her cheek-and tried to change the current of her thoughts; but it was not till the driver promised he would call again, at the same hour the following day, that she consented with a sigh to relinquish her journey home. From the Lunatic Asylum, our party adjourned to the Duomo, and beheld the coffin, where the revered body of the Palermitan Saint, attracts many a devout Catholic. Sweet Rosalia! thy story is a pretty one-thy festa beauteous-the fireworks in thy honour most bright. No wonder the fair Sicilians adore thy memory. In the cool of the evening, our travellers drove to the Marina; where custom-the crowded assemblage-and the grateful sea breeze-nightly attract the gay inhabitants of Palermo. The carriages, with their epauletted chasseurs, swept on in giddy succession, and made a scene quite as imposing as is witnessed in most European capitals. Delmé did not think it advisable, to remain too long in the metropolis of Sicily; and the travellers contented themselves, with the sight-seeing of the immediate neighbourhood. They admired the mosaics of the Chiesa di Monte Reale; and fed the pheasants, at that beautiful royal villa, well styled "the Favourite." They took a boat to witness the tunny fishery; and Sir Henry explored alone the vast catacombs-that city of the dead. After a few days thus passed-the weather continuing uncommonly fine-they did not hesitate to engage one of the small vessels of the place, to convey them to Naples. After enjoying their evening drive as usual, they embarked on board the Sparonara, one fine starry night, in order to get the full advantage of the favouring night breeze. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. |