The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-12-24
ANITALIAN ADVENTURE.

It was night of heavy rain, black and comfort
less when reached the Terracina. The inn was
all gloom; no light was brought to the door; we
caled-none heeded we entered the house-steps
and voices sounded tumultuously above. My SER
want and myself groped up the staircase, and made
our way, guided by the noise, to a large cherries
room One brass lamp stood on the long table.
The host, the andlady, the cook, some vile postil-
lions, some maids, and two three peasants, wore
all crowded round elderly gentleman and lady,
whom, in moment, perceived to be English.
We have all heard Of the anguish of mothers
bereaved of their sucking babes but how shall this
agonized father be painted in Words He was a
helpless invalid, seated in chair, from which he
could not rise; but his imploring cry-his grey
locks disordered-his phrenzed eye-the tearing
open of his vest, and the nervous grasplng. OF his
bosom-the upheld purse, and the loud reward of
his fortune and the maddening exclamation Maria,
Mara-my daughter-my daughter his wife en-
bracng him with convulsve tears, and silent; and
all the lockers on talking, smiling with composure;
the lean and salow shirr hard, indifferent and cum
ming; the fat host speaking awkward comfort; the
position laughing the peasants scowling; and the
women alone with any redeemng compassion in
their eyes. ] soon gathered the cause of his alic-
tom his daughter had been seized since his arrival
at the inn and borne off to the mountains by ban
diti. 1t was in vain they told him that, on the
morrow, she would certainly be restored to him
mand "NOw nop: he would pay any thing, i
the shirri would follow, and bring her back now.
The idea of his daughter among brigades, even foi
a moment, was anguish, torment.
Eagerly too offered rewards, and urged them tt
their duty-a guide to lead me, or merely to poin
the path, would go instantly, and alone-woult
carry the ransom and bring back his daughter
They smiled at me cold and contemptuous y-sait
it was late-I was a stranger, or should not tall
w.,
laughed-and cursed them, and went out armed
but the rain fell heavy, and dark and bcwildcriugy
could not see yard before me- shouted but
heard no sound save the wild wind, and the lou,
surf roar. / came in again, and went to the fathe
where he sat by untasted food, liz silent alarme
agony, and took his hand in mine, and promised al
my best services at early dawn on the morrow, ant
bade him hope and cheer up; and he looked at m
thankful through his tears, while the mother
and wept aloud All had left the apartment but on
little dark eyed, brown maid and she made sigr
to me to go forth with her-andwhen were alon
in the corridor, she asked me" have you courage I?
"For any thing that this lady
"Then 90 to your sleeping chamber, and persuade
the old people to go to bed; and at one o'clock
when the moon rises, arm; and when you hear
pebble strike your easement, drop yourself from
the window it is long fall but the ground is soft
/ have known older than you leap it down safe"
1t was with difficulty could prevail on the faihe
and mother to retire to their chamber, and M
account could they be persuaded to do more thar
lie down, dressed as they were on mattresses.
1t was near midnight when got to my room
/. and lay looking at the window that might catch
the very first glimmer of the rising morn. The rain
fell less heavily. and at length ceased altogether
and the moon rose red and crcsccnted. felt dowr
and fixed my pistols frmcr in my broad loin girth
and drew tighter the strap of my sword belt; and
thought prayer; and then felt honored and ami
mated by the enterprise. A black cloud had Ion.
hung over me; this was like the bright breakin.
Of the blue sky,-father and daug gl,ter-,hcy woul,
thank and bless mel might perchance anchor M,
door heart in that quiet family; or at all events.