The "army of Rome," as already related, gave the proscribed a long time
for preparation, and they, knowing the nature of the delay, troubled
themselves little about the matter. And now we must return to some of
the principal and most cherished personages of our book--namely, Julia
and her companions, of whom we took leave when they escaped so narrowly
from the storm, and whom we have neglected far too long.
Two days after the departure of the _Seagull_ from Porto d'Anzio she
entered Porto Longone, with all her sails set and her colors flying. As
soon as she anchored, our friends saw a group of persons issuing from
Liberi, a small village overlooking the port, who, on reaching the
shore, embarked in a boat and rowed out to the yacht.
Julia received the party--which was composed of both sexes--gracefully
and courteously, and offered them refreshments in her saloon, which they
cordially accepted.
Seated at table, each with a glass of Marsala in hand, the guests turned
towards Manlio, whom they imagined to be the master of the vessel, and
addressed him with a Tuscan accent. It is one less manly than the Roman,
but sweeter and more sympathetic, and though it be but a dialect of the
real Italian, to it Italy owes much of her revival, and in this dialect,
dignified by so much genius, must be found the language of Italian
national unity.
"Sir," said the elder of the visitors, talking Tuscan, "in Liberi there
exists a custom that if a vessel comes into port at the same time birth
is given to an infant, the captain is requested to stand godfather to
the newly-born child. Will you therefore vouchsafe to comply with this
custom, and do us the honor of becoming a godfather, and your gracious
young lady a godmother, to a little one who has this day entered upon
existence."
Manlio smiled at this odd request, and all present admired the facility
with which the visitor in Elba can form an alliance with the islanders.
Manlio replied, "I am simply a guest on board, like yourself, Signor;
this young English lady is the owner of the vessel, and must decide what
shall be done."
Julia--the traveller, the artist, the antiquary, and the friend of
Italian liberty--was enchanted to find such simplicity of manners
among these good people, and said, "For my part I gladly accede to your
proposal, and as I hear the captain of the ship must be godfather, I
will send for him, when, if he be agreeable, we will place ourselves at
your service."
Captain Thompson was immediately summoned, and the English lady
explained to her commander what was required. He laughed merrily, and
accepted the invitation as she had done, declaring that he should feel
immensely honored to stand godfather with his gracious mistress as
godmother. Captain Thompson then gave his orders to the mate, and they
all embarked in company for Liberi.
Here our narrative stumbles again upon the topic of the priesthood, and
it is a fatality that, in spite of the invincible antipathy which they
excite in us, they are thus continually coming in contact with the
progress of our tale. But the cure of Liberi was a man of a different
stamp.
A modest but hospitable table was spread for the christening party in
the house of the islanders, and it was made pleasant by the cordiality
and simplicity of these kind islanders. The guests were all delighted,
while Captain Thompson, although a little confused, was happy beyond
measure at the honor the beautiful Julia did him by leaning on his arm,
and still more so at being sponsor to her godchild. So elated was the
worthy seaman that he neither heard nor saw as they walked towards
the village, and stumbling over some obstacle in the way had well-nigh
fallen, and, to use his own phrase, "carried away his bowsprit."
Luckily Julia did not perceive the profound confusion of her companion,
and walked on with a calm and stately demeanor, in unintentional
contrast to the tar's awkward gait, for the excellent Thompson, dreading
another stumble, counted every stone on the road as he paced by her
side.
In this manner they arrived at the church. Captain Thompson here put
on a very imposing appearance, and, although a little wearied by the
inordinate length of the ceremony, gave no sign of impatience. Having an
excellent disposition, the tediousness was relieved by the pleasure of
holding his new godson in his strong arm, to which, although a plump and
well-formed babe, it appeared but as light as a feather.
The ceremony ended, the guests invited to the christening bent their
steps to the house of the second godfather, who entertained them at a
more formal banquet, the excellent wine of Liberi receiving much
favor. Captain Thompson, having to reconduct Julia, and remembering the
stumble, partook very moderately of the liquor, contenting himself with
passing a disinterested eulogy upon it.
The captain had another motive for being temperate and keeping in check
his decided predilection for good drink. He was most anxious to please
the Signora Aurelia, who, though past the bloom of youth, was extremely
amiable, and had a brilliant complexion. She was full of gratitude
for the many attentions the captain had lavished upon her during the
terrible storm, and by no means repulsed the signs of sympathy, loyal
and honest, if not courtly, which the gallant sailor manifested.
All went very merrily for our amphibious friends, for, much as one may
resemble a seahorse in constitution, land with its pastimes and comforts
is always preferable to the tempestuous sea. On leaving, Julia was
covered with blessings and thanks by her new acquaintances, after the
manner of olden, times.
Manlio was meditating over a statue in marble, which he determined to
carve when he should return to Rome, representing the beautiful Julia as
Amphitrite guiding the stumbling Triton. Aurelia and Thompson, absorbed
in thoughts of tenderness, were oblivious of the incidents of the past;
and thus our yachting party returned on board, accompanied to the shore
by all the villagers, with music and joyful hurrahs.