The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-04-25
His Mejesty's Ship Rose.
5th, Dec. l775.
To the Town Council Of Newport.
SELECTED TALES.
A MARRIAGE ON THE sCAFFoI.D.
A ROMANCE OF ITALY.

Wlhin Tie nTch, beneath the clock oil the
church of St. EgilIo, were formerly group
of figures, two only of which remain AT :hc
present day. These figures commemorate
a remarkable historical episode, the par,ic-
|, ulars of which are thus related by Agelo
Fiorentine:
This noble and powerful house of
Carnccoli, among its other here dnary
domaius, possessed n vast estate in Cala-
bria. This pairlmouy being surrounded by
lofty mountains and .hck forests, was
peculiarly adapted as n hunting ground,
aud for the sports of the field, of which the
young prince, Antonio Carraccioli was
passionately fond. Having also the adyan-
,age of being protected by one of the most
magnificent and impregnable castles Of all
Italy, he there permanently resided, living
in a style and splendor liltle less that
, regal.
Antonio Caraccioli was as noble in per-
son as he was in blood and the endowments
of his mind were in no wise Inferior to his
personal graces. Well formed, dignfed
and commanding he was bland, persuasive,
and of highly polished manners and his
superior bodily accomplishments were only
rivaIled by the extraordinary energies of his
mind.
In spite therefore, of the pernicious in
fuence which his natural brother Raymond
t exercised over him, his conduct towards his
vassnls was in no way TO be complained of.
Kind, compassionate, attentive TO their well
fare, he was adoliZed by the pcasantry,
and regarded by them as an earthly prodigy.
Even his noble associates, who feared not
L. l. 4 A. 4
iority. Raymond, on the contrary, was
stern and rough. OF herculean frame. Of
indomi,abe courage, and of unrivaled skill
in the use of his weapons, he feared no
man, and was dreaded by all. The Bravi
in the pay of his brother over which he
f commanded were held in the striclest
subordinaion and TO dispute against the
will of Raymond was TO venture almost
upon certain destruction. To these war.
: like qualities, held in those times in high
, repute, Raymond added others of far less
r estimate character he was proud and
, oyerbearing, lcentious, blood thirsty and
cruel.-Such were two brcihers--the noble
and the ignoble--of the house of Carac-
cioli.
1t fell out one day, that the Prince An
quitting his horse, and pushing into deep
recess of the forest, in search of his wound
ed prey, became bewidered in its intricate
mazes, and departed from all his compan-
j ions.
: Exhausted by long and tedious course,
overcome by the beat aud by fatigue, aud
devoured by his burning thirst, we was
slowly descending the sterile and deser,
sides Of n mountain, when, on n sudden he
: perceived between the thick foliage of the
@ palm, trees that bordered its base, young
!, girl, bearing on her head pitcher of wa
ter. The Prince hnsiencd towards her
and requested to be permitted To drink o
$ the contents Of her pitcher, which the
young Cnlabrian prese dted to him with an
air aud grace be acknowledged until then
he had never witnessed. Eagerly and
often did he drink of the pr"fiered treasure
before the consuming thirst of lls parched
throat was satisfied hc then turned a
more attentive regard upon the young girl
$ who stood smiling beside him.
Never in Imagination had Antonio Car
o accioli behelJ aught so lovely. Her tall
and graceful figure, moulded IN finely,
y turned and beautiful proportions her full
+, aud rounded bosom, hcaiDg beneain the
/. rush of ihe warm blood of enrly youth
Y her sparkling, jetty eyes her raven Hesses
r waving IN wild aud wapion rincleis, MS
though they wooed the kisses Of the breeze
ihnt sporled among them ; her cherry-red
D half opened lips, on Which played nn in
J.. deGnnble smle-between rustic naivet,e
G and virgin modesty, and displaying teeth
:, outvying in whiteness the polished ivo-
Try; her slight brunette complexion
radiant with iIebe's fairest roses-her SIM
gular picturesque costume, and the wild
and solitary spot wherein they were stand.
ng-oll combined to fascinair Antonio
A i.ew and powerful emotion took posses
sion of his heart, and the fever of desire
cursed rnpidly through his veins. viii
y extreme reluctance the prince tore himself
o away from the enhancing appariiion before
: him, forgetting in his embarrassment, n
y inquire who she was, or 10 make his rank
aud condition known TO the beautiful Cal
' ADRIAN.
Shortly afier this, on the occasion of n
2 fete at the castle, the famous Roccode
y ArIzzo came to partnke Of the festivities
accompanied by his sister, who was none
DINER iiian the Young giri whose charms had
: made so deep an impression on the heart oi
D Antonio CaraccioIi.
e A bold, skIlfrl and daring man was
o Rocco del Arizzo, descended in direct
8 line from the ancien, kings of Italy. Train
ed TO arms from his cradle, he had spent
his youth in the camp, and his manhood IN
the field. Banished his native land, hc
sought retirement in the Calsbrian meun'
tains, waiting patiently until some feud be