 
of  irliioli  l've  heard  ao  much,  rather  more  at  large,  for 
the  little  l've  already  aeen  of  them  leemB  to  me  a  chann- 
ÌDglj  fine  riew.' 

Beozo  eacorteil  them  fint  to  the  cottage  of  hù  hoe- 
pitable  friend,  where  they  met  witb  a  hearty  welcome  ; 
and  tbey  made  him  promise  that,  not  that  day  ontr,  but, 
if  he  could,  every  day,  he  would  join  their  party  at  dioner. 

Harìng  retomed  from  their  ramble,  and  dined,  Benzo 
fluddenly  took  his  departure,  without  saying  where  he 
was  Koing-  The  women  waited  a  little  whìle  to  coafer 
togfltner,  and  conoert  about  the  mode  of  asaailing  Don 
Abbondio  j  and  at  length  they  set  off  to  make  the  attack. 

— Here  ther  are,  I  declare, — said  he  to  bimaelf  ;  bnt 
he  put  ou  a  pleawat  face,  and  offered  warm  congratula 
tioni  to  Lucia,  ?reetingB  to  Agnese,  and  complimenta  to 
the  Btranger.  He  made  them  Bit  down  ;  theu  he  entered 
npon  the  grand  aubject  of  the  piagne,  and  wanted  to  bear 
trova  Lucia  how  ahe  had  managed  to  get  over  it  in  the 
mìdst  of  BO  many  sorrows  :  the  Lazzeretto  afibrded  aa 
epportunity  of  bnnging  ber  companion  iuto  oonversation  ; 
then,  as  was  bnt  fair.  Don  Abbondio  talked  about  hia 
sbare  in  the  Btorm  ;  then  followed  great  Tejoidnga  with 
Agnese,  that  ahe  bad  come  forth  unharmed.  The  coo- 
versation  wm  carried  to  some  length  :  from  the  Tery 
firat  moment  the  two  elders  were  on  the  watch  for  a 
favourable  opportnnityof  mentioningthe  eesentìal  point; 
and  at  length  one  of  the  two,  I  am  not  Bure  which,  su&- 
ceeded  in  breaking  the  ice.  But  what  think  you  F 
Don  Abbondio  could  not  bear  with  that  ear.  He  took 
care  not  to  Bay  no,  bnt  behold  I  he  again  recurred  to  hia 
usuai  BTasions,  circumlocntions,  and  noraings  {rota  baib 
to  bush.  '  It  would  be  necesaary,'  he  aaid,  '  to  get  rid  of 
that  order  for  Benzo's  arreot.  You,  Signora,  who  come 
from  Milan,  will  know  more  or  lees  the  coune  these 
m'attera  take;  you  would  daim  protection — some  eavalier 
of  weigbt:  for  with  Bucb  means  every  wonnd  may  ba 
eured.    Xf  ^en  we  may  jump  to  the  conclnaion,  witboat 


xxxvnr.]  thb  BentonisD,  707 

perplezing  ounelres  with  so  manf  conaideratioDa  ;  u 
these  Toung  people,  &iid  our  good  Agnese  bere,  idready 
intena  to  expstrìate  themaelvei,  (but  l'm  talking  at 
nndom  ;  for  one's  country  ie  wliererer  one  ìb  well  off,)  it 
Boeme  to  me  that  ali  maj  be  nccompliehed  tliere,  vhere 
no  proclamatiou  interpoaes.  I  don't  atjaeHt  ezactlj  aee 
that  this  is  the  moment  for  the  concluaion  of  this  match, 
but  I  wiah  tt  well  concluded,  and  undiaturbedly.  To  teli 
the  truth  :  bere,  with  this  edict  in  force,  to  proclaim  the 
name  of  Lorenzo  Tramaglino  troni  the  aitar,  I  couldn't 
do  it  with  a  qiiiet  cooscience  :  I  too  aincerely  wiah  them 
well;  I  Bhould  he  afraìd  I  were  doing  tbem  an  iujury. 
Tou  see,  ma'am,  and  tfaey  too.' 

Here  Agueae  and  the  widow,  each  in  their  own  wa^, 
broke  in  to  combat  these  argumentg  :  Don  Abbondio 
reproduced  them  in  another  ehape  :  it  waa  a  perpetuai 
recommencement  :  when  lo,  enter  Benzo  with  a  deter- 
mined  Bt«p,  and  tidinga  in  hia  foce. 

'  The  Signor  Marqnia  has  arrived,'  aaìd  he. 

'  What  does  this  mean  t  AnÌTed  wbere  ?  '  asked  Don 
Abbondio. 

'He  has  arrived  at  hia  palace,  whicb  was  once  Don 
Bodrìgo'a  ;  because  thia  Signor  Uarquis  ia  the  heir  bjr 
feoffment  in  trust,  aa  tbej^  aar  ;  eo  that  thero'a  no  longer 
an^  doubt.  Ab  for  mjself,  I  should  be  reiy  glad  of  it, 
if  I  could  hear  that  that  poor  man  had  died  in  peace.  ' 
At  any  rote,  l've  aaid  Patemoatera  for  him  bitherto  ;  now 
I  will  aay  the  De  projtmdit.  And  thia  Signor  Marquie  ia 
a  very  fine  man.' 

'  Certainly,'  aaid  Don  Abbondio,  '  I'to  beard  bim  men- 
tioned  more  tban  once  aa  a  realtr  oxcellent  Signor,  a  man 
of  the  old  atamp.     But  ia  it  poaitivel;  trae  f  . . .  .' 

'  Will  TOU  belieTe  the  aeiton  P  ' 

'■ffhyr 

'  Because  he's  aeen  bim  with  bis  own  e^es.  Tre  only 
boen  in  the  neighbonrhood  of  the  caatle  ;  and,  to  aay  the 
tmth,  I  went  tnisre  on  purpoae,  thtnking  thej  must  know 
iomething  tbere.  And  aeveral  peopte  told  me  about  it. 
Afterwarda,  I  inet  Ambrogio,  who  had  juat  been  up  tbere, 
and  had  aeen  him,  I  aa; ,  take  poaaeaBion.     Will  yon  bear 


,c,oglc 


708  I   FROMESil  SPOSI.  [CH, 

Ambrogìo's  teetimoDy?  I  Diade  him  wait  outside  oo 
purpoBB.' 

'Xei,  let  bim  come  in,'  eaid  Don  Abbondio.  Benzo 
weDt  and  called  the  Bexton,  who,  after  confirming  erery 
fact,  adding  freah  particulara,  and  disaipating  everr 
dotibt,  again  went  on  nis  wav. 

'  Ah  !  he'a  dead,  then  !  he'a  resDy  gone  !  '  eiclaimed 
Dòn  Abbondio.  '  Tou  aee,  my  cbildreo,  bow  Providence 
overtakes  soma  peopìe.  You  know  what  a  grand  thing 
thia  Ì8  !  what  a  great  relief  to  tbis  poor  country  .'  for  ìt 
waa  impoBaible  to  li^e  with  him  bere.  Tbia  pestilence 
haa  been  a  great  ecourge,  but  ìt  haa  alao  beén  a  good 
broom  ;  it  haa  awept  away  some,  from  wbom,  my  children, 
ve  could  never  bave  freed  ourselvea.    Toiing,  blooming. 


and  in  full  vigonr,  we  might  bave  aaid  tbat  they  wbo 
weré  deatined  to  aeaist  at  their  fuiieral,  were  stili  vrritiog 
Latin  exercieea  at  Bcbool  ;  and  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye 
tbey've  dieappeared,  by  bundreda  at  a  time.  We  aball 
no  longer  eee  bim  going  about  with  those  cut-throat 
lookin^  fellowB  at  bis  bee&,  with  auch  aa  oatentatious  and 
auperciiiouB  air,  lookiug  aa  if  he  had  awallowed  a  ramrod, 
and  staring  at  people  aa  if  they  were  ali  placed  in  the 
world  to  bfl  hoDOured  by  bis  condescenaion.  Well,  be'a 
bere  no  longer,  and  we  are.  He'll  never  again  eend  «neh 
meaaagea  to  honest  men.    He'a  given  ub  aJl  a  great  deal- 


,l)OglC 


XXXVni,]  THB    BETBOTHED.  709 

of  diaqnietude,  you  eee  ;  for  now  we  may  venture  to 
eay  bo.' 

'IVe  forgiren  him  from  my  heart,'  said  Beuzo. 

'  And  you  do  rìgbt  !  it'a  your  duty  to  do  so,'  replied 
Don  Abbondio  ;  '  but  odo  may  thank  Heaven,  I  euppoM, 
who  haa  delìvered  us  from  him.  But  to  return  to  our- 
eelvBB  ;  I  repeat,  do  what  you.like  bfst  If  you  wieb  me 
to  marry  you,  bere  I  am:  if  it  will  be  more  cOQvenientto 
you  to  go  eleewbere,  do  eo.  As  to  tbe  order  of  airest,  I 
iikewiee  tbink  tbnt,  ss  tbere  is  now  no  longer  aay  one 
who  keeps  bis  eye  on  you,  and  wishea  to  do  you  harm,  it 
isn't  wortb  giving  yourself  any  great  uneasiness  about  it  ; 
particularly  as  tnÌB  gracious'Vieoree,  on  occasiou  of  the 
birth  of  tbe  moat  eereoe  Infanta,  ie  interposed.  And 
tben  tbe  plague  1  tbe  piagne  1  Oh,  tbat  plague  bas  put 
to  flight  niany  a  grand  thing  I     So  tbat,  if  you  like  .... 

to-day  ia  Tbursday on  Sunday  l'il  ask  you  in  cburch  ; 

becauae  what  may  bave  been  dono  in  tbat  way  before  will 
count  for  nothìng,  after  bo  long  au  interval  ;  and  tbeu  I 
sball  bave  the  pleasure  of  marryiug  you  myaelf.' 

'  You  know  uè  carne  about  thiavery  thing,'  aaid  Benso. 

'  Very  well  ;  I  aball  attend  you  :  and  1  must  alao  write 
immediateiy  and  inform  bis  Eminence.' 

'  Who  ia  hia  Eminence  '/  ' 

'  Hia  Eminence,'  replied  Don  Abbondio,  *  ia  our  Signor 
Cardinal  tbe  Arcbbiabop,  whom  may  Ood  preserre  !  ' 

'  Oh,  I  beg  your  pardon,'  anawered  Agnese  ;  '  but, 
tbougb  l'm  a  poor  ignorant  creature,  I  can  aaaure  you 
he'a  not  called  ao  ;  becauae,  tbe  aecond  tìme  we  were 
about  to  apeak  to  bim,  just  aa  Tm  apeaking"  to  you,  air, 
one  of  the  prieata  drew  me  aaide,  and  inatructed  me  how 
to  bebave  to  a  gentleman  like  bim  ;  and  tbat  he  ougbt  to 
be  called,  your  illuatrioua  Lordahip,  and,  my  Lord.' 

'  And  now,  if  he  bad  to  repeat  hia  inatructiona,  be'd 
teli  you  tbat  be  ìe  to  bave  tbe  title  of  Eminence  :  do  you 
nnderetsnd  now  P  Becauae  the  Pope,  wbom  may  God 
lìkewiae  preserve,  bas  ordered,  ever  aince  the  month  of 
June,  tbat  Gardinals  are  to  bave  thia  title.  And  why  do 
you  tbink  be  bas  come  to  tbia  reaolution  F  becaui<e  the 
word  illustriouB,  which  once  belonged  to  them  and  ccrtaiu 


71C  I   FBOUnSI    SPOSI,  [CB, 

priaoM,  haa  dow  become, — even  ^ou  knoir  what,  &nd  to 
how  manj  it  ia  gìren  ;  and  how  wiUinglj  thej  swallow  it  i 
And  what  wouTd  jou  bave  done  P  Take  it  away  front 
ali  t  Theu  we  ehould  bare  complainte,  batred,  troublea, 
and  jealouaies  withoat  end,  and  afler  ali,  tbej  woold  go 
on  juat  as  before.  So  the  Pope  haa  found  a  capital 
remedv.  Bj  degrees,  however,  tbey  will  b^ìn  to  ^va 
the  title  of  Èminence  to  Biabopa  ;  then  Abbota  will  claim 
it  ;  then  Provoata  ;  for  man  are  made  ao  :  the^  must 
alwaya  be  advanoing,  alwaya  be  advanciiig;  then  C»- 
nona  . .  .  .' 

'  And  Curates  P  '  aaid  the  vidow. 

'  No,  no,'  punued  Don  Abbondio,  '  tbe  Curates  miut 
dnv  thecart  ;  never  fear  that  "  jour  Bevorance  "  «ili  sit 
ili  upon  Curates  to  tbe  end  of  the  world.  Farther,  I 
shoulda't  be  surprìaed  ìf  cavaliera,  who  are  accnatomed 
to  bear  tbemaelvea  called  lUustrìoua,  and  to  be  treated 
lìke  Cardinala,  ahould  aome  day  or  other  want  the  title 
of  Èminence  themaelreD.  And  if  they  want  it,  joa 
know,  depend  upon  it  they'U  flnd  aomebody  to  give  it 
theni.  And  then,  whoever  happena  to  be  Pope  then,  will 
iiirent  aomething  elae  for  the  ùardinals.  But  come,  let 
US  return  to  our  own  afiaira.  On  Suodaj,  l'il  aak  jtm.  in 
churcb  ;  and,  meanwhile,  what  do  jou  thmk  l've  tàought 
of  to  Berve  tou  better  F  Meanwhile,  we'll  aak  for  a  dia- 
penaation  for  the  two  other  titnea.  The^  muat  bare 
plentj  to  do  up  at  Court  in  giving  dispenaationa,  ìf  thinga 
go  on  ererywiiere  aa  they  (lo  bere.  l've  already  .... 
one ....  two ....  tbree ....  for  Bunday,  without  oount- 
ing  yooraelvea  ;  and  some  otbera  may  occur  yet  And 
then  vou'U  aee  afterwatda;  tbe  fira  haa  cau^t,  and 
there'll  not  be  left  one  peraon  ain^le.  Perpetua  aurely 
made  a  miatake  to  die  non  ;  for  tbia  waa  tbe  time  tbat 
even  ahe  would  have  found  a  purchaaer.  And  I  fanc;. 
Signora,  it  will  be  the  sanie  at  Hilan.' 

'  So  it  ifl,  indeed  ;  you  may  imagine  it,  when,  in  taj 
parish  only,  last  Sundav,  there  were  fifty  weddinga.' 

'  I  said  fio  ;  the  world  wo&'t  come  te  an  end  yet.  And 
you.  Signora,  hu  no  bumltla  fy  begon  to  bover  «boat 
youP' 


;dbv  Google 


XXZVIU.]  THB    BBTROTHHD.  711 

'  No,  no  ;  I  don't  thìnk  about  such  thingB,  nor  do  I  mah 
to.* 

'Oh  Tea,  yes;  Sor  jou  will  Im  the  only  lingle  one. 
Bren  Agnese,  you  see — even  Agnese  .  .  .  .' 

'  Poh!  rou  mre  inclined  to  he  merry,'  sud  Agnese. 

'  I  am,uideed  ;  uid  1  think,  at  length,  it's  time.  yfe'jB 
pused  through  some  raugh  days,  tuTen't  we,  mj  yotuig 
ones?  Some  raugh  ones  we've  passed  indeed;  and  the 
few  daya  we  haye  yet  to  lire,  we  may  hope  will  be  a  little 
lee>  melancholy.  But,  happy  you,  who,  if  no  misfortunes 
faappen,  bave  stili  a  little  time  left  to  talk  orer  bygone 
■orrowB  I  I,  poor  old  man  ....  TÌllaÌQB  may  die  ;  one 
may  recover  ci  the  plague,  but  there  ia  no  help  for  old 
•gè  ;  and,  as  they  say,  toneetvt  ipia  ett  mori»*.' 

'  Kow,  then,'  said  Renzo,  '  you  may  talk  Latin  aa  long 
aa  you  like,  it  makee  no  diSerence  to  me.' 

'  You're  at  it  ogain  with  that  Latin,  are  you  ?  Well, 
well,  l'il  settle  it  with  yoa  :  when  you  come  befora  me 
with  this  little  creature  bere,  juat  to  bear  you  pronounce 
certain  little  words  in  Latin,  l'Il  aay  to  you — ^lou  don't 
like  Latin  ;  good-bye.    Shall  I F  ' 

'  Ah .'  but  I  know  wbat  I  mean,'  replied  Benso  ;  '  it 
isn't  at  ali  that  Latin  there  that  fngbtens  me — ^tbat  is 
honeflt,  sacred  Latin,  like  that  in  the  mass.  And,  besidea, 
it  ia  neoeasary  there  that  you  ahould  read  what  ia  in  the 
book.  l'm  talking  of  tbat  knavish  Latin,  out  of  church, 
that  Comes  upon  one  treacherously,  in  the  very  pith  of  a 
conversation.  For  eiample,  now  that  we  are  nere,  and 
oli  ia  over,  that  Latin  you  went  on  pouring  forth,  just 
bere  in  this  corner,  to  givo  me  to  understand  that  yoa 
couldnt,  and  that  other  tbinga  were  wantin^,  and  I  know 
not  wbat  beaides  ;  pleaae  oow  to  translate  it  a  little  for 
me.' 

'Hold  your  toogue,  you  wicked  frilow,  bold  yonr 
tongue  ;  don't  atìr  up  theae  thinga  ;  for  if  we  were  now  to 
make  up  our  acoounta,  I  don't  know  which  would  be 
creditor.  l've  forgiven  ali;  let  uà  talk  about  it  no 
loneer;  but  you  certainty  played  me  some  trioks.  I 
doiTt  wonder  at  yoa,  becauae  you're  a  downright  yonng 
BCoundrel;  but  fàncy  thii  creature,  aa  quiet  aa  a  moua^ 


,»OglC 


718  I  FBOHESSI  SPOSI.  [CH. 

thia  little  asmi,  wbom  ooe  wouid  bare  tbonght  it  a  no 
io  Buspect  aad  guard  agaiost.  But  after  all,I  know  who 
set  her  up  to  it,  I  know,  I  know.'  So  saying,  he  pointed 
and  waved  towarda  Agnese  tbe  finger  he  bad  at  fint 
directed  to  Lucia  ;  and  it  is  impoBsible  to  descrìbe  the 
good-temper  aad  pleasantr^  with  which  he  made  theae 
reproacbee.  The  tidioga  he  had  just  heard  had  givea  him 
a  jreedom  and  a  talkativeness  to  which  he  had  long  beea 
a  Btranger;  and  we  should  stili  be  far  enoush  iVom  a 
concluaion,  if  we  were  to  relate  ali  the  rest  oi  tbia  con- 
veraation,  which  he  continued  to  prdong,  more  than 
once  detaining  the  party  when  on  the  point  of  Btarting, 
and  afterwardB  stoppiog  them  agaiii  for  a  little  while  at 
the  very  Street  door,  eacb  timo  to  make  some  jocose 
Bpeecb. 

Tbe  day  foUowing,  be  received  a  risit  as  unexpected  ma 
it  was  gratifying,  from  the  Signor  Marquie  we  bave  men- 
tioaed;  a  person  beyond  the  prime  of  manhood,  whoM 
countenaoce  waa,  aa  it  were,  a  Beai  to  wbat  report  bad 
said  of  him  ;  open,  benerolent,  placìd,  humble,  digtu&ed, 
and  with  Bometbìng  that  indicated  a  resigned  sadi^sB. 

'  I  come,*  aaid  he,  '  to  bring  joa  the  complimenta  of  the 
Cardinal  Arcbbiahop.' 

'  Ah,  what  condeBcension  of  yon  both  !  ' 

'  When  I  was  about  to  take  leave  of  tbat  incomparable 
man,  who  ia  good  enough  to  honour  me  with  hia  friend- 
ahip,  he  mentioned  to  me  two  young  betrothed  pOTaooa 
of  thiB  pariah,  who  bave  had  to  Buffer  oa  account  of  tbe 
unfortunate  Don  Rodrigo.  Hia  Lordahip  wiaheB  to  bave 
aome  tidings  of  them.  Are  theylivingp  and  are  tbeìr 
affai»  Bettled  ?  ' 

'  Everything  ìb  Bettled.  Indeed,  I  was  ìnteDding  to 
write  about  them  to  hia  Emiaence  ;  but  now  tbat  I  bave 
tbe  honoDT  . . . .' 

'  Are  tbey  bere  ?  ' 

'  Tbey  are  ;  and  tbey  will  be  man  and  wife  as  soon  ae 
poBsible.' 

'  And  I  requeet  you  to  be  good  enougb  to  teli  me  ìf  I 
can  be  of  auy  Berrice  to  them,  and  alao  to  ìnatruct  tue  io 
the  beat  way  of  heing  bo.     During  thia  calamity,  I  bave 


,»Ogk' 


XXXTIII.]  THE  BETROTHED.  713 

lofit  the  only  two  eons  I  had,  and  their  mother,  and  bare 
received  three  conaiderable  iaheritancea.  I  had  a  auper- 
fluity  even  before  ;  bo  that  joa  aee  it  is  really  rendering 
me  a  aervico  to  give  me  an  opportunità  of  employing 
*  some  of  my  wealtn,  and  particularly  Buch  an  opportunity 
AB  this.' 

'  May  Heaven  blees  jou  1  Why  are  not  ali ... . 
Eoougb;  I  thank  jrou  moat  heartily,  in  the  name  of 
these  mj  childrea.     And  Bince  yoiir  illuatrioufl  Lordehip 

f'ves  me  bo  much  encouragement,  it  is  true,  my  Lord,  that 
bave  an  eipedient  to  BUggeBt  wbich  perhapa  may  not 
diBplease  your  Lordship.  AlJow  me  to  teli  you,  tben, 
that  these  worthy  people  are  ^solved  to  go  and  aettle 
themaelves  elaewhere,  and  to  aell  what  little  property 
thej  bave  bere  :  the  joung  man  a  TÌnevard  of  about.aina 
or  teo  percbes,  if  l'm  not  mistaken,  Dut  neglected  and 
completely  overgronn.  Besidea,  he  alBO  bae  a  cottage, 
and  hÌB  bride  another,  now  both,  jou  will  see,  tbe  abode 
of  rata.  A  nobleman  like  your  Lordahip  cannot  know 
how  the  poor  fare,  wben  they  are  reduced  to  tbe  neceaaity 
of  disposing  of  tbeir  gooda.  It  alwaya  enda  by  fslling 
ìnto  the  banda  of  aome  knaTe,  nho,  if  occaaion  offer8,vìlI 
maka  love  to  the  place  for  Bome  time,  and  aa  bood  aa  he 
finda  that  ita  owner  wanta  to  aell  it,  drawa  back,  and  pre- 
tenda not  to  wiah  for  it  ;  ao  that  he  ia  obliged  to  rua  luter 
him,  and  gire  it  bim  for  a  piece  of  bread  ;  particularly, 
too,  in  Buch  circumstancea  aa  theae.  My  Lord  Marquìa 
vili  already  bave  aeen  the  drìft  of  my  remarka.  The  beat 
charity  your  moat  iliustriouB  Lordahipcanafford  to  theae 
people  ia,  to  reliere  them  &om  thia  difficulty  by  purchaa- 
iDg  their  little  property.  To  Bay  tbe  trutb,  I  bave  an 
ere  to  my  own  intereat,  my  own  adrantage,  in  makiug 
tnie  auggeatton,  the  acquiaition  in  my  parìBh  of  a  fellow- 
mler  lise  my  Lord  Marquisi  bnt  your  Iiordebip  will 
decide  according  to  your  own  judgment;  I  bave  only 
apoken  from  obedience.' 

Tbe  Marquia  highly  commended  the  Buggestion,  retuni- 
ed  thanka  for  it,  begged  Don  Abbondio  to  be  the  judga 
of  tbe  price,  and  to  charge  it  ezorbitantly,  and  completed 
the  Curate'a  amaiement  by  propoaing  to  go  together  im- 


,»OglC 


7U  1  rBOHBSBI  SPOSI,  [CH. 

mediatela  to  tbe  brìde'B  house,  wbere  tbej  abould  probsbljr 
also  find  the  bridegroom. 

By  the  my,  Doa  Abbondio,  in  high  glee,  ss  msj  be 
imagined,  thought  of  sud  mentioned  snother  proposal. 
'  SÌQce  four  illiutrioiu  Lordiship  ia  ao  inclined  to  henefit 
these  poor  people,  tbere  is  another- seryce  whicb  you 
might  render  them.  The  young  man  has  an  order  of 
arreet  out  sgaiuat  him,  a  kind  of  eenteoce  of  outlawi7,  for 
some  trifliag  fault  he  committed  ia  Milan  two  yeare  ago, 
on  that  da^  of  the  ^reat  insurrection,  la  which  he  cbanoed 
to  be  implicated,  witbout  any  malicious  intetitiona,  iadeed 
quite  ignorantly,  Uke  a  mouse  caufjht  in  a  tnp.  Nothìng 
serioue,  I  asaiire  ^ ou  ;  mere  boviab  tricks,  mischievoua 
pranka;  indeed,heMquiteincapableofcommittingaDactual 
crime.  I  may  aar  ao,  for  I  baptÌEed  him,  and  nave  soen 
him  grow  up  under  my  eyea.  Beiides,  ìf  your  Lordahip 
irould  take  any  pleaaure  in  it,  aa  gentlemen  aometimea  do 
in  hearing  these  poor  people'a  rude  language,  ^ou  osn 
make  him  relate  tbe  account  himself,  and  you  will  bear. 
At  present,  ss  it  refera  to  old  matterà,  no  one  girea  him 
any  molestation  ;  and,  ss  I  bave  saìd,  be  tbiuka  of  leaving 
tbe  state  ;  but  in  the  ooarse  of  tdme,  or  in  case  of  retnm- 
ìng  bere,  or  going  elsewbere,  some  time  or  otber,  you  will 
agree  with  me  that  itiaatways  betterto  find  oneselTclear. 
My  Lord  Marquia  haa  influence  in  Milan,  as  is  just,  both 
sa  a  Doble  cavalier,  and  as  the  great  man  he  reali/  ia 
....  No,  no,  allow  me  to  say  ìt,  for  truth  will  bave  ita 
way.  A  recommendation,  a  word  from  a  persoa  like 
yourself,  is  more  than  ia  necesaary  to  obtaia  a  ready  ao 
quitta!.' 

'Are  tbere  not  heavy  charges  against  thia  yoang 
man?' 

'  Pahaw,  pahav  !  I  vouid  not  beUere  them.  I^ey  luade 
agreatstir  aboutitatthe  moment;  but  I  don't  tbink 
tbere'a  anytbing  now  beyond  the  mere  forma)  idea.' 

'  If  so,  tbe  tbing  will  be  easy  ;  and  I  wilUngly  taks  it 
vpoD  me.' 

'  And  yet  jou  will  not  let  it  be  aaid  that  you  are  agreat 
man.  I  say  it,  and  I  will  aay  it  ;  in  apite  of  your  Lord- 
ahip, I  will  say  it    And  eren  if  I  w«ie  to  be  wHaii,  U 


ZXXVUI.]  THB    BimiOTHSD.  71S 

wouid  be  to  no  pnipose,  becauee  eveiybod;  m^b  so:  and 
vexpopuli,  voti  Dei. 

Tfaey  found  B«nEo  and  the  three  women  together,  as 
thej  ezpected.  How  these  felt  we  leare  the  resdar  to 
im&giae  ;  hot  for  my  part,  I  think  that  the  very  rongh  sod 
bare  w&lls,  and  the  Windows,  and  the  tables,  and  the  kitchea 
vtenaìls,  must  bave  marrelled  at  receivìng  amcHigthem  «o 
extraordinary  a  guest.  He  encoura^d  the  converutioD, 
\ij  talking  01  the  Cardinal  and  Uieir  other  matterà  witb 
unreaerred  cordiality,  and  st  the  aame  time  vith  great 
delicacT,  By  and  by  he  carne  to  the  propoul.  Don  Ab> 
bondio,  beìng  requeated  by  him  to  name  the  price,  eame 
forward  ;  and,  after  a  few  geitures  and  apologies, — tbat 
ìt  waan't  in  hia  line,  sud  that  be  oou)d  ooiy  gueaa  at  lan- 
dom,  and  tbat  he  spoke  out  of  obedience,  and  that  he  left 
ìt  to  him,  mentioned  what  he  thought  a  most  extravagant 
■am.  The  purcfaaaer  said  that,  for  hia  part,  he  waa  ez- 
tremely  well  Batiafied,  and,  a«  if  be  had  misunderstood,  ro- 
pnited  doublé  the  amount.  He  would  not  bear  of  rsoti- 
lying  the  uiiatake,  and  cut  shortand  concluded  aU  furtber 
converaation,  by  inviting  the  paii^  to  dinner  at  hia  palace 
the  day  after  the  wedding,  irben  the  deeds  ahould  ba 
properly  drawn  out. 

— Ah  ! — eaid  Don  Abbondio  afterwarda  to  himseli^ 
vhea  he  had  retnmed  home  : — if  the  piagne  did  thinga 
in  thia  way  always  and  ererywbere,  it  would  really  be  a 
sin  to  apeak  ili  of  it  :  we  might  almost  wieh  for  one  every 
generation  ;  and  be  content  that  people  ahould  be  la  Icaga« 
to  predace  a  malady. — 

The  diapenaatiou  »rived,  the  acquittal  arrired,  tbat 
bleaoed  day  arrired  :  the  bride  and  brìdegroom  went  in 
trìumphal  security  to  that  very  ohurch,  where,  with  Don 
Abbondio'a  owa  mouth,  they  w«re  declared  man  and  wife. 
Another,  and  far  more  aicgular  triampb,  waa  the  going 
neit  day  to  the  palace  ;  and  I  leare  my  readera  to  conjeo- 
ture  the  thoughta  which  muat  bave  paaied  through  their 
minda  on  aacending  that  acctivity,  on  entering  that  door^ 
way  ;  and  the  obeervationa  that  each  muat  bave  made, 
iccording  to  bia  or  ber  naturai  diapositioo.  I  wìll  ooIy 
meation  tha^  in  the  mldat  of  their  rqoiclng,  ooe  or  other 


,»OglC 


7ie  I  PROMESSI  SPOSI.  £CB. 

more  thui  once  made  the  remark,  that  poor  Fatber  Cris- 
toforo WM  stili  nantÌDg  to  complete  their  happineas. 
'  Tet  for  bitnaelf,'  added  they,  '  he  ìb  assuredly  better  oST 
than  ve  are.' 

l'ho  nobleman  received  tbem  witb  great  kindneu,  con- 
ducted  tbem  into  a  fine  large  servanta'-hall,  and  seated 
tbe  bride  and  bndegrootn  at  table  n-itb  Agnese  and  their 
Milaneae  friend  ;  and  before  withdrawing  to  dine  elae- 
where  witb  Don  Abbondio,  wished  to  aeaiat  a  little  at  tbia 
first  banquet,  and  even  helped  to  wait  upon  tbem.  1  hope 
it  will  enter  into  no  one'a  head  to  say  that  It  would  bare 
been  a  more  simple  phui  to  bave  made  at  once  but  cme 
table.  T  bave  deecribed  hìm  as  an  excellent  man,  but  not 
as  an  originai,  aa  it  would  now-a-dajs  he  ealled  ;  I  bave 
aaid  that  he  was  bumble,  but  net  that  he  waa  a  prodiga' 
of  humihtj.  He  poBsessed  enougb  of  tbia  virtue  to  put 
himaelf  beneath  tbese  good  people,  but  not  oq  an  equafjty 
vitb  tbem. 

After  the  tiro  dinners,  the  contract  was  drawn  cut  by 
the  banda  of  a  lawyer,  not,  however,  Azxeeea-Oarbuffli. 
He,  I  mean  bia  outward  man,  was,  and  stili  ia,  at  Cante- 
relli. And  for  those  who  are  nnacquainted  witb  tbat 
neìghbourbood,  I  suppose  some  ezplaoation  of  thia  in- 
formation  is  here  necessary. 

A  little  higher  up  than  Lecco,  perhaps  half  a  mìle  or 
BO,  and  aimost  on  the  confines  of  anotber  country,  named 
Castello,  is  a  place  calìed  Canterelli,  where  two  waja 
cross  ;  and  at  one  corner  of  the  square  space  ia  aeen  aa 
eminence,  like  an  artificial  billock,  with  a  cross  on  the 
summit.  This  is  nothing  else  but  a  heap  of  tbe  bodies 
of  those  wbo  died  in  this  contagion.  Tradition,  it  ia  trae, 
aimplf  Bays,  died  of  the  contagion  :  but  it  must  be  tbia 
one,  and  none  other,  as  it  waa  uie  laat  and  moat  destruct- 
ive  of  wblcb  any  memoiy  remains.  And  we  know  that 
unassisted  traditions  always  sa;  too  little  b;  themselTes. 

Tbej  feJt  no  inconvenience  on  their  return,  ezcept  tbat 
Kenr.o  was  rather  incommoded  hy  tbe  weigbt  of  the  money 
he  carried  away  with  bim.  But,  os  the  reader  knowa,  he 
had  bad  far  greater  troubles  in  bis  life  than  this.  I  say 
nothing  of  the  disquiet  of  bis  mind,  whicb  was  hj  no 


,»oglc 


XXXVlll.]  THB    BBTSOTHBD.  7lT 

means  trifling,  in  deciding  upoa  the  beat  meana  of  em- 
plojing  it.  To  have  aeen  the  difiereut  projects  that  passed 
through  that  mìiid, — the  fanciee — the  debatea  ;  to  have 
heard  the  j>rar and  eon«  for  agriculture  orbusÌDeaB,  it  wu 
aa  ìf  two  academiea  of  the  laat  oenturj'  had  there  met 
together.  Aiid  the  affair  waa  to  Renzo  far  more  over- 
«helmìng  and  peri^lezing,  hecauae,  since  he  wae  but  a  aoli. 
tary  individuai,  it  could  not  be  said  to  him, — Why  need 
yoa  choosie  at  ali  ?  both  one  and  the  other,  eacb  in  ita  owa 
tura  ;  for  in  aubatance  they  are  the  aame;  and,  lihe  one'a 
lega,  they  are  two  thinga  whìeh  go  botter  together  than 

Nothitig  wag  now  thought  of,  but  packing  up  and  aet- 
ting  off  on  their  jouraej  ;  the  Tramaglino  famijy  to  their 
new  country,  and  the  vidow  to  Milan.  Tbe  teare,  the 
thanka,  the  promiacH  of  goìng  to  see  eacb  other,  were 
many.  Nat  lesa  tender,  eveD  to  tears,  was  the  separatioit 
of  Benzo  and  the  family  from  bis  hoapitable  friend  ;  noF 
let  it  be  thought  that  matterà  vent  on  coldly  eren  witb 
Don  Abbondio.  The  three  poor  creatures  had  alwayg 
preserved  a  certsin  reapectful  attachment  to  their  curate  j 
and  be,  ìu  tbe  bottotn  of  hia  heart,  bad  alwaya  wished 
them  well.  Sucb  happy  circumatancea  aa  theae  entangle 
the  affeutions. 

Should  any  one  ask  if  tbere  waa  no  grief  felt  in  tbua 
tearing  themaelves  from  tbeir  native  country,^from  their 
beloved  mountains;  it  may  be  anawered  that  there  waa  : 
for  Borrow,  I  venture  to  «ay,  ìa  mingled,  more  or  leas, 
witb  everything.  We  muat,  however,  believe  that  it  waa 
not  very  profound,  aince  they  might  have  spared  them- 
selvea  from  it  by  remaining  at  home,  now  tnat  the  tiro 
great  obstaclea,  Don  Rodrigo  and  the  order  for  Renzo'a 
appreheneion,  were  both  taben  away.  But  ali  three  had 
been  for  some  time  accuatomed  to  look  upon  the  country 
to  which  they  were  going  as  their  own.  Renzo  boa 
recommended  it  to  tbe  wonien,  by  telliog  them  of  tbe 
facilitiea  wbich  it  afforded  to  artìGcera,  and  a  hundred 
thinga  about  the  fine  way  in  which  tbey  could  live  there. 
Beaidee,  tbey  had  ali  eiperienced  some  veiy  bitter  ma* 
menta  in  that  home  npon  which  tbey  vere  now  tumiog 


,»OglC 


718  I  rBOHisai  SPOSI.  [ch. 

their  backi  ;  and  moumAil  TecoUeetioni  alwajs  end  ia 
spoilÌDg  to  the  mind  the  plscea  which  rec&ll  them.  And 
ir  these  ehould  be  it«  native  home,  there  is,  perhapa,  in 
nioh  recollections,  something  atìll  more  keen  tud  poìgn- 
snt.  Even  an  infant,  saye  our  manuacript,  redine»  will- 
in^ly  on  bis  nurse'»  boiom,  and  Beeks  witb  confidence  uid 
avidity  the  breaat  which  haa  hitherto  aweetly  nouriahed 
him  ;  Dut  if,  in  order  to  vean  him,  ahe  tinctures  it  with 
worniwood,  the  babe  withdratri  the  lip,  then  retums  to 
try  it  once  more,  but  at  length,  after  tiì,  refuaes  it — weep- 
iag,  indeed,  but  stili  refusing  it.  I 

What,  bowever,  will  the  reader  now  aay,  on  hearing 
that  tbej  had  scarcely  airÌTed,  and  settied  themselTes  ia 
their  adopted  country,  before  Beaio  found  there  atmo;- 
ancea  aJl  prepared  for  bitn  I  So  you  pitf  him  P  but  so 
little  aerrea  to  diaturb  a  state  of  happineaa!  Thia  ia  it 
ahort  aketcb  of  the  matter. 

The  talk  that  had  been  there  made  about  Lucia,  for 
some  time  before  ber  arrivai  ;  the  knowledge  that  Renzo 
had  auffered  ao  much  far  ber  aake,  and  had  ^waya  been 
Constant  and  fitithful  ;  perhapa  a  word  or  two  from  aome 
friend  who  waa  partial  to  him  and  ali  beloDging  to  him, 
■^-had  created  a  kind  of  curioaity  to  aee  the  young  girl, 
and  a  kind  of  ezpectation  of  soeing  ber  very  beautiful. 
Now  we  know  what  expectation  ia  :  imaginative,  credula 
ons,  confident  ;  afterwarda,  when  the  trial  coraeB,  dìScult 
to  satisfy,  diadainful  ;  nerer  finding  what  she  had  counted 
vpon,  benuae,  in  fitot,  she  knew  not  her  onn  mind  ;  and 
pitìlraaly  exacting  aevere  payment  for  the  lovelinesa  ao 
unmeaningly  lanAed  on  ber  object. 

When  thia  Lucia  appeared,  many  who  had  perbapa 
thought  that  ahe  must  certainly  bave  golden  lociB,*4ad 
cheeks  bluehing  like  tbe  rose,  and  a  pair  of  evea  one  more 
beautiful  than  tbe  other,  and  what  not  besidea,  began  to 
shrug  their  shoulders,  turn  up  their  nosee,  and  say,  '  Is 
thia  ahe  ?  After  auch  a  time,  after  ao  much  talk,  one 
ezpected  lomething  better  1  What  ia  abe,  after  ali  P  A 
peaaant,  like  hundreda  more.  Wby,  tbere  are  pj^ty 
ererywhere  ai  good  aa  ahe  ia,  and  iar  better  too.'    Then, 


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3KXVIM.]  THB   BBTHOTHBD.  71» 

descending  to  particnlan,  one  remarked  one  defect,  and 
■nother,  another  ;  nor  were  there  wanting  some  who  con- 
Bidered  her  perfectly  ugly. 

Ab,  however,  no  one  tbought  of  teltÌDg  Benm  theae 
tbinga  to  bis  fsLce,  ao  far  there  wae  no  great  hann  dooe. 
They  wbo  really  did  harm,  they  who  widaned  the  breacfa, 
«ere  some  peraona  vho  reported  them  to  bim  :  and  Benso 
— what  elas  could  be  expeoted  P — took  tbem  rery  much 
to  lieart.  He  began  to  mnae  upon  them,  and  to  makA 
tbem  matterà  of  diacnaaion,  botfa  with  tboae  who  talked 
to  bim  on  tbe  aubject,  and  more  at  leugtb  in  bia  own 
mind. — '  What  doea  it  matter  to  you  ?  And  wbo  told  you 
to  eipect  anrthingP  did  I  over  talk  to  you  about  berf 
did  I  over  teli  you  abe  was  beautiful  ?  And  when  you 
&aked  me  if  abe  waa,  did  I  ever  aay  anytbing  in  anavrer, 
but  that  ahe  waa  a  good  girl  P  Sbe's  a  peaaant  !  Did  I 
ever  teli  you  tbat  I  would  bring  you  bere  a  princeaa  ? 
8he  displeaaefl  you!  Don't  look  at  ber,  tben.  You've 
some  beautiful  women  :  look  at  tbem. — 

Only  look  bow  a  trifle  may  Bometìmea  auffice  to  decide 
a  man'a  state  for  bia  wholelìfe.  Had  Bonzo  been  obliged 
to  apeod  hte  in  tbat  neighbourhood,  agreeftbly  to  liii 
firat  intentiona,  be  would  bare'  got  on  Dut  very  badly. 
From  being  bimself  diapleaaed,  be  had  now  become  die- 
pleasing.  He  waa  on  bad  terms  witb  ererybody,  because 
everybodr  might  be  one  of  Lucia'a  crìticizers.  Ifot  that 
be  actually  offended  againat  drility  ;  but  we  know  how 
many  aly  tfaings  may  be  done  witbout  tranagresaing  tbe 
roles  of  common  politeneM  :  quite  aufficient  to  ^ve  vent 
to  one'a  epieen.  There  was  aomething  eardonic  in  bis 
wbole  bebaviouT  ;  be,  too,  found  aomething  to  critidEe  in 
STerytbing  :  if  oidy  there  were  two  lucceaaiTe  daye  of 
bad  weatber,  he  would  immediately  aay,  'Ay  iudeed,  in 
tbta  country  1'  In  abort,  I  may  aay,  he  waa  already  only 
berne  «ith  by  a  certain  number  of  peraona,  eren  by 
thoae  who  had  at  firat  wiabed  bim  well  ;  and  in  courae  of 
time,  from  one  tbing  to  anotber,  be  would  bave  gone 
on  till  be  had  found  bimaelf,  ao  to  aay,  in  a  atate  of 
boatility  witb    «Imoat   the  wbole   population,  wìthout 


byClOO'^IC 


7S0  t    PKOMESSl   SPOSI.  [CH. 

being  able,  probably,  himself,  to  asaign  the  primuy 
cause,  or  ucertain  the  root  from  which  such  aji  eril  bad 
aprung. 

But  ìt  might  be  aaid  tbat  the  piagne  had  undertaken 
to  amend  ali  Benzo'B  errore.  That  scourge  had  carried 
off  the  owner  of  another  BÌlk-mill,  situated  almoat  at  the 
gates  of  Bergamo  ;  and  the  heir,  a  dissolute  young  felloir, 
nnding  nothing  in  thia  edifice  that  could  afford  him  any 
diveraioD,  proposed,  or  rather  iras  aDxioua,  to  dispose  of 
it,  even  at  halfits  vaine;  but  he  wauted  the  money  down 
upon  the  spot,  that  he  might  instanti;  ezpend  it  with 
uaproductive  prodigalìtj.  The  matter  haviug  come  to 
Bortolo'^  eara,  he  itnmediately  vent  tu  see  it;  tried  to 
treat  ubout  it  :  a  more  adTantageoua  bargain  could  Dot 
bave  been  hoped  for  ;  but  that  cuudition  of  ready  moBej 
apoiled  ali,  becauee  his  whole  property,  alotrly  made  up 
out  of  bis  eavinga,  was  stili  far  froni  reaching  the  reqiiìred 
Bum.  Leaving  the  question,  tberefore.  stili  open,  he  re- 
tumed  in  baste,  communicated  the  affair  to  faia  cousia, 
and  proposed  to  take  it  in  partnerehip^  So  capital  aa 
agreement  cut  short  ali  Benzo's  ecooomìcal  dubitatioDB, 
HO  that  be  quickly  decided  upon  business,  and  complied 
with  the  proposal.  The}'  weat  togetber,  and  the  bargain 
was  concluded.  Wheu,  then,  the  new  onrners  carne  to 
live  upon  their  own  ])osses.-iions.  Lucia,  who  was  bere 
expected  by  no  one,  not  only  did  not  go  thither  subjected 
to  criticisma,  but,  we  ma;  Bay,  was  not  displeasing  to 
aaybody  ;  and  Benso  found  out  that  it  bad  been  uid  by 
more  than  one,  '  Have  you  seen  that  pretty  sbe-btockbead 
who  has  come  bither  P  The  subatantive  was  allowed  to 
pass  in  the  epithet. 

And  even  from  the  annoyance  be  bod  ezperìenced  io 
the  other  country,  be  derived  some  useful  Jnstruction. 
Before  that  time  he  had  been  rather  inconsiderate  in 
criticizing  otber  people's  wives,  and  ali  belonging  to 
tbem.  Now  be  understood  that  words  make  oae  im- 
pression  in  the  mouth,  and  another  in  the  ear;  aad  he 
accustomed  himself  rather  more  to  lieteo  witbin  to  bis 
own  before  uttering  tbem. 


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ZXXVIII.]  THE    BETROTHBD.  721 

We  must  not,  bowever,  guppose  that  he  had  no  little 
Texations  even  bere.  Man,  (eays  our  anonymous  author 
— and  weaìreadf  know,  hy  experience,  tbat  he  had  rather 
s  strange  pleuure  in  dnwing  nmiles — but  bear  with  it 
thÌB  once,  for  it  ie  Hkely  to  be  the  last  time,)  man,  so 
long  as  be  is  in  tbia  world,  ìb  like  a  aick  peraon  lying  upon 
&  ted  more  or  less  uncon^ortable,  who  eees  around  him 
other  bede  nicelj  made  to  outward  appearaace,  amooth, 
and  level,  and  ^cìea  that  the;  inuBt  be  moet  comfortable 
reatins-places.  He  aucceeds  in  makìng  an  excbange  ;  but 
scarcdy  is  he  placed  in  anotber,  before  he  begina,  ab  he 
presses  it  down,  to  feel  in  one  place  a  abarp  poiut  prìck- 
ing  him,  in  anotber  a  hard  lump  :  in  short,  we  come  to 
almoat  the  aame  story  over  again.  And  for  this  reaaoD, 
adda  he,  we  ought  to  aim  rather  at  doing  well,  than  being 
well  i  and  thus  ne  ahould  come,  in  the  end,  even  to  be 
better.  This  sketch,  although  somewhat  parabolic,  and 
in  the  style  of  the  aeventeenth  ceutury,  ìb,  in  substance, 
true.  However,  (continues  he  again,)  our  good  frìends 
had  no  longer  an;  soitowb  and  troubles  of  aimilar  kind 
and  severìty  to  those  we  bave  related  :  their  life  was,  from 
tbia  time  forward,  one  of  the  calmeat,  happìest,  and  most 
envìable  of  lives  ;  so  tbat,  were  I  obliged  to  give  an 
account  of  it,  it  would  tire  the  reader  to  death.  Buaineas 
went  on  capitati^.  At  the  beginning  there  was  a  little 
dìfficulty  from  the  scnrcity  of  workmen,  and  &om  the  ill- 
conduct  and  pretenaions  of  the  few  that  stili  remained. 
Orders  were  published,  which  licnìted  the  prìce  of  labour  : 
in  spite  of  this  help,  tbiaga  rallied  again  j  becanse,  after 
ali,  how  couid  it  be  otherwìee  F  Anotber  rather  more 
judidous  order  arrìved  from  Yenice— exemption,  for  ten 
yeara,  from  ali  charges,  civil  and  personal,  for  foreigners 
wbo  would  come  to  reside  in  the  State.  To  our  fneads 
this  was  anotber  advantafe. 

Before  the  first  year  ot  their  marrìage  waa  completed 
a  beautiful  little  creature  carne  to  tight  ;  and,  as  if  it  had 
been  made  on  purpoee  to  give  Benzo  an  earlj  opportunità 
of  fulfilling  tbÀt  magnanimouB  promise  of  bis,  it  was  a 
little  girl.    It  may  be  belìered  that  it  was  named  Maria. 


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7SS  I  FEtOUBSSI  SPD6L  [cB. 

Afterwards,  in  the  coune  of  titne,  carne  I  know  not  hor 
mmny  othen,  of  both  aexea  ;  ^d  Agnese  was  buBj  enongh 
in  canying  them  about,  oae  after  the  other,  callisg  them 
little  roguee,  and  imprinting  upon  their  facea  heartT 
kÌBBea,wnichlefl  awhite  markfor  ever  ho  long  aflerwarda. 
The;  were  ali  very  well  inclined  ;  and  Benso  wonld  hare 
them  ali  leam  to  read  and  write,  uyìng,  that  trince  thù 
amuiement  wu  in  fitehioo,  the^  onght  at  leaat  to  take 
adrantage  of  it. 

The  fineat  thing  waa  to  hear  him  relate  bis  adyentares  : 
and  he  alwaja  finished  by  ennmerating  the  great  thin|>s 
he  had  learnt  from  them,  for  the  better  govemmeot  ot 
himself  in  future.  Tre  learnt,'  be  woald  Bay,  'not  to 
meddle  in  disturbances  :  l've  learnt  not  to  make  apeeches 
in  the  atreet  :  l've  learnt  not  to  drink  more  than  I  want: 
l've  learnt  not  to  hold  the  knocker  of  a  door  in  mj  band, 
when  crazy-headed  people  are  about  :  and  l've  learnt  not 
to  buckle  a  little  beli  to  iny  foot,  before  tbinking  of  the 
consequences.'     And  a  bundred  other  things. 

Lucia  did  not  find  fault  with  tbe  doctrine  itaelf,  but 
she  was  not  BatisQed  witb  it  i  it  leemed  to  her,  in  a  cod- 
fused  way,  tbat  Bomething  «u  stili  wanting  to  it.  Bj 
dint  of  hearing  tbe  aame  Bong  orer  and  over  agaio,  and 
meditating  on  it  every  time,  '  And  I,*  aaid  ahe  one  day  to 
her  moralÌEer,  *  what  ought  I  to  bave  leimt  P  I  did  not 
go  to  look  for  troubles  :  it  is  they  that  carne  to  look  for 
me.  Tbough  you  wouldn't  Bay,'  added  ahe,  amiling 
Bweetly,  'tbat  myerror  waa  iu  wishing  you  well,  and 
promiaing  myself  to  you.' 

Bonzo  at  first  waa  quite  puzzled.  After  a  long  discus- 
sion  and  inquiry  together,  they  concluded  that  troublea 
certainly  ofl«n  arise  from  occasion  afforded  hy  ourselves  ; 
but  tbat  the  most  cautious  and  blameleas  conduci  cannoc 
aecure  us  from  tbem  ;  and  tbat,  when  they  rome,  whether 
by  our  own  fanlt  or  not,  conSdence  in  Groà  aìleviates 
them,  and  makes  them  condudve  to  a  better  life.  Thj* 
canclusion,  though  come  to  by  poor  people,  seemed  to  us 
so  right  and  just,  tbat  we  bave  reaolved  to  put  it  here,  aa 
the  monti  of  our  wb(de  storr. 


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XXXVllI.]  THE   BETBOTUED.  7i3 

If  tbÌ8  rame  storj  has  given  tbe  reader  atif  pleasure, 
Ile  must  thank  the  anoaymous  author,  and,  in  some 
meoBure,  hig  revìser,  for  the  gratification.  But  if.inatead, 
we  bave  00)7  aucceeded  in  wearying  him,  he  may  rest 
aaaured  that  we  did  not  do  so  od  purpose. 


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