Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-01-23
Caterina Gabrielle.

our popular female artists. Nor can Chari-
}, ty look foo leniently upon their dizzy and sud
den elevation from complete poverty and OBJ
scurity to affluence, position, and homage. A
striking example is furnished in the history OF
Roman girl Of the name of Caterina CABIN
ella. Her father was cook in the service of
cardinal That cardinal, one day, while
walking in his garden, was startled with a
burst Of the most delicious melody. Standing
still. be listened with delighted astonishment,
and when the voice ceased, he turned to one of
his attendants, and inquired who was the song
stress who made bis garden such an enchanted
one. He was told that she was his cooks
daughter, and but fourteen years of age. lie
sent for her Immediately, and made her sing to
him all the airs she knew. Caterina was live
ly. audacious. handsome, with most delicious
voice. though quite untutored. Her father, the
cook, was quite aware of her talent, but, the
only means of cultiyating it was to take her OIL
ten to the theatre, to hear the great singers
In this way she would catch the most difficult
pieces and perform them surprisingly well
without instruction.
The cardinal was so delighted with her tai
ent that he agreed with her father to give her
a musical education at once added to this he
often gave concerts to exhibit to his friends
this youthful marvel. At the age of seventeen
she appeared in public, and turned the head of
every one who listened.
She was beautiful, witty, intelligent, and
graceful. She had one personal defect, slight
squint in her right eye, which after all was not
a defect, as it only gave roguish look to her
bright face. Although quite small, she was
dignifed in her gesture and department, and
gave in no way the slightest indication Of
her obscure origin. All the beaux in the
country crowded around to gain smile. Cate
rina made fun of them, and kept them all in
becrazed state of yexation and admiration.
In fact, at that time, she much preferred the
singers associated with her TO these fine young
lords. All the great managers in the different
, a while she went to Naples, where she lived in
great splendor. The courtly poet Metastasio
offered to give the finish to her musical eduea-
ton. But alas for the old man of iifty-three
hefellcrazy in love with his pupil. She laugh
ed at him and his aching bones, so full of all
ments but received his gift with regal con-
descension. And although he, with the rest OF
her infatuated admirers, received no other to-
ken Of her appreciation, they would yet pa
tiently lOiter in her parlor for hours for the
mere pleasure of exchanging one word with
her.
This bright little humming-bird, cloyed Will
sugar, began to be dainty and imperative
When she felt inclined to sing, she would
when she didn't, no power on earth could open
her rosy little mouth. They used to manage
her in this way The most favored of heI
admirers was requested by the manager to
place himself in front of some conspicuous
box. when she was in a bad humor; and II
they were on good terms, which was not always
by any means, she would address her tender
airs to him, and sing her sweetest notes. One
of her lovers concetedly agreed with the man
agcr to give him an example Of his power over
Caterina. He took his seat, perfumed and
dressed with great skill The little lady, see
ing through the trick, much to his chagrin
took not the slightest notice Of his presence.
. Laden with wealth, she then went to Sicily
where she became perfectly unmanageable BY
her managers" She asked just what price'
she pleased, and got them. Whynot? Thai
is no more than men do daily, in every depart
ment of business. She sang when, where anC
how she pleased, or sometimes, not at all, lazl
" putting of her task upon her sister Fran
cesca. whom she carried about with her fortm
purpose. Everybody had the choice either t.
Weld to her whims, or not have her. On ont
. occasion the Viceroy of Sicily asked hert din
with him. in company with some Of the nobili
ty. Finding she did not make her appearance
> he sent servant 10 know the reason. II
found her lounging on a sofa, reading book
and when he respectfully gayeher bis message
she pretended to have forgotten all about it,
, However, she went, and the Yiceroy conclude
to pocket the insult for the sake Of the song'
> and received her as if il had not occurred bu
= when it was evident that she sang her worst
and 50 low that she could scarcely be heard, h
threatened imprisonment. Ah," said th
stubborn little girl, very likely you canmak
me CRY, but You shall never force me to sing.
u So the yiceroy imprisoned her for twelve days
+ In prison she gave gay and costly entertain
e ments, paid all the debts Of her fellow PRISON
G ers. distributed large sums among the poor, be
70 sides singing to them every day her choices
le songs in the finest style, until the term Of I'm
II prisonment ended, when she came forth In tn
II umph amid the shouts and rejOicings Of th
" poor people whom she had benefited while
N JAIL
n After this she went to Russia, where Catha
ID rine II. received her with great favor; bt
/ when the terms Of her engagement came to
d discussed, the little lady struck for five thou
ID and ducats. Five thousand ducats {" shrieke
t, the empress. "Why do not give more tha
if that to one Of my feld-marshals." "Vef
l well" replied little Carterina, saucily, the