The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-02-20

gondolier appeared at the door, an
furtively approaching her, said:
Cara mia, mi alama ~
Gianettini rushed forward. @Out q
thisp he shouted; out of my house
beggarp
The young man did not stir.
Have You finished 2" he said. in
go od-humored tone. Wherefore thesl
hard words? Have you never loved
Signor Gianettini1 Have you total,
forgotten the feelings of your youth
Know you not that since was ten year,
old, and Maria five, we have lovec
each other fondly? Will you not ther
allow us to hallow your old age with
our grateful blessings, or must we wa
ter your path with our tears w
g don't want TO have a parcel O.
beggars for my grandchildren" SAID
Gianettini, roughly.
Certainly, you are rich, replied the
young man, but what hindefs that
should not become so too? A stout
arm, brave heart, an honest soul, will
with the help of God, do much.n
"a FOOLS dreamw
Nay,n said Antonio" 1T is sober
sense; Lorenzo de Medici was mer.
chant, Giacomo Siorzo eowherd"
The man in the corner had harkened
attentiVely to this dialogue. He rose,
and touching Barbarigo's shoulder, said
"Well spoken, gondolier! Courage
brings success, and struggling con-
qnest Maria shall be thy wife,
..Neverm cried Gianettini.n
9. master Jew," said the unknown,
turning disdainfully towards him, If
this youth could-lay down six hundred
pistoles, would you object to the mar
rage 2"
''Be that asit may: .you must recol-
leet tlat he is now little better than a
pa per.n
Pshawm p said the unknown, "bab-
bleEs are more tiresome than thieves.
Before tomorrow you shall touch that
SUM"
50 saying. he drew from his pocket
4 piece of parchment and a crayon, and
turning towards a table, began rapidly
to sketch mans hand 1t was repre-
sented open, impatient, with followed
palm, as if expecting a shower of gold
pieces It had, SO to speak, sensual,
avaucious expression, and one of the
fingers was encircled with massive
ring
"'Fis my handw cried Gianettini.
" And your history" said the artist
Giving the sketch 10 Antonio, its au-
thor desired him to carry it to Pietro
Benrolo, librarian, al the place of ST.
Mark, and demand in exchange for it
six hundred pistoles.
= Six hundred fools heads!n cried
the innkeeper, II would not give zec-
chin for itf'
Without speaking the artist turned
hau9htily away.
The gondolier took the parchment,
and looked with asionishment at his
friend. He then turned towards Maria,
but glance from her soft dark eyes
him, and he set oat on his
With folded arms and moody brow,
The artist commenced pacing up and
iown the large room in the hostelry.
casting, at intervals, a scrutinizing
glance on the young girl, who, now
for her intended crime, was
silently praying in the corner. As for
he seemed unable to shake
,ff the strange asceI.dency gained over
lin by his strange visitor His habit
lal elfranteIy failed him; and for the
irst time IN his life, he dared moi break
ilence.
An hour passed. Then hasty. Joyous
teps were heard. and Antonio appea r
ID, bearing in his hand bag and a
efieF. The bag contained six hundred
,isfoles, and the letter was addressed
o the artist, and praying him to honor
he librarian with visit.
aTake these coins and weigh them,n
aid the unknown, as he threw the bag
owards Gianettini.
Antonio Barbarigo stood before his
pale and trembling with
W.
aone favor more,n he said, who
re youin
What does it matterp I
What does it matter, say yourI
ried the gondolier, amuch much to
ne. Tell me your name, Signor, thai
may love and honor II to the last mo-
aenf Of my life.n
Men call me Michael Angelo
Michael Angelo!p repeated An
,nio, falling on his knees like a true
Italian, to adore the sovereignity of ge-
its.
The artist raised him and took his
and. q II is my turn now,n he said,
to ask you favor, II is TO permit
ne to perpetuate on canvass the lovely |
satures of Maria
The girl approached; she could not
peak, but she clasped the painters
and and raised II to her lips. A tear
III on it, and Michael Angelo, as he
rev il back, turned away 10 conceal |
is own emotions.
Twenty years passed on, and found
.ntonio Barbarigo, the once humble
ondolier, the happy husband of Mania,
nd General OF the Venetian Repub-
q. Yet his brilliant position never
sndered him unmindfnl of his eatly |.
fe. and his heartfelt gratitude, as we'll I