The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1860-04-12

.he eF"opuSriui oIen oiu not appear. ooou ehe'e
was nothing to put on but that single dish, and
the imPatiencc Of the guests knew no bounds.
At last the major domo appeared; he bore an
enormous dish, covered with o splendid velvet
cloth, embroidered in gold. The napkin was
raised, and cry Of admiration burst from every
one. --.. ....g- -..... . .. ..
1t was superb lion, moulded In dough, and
baked 90 as to be of tho color Of bronzes Every
limb was perfectly modelled, and it seemed about
to leap from the dish fn among the guests. All
Immediately recognized the delicate compliment
conveyed 10 the Duke of Sangriani. in honor of
whom the feast had been given, for the arms OF
his house were a rampant lion.
"Bravol bravol" c,ied one and all; :" where
is the modeleri where is the artist where is
the little sculptorf"
Where is the artist ?" cried the Duke. in a
loud, distinct voice. ra.sa. 40 f..f ..
And then, between the fat legs Of Pieiro, the
cook, peeped up pretty little child's face, blush,
ing rosy.red, and bright with pleasure, already
glowing with the brilliant fire of genius extra
ordinary indeed. at so tender an age.
He was passed from the arms Of one beautiful
lady to another, kissed, petted caressed. Jewels
of value were attached by his lovely admirers TO
his humble dress. nnG he was not suffered to de.
part till both himself and Pasino had made n
hearty meal of the remains Of the feast.
The Duke was too much the friend Of the fine
arts aud too enlightened as regarded them. not to
perceive in this childish masterpiece indications
Of the eminent talent. Begging Antonio from
his grandfather he took him himself to Venice.
where he caused the most celebrated master 10
instruct him. Then, four years later, the young
protege Of the Duke went to Rome, loaded with
letters of recommendation to the illustrations
lords and potentates Of the capital Of the Chris.
tian world.
Suffering himself 10 be guiled by that inspira
ton which distinguishes remarkable men, the
first letter which Antonio carried to its address,
wac one to signor Volupto, whose pupil he was
ambitious to become.
Volupto kept at Rome brilliant school Of de-
sign. from which the most distinguished pupils
had been sent forth, The first friend and com.
panion met by Antonio, on entering the studio,
was young man like himself, named Raphael.
Later, Antonio Canova, leaving his friend Ia
continue his brilliant career as q painter. aban
doned the pencil for the chisel HE inspiration
again called him to the most elevated cupation
In 1852 the Venetian ambassador, Juliano, after
feast given to Rones most noble lords, invited
his guests to 60 with him TO a saloon which had moi
yet been opened. He showed his friends group
| in marble, just finished 10y an artist whose name
| he withheld.
1t was Theseus cunquering the Minotaur.
The group was with one accord, pronounced
to be the choicest work of art in Rome.
my Lords," exclaimed Juliano with a look
Of proud satisfaction, "the artist Of this work ID
my countryman. Antonio Canova," continued
he. (sceking out young man who modestly held
aloof) "come and receive the congratulations
which you deserve"
Canuva was the most celebrated sculptor of his
age. When any one visited him at his studio
he never failed to tell the story Of his fortunes
or to revive his own grateful remembrance OF
his first master, Volupto.
Hence we learn to struggle against such mis-.
fortunes as may assail us In youth When reso
luton, toll and patience, fame may always be
achieved
And thus by the humblest means is genius
brought to light The diamond is brilliant
jewel, the rnr, st Of oil precious stones; but il
must be sought for in the dark and dangerou:
mine. FLORENCE hvENEL.