quarters. I fear we shall get but a poor supper in consequence." "Oh! surely we shall have a boiled and a roast pigeon, or chicken, (for I heard some being killed just now,) and a soup of hot water, bread, and a little cheese, and raw beans and thistle-stalks, by way of dessert. I care more, though, for dry sheets and a warm bed." "As for the sheets, you know, Fred, they are generally on the beds; the point to ascertain is, that they have not been previously aired, by half-a-dozen people; but let us inspect." "But what is that mountainous appearance in the beds, George?" 66 Quite warm, I declare!-how is it ma naged?" "Just put in your hand, Frederick." "These are what the Italians use as warmingpans slight wooden frames supporting the sheets, blankets, &c., from the danger of taking fire, as the frame contains an earthenware pan filled with hot embers, and I believe physicians consider this method of airing a bed less hurtful than ours." "What a beautiful light that lamp gives, George!-from the universal excellence of the olive oil, I suppose, used equally for burning and cooking, for, of course, our supper will be dressed with it. Are these lamps always the same shape, and made of brass?" "Usually so; but I once saw one of massive silver, and also much larger than the common ones. It also had a shade protecting the eyes from the glare of light, in the form of a large butterfly with extended wings: the extinguisher was a war rior's helmet, and arrows formed the snuffers, &c., and it certainly was very beautiful." "At last! symptoms of supper to comfort us! These are very curious knives and forks; I do not recollect seeing any like them before. Mother-of-pearl handles, inlaid with gold and enamel: remnants, I suppose, of ancient grandeur." 66 "Far more likely," interrupted George, spoils of the banditti, who used to frequent this inn. This pair, you see, are less handsome: brass handles, with a green metal inlaid, probably more modern, having four prongs to the fork; but what can be the intended use of the curve upon the end of the blade of the knife ?". 66 My dear fellow, how can you go on talking to me about knives and forks, after your hint respecting banditti in this wretched lonely house? I suppose, then, those soldiers are stationed here to protect travellers ?" "There are usually soldiers in all the inns, especially on mountainous roads, Frederick; and as for the banditti story, it occurred many years ago; but after supper I will relate it, if you like." [N.B. It will doubtless afford great satisfaction to our young readers to be informed, that four years subsequently, when Frederick again visited Covigliayo, he was ushered into the same room; but how changed its appearance! It was painted, carpeted, the window glazed, and ornamented with a curtain; new chairs, bright tables, looking-glasses, wax candles, snuffers, and a real English pair of bellows!] PRIDE. A FABLE. A THISTLE Once, puffed up with pride, How he came there, I cannot tell: And now he held his head so high, And treat them with disdain ; He shook his leaves, and raised his head, "I am the fairest here," he said; "I've reason to be vain. "My purple buds and flowers are bright, My leaves, though prickly, charm the sight, My stem is straight and tall; I hate those little pallid flowers, That venture near within these bowers, I'm fairer than them all. |