Rambles in Italy; in the years 1816 – 1817 By an American

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

49-50

text excerpt

Notwithstanding the frowns of the winter, rendered still more severe by the inhospitable situation of Trieste, which exposes it to the buffets of every Alpine wind, and to all the storms that vex the Adriatick, this city exhibited all the gaiety of an Italian carnival. The spirit of traffick which is so inimical to pleasure and which forms a leading feature in the character of the middle class of Triestins, was overpowered and suspended by the return of that season, which brings with it an oblivion on all care and business. I could not but observe many, whose dress bespoke the last degree of wretchedness, who, in joining in the sports of the carnival, seemed to forget the hardships of their condition. Some carried in their hands a small earthen pot with a few coals in it, over which they warmed their fingers. Others with their hands in their bosoms, stood listening to a poor German or Swiss Orpheus, who charmed them with his guitar, on which he played a lively waltz, or sang a wild Helvetian hunting song, in which fancy heard the echoes of the Alps.

excerpt from 'Rambles in Italy; in the years 1816 – 1817 By an American' pp. 49-50 (188 words)

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1513770536340