It is true, Don Francesco is aged; but have you not remarked, signora, that it is these very aged who become hardened to their state, and live on, as if never to die ?--I mean those aged who suffer youth to pass, as if the pleasures of life are never to have an end." "Thou art too young to set up for a reformer of the world, girl; and forgettest that this is the ship of one of the greatest officers of Europe, and that he has many demands on his time.

Thou canst now go; I will repeat what thou hast said." "I have another request to ask, Eccellenza--permission to see Don Francesco; that I may at least receive his blessing." "He is not in this ship.

Thou wilt find him on board the Minerva frigate; no doubt he will not be denied.

Stop--these few lines will aid thy request.

Addio, signorina." "And may I carry hope with me, Eccellenza?
Think how sweet life is to those who have passed their days so long in affluence and honor.