Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-11-01

Il has been seen that the goudolas, which were
10 contend in the race, had been tOwed towards
the place Of starting in order that the men might
enter on the struggle with undiminlshed vIgor.-
In this precautiOn, even the humble and haf-clad
fisherman had not been neglected, but his boat,
like the others, was attached to the large barges
to which this duty had been assigned. Still, as
ne passed along the canal, before the crowded
balconies. and grooming vessels which lined its
sides, there arose that scornful and deriding
laugh, which seems ever to grow more strong
and bold, as misfortune weighs most heavily on
its subject.
The old man was not unconscious OF the re-
marks OF which he was the subject; and, as ii is
rare indeed that our sensib,lties do not survive
our better fortunes even he was SO far conscious
of fall as not to DE callous to contempt thus
openly expressed. lie looked wistfully on eve
nv side of him, and seemed to search, in every
eye he encountered, some portion of the sympathy
which his meek and humble feelings still craved.
But even the men of his caste and profession
threw jibes upon his ear; and, though Of all the
competitors perhaps the one whose motive most
hallowed his ambition, he was held to be the only
proper subject of mirth. For the solution OF this
revolving ira it OF human character, we are not to
look to Venice and her institutions, since II is
known that none are so arrogan, on OCCASION, tas
the ridden, and that the abject and ,nsolent
spirits are usually tenants Of the same bosom.
The movement Of the boats brought those of
the masked watermen and the subject OF these
'taun,s side BY side.
s'Thou art not the favorite in this strife" OBJ
served the former. when fresh burst OF jibes
were showered on the head Ofhis unresIsting asso-
ciate. Thou hast not been sufficiently heedful
Of thy attire, for this is town ofluxury, and he
who would meet applause must appear on the
canals in the guise of one less borne upon bv tor.
tune.''
81 know them, know them" returned the
ts>.-.-.-lAd- anax BIZ their pride,
their yanities. But, friend unknown, | have
brought with me face which, old though il be,
and wrnkled, and worn by the weather like the
stones Of the sea shore, is uncovered to the eye,
and without shame"
There may be reasons, which thou knowest
not, why wear mask. But if nv face be hid,
the limbs are bare, and thou seest there is no
lack of sinews to make good that which have
undertaken. Thou shouIdst have though better
Of the matter ere thou puttest myself in the way
Of so much modification. Defeat will not cause
the people to treat thee more tenderly.'
1T my sinews are old and stiffened, SignOr
Mask, they are long used to tnil As to shame,
it 1t is shame to be below the rest Of mankind
IN fortune il will not now come for the first time
A heavy sorrow hath befallen me, and this race |
,nay tighten the burthen of grief shall not pre- .
tend that hear this laughter, and all these scorn-
ful speeches as one listens to the evening breeze .
on the Laeunes-for man is still mao, though
he lives with the humblest, and of the coars- !
est. But let it pass; SAINT Antonio will give me /
heart to bear it!
Thou hast a stout mind. fisherman; and |
would pray my patron to grant thee stronger
huft Of 4 haya ,nuch nppd of thIS ylctnry |
myself. Wilt thou be content with the second
prize, if, BY any manner of skill might aid thee
in thy efforts?-for suppose. the metal OF the
third is little to thy taste as it is to my own"
May, count not on gold, or silver"
"Can the honor of such struggle awaken the
Pride of one like thee!"
The old man looked earnestly at his companion;
hsl he shook his head, without an answer. Fresh
instrument, at his expense, caused him to bend
his lace towards the scoffers; and he perceived
they were, just then. passing numerous group
Of his fellows of the Lagunes, who seemed to feel
that his unjustifable ambition reflected, in some
degree. on the honor of their whole body.
- How now, old Antonio.'' shouted the bold
EST of the BANDITS it not enough that thou hast
won the honors Of the net, but thou wouldst have
golden oar at thy necks"
1--WE shall yet see him Of the senate" cried
second.
"He standeth in need of the horned bonnet for
his naked head" continued third "We shall
zee the brave Admiral Antonio, sailing in the Buc-
,utaur, with the mobiles of the land!"
Their sallies were succeeded by hoarse laugh.
er. Even the fair IN the balconies, were in
luencsd by these constant jibes, and the apPa- e
ent discrepancy between the condition aud the
means Of SO unusual pretender to the honors Of .
he rega;ts. Tine purpose of the old man wave l
ed; but he seemed gouded BY some inward in
entlve that still enabled him to maintain his n
round. His companion closely watched the va 81
ying expression Of countenance that was far
10 little trained in deception to conceal the feel
lgs within; and as they approached the place Of u
artins, he again spoke. n
{. Thou mayest yet withdraw" he said-"why I'll
.ould one Of thy years make the little time he 81
IS to stay bitter, bearing the ridicule Of his as a.
ciates for the rest of his life?"