EventhestiffEgyptianhead-dresswasadheredto，buthadbeensoftenedintoarichfeminineadornment，withoutlosingaparticleofitstruth。
　　Difficultiesthatmightwellhaveseemedinsurmountablehadbeencourageouslyencounteredandmadeflexibletopurposesofgraceanddignity；sothatCleopatrasatattiredinagarbpropertoherhistoricandqueenlystate，asadaughterofthePtolemies，andyetsuchasthebeautifulwomanwouldhaveputonasbestadaptedtoheightenthemagnificenceofhercharms，andkindleatropicfireinthecoldeyesofOctavius。
　　Amarvellousrepose——thatraremeritinstatuary，exceptitbethelumpishreposenativetotheblockofstone——wasdiffusedthroughoutthefigure。
　　ThespectatorfeltthatCleopatrahadsunkdownoutofthefeverandturmoilofherlife，andforoneinstant——asitwere，betweentwopulsethrobs——hadrelinquishedallactivity，andwasrestingthroughouteveryveinandmuscle。Itwasthereposeofdespair，indeed；forOctaviushadseenher，andremainedinsensibletoherenchantments。Butstilltherewasagreatsmoulderingfurnacedeepdowninthewoman'sheart。Therepose，nodoubt，wasascompleteasifshewerenevertostirhandorfootagain；andyet，suchwasthecreature'slatentenergyandfierceness，shemightspringuponyoulikeatigress，andstoptheverybreaththatyouwerenowdrawingmidwayinyourthroat。
　　Thefacewasamiraculoussuccess。ThesculptorhadnotshunnedtogivethefullNubianlips，andothercharacteristicsoftheEgyptianphysiognomy。Hiscourageandintegrityhadbeenabundantlyrewarded；forCleopatra'sbeautyshoneoutricher，warmer，moretriumphantlybeyondcomparison，thanif，shrinkingtimidlyfromthetruth，hehadchosenthetameGreciantype。Theexpressionwasofprofound，gloomy，heavilyrevolvingthought；aglanceintoherpastlifeandpresentemergencies，whileherspiritgathereditselfupforsomenewstruggle，orwasgettingsternlyreconciledtoimpendingdoom。Inoneview，therewasacertainsoftnessandtenderness，——howbreathedintothestatue，amongsomanystrongandpassionateelements，itisimpossibletosay。Catchinganotherglimpse，youbeheldherasimplacableasastoneandcruelasfire。
　　Inaword，allCleopatra——fierce，voluptuous，passionate，tender，wicked，terrible，andfullofpoisonousandrapturousenchantment——waskneadedintowhat，onlyaweekortwobefore，hadbeenalumpofwetclayfromtheTiber。Soon，apotheosizedinanindestructiblematerial，shewouldbeoneoftheimagesthatmenkeepforever，findingaheatinthemwhichdoesnotcooldown，throughoutthecenturies？
　　"Whatawomanisthis！"exclaimedMiriam，afteralongpause。"Tellme，didsheevertry，evenwhileyouwerecreatingher，toovercomeyouwithherfuryorherlove？Wereyounotafraidtotouchher，asshegrewmoreandmoretowardshotlifebeneathyourhand？Mydearfriend，itisagreatwork！Howhaveyoulearnedtodoit？"
　　"Itistheconcretionofagooddealofthought，emotion，andtoilofbrainandhand，"saidKenyon，notwithoutaperceptionthathisworkwasgood；"butIknownothowitcameaboutatlast。Ikindledagreatfirewithinmymind，andthrewinthematerial，——asAaronthrewthegoldoftheIsraelitesintothefurnace，——andinthemidmostheatuproseCleopatra，asyouseeher。"
　　"WhatImostmarvelat，"saidMiriam，"isthewomanhoodthatyouhavesothoroughlymixedupwithallthoseseeminglydiscordantelements。Wheredidyougetthatsecret？YouneverfounditinyourgentleHilda，yetI
　　recognizeitstruth。"
　　"No，surely，itwasnotinHilda，"saidKenyon。"Herwomanhoodisoftheetherealtype，andincompatiblewithanyshadowofdarknessorevil。"
　　"Youareright，"rejoinedMiriam；"therearewomenofthatetherealtype，asyoutermit，andHildaisoneofthem。Shewoulddieofherfirstwrong-doing，——supposingforamomentthatshecouldbecapableofdoingwrong。Ofsorrow，slenderassheseems，Hildamightbearagreatburden；
　　ofsin，notafeather'sweight。Methinksnow，wereitmydoom，Icouldbeareither，orbothatonce；butmyconscienceisstillaswhiteasHilda's。Doyouquestionit？"
　　"Heavenforbid，Miriam！"exclaimedthesculptor。
　　Hewasstartledatthestrangeturnwhichshehadsosuddenlygiventotheconversation。Hervoice，too，——somuchemotionwasstifledratherthanexpressedinit，soundedunnatrural。
　　"O，myfriend，"criedshe，withsuddenpassion，"willyoubemyfriendindeed？Iamlonely，lonely，lonely！Thereisasecretinmyheartthatburnsme，——thattorturesme！SometimesIfeartogomadofit；sometimesI
　　hopetodieofit；butneitherofthetwohappens。Ah，ifIcouldbutwhisperittoonlyonehumansoul！Andyou——youseefarintowomanhood；
　　youreceiveitwidelyintoyourlargeview。Perhaps——perhaps，butHeavenonlyknows，youmightunderstandme！O，letmespeak！"
　　"Miriam，dearfriend，"repliedthesculptor，"ifIcanhelpyou，speakfreely，astoabrother。"
　　"Helpme？No！"saidMiriam。
　　Kenyon'sresponsehadbeenperfectlyfrankandkind；andyetthesubtletyofMiriam'semotiondetectedacertainreserveandalarminhiswarmlyexpressedreadinesstohearherstory。Inhissecretsoul，tosaythetruth，thesculptordoubtedwhetheritwerewellforthispoor，sufferinggirltospeakwhatshesoyearnedtosay，orforhimtolisten。Iftherewereanyactivedutyoffriendshiptobeperformed，then，indeed，hewouldjoyfullyhavecomeforwardtodohisbest。Butifitwereonlyapent-upheartthatsoughtanoutlet？inthatcaseitwasbynomeanssocertainthataconfessionwoulddogood。Themorehersecretstruggledandfoughttobetold，themorecertainwoulditbetochangeallformerrelationsthathadsubsistedbetweenherselfandthefriendtowhomshemightrevealit。Unlesshecouldgiveherallthesympathy，andjustthekindofsympathythattheoccasionrequired，Miriamwouldhatehimbyandby，andherselfstillmore，ifheletherspeak。
　　ThiswaswhatKenyonsaidtohimself；buthisreluctance，afterall，andwhetherhewereconsciousofitorno，resultedfromasuspicionthathadcreptintohisheartandlaythereinadarkcorner。Obscureasitwas，whenMiriamlookedintohiseyes，shedetecteditatonce。
　　"Ah，Ishallhateyou！"criedshe，echoingthethoughtwhichhehadnotspoken；shewashalfchokedwiththegushofpassionthatwasthusturnedbackuponher。"Youareascoldandpitilessasyourownmarble。"
　　"No；butfullofsympathy，Godknows！"repliedhe。
　　Intruth，hissuspicions，howeverwarrantedbythemysteryinwhichMiriamwasenveloped，hadvanishedintheearnestnessofhiskindlyandsorrowfulemotion。Hewasnowreadytoreceivehertrust。
　　"Keepyoursympathy，then，forsorrowsthatadmitofsuchsolace，"saidshe，makingastrongefforttocomposeherself。"Asformygriefs，Iknowhowtomanagethem。Itwasallamistake：youcandonothingforme，unlessyoupetrifymeintoamarblecompanionforyourCleopatrathere；
　　andIamnotofhersisterhood，Ido。assureyou。Forgetthisfoolishscene，myfriend，andneverletmeseeareferencetoitinyoureyeswhentheymeetminehereafter。"
　　"Sinceyoudesireit，allshallbeforgotten，"answeredthesculptor，pressingherhandasshedeparted；"or，ifeverIcanserveyou，letmyreadinesstodosoberemembered。Meanwhile，dearMiriam，letusmeetinthesameclear，friendlylightasheretofore。"
　　"YouarelesssincerethanIthoughtyou，"saidMiriam，"ifyoutrytomakemethinkthattherewillbenochange。"
　　Asheattendedherthroughtheantechamber，shepointedtothestatueofthepearl-diver。
　　"Mysecretisnotapearl，"saidshe；"yetamanmightdrownhimselfinplungingafterit。"
　　AfterKenyonhadclosedthedoor，shewentwearilydownthestaircase，butpausedmidway，asifdebatingwithherselfwhethertoreturn。
　　"Themischiefwasdone，"thoughtshe；"andImightaswellhavehadthesolacethatoughttocomewithit。Ihavelost，——bystaggeringalittlewaybeyondthemark，intheblindnessofmydistress，Ihavelost，asweshallhereafterfind，thegenuinefriendshipofthisclear-minded，honorable，true-heartedyoungman，andallfornothing。WhatifIshouldgobackthismomentandcompelhimtolisten？"
　　Sheascendedtwoorthreeofthestairs，butagainpaused，murmuredtoherself，andshookherhead。
　　"No，no，no，"shethought；"andIwonderhowIevercametodreamofit。
　　UnlessIhadhisheartformyown，——andthatisHilda's，norwouldIstealitfromher，——itshouldneverbethetreasurePlaceofmysecret。Itisnopreciouspearl，asIjustnowtoldhim；butmydark-redcarbuncle——redasblood——istoorichagemtoputintoastranger'scasket。"
　　Shewentdownthestairs，andfoundhershadowwaitingforherinthestreet。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　ANAESTHETICCOMPANY
　　OntheeveningafterMiriam'svisittoKenyon'sstudio，therewasanassemblagecomposedalmostentirelyofAnglo-Saxons，andchieflyofAmericanartists，withasprinklingoftheirEnglishbrethren；andsomefewofthetouristswhostilllingeredinRome，nowthatHolyWeekwaspast。Miriam，Hilda，andthesculptorwereallthreepresent，andwiththemDonatello，whoselifewassofarturnedfromfitsnaturalbentthat，likeapetspaniel，hefollowedhisbelovedmistresswhereverhecouldgainadmittance。
　　Theplaceofmeetingwasinthepalatial，butsomewhatfadedandgloomyapartmentofaneminentmemberoftheaestheticbody。Itwasnomoreformalanoccasionthanoneofthoseweeklyreceptions，commonamongtheforeignresidentsofRome，atwhichpleasantpeople——ordisagreeableones，asthecasemaybe——encounteroneanotherwithlittleceremony。
　　Ifanywiseinterestedinart，amanmustbedifficulttopleasewhocannotfindfitcompanionshipamongacrowdofpersons，whoseideasandpursuitsalltendtowardsthegeneralpurposeofenlargingtheworld'sstockofbeautifulproductions。
　　OneofthechiefcausesthatmakeRomethefavoriteresidenceofartists——theiridealhomewhichtheysighforinadvance，andaresoloathtomigratefrom，afteroncebreathingitsenchantedair——is，doubtless，thattheytherefindthemselvesinforce，andarenumerousenoughtocreateacongenialatmosphere。Ineveryotherclimetheyareisolatedstrangers；inthislandofart，theyarefreecitizens。
　　Notthat，individually，orinthemass，thereappearstobeanylargestockofmutualaffectionamongthebrethrenofthechiselandthepencil。
　　Onthecontrary，itwillimpresstheshrewdobserverthatthejealousiesandpettyanimosities，whichthepoetsofourdayhaveflungaside，stillirritateandgnawintotheheartsofthiskindredclassofimaginativemen。
　　Itisnotdifficulttosuggestreasonswhythisshouldbethefact。Thepublic，inwhosegoodgracesliethesculptor'sorthepainter'sprospectsofsuccess，isinfinitelysmallerthanthepublictowhichliterarymenmaketheirappeal。Itiscomposedofaverylimitedbodyofwealthypatrons；andthese，astheartistwellknows，arebutblindjudgesinmattersthatrequiretheutmostdelicacyofperception。Thus，successinartisapttobecomepartlyanaffairofintrigue；anditisalmostinevitablethatevenagiftedartistshouldlookaskanceathisgiftedbrother'sfame，andbecharyofthegoodwordthatmighthelphimtosellstillanotherstatueorpicture。Youseldomhearapainterheapgenerouspraiseonanythinginhisspeciallineofart；asculptorneverhasafavorableeyeforanymarblebuthisown。
　　Nevertheless，inspiteofalltheseprofessionalgrudges，artistsareconsciousofasocialwarmthfromeachother'spresenceandcontiguity。
　　Theyshiverattheremembranceoftheirlonelystudiosintheunsympathizingcitiesoftheirnativeland。Forthesakeofsuchbrotherhoodastheycanfind，morethanforanygoodthattheygetfromgalleries，theylingeryearafteryearinItaly，whiletheiroriginalitydiesoutofthem，orispolishedawayasabarbarism。
　　Thecompanythiseveningincludedseveralmenandwomenwhomtheworldhasheardof，andmanyothers，beyondallquestion，whomitoughttoknow。Itwouldbeapleasuretointroducethemuponourhumblepages，namebyname，andhadweconfidenceenoughinourowntaste——tocrowneachwell-deservingbrowaccordingtoitsdeserts。Theopportunityistempting，butnoteasilymanageable，andfartooperilous，bothinrespecttothoseindividualswhomwemightbringforward，andthefargreaternumberthatmustneedsbeleftintheshade。Ink，moreover，isapttohaveacorrosivequality，andmightchancetoraiseablister，insteadofanymoreagreeabletitillation，onskinssosensitiveasthoseofartists。Wemustthereforeforegothedelightofilluminatingthischapterwithpersonalallusionstomenwhoserenownglowsrichlyoncanvas，orgleamsinthewhitemoonlightofmarble。
　　OtherWisewemightpointtoanartistwhohasstudiedNaturewithsuchtenderlovethatshetakeshimtoherintimacy，enablinghimtoreproduceherinlandscapesthatseemtherealityofabetterearth，andyetarebutthetruthoftheveryscenesaroundus，observedbythepainter'sinsightandinterpretedforusbyhisskill。Byhismagic，themoonthrowsherlightfaroutofthepicture，andthecrimsonofthesummernightabsolutelyglimmersonthebeholder'sface。Orwemightindicateapoetpainter，whosesonghasthevividnessofpicture，andwhosecanvasispeopledwithangels，fairies，andwatersprites，donetotheethereallife，becausehesawthemfacetofaceinhispoeticmood。Orwemightbowbeforeanartist，whohaswroughttoosincerely，tooreligiously，withtooearnestafeeling，andtoodelicateatouch，fortheworldatoncetorecognizehowmuchtoilandthoughtarecompressedintothestatelybrowofProspero，andMiranda'smaidenloveliness；orfromwhatadepthwithinthispainter'shearttheAngelisleadingforthSt。Peter。
　　Thusitwouldbeeasytogoon，perpetratingascoreoflittleepigrammaticalallusions，liketheabove，allkindlymeant，butnoneofthemquitehittingthemark，andoftenstrikingwheretheywerenotaimed。
　　Itmaybeallowabletosay，however，thatAmericanartismuchbetterrepresentedatRomeinthepictorialthaninthesculpturesquedepartment。
　　Yetthemenofmarbleappeartohavemoreweightwiththepublicthanthemenofcanvas；perhapsonaccountofthegreaterdensityandsolidsubstanceofthematerialinwhichtheywork，andthesortofphysicaladvantagewhichtheirlaborsthusacquireovertheillusiveunrealityofcolor。Tobeasculptorseemsadistinctioninitself；whereasapainterisnothing，unlessindividuallyeminent。
　　Onesculptortherewas，anEnglishman，endowedwithabeautifulfancy，andpossessingathisfingers'endsthecapabilityofdoingbeautifulthings。
　　Hewasaquiet，simple，elderlypersonage，witheyesbrownandbright，underaslightlyimpendingbrow，andaGrecianprofile，suchashemighthavecutwithhisownchisel。Hehadspenthislife，forfortyyears，inmakingVenuses，Cupids，Bacchuses，andavastdealofothermarbleprogenyofdreamwork，orratherfrostwork：itwasallavaporyexhalationoutoftheGrecianmythology，crystallizingonthedullwindow-panesofto-day。
　　Giftedwithamoredelicatepowerthananyothermanalive，hehadforegonetobeaChristianreality，andpervertedhimselfintoaPaganidealist，whosebusinessorefficacy，inourpresentworld，itwouldbeexceedinglydifficulttodefine。And，lovingandreverencingthepurematerialinwhichhewrought，assurelythisadmirablesculptordid，hehadneverthelessrobbedthemarbleofitschastity，bygivingitanartificialwarmthofhue。Thusitbecameasinandshametolookathisnudegoddesses。Theyhadrevealedthemselvestohisimagination，nodoubt，withalltheirdeityaboutthem；but，bedaubedwithbuffcolor，theystoodforthtotheeyesoftheprofaneintheguiseofnakedwomen。But，whatevercriticismmaybeventuredonhisstyle，itwasgoodtomeetamansomodestandyetimbuedwithsuchthoroughandsimpleconvictionofhisownrightprinciplesandpractice，andsoquietlysatisfiedthathiskindofantiqueachievementwasallthatsculpturecouldeffectformodernlife。
　　Thiseminentperson'sweightandauthorityamonghisartisticbrethrenwereveryevident；forbeginningunobtrusivelytoutterhimselfonatopicofart，hewassoonthecentreofalittlecrowdofyoungersculptors。
　　Theydrankinhiswisdom，asifitwouldserveallthepurposesoforiginalinspiration；he，meanwhile，discoursingwithgentlecalmness，asiftherecouldpossiblybenootherside，andoftenratifying，asitwere，hisownconclusionsbyamildlyemphatic"Yes。"
　　TheveteranSculptor'sunsoughtaudiencewascomposedmostlyofourowncountrymen。Itisfairtosay，thattheywereabodyofverydexterousandcapableartists，eachofwhomhadprobablygiventhedelightedpublicanudestatue，orhadwoncreditforevenhigherskillbythenicecarvingofbuttonholes，shoe-ties，coat-seams，shirt-bosoms，andothersuchgracefulpeculiaritiesofmoderncostume。Smart，practicalmentheydoubtlesswere，andsomeofthemfarmorethanthis，butstillnotpreciselywhatanuninitiatedpersonlooksforinasculptor。Asculptor，indeed，tomeetthedemandswhichourpreconceptionsmakeuponhim，shouldbeevenmoreindispensablyapoetthanthosewhodealinmeasuredverseandrhyme。Hismaterial，orinstrument，whichserveshiminthesteadofshiftingandtransitorylanguage，isapure，white，undecayingsubstance。
　　Itinsuresimmortalitytowhateveriswroughtinit，andthereforemakesitareligiousobligationtocommitnoideatoitsmightyguardianship，savesuchasmayrepaythemarbleforitsfaithfulcare，itsincorruptiblefidelity，bywarmingitwithanethereallife。Underthisaspect，marbleassumesasacredcharacter；andnomanshoulddaretotouchitunlesshefeelswithinhimselfacertainconsecrationandapriesthood，theonlyevidenceofwhich，forthepubliceye，willhethehightreatmentofheroicsubjects，orthedelicateevolutionofspiritual，throughmaterialbeauty。
　　Noideassuchastheforegoing——nomisgivingssuggestedbythemprobably，troubledtheself-complacencyofmostofthesecleversculptors。Marble，intheirview，hadnosuchsanctityasweimputetoit。ItwasmerelyasortofwhitelimestonefromCarrara，cutintoconvenientblocks，andworth，inthatstate，abouttwoorthreedollarsperpound；anditwassusceptibleofbeingwroughtintocertainshapesbytheirownmechanicalingenuity，orthatofartisansintheiremploymentwhichwouldenablethemtosellitagainatamuchhigherfigure。Suchmen，onthestrengthofsomesmallknackinhandlingclay，whichmighthavebeenfitlyemployedinmakingwax-work，areboldtocallthemselvessculptors。Howterribleshouldbethethoughtthatthenudewomanwhomthemodernartistpatchestogether，bitbybit，fromadozenheterogeneousmodels，meaningnothingbyher，shalllastaslongastheVenusoftheCapitol！——thathisgroupof——nomatterwhat，sinceithasnomoralorintellectualexistencewillnotphysicallycrumbleanysoonerthantheimmortalagonyoftheLaocoon！
　　Yetwelovetheartists，ineverykind；eventhese，whosemeritswearenotquiteabletoappreciate。Sculptors，painters，crayonsketchers，orwhateverbranchofaestheticstheyadopted，werecertainlypleasanterpeople，aswesawthemthatevening，thantheaveragewhomwemeetinordinarysociety。Theywerenotwhollyconfinedwithinthesordidcompassofpracticallife；theyhadapursuitwhich，iffollowedfaithfullyout，wouldleadthemtothebeautiful，andalwayshadatendencythitherward，eveniftheylingeredtogatherupgoldendrossbythewayside。Theiractualbusinessthoughtheytalkedaboutitverymuchasothermentalkofcotton，politics，flourbarrels，andsugarnecessarilyilluminatedtheirconversationwithsomethingakintotheideal。So，whentheguestscollectedthemselvesinlittlegroups，hereandthere，inthewidesaloon，acheerfulandairygossipbegantobeheard。Theatmosphereceasedtobepreciselythatofcommonlife；ahint，mellowtinge，suchasweseeinpictures，mingleditselfwiththelamplight。
　　Thisgoodeffectwasassistedbymanycuriouslittletreasuresofart，whichthehosthadtakencaretostrewuponhistables。TheywereprincipallysuchbitsofantiquityasthesoilofRomeanditsneighborhoodarestillrichin；seals，gems，smallfiguresofbronze，mediaevalcarvingsinivory；thingswhichhadbeenobtainedatlittlecost，yetmighthavebornenoinconsiderablevalueinthemuseumofavirtuoso。
　　Asinterestingasanyoftheserelicswasalargeportfolioofolddrawings，someofwhich，intheopinionoftheirpossessor，boreevidenceontheirfacesofthetouchofmaster-hands。Veryraggedandillconditionedtheymostlywere，yellowwithtime，andtatteredwithroughusage；and，intheirbestestate，thedesignshadbeenscratchedrudelywithpenandink，oncoarsepaper，or，ifdrawnwithcharcoalorapencil，werenowhalfrubbedout。Youwouldnotanywhereseerougherandhomelierthingsthanthese。Butthishastyrudenessmadethesketchesonlythemorevaluable；becausetheartistseemedtohavebestirredhimselfatthepinchofthemoment，snatchingupwhatevermaterialwasnearest，soastoseizethefirstglimpseofanideathatmightvanishinthetwinklingofaneye。Thus，bythespellofacreased，soiled，anddiscoloredscrapofpaper，youwereenabledtostealclosetoanoldmaster，andwatchhimintheveryeffervescenceofhisgenius。
　　Accordingtothejudgmentofseveralcon-，noisseurs，Raphael'sownhandhadcommunidateditsmagnetismtooneofthesesketches；and，ifgenuine，itwasevidentlyhisfirstconceptionofafavoriteMadonna，nowhangingintheprivateapartmentoftheGrandDuke，atFlorence。AnotherdrawingwasattributedtoLeonardodaVinci，andappearedtobeasomewhatvarieddesignforhispictureofModestyandVanity，intheSciarraPalace。
　　Therewereatleasthalfadozenothers，towhichtheownerassignedashighanorigin。Itwasdelightfultobelieveintheirauthenticity，atallevents；forthesethingsmakethespectatormorevividlysensibleofagreatpainter'spower，thanthefinalglowandperfectedartofthemostconsummatepicturethatmayhavebeenelaboratedfromthem。Thereisaneffluenceofdivinityinthefirstsketch；andthere，ifanywhere，youfindthepurelightofinspiration，whichthesubsequenttoiloftheartistservestobringoutinstrongerlustre，indeed，butlikewiseadulteratesitwithwhatbelongstoaninferiormood。Thearomaandfragranceofnewthoughtswereperceptibleinthesedesigns，afterthreecenturiesofwearandtear。Thecharmlaypartlyintheirveryimperfection；forthisissuggestive，andsetstheimaginationatwork；
　　whereas，thefinishedpicture，ifagoodone，leavesthespectatornothingtodo，and，ifbad，confuses，stupefies，disenchants，anddisheartenshim。
　　Hildawasgreatlyinterestedinthisrichportfolio。Shelingeredsolongoveroneparticularsketch，thatMiriamaskedherwhatdiscoveryshehadmade。
　　"Lookatitcarefully，"repliedHilda，puttingthesketchintoherhands。
　　"Ifyoutakepainstodisentanglethedesignfromthosepencil~marksthatseemtohavebeenscrawledoverit，Ithinkyouwillseesomethingverycurious。"
　　"Itisahopelessaffair，Iamafraid，"saidMiriam。"Ihaveneitheryourfaith，dearHilda，noryourperceptivefaculty。Fie！whatablurredscrawlitisindeed！"
　　Thedrawinghadoriginallybeenveryslight，andhadsufferedmorefromtimeandhardusagethanalmostanyotherinthecollection；itappeared，too，thattherehadbeenanattemptperhapsbytheveryhandthatdrewittoobliteratethedesign。ByHilda'shelp，however，Miriamprettydistinctlymadeoutawingedfigurewithadrawnsword，andadragon，orademon，prostrateathisfeet。
　　"Iamconvinced，"saidHildainalow，reverentialtone，"thatGuido'sowntouchesareonthatancientscrapofpaper！Ifso，itmustbehisoriginalsketchforthepictureoftheArchangelMichaelsettinghisfootuponthedemon，intheChurchoftheCappuccini。Thecompositionandgeneralarrangementofthesketcharethesamewiththoseofthepicture；
　　theonlydifferencebeing，thatthedemonhasamoreupturnedface，andscowlsvindictivelyattheArchangel，whoturnsawayhiseyesinpainfuldisgust。"
　　"Nowonder！"respondedMiriam。"TheexpressionsuitsthedaintinessofMichael'scharacter，asGuidorepresentshim。Henevercouldhavelookedthedemonintheface！"
　　"Miriam！"exclaimedherfriendreproachfully，"yougrieveme，andyouknowit，bypretendingtospeakcontemptuouslyofthemostbeautifulandthedivinestfigurethatmortalpaintereverdrew。"
　　"Forgiveme，Hilda！"saidMiriam。"YoutakethesemattersmorereligiouslythanIcan，formylife。Guido'sArchangelisafinepicture，ofcourse，butitneverimpressedmeasitdoesyOU。"
　　"Well；wewillnottalkofthat，"answeredHilda。"WhatIwantedyoutonotice，inthissketch，isthefaceofthedemon。Itisentirelyunlikethedemonofthefinishedpicture。Guido，youknow，alwaysaffirmedthattheresemblancetoCardinalPamfiliwaseithercasualorimaginary。Now，hereisthefaceashefirstconceivedit。"
　　"Andamoreenergeticdemon，altogether，thanthatofthefinishedpicture，"
　　saidKenyon，takingthesketchintohishand。"Whataspiritisconveyedintotheuglinessofthisstrong，writhing，squirmingdragon，undertheArchangel'sfoot！Neitheristhefaceanimpossibleone。Uponmyword，Ihaveseenitsomewhere，andontheshouldersofalivingman！"
　　"AndsohaveI，"saidHilda。"Itwaswhatstruckmefromthefirst。"
　　"Donatello，lookatthisface！"criedKenyon。
　　TheyoungItalian，asmaybesupposed，tooklittleinterestinmattersofart，andseldomorneverventuredanopinionrespectingthem。Afterholdingthesketchasingleinstantinhishand，heflungitfromhimwithashudderofdisgustandrepugnance，andafrownthathadallthebitternessofhatred。
　　"Iknowthefacewell！"whisperedhe。"ItisMiriam'smodel！"
　　ItwasacknowledgedbothbyKenyonandHildathattheyhaddetected，orfancied，theresemblancewhichDonatellosostronglyaffirmed；anditaddednotalittletothegrotesqueandweirdcharacterwhich，halfplayfully，halfseriously，theyassignedtoMiriam'sattendant，tothinkofhimaspersonatingthedemon'spartinapictureofmorethantwocenturiesago。HadGuido，inhisefforttoimaginetheutmostofsinandmisery，whichhispencilcouldrepresent，hitideallyuponjustthisface？
　　Orwasitanactualportraitofsomebody，thathauntedtheoldmaster，asMiriamwashauntednow？Didtheominousshadowfollowhimthroughallthesunshineofhisearliercareer，andintothegloomthatgatheredaboutitsclose？AndwhenGuidodied，didthespectrebetakehimselftothoseancientsepulchres，thereawaitinganewvictim，tillitwasMiriam'sill-haptoencounterhim？
　　"Idonotacknowledgetheresemblanceatall，"saidMiriam，lookingnarrowlyatthesketch；"and，asIhavedrawnthefacetwentytimes，I
　　thinkyouwillownthatIamthebestjudge。"
　　Adiscussionherearose，inreferencetoGuido'sArchangel，anditwasagreedthatthesefourfriendsshouldvisittheChurchoftheCappuccinithenextmorning，andcriticallyexaminethepictureinquestion；thesimilaritybetweenitandthesketchbeing，atallevents，averycuriouscircumstance。
　　Itwasnowalittlepastteno'clock，whensomeofthecompany，whohadbeenstandinginabalcony，declaredthemoonlighttoberesplendent。
　　Theyproposedaramblethroughthestreets，takingintheirwaysomeofthosescenesofruinwhichproducedtheirbesteffectsunderthesplendoroftheItalianmoon。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　AMOONLIGHTRAMBLE
　　Theproposalforamoonlightramblewasreceivedwithacclamationbyalltheyoungerportionofthecompany。Theyimmediatelysetforthanddescendedfromstorytostory，dimlylightingtheirwaybywaxentapers，whichareanecessaryequipmenttothosewhosethoroughfare，inthenight-time，liesupanddownaRomanstaircase。Emergingfromthecourtyardoftheedifice，theylookedupwardandsawtheskyfulloflight，whichseemedtohaveadelicatepurpleorcrimsonlustre，or，atleastsomerichertingethanthecold，whitemoonshineofotherskies。Itgleamedoverthefrontoftheoppositepalace，showingthearchitecturalornamentsofitscorniceandpillaredportal，aswellastheironbarredbasementwindows，thatgavesuchaprison-likeaspecttothestructure，andtheshabbinessandSqualorthatlayalongitsbase。Acobblerwasjustshuttinguphislittleshop，inthebasementofthepalace；acigarvender'slanternflaredintheblastthatcamethroughthearchway；aFrenchsentinelpacedtoandfrobeforetheportal；ahomelessdog，thathauntedthereabouts，barkedasobstreperouslyatthepartyasifhewerethedomesticguardianoftheprecincts。
　　Theairwasquietlyfullofthenoiseoffallingwater，thecauseofwhichwasnowherevisible，thoughapparentlynearathand。Thispleasant，naturalsound，notunlikethatofadistantcascadeintheforest，maybeheardinmanyoftheRomanstreetsandpiazzas，whenthetumultofthecityishushed；forconsuls，emperors，andpopes，thegreatmenofeveryage，havefoundnobetterwayofimmortalizingtheirmemoriesthanbytheshifting，indestructible，evernew，yetunchanging，upgushanddownfallofwater。Theyhavewrittentheirnamesinthatunstable。element，andproveditamoredurablerecordthanbrassormarble。
　　"Donatello，youhadbettertakeoneofthosegay，boyishartistsforyourcompanion，"saidMiriam，whenshefoundtheItalianyouthatherside。"I
　　amnotnowinamerrymood，aswhenwesetalltheworlda-dancingtheotherafternoon，intheBorghesegrounds。"
　　"Ineverwishtodanceanymore，"answeredDonatello。
　　"Whatamelancholywasinthattone！"exclaimedMiriam。"YouaregettingspoiltinthisdrearyRome，andwillbeaswiseandaswretchedasalltherestofmankind，unlessyougobacksoontoyourTuscanvineyards。Well；
　　givemeyourarm，then！Buttakecarethatnofriskinesscomesoveryou。
　　Wemustwalkevenlyandheavilyto-night！"
　　Thepartyarrangeditselfaccordingtoitsnaturalaffinitiesorcasuallikings；asculptorgenerallychoosingapainter，andapainterasculp——tor，forhiscompanion，inpreferencetobrethrenoftheirownart。
　　KenyonwouldgladlyhavetakenHildatohimself，andhavedrawnheralittleasidefromthethrongofmerrywayfarers。ButshekeptnearMiriam，andseemed，inhergentleandquietway，todeclineaseparateallianceeitherwithhimoranyotherofheracquaintances。
　　Sotheysetforth，andhadgonebutalittleway，whenthenarrowstreetemergedintoapiazza，ononesideofwhich，glisteninganddimplinginthemoonlight，wasthemostfamousfountaininRome。Itsmurmur——nottosayitsuproar——hadbeenintheearsofthecompany，eversincetheycameintotheopenair。ItwastheFountainofTrevi，whichdrawsitspreciouswaterfromasourcefarbeyondthewalls，whenceitflowshitherwardthrougholdsubterraneanaqueducts，andsparklesforthaspureasthevirginwhofirstledAgrippatoitswell-spring，byherfather'sdoor。
　　"Ishallsipasmuchofthiswaterasthehollowofmyhandwillhold，"
　　saidMiriam。
　　"IamleavingRomeinafewdays；andthetraditiongoes，thatapartingdraughtattheFountainofTreviinsuresthetraveller'sreturn，whateverobstaclesandimprobabilitiesmayseemtobesethim。Willyoudrink，Donatello？"
　　"Signorina，whatyoudrink，Idrink，"saidtheyouth。
　　Theyandtherestofthepartydescendedsomestepstothewater'sbrim，and，afterasiportwo，stoodgazingattheabsurddesignofthefountain，wheresomesculptorofBernini'sschoolhadgoneabsolutelymadinmarble。
　　Itwasagreatpalacefront，withnichesandmanybas-reliefs，outofwhichlookedAgrippa'slegendaryvirgin，andseveraloftheallegoricsisterhood；while，atthebase，appearedNeptune，withhisflounderingsteeds，andTritonsblowingtheirhornsabouthim，andtwentyotherartificialfantasies，whichthecalmmoonlightsoothedintobettertastethanwasnativetothem。
　　And，afterall，itwasasmagnificentapieceofworkaseverhumanskillcontrived。Atthefootofthepalatialfacadewasstrewn，withcarefulartandorderedirregularity，abroadandbrokenheapofmassiverock，lookingisifitmighthavelaintheresincethedeluge。Overacentralprecipicefellthewater，inasemicircularcascade；andfromahundredcrevices，onallsides，snowyjetsgushedup，andstreamsspoutedoutofthemouthsandnostrilsofstonemonsters，andfellinglisteningdrops；
　　whileotherrivulets，thathadrunwild，cameleapingfromonerudesteptoanother，overstonesthatweremossy，slimy，andgreenwithsedge，because，inaCenturyoftheirwildplay，NaturehadadoptedtheFountainofTrevi，withallitselaboratedevices，forherown。Finally，thewater，tumbling，sparkling，anddashing，withjoyoushasteandnever-ceasingmurmur，poureditselfintoagreatmarble-brimmedreservoir，andfilleditwithaquiveringtide；onwhichwasseen，continually，asnowysemicircleofmomentaryfoamfromtheprincipalcascade，aswellasamultitudeofsnowpointsfromsmallerjets。Thebasinoccupiedthewholebreadthofthepiazza，whenceflightsofstepsdescendedtoitsborder。Aboatmightfloat，andmakevoyagesfromoneshoretoanotherinthismimiclake。
　　Inthedaytime，thereishardlyaliveliersceneinRomethantheneighborhoodoftheFountainofTrevi；forthepiazzaisthenfilledwiththestallsofvegetableandfruitdealers，chestnutroasters，cigarvenders，andotherpeople，whosepettyandwanderingtrafficistransactedintheopenair。Itislikewisethrongedwithidlers，loungingovertheironrailing，andwithForestieri，whocamehithertoseethefamousfountain。Here，also，areseenmenwithbuckets，urchinswithcans，andmaidensapictureasoldasthepatriarchaltimesbearingtheirpitchersupontheirheads。ForthewaterofTreviisinrequest，farandwide，asthemostrefreshingdraughtforfeverishlips，thepleasantesttominglewithwine，andthewholesomesttodrink，initsnativepurity，thatcananywherebefound。Butnow，atearlymidnight，thepiazzawasasolitude；
　　anditwasadelighttobeholdthisuntamablewater，sportingbyitselfinthemoonshine，andcompellingalltheelaboratetrivialitiesofarttoassumeanaturalaspect，inaccordancewithitsownpowerfulsimplicity。
　　"Whatwouldbedonewiththiswaterpower，"suggestedanartist，"ifwehaditinoneofourAmericancities？Wouldtheyemployittoturnthemachineryofacottonmill，Iwonder？"
　　"Thegoodpeoplewouldpulldownthoserampantmarbledeities，"saidKenyon，"and，possibly，theywouldgivemeacommissiontocarvetheone-and-thirtyisthatthenumber？sisterStates，eachpouringasilverstreamfromaseparatecanintoonevastbasin，whichshouldrepresentthegrandreservoirofnationalprosperity。"
　　"Or，iftheywantedabitofsatire，"remarkedanEnglishartist，"youcouldsetthosesameone-and-thirtyStatestocleansingthenationalflagofanystainsthatitmayhaveincurred。TheRomanwasherwomenatthelavatoryyonder，plyingtheirlaborintheopenair，wouldserveadmirablyasmodels。"
　　"Ihaveoftenintendedtovisitthisfountainbymoonlight，"，saidMiriam，"becauseitwasherethattheinterviewtookplacebetweenCorinneandLordNeville，aftertheirseparationandtemporaryestrangement。Praycomebehindme，oneofyou，andletmetrywhetherthefacecanberecognizedinthewater。"
　　Leaningoverthestonebrimofthebasin，sheheardfootstepsstealingbehindher，andknewthatsomebodywaslookingoverhershoulder。ThemoonshinefelldirectlybehindMiriam，illuminatingthepalacefrontandthewholesceneofstatuesandrocks，andfillingthebasin，asitwere，withtremulousandpalpablelight。Corinne，itwillberemembered，knewLordNevillebythereflectionofhisfaceinthewater。InMiriam'scase，howeverowingtotheagitationofthewater，itstransparency，andtheangleatwhichshewascompelledtoleanover，noreflectedimageappeared；nor，fromthesamecauses，wouldithavebeenpossiblefortherecognitionbetweenCorinneandherlovertotakeplace。Themoon，indeed，flungMiriam'sshadowatthebottomofthebasin，aswellastwomoreshadowsofpersonswhohadfollowedher，oneitherside，"Threeshadows！"exclaimedMiriam——"threeseparateshadows，allsoblackandheavythattheysinkinthewater！Theretheylieonthebottom，asifallthreeweredrownedtogether。ThisshadowonmyrightisDonatello；
　　Iknowhimbyhiscurls，andtheturnofhishead。Myleft-handcompanionpuzzlesme；ashapelessmass，asindistinctasthepremonitionofcalamity！Whichofyoucanitbe？Ah！"
　　Shehadturnedround，whilespeaking，andsawbesideherthestrangecreaturewhoseattendanceonherwasalreadyfamiliar，asamarvelandajest；tothewholecompanyofartists。Ageneralburstoflaughterfollowedtherecognition；whilethemodelleanedtowardsMiriam，assheshrankfromhim，andmutteredsomethingthatwasinaudibletothosewhowitnessedthescene。Byhisgestures，however，theyconcludedthathewasinvitinghertobatheherhands。
　　"HecannotbeanItalian；atleastnotaRoman，"observedanartist。"I
　　neverknewoneofthemtocareaboutablution。Seehimnow！Itisasifheweretryingtowashoff'thetime-stainsandearthlysoilofathousandyears！"
　　Dippinghishandsintothecapaciouswashbowlbeforehim，themodelrubbedthemtogetherwiththeutmostvehemence。Everandanon，too，hepeepedintothewater，asifexpectingtoseethewholeFountainofTreviturbidwiththeresultsofhisablution。Miriamlookedathim，somelittletime，withanaspectofrealterror，andevenimitatedhimbyleaningovertopeepintothebasin。Recoveringherself，shetookupsomeofthewaterinthehollowofherhand，andpractisedanoldformofexorcismbyflingingitinherpersecutor'sface。
　　"InthenameofalltheSaints，"criedshe，"vanish，Demon，andletmebefreeofyounowandforever！"
　　"Itwillnotsuffice，"saidsomeofthemirthfulparty，"unlesstheFountainofTrevigusheswithholywater。"
　　Infact，theexorcismwasquiteineffectualuponthepertinaciousdemon，orwhatevertheapparitionmightbe。Stillhewashedhisbrown，bonytalons；stillhepeeredintothevastbasin，asifallthewaterofthatgreatdrinking-cupofRomemustneedsbestainedblackorsanguine；andstillhegesticulatedtoMiriamtofollowhisexample。Thespectatorslaughedloudly，butyetwithakindofconstraint；forthecreature'saspectwasstrangelyrepulsiveandhideous。
　　MiriamfeltherarmseizedviolentlybyDonatello。Shelookedathim，andbeheldatigerlikefurygleamingfromhiswildeyes。
　　"Bidmedrownhim！"whisperedhe，shudderingbetweenrageandhorribledisgust。"Youshallhearhisdeathgurgleinanotherinstant！"
　　"Peace，peace，Donatello！"saidMiriamsoothingly，forthisnaturallygentleandsportivebeingseemedallaflamewithanimalrage。"Dohimnomischief！Heismad；andweareasmadashe，ifwesufferourselvestobedisquietedbyhisantics。Letusleavehimtobathehishandstillthefountainrundry，ifhefindsolaceandpastimeinit。Whatisittoyouorme，Donatello？There，there！Bequiet，foolishboy！"
　　Hertoneandgestureweresuchasshemighthaveusedintamingdownthewrathofafaithfulhound，thathadtakenuponhimselftoavengesomesupposedaffronttohismistress。Shesmoothedtheyoungman'scurlsforhisfierceandsuddenfuryseemedtobristleamonghishair，andtouchedhischeekwithhersoftpalm，tillhisangrymoodwasalittleassuaged。
　　"Signorina，doIlookaswhenyoufirstknewme？"askedhe，withaheavy，tremuloussigh，astheywentonward，somewhatapartfromtheircompanions。
　　"Methinkstherehasbeenachangeuponme，thesemanymonths；andmoreandmore，theselastfewdays。Thejoyisgoneoutofmylife；allgone！
　　allgone！Feelmyhand！Isitnotveryhot？Ah；andmyheartburnshotterstill！"
　　"MypoorDonatello，youareill！"saidMiriam，withdeepsympathyandpity。"ThismelancholyandsicklyRomeisstealingawaytherich，joyouslifethatbelongstoyou。Goback，mydearfriend，toyourhomeamongthehills，whereasIgatherfromwhatyouhavetoldmeyourdayswerefilledwithsimpleandblamelessdelights。Haveyoufoundaughtintheworldthatisworth'whatyouthereenjoyed？Tellmetruly，Donatello！"
　　"Yes！"repliedtheyoungman。
　　"Andwhat，inHeaven'sname？"askedshe。
　　"Thisburningpaininmyheart，"saidDonatello；"foryouareinthemidstofit。"
　　Bythistime，theyhadlefttheFountainofTreviconsiderablybehindthem。
　　Littlefurtherallusionwasmadetothesceneatitsmargin；forthepartyregardedMiriam'spersecutorasdiseasedinhiswits，andwerehardlytobesurprisedbyanyeccentricityinhisdeportment。
　　Threadingseveralnarrowstreets，theypassedthroughthePiazzaoftheHolyApostles，andsooncametoTrajan'sForum。AlloverthesurfaceofwhatoncewasRome，itseemstobetheeffortofTimetoburyuptheancientcity，asifitwereacorpse，andhethesexton；sothat，ineighteencenturies，thesoiloveritsgravehasgrownverydeep，bytheslowscatteringofdust，andtheaccumulationofmoremoderndecayuponolderruin。
　　Thiswasthefate，also，ofTrajan'sForum，untilsomepapalantiquary，afewhundredyearsago，begantohollowitoutagain，anddisclosedthefullheightofthegiganticcolumnwreathedroundwithbas-reliefsoftheoldemperor'swarlikedeeds。Intheareabeforeitstandsagroveofstone，consistingofthebrokenandunequalshaftsofavanishedtemple，stillkeepingamajesticorder，andapparentlyincapableoffurtherdemolition。Themodernedificesofthepiazzawhollybuilt，nodoubt，outofthespoilofitsoldmagnificencelookdownintothehollowspacewhencethesepillarsrise。
　　Oneoftheimmensegraygraniteshaftslayinthepiazza，onthevergeofthearea。Itwasagreat，solidfactofthePast，makingoldRomeactuallysensibletothetouchandeye；andnostudyofhistory，norforceofthought，normagicofsong，couldsovitallyassureusthatRomeonceexisted，asthissturdyspecimenofwhatitsrulersandpeoplewrought。
　　"Andsee！"saidKenyon，layinghishanduponit，"thereisstillapolishremainingonthehardsubstanceofthepillar；andevennow，lateasitis，Icanfeelverysensiblythewarmthofthenoondaysun，whichdiditsbesttoheatitthrough。Thisshaftwillendureforever。Thepolishofeighteencenturiesago，asyetbuthalfrubbedoff，andtheheatofto-day'ssunshine，lingeringintothenight，seemalmostequallyephemeralinrelationtoit。"
　　"Thereiscomforttobefoundinthepillar，"remarkedMiriam，"hardandheavyasitis。Lyinghereforever，asitwill，itmakesallhumantroubleappearbutamomentaryannoyance。"
　　"Andhumanhappinessasevanescenttoo，"observedHilda，sighing；"andbeautifularthardlylessso！Idonotlovetothinkthatthisdullstone，merelybyitsmassiveness，willlastinfinitelylongerthananypicture，inspiteofthespirituallifethatoughttogiveitimmortality！"
　　"MypoorlittleHilda，"saidMiriam，kissinghercompassionately，"wouldyousacrificethisgreatestmortalconsolation，whichwederivefromthetransitorinessofallthings，fromtherightofsaying，ineveryconjecture，'This，too，willpassaway，'wouldyougiveupthisunspeakableboon，forthesakeofmakingapictureeternal？"
　　Theirmoralizingstrainwasinterruptedbyademonstrationfromtherestoftheparty，who，aftertalkingandlaughingtogether，suddenlyjoinedtheirvoices，andshoutedatfullpitch，"Trajan！Trajan！"
　　"Whydoyoudeafenuswithsuchanuproar？"inquiredMiriam。
　　Intruth，thewholepiazzahadbeenfilledwiththeiridlevociferation；
　　theechoesfromthesurroundinghousesreverberatingthecryof"Trajan，"
　　onallsides；asiftherewasagreatsearchforthatimperialpersonage，andnotsomuchasahandfulofhisashestobefound。
　　"Why，itwasagoodopportunitytoairourvoicesinthisresoundingpiazza，"repliedoneoftheartists。"Besides，wehadreallysomehopesofsummoningTrajantolookathiscolumn，which，youknow，heneversawinhislifetime。Hereisyourmodelwho，theysay，livedandsinnedbeforeTrajan'sdeathstillwanderingaboutRome；andwhynottheEmperorTrajan？"
　　"Deademperorshaveverylittledelightintheircolumns，Iamafraid，"
　　observedKenyon。"AllthatrichsculptureofTrajan'sbloodywarfare，twiningfromthebaseofthepillartoitscapital，maybebutanuglyspectacleforhisghostlyeyes，ifheconsidersthatthishuge，storiedshaftmustbelaidbeforethejudgment-seat，asapieceoftheevidenceofwhathedidintheflesh。IfeverIamemployedtosculptureahero'smonument，Ishallthinkofthis，asIputinthebas-reliefsofthepedestal！"
　　"Therearesermonsinstones，"saidHildathoughtfully，smilingatKenyon'smorality；"andespeciallyinthestonesofRome。"
　　Thepartymovedon，butdeviatedalittlefromthestraightway，inordertoglanceattheponderousremainsofthetempleofMarsUltot，withinwhichaconventofnunsisnowestablished，——adove-cote，inthewar-god'smansion。Atonlyalittledistance，theypassedtheporticoofaTempleofMinerva，mostrichandbeautifulinarchitecture，butwoefullygnawedbytimeandshatteredbyviolence，besidesbeingburiedmidwayintheaccumulationofsoil，thatrisesoverdeadRomelikeafloodtide。Withinthisedificeofantiquesanctity，abaker'sshopwasnowestablished，withanentranceononeside；for，everywhere，theremnantsofoldgrandeuranddivinityhavebeenmadeavailableforthemeanestnecessitiesoftoday。
　　"Thebakerisjustdrawinghisloavesoutoftheoven，"remarkedKenyon。
　　"Doyousmellhowsourtheyare？IshouldfancythatMinervainrevengeforthedesecrationofhertemplehadslylypouredvinegarintothebatch，ifIdidnotknowthatthemodernRomansprefertheirbreadintheacetousfermentation。"
　　TheyturnedintotheViaAlessandria，andthusgainedtherearoftheTempleofPeace，and，passingbeneathitsgreatarches，pursuedtheirwayalongahedge-borderedlane。Inallprobability，astatelyRomanstreetlayburiedbeneaththatrustic-lookingpathway；fortheyhadnowemergedfromthecloseandnarrowavenuesofthemoderncity，andweretreadingonasoilwheretheseedsofantiquegrandeurhadnotyetproducedthesqualidcropthatelsewheresproutsfromthem。Grassyasthelanewas，itskirtedalongheapsofshapelessruin，andthebaresiteofthevasttemplethatHadrianplannedandbuilt。Itterminatedontheedgeofasomewhatabruptdescent，atthefootofwhich，withamuddyditchbetween，rose，inthebrightmoonlight，thegreatcurvingwallandmultitudinousarchesoftheColiseum。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　MIRIAM'STROUBLE
　　Asusualofamoonlightevening，severalcarriagesstoodattheentranceofthisfamousruin，andtheprecinctsandinteriorwereanythingbutasolitude。TheFrenchsentinelondutybeneaththeprincipalarchwayeyedourpartycuriously，butofferednoobstacletotheiradmission。Within，themoonlightfilledandfloodedthegreatemptyspace；itglowedupontierabovetierofruined，grass-grownarches，andmadethemeventoodistinctlyvisible。ThesplendoroftherevelationtookawaythatinestimableeffectofdimnessandmysterybywhichtheimaginationmightbeassistedtobuildagranderstructurethantheColiseum，andtoshatteritwithamorepicturesquedecay。Byron'scelebrateddescriptionisbetterthanthereality。Hebeheldthesceneinhismind'seye，throughthewitcheryofmanyinterveningyears，andfaintlyilluminateditasifwithstarlightinsteadofthisbroadglowofmoonshine。
　　Thepartyofourfriendssatdown，threeorfourofthemonaprostratecolumn，anotheronashapelesslumpofmarble，onceaRomanaltar；othersonthestepsofoneoftheChristianshrines。Gothsandbarbariansthoughtheywere，theychattedasgaylytogetherasiftheybelongedtothegentleandpleasantraceofpeoplewhonowinhabitItaly。TherewasmuchpastimeandgayetyjustthenintheareaoftheColiseum，wheresomanygladiatorsandWildbeastshadfoughtanddied，andwheresomuchbloodofChristianmartyrshadbeenlappedupbythatfiercestofwildbeasts，theRomanpopulaceofyore。Someyouthsandmaidenswererunningmerryracesacrosstheopenspace，andplayingathideandseekalittlewaywithintheduskinessofthegroundtierofarches，whencenowandthenyoucouldhearthehalf-shriek，halflaughofafrolicsomegirl，whomtheshadowhadbetrayedintoayoungman'sarms。Eldergroupswereseatedonthefragmentsofpillarsandblocksofmarblethatlayroundthevergeofthearena，talkinginthequick，shortrippleoftheItaliantongue。OnthestepsofthegreatblackcrossinthecentreoftheColiseumsatapartysingingscrapsofsongs，withmuchlaughterandmerrimentbetweenthestanzas。
　　Itwasastrangeplaceforsongandmirth。Thatblackcrossmarksoneofthespecialblood-spotsoftheearthwhere，thousandsoftimesover，thedyinggladiatorfell，andmoreofhumanagonyhasbeenenduredforthemerepastimeofthemultitudethanonthebreadthofmanybattlefields。
　　Fromallthiscrimeandsuffering，however，thespothasderivedamorethancommonsanctity。Aninscriptionpromisessevenyears'indulgence，sevenyearsofremissionfromthepainsofpurgatory，andearlierenjoymentofheavenlybliss，foreachseparatekissimprintedontheblackcross。Whatbetterusecouldbemadeoflife，aftermiddleage，whentheaccumulatedsinsaremanyandtheremainingtemptationsfew，thantospenditallinkissingtheblackcrossoftheColiseum！
　　Besidesitscentralconsecration，thewholeareahasbeenmadesacredbyarangeofshrines，whichareerectedroundthecircle，eachcommemoratingsomesceneorcircumstanceoftheSaviour'spassionandsuffering。Inaccordancewithanordinarycustom，apilgrimwasmakinghisprogressfromshrinetoshrineuponhisknees，andsayingapenitentialprayerateach。
　　Light-footedgirlsranacrossthepathalongwhichhecrept，orsportedwiththeirfriendsclosebytheshrineswherehewaskneeling。Thepilgrimtooknoheed，andthegirlsmeantnoirreverence；forinItalyreligionjostlesalongsidebysidewithbusinessandsport，afterafashionofitsown，andpeopleareaccustomedtokneeldownandpray，orseeotherspraying，betweentwofitsofmerriment，orbetweentwosins。
　　Tomakeanendofourdescription，aredtwinkleoflightwasvisibleamidthebreadthofshadowthatfellacrosstheupperpartoftheColiseum。
　　Nowitglimmeredthroughalineofarches，orthrewabroadergleamasitroseoutofsomeprofoundabyssofruin；nowitwasmuffledbyaheapofshrubberywhichhadadventurouslyclamberedtothatdizzyheight；andsotheredlightkeptascendingtoloftierandloftierrangesofthestructure，untilitstoodlikeastarwheretheblueskyrestedagainsttheColiseum'stopmostwall。ItindicatedapartyofEnglishorAmericanspayingtheinevitablevisitbymoonlight，andexaltingthemselveswithrapturesthatwereByron's，nottheirown。
　　Ourcompanyofartistssatonthefallencolumn，thepaganaltar，andthestepsoftheChristianshrine，enjoyingthemoonlightandshadow，thepresentgayetyandthegloomyreminiscencesofthescene，inalmostequalshare。Artists，indeed，areliftedbytheidealityoftheirpursuitsalittlewayofftheearth，andarethereforeabletocatchtheevanescentfragrancethatfloatsintheatmosphereoflifeabovetheheadsoftheordinarycrowd。Eveniftheyseemendowedwithlittleimaginationindividually，yetthereisaproperty，agift，atalisman，commontotheirclass，entitlingthemtopartakesomewhatmorebountifullythanotherpeopleinthethindelightsofmoonshineandromance。
　　"Howdelightfulthisis！"saidHilda；andshesighedforverypleasure。
　　"Yes，"saidKenyon，whosatonthecolumn，atherside。"TheColiseumisfarmoredelightful，asweenjoyitnow，thanwheneightythousandpersonssatsqueezedtogether，rowaboverow，toseetheirfellowcreaturestornbylionsandtigerslimbfromlimb。WhatastrangethoughtthattheColiseumwasreallybuiltforus，andhasnotcometoitsbestusestillalmosttwothousandyearsafteritwasfinished！"
　　"TheEmperorVespasianscarcelyhadusinhismind，"saidHilda，smiling；
　　"butIthankhimnonethelessforbuildingit。"
　　"Hegetssmallthanks，Ifear，fromthepeoplewhosebloodyinstinctshepampered，"rejoinedKenyon。"Fancyanightlyassemblageofeightythousandmelancholyandremorsefulghosts，lookingdownfromthosetiersofbrokenarches，strivingtorepentofthesavagepleasureswhichtheyonceenjoyed，butstilllongingtoenjoythemoveragain。"
　　"YoubringaGothichorrorintothispeacefulmoonlightscene，"saidHilda。
　　"Nay，IhavegoodauthorityforpeoplingtheColiseumwithphantoms，"
　　repliedthesculptor。"DoyourememberthatveritablesceneinBenvenutoCellini'sautobiography，inwhichanecromancerofhisacquaintancedrawsamagiccircle——justwheretheblackcrossstandsnow，Isuppose——andraisesmyriadsofdemons？Benvenutosawthemwithhisowneyes，——giants，pygmies，andothercreaturesoffrightfulaspect，caperinganddancingonyonderwalls。ThosespectresmusthavebeenRomans，intheirlifetime，andfrequentersofthisbloodyamphitheatre。"
　　"Iseeaspectre，now！"saidHilda，withalittlethrillofuneasiness。
　　"Haveyouwatchedthatpilgrim，whoisgoingroundthewholecircleofshrines，onhisknees，andprayingwithsuchfervencyateveryone？Nowthathehasrevolvedsofarinhisorbit，andhasthemoonshineonhisfaceasheturnstowardsus，methinksIrecognizehim！"
　　"AndsodoI，"saidKenyon。"PoorMiriam！Doyouthinksheseeshim？"
　　Theylookedround，andperceivedthatMiriamhadrisenfromthestepsoftheshrineanddisappeared。Shehadshrunkback，infact，intothedeepobscurityofanarchthatopenedjustbehindthem。
　　Donatello，whosefaithfulwatchwasnomoretobeeludedthanthatofahound，hadstolenafterher，andbecametheinnocentwitnessofaspectaclethathaditsownkindofhorror。Unawareofhispresence，andfancyingherselfwhollyunseen，thebeautifulMiriambegantogesticulateextravagantly，gnashingherteeth，flingingherarmswildlyabroad，stampingwithherfoot。
　　Itwasasifshehadsteppedasideforaninstant，solelytosnatchthereliefofabrieffitofmadness。Personsinacutetrouble，orlaboringunderstrongexcitement，withanecessityforconcealingit，arepronetorelievetheirnervesinthiswildway；although，whenpracticable，theyfindamoreeffectualsolaceinshriekingaloud。
　　Thus，assoonasshethrewoffherself-control，undertheduskyarchesoftheColiseum，wemayconsiderMiriamasamadwoman，concentratingtheelementsofalonginsanityintothatinstant。
　　"Signorina！signorina！havepityonme！"criedDonatello，approachingher；"thisistooterrible！"
　　"Howdareyoulook，atme！"exclaimedMiriam，withastart；then，whisperingbelowherbreath，"menhavebeenstruckdeadforalessoffence！"
　　"Ifyoudesireit，orneedit，"saidDonatellohumbly，"Ishallnotbeloathtodie。"
　　"Donatello，"saidMiriam，comingclosetotheyoungman，andspeakinglow，butstillthealmostinsanityofthemomentvibratinginhervoice，"ifyouloveyourself；ifyoudesirethoseearthlyblessings，suchasyou，ofallmen，weremadefor；ifyouwouldcometoagoodoldageamongyouroliveorchardsandyourTuscanvines，asyourforefathersdid；ifyouwouldleavechildrentoenjoythesamepeaceful，happy，innocentlife，thenfleefromme。Looknotbehindyou！Getyougonewithoutanotherword。"Hegazedsadlyather，butdidnotstir。"Itellyou，"Miriamwenton，"thereisagreatevilhangingoverme！Iknowit；Iseeitinthesky；Ifeelitintheair！Itwilloverwhelmmeasutterlyasifthisarchshouldcrumbledownuponourheads！Itwillcrushyou，too，ifyoustandatmyside！Depart，then；andmakethesignofthecross，asyourfaithbidsyou，whenanevilspiritisnigh。Castmeoff，oryouarelostforever。"
　　AhighersentimentbrighteneduponDonatello'sfacethanhadhithertoseemedtobelongtoitssimpleexpressionandsensuousbeauty。
　　"Iwillneverquityou，"hesaid；"youcannotdrivemefromyou。"
　　"PoorDonatello！"saidMiriaminachangedtone，andrathertoherselfthanhim。"Istherenootherthatseeksmeout，followsme，——isobstinatetosharemyafflictionandmydoom，——butonlyyou！Theycallmebeautiful；andIusedtofancythat，atmyneed，Icouldbringthewholeworldtomyfeet。Andlo！hereismyutmostneed；andmybeautyandmygiftshavebroughtmeonlythispoor，simpleboy。Half-witted，theycallhim；andsurelyfitfornothingbuttobehappy。AndIaccepthisaid！
　　To-morrow，to-morrow，Iwilltellhimall！Ah！whatasintostainhisjoyousnaturewiththeblacknessofawoelikemine！"
　　Sheheldoutherhandtohim，andsmiledsadlyasDonatellopressedittohislips。Theywerenowabouttoemergefromthedepthofthearch；butjustthenthekneelingpilgrim，inhisrevolutionroundtheorbitoftheshrines，hadreachedtheoneonthestepsofwhichMiriamhadbeensitting。
　　There，asattheothershrines，heprayed，orseemedtopray。ItstruckKenyon，however，——whosatcloseby，andsawhisfacedistinctly，thatthesuppliantwasmerelyperforminganenjoinedpenance，andwithoutthepenitencethatoughttohavegiveniteffectuallife。Evenasheknelt，hiseyeswandered，andMiriamsoonfeltthathehaddetectedher，halfhiddenasshewaswithintheobscurityofthearch。
　　"HeisevidentlyagoodCatholic，however，"whisperedoneoftheparty。
　　"Afterall，Ifearwecannotidentifyhimwiththeancientpaganwhohauntsthecatacombs。"
　　"ThedoctorsofthePropagandamayhaveconvertedhim，"saidanother；
　　"theyhavehadfifteenhundredyearstoperformthetask。"
　　Thecompanynowdeemedittimetocontinuetheirramble。EmergingfromasideentranceoftheColiseum，theyhadontheirlefttheArchofConstantine，andaboveittheshapelessruinsofthePalaceoftheCaesars；
　　portionsofwhichhavetakenshapeanew，inmediaevalconventsandmodernvillas。Theyturnedtheirfacescityward，and，treadingoverthebroadflagstonesoftheoldRomanpavement，passedthroughtheArchofTitus。
　　Themoonshonebrightlyenoughwithinittoshowtheseven-branchedJewishcandlestick，cutinthemarbleoftheinterior。Theoriginalofthatawfultrophyliesburied，atthismoment，intheyellowmudoftheTiber；
　　and，coulditsgoldofOphiragainbebroughttolight，itwouldbethemostpreciousrelicofpastages，intheestimationofbothJewandGentile。
　　Standingamidsomuchancientdust，itisdifficulttosparethereaderthecommonplacesofenthusiasm，onwhichhundredsoftouristshavealreadyinsisted。Overthishalf-wornpavement，andbeneaththisArchofTitus，theRomanarmieshadtroddenintheiroutwardmarch，tofightbattlesaworld'swidthaway。Returningvictorious，withroyalcaptivesandinestimablespoil，aRomantriumph，thatmostgorgeouspageantofearthlypride，hadstreamedandflauntedinhundred-foldsuccessionoverthesesameflagstones，andthroughthisyetstalwartarchway。Itispolitic，however，tomakefewallusionstosuchapast；nor，ifwewouldcreateaninterestinthecharactersofourstory，isitwisetosuggesthowCicero'sfootmayhavesteppedonyonderstone，orhowHoracewaswonttostrollnearby，makinghisfootstepschimewiththemeasureoftheodethatwasringinginhismind。Theveryghostsofthatmassiveandstatelyepochhavesomuchdensitythattheactualpeopleofto-dayseemthethinnerofthetwo，andstandmoreghost-likebythearchesandcolumns，lettingtherichsculpturebediscernedthroughtheirill-compactedsubstance。
　　Thepartykeptonward，oftenmeetingpairsandgroupsofmidnightstrollerslikethemselves。Onsuchamoonlightnightasthis，Romekeepsitselfawakeandstirring，andisfullofsongandpastime，thenoiseofwhichmingleswithyourdreams，ifyouhavegonebetimestobed。Butitisbettertobeabroad，andtakeourownshareoftheenjoyabletime；forthelanguorthatweighssoheavilyintheRomanatmospherebydayislightenedbeneaththemoonandstars。
　　TheyhadnowreachedtheprecinctsoftheForum。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　ONTHEEDGEOFAPRECIPICE
　　"Letussettleit，"saidKenyon，stampinghisfootfirmlydown，"thatthisispreciselythespotwherethechasmopened，intowhichCurtiusprecipitatedhisgoodsteedandhimself。Imaginethegreat，duskygap，impenetrablydeep，andwithhalf-shapedmonstersandhideousfacesloomingupwardoutofit，tothevastaffrightofthegoodcitizenswhopeepedoverthebrim！There，now，isasubject，hithertounthoughtof，foragrimandghastlystory，and，methinks，withamoralasdeepasthegulfitself。Withinit，beyondaquestion，therewerepropheticvisions，——intimationsofallthefuturecalamitiesofRome，——shadesofGoths，andGauls，andevenoftheFrenchsoldiersofto-day。Itwasapitytocloseitupsosoon！Iwouldgivemuchforapeepintosuchachasm。"
　　"Ifancy，"remarkedMiriam，"thateverypersontakesapeepintoitinmomentsofgloomanddespondency；thatistosay，inhismomentsofdeepestinsight。"
　　"Whereisit，then？"askedHilda。"Ineverpeepedintoit。"
　　"Wait，anditwillopenforyou，"repliedherfriend。"Thechasmwasmerelyoneoftheorificesofthatpitofblacknessthatliesbeneathus，everywhere。Thefirmestsubstanceofhumanhappinessisbutathincrustspreadoverit，withjustrealityenoughtobearuptheillusivestagesceneryamidwhichwetread。Itneedsnoearthquaketoopenthechasm。A
　　footstep，alittleheavierthanordinary，willserve；andwemuststepverydaintily，nottobreakthroughthecrustatanymoment。Byandby，weinevitablysink！ItwasafoolishpieceofheroisminCurtiustoprecipitatehimselfthere，inadvance；forallRome，yousee，hasbeenswallowedupinthatgulf，inspiteofhim。ThePalaceoftheCaesarshasgonedownthither，withahollow，rumblingsoundofitsfragments！Allthetempleshavetumbledintoit；andthousandsofstatueshavebeenthrownafter！Allthearmiesandthetriumphshavemarchedintothegreatchasm，withtheirmartialmusicplaying，astheysteppedoverthebrink。
　　Alltheheroes，thestatesmen，andthepoets！AllpileduponpoorCurtius，whothoughttohavesavedthemall！Iamloathtosmileattheself-conceitofthatgallanthorseman，butcannotwellavoidit。"
　　"Itgrievesmetohearyouspeakthus，Miriam，"saidHilda，whosenaturalandcheerfulpietywasshockedbyherfriend'sgloomyviewofhumandestinies。"Itseemstomethatthereisnochasm，noranyhideousemptinessunderourfeet，exceptwhattheevilwithinusdigs。Iftherebesuchachasm，letusbridgeitoverwithgoodthoughtsanddeeds，andweshalltreadsafelytotheotherside。ItwastheguiltofRome，nodoubt，thatcausedthisgulftoopen；andCurtiusfilleditupwithhisheroicself-sacrificeandpatriotism，whichwasthebestvirtuethattheoldRomansknew。Everywrongthingmakesthegulfdeeper；everyrightonehelpstofillitup。AstheevilofRomewasfarmorethanitsgood，thewholecommonwealthfinallysankintoit，indeed，butofnooriginalnecessity。"
　　"Well，Hilda，itcametothesamethingatlast，"answeredMiriamdespondingly。
　　"Doubtless，too，"resumedthesculptorforhisimaginationwasgreatlyexcitedbytheideaofthiswondrouschasm，"allthebloodthattheRomansshed，whetheronbattlefields，orintheColiseum，oronthecross，——inwhateverpublicorprivatemurder，——ranintothisfatalgulf，andformedamightysubterraneanlakeofgore，rightbeneathourfeet。ThebloodfromthethirtywoundsinCaesar'sbreastflowedhitherward，andthatpurelittlerivuletfromVirginia'sbosom，too！Virginia，beyondallquestion，wasstabbedbyherfather，preciselywherewearestanding。"
　　"Thenthespotishallowedforever！"saidHilda。
　　"Istheresuchblessedpotencyinbloodshed？"askedMiriam。"Nay，Hilda，donotprotest！Itakeyourmeaningrightly。"
　　Theyagainmovedforward。Andstill，fromtheForumandtheViaSacra，frombeneaththearchesoftheTempleofPeaceononeside，andtheacclivityofthePalaceoftheCaesarsontheother，therearosesingingvoicesofpartiesthatwerestrollingthroughthemoonlight。Thus，theairwasfullofkindredmelodiesthatencounteredone。another，andtwinedthemselvesintoabroad，vaguemusic，outofwhichnosinglestraincouldbedisentangled。Thesegoodexamples，aswellastheharmoniousinfluencesofthehour，incitedourartistfriendstomakeproofoftheirownvocalpowers。Withwhatskillandbreaththeyhad，theysetupachoralstrain，——"Hail，Columbia！"webelieve，whichthoseoldRomanechoesmusthavefounditexceedingdifficulttorepeataright。EvenHildapouredtheslendersweetnessofhernoteintohercountry'ssong。
　　Miriamwasatfirstsilent，beingperhapsunfamiliarwiththeairandburden。Butsuddenlyshethrewoutsuchaswellandgushofsound，thatitseemedtopervadethewholechoirofothervoices，andthentoriseabovethemall，andbecomeaudibleinwhatwouldelsehavebeentheesilenceofanupperregion。Thatvolumeofmelodiousvoicewasoneofthetokensofagreattrouble。Therehadlongbeenanimpulseuponher——amounting，atlast，toanecessitytoshriekaloud；butshehadstruggledagainstit，tillthethunderousanthemgaveheranopportunitytorelieveherheartbyagreatcry。
　　TheypassedthesolitaryColumnofPhocas，andlookeddownintotheexcavatedspace，whereaconfusionofpillars，arches，pavements，andshatteredblocksandshafts——thecrumbsofvariousruindroppedfromthedevouringmawofTimestand，orlie，atthebaseoftheCapitolineHill。
　　Thatrenownedhillockforitislittlemorenowaroseabruptlyabovethem。Theponderousmasonry，withwhichthehillsideisbuiltup，isasoldasRomeitself，andlookslikelytoendurewhiletheworldretainsanysubstanceorpermanence。ItoncesustainedtheCapitol，andnowbearsupthegreatpilewhichthemediaevalbuildersraisedontheantiquefoundation，andthatstillloftiertower，whichlooksabroaduponalargerpageofdeeperhistoricinterestthananyotherscenecanshow。OnthesamepedestalofRomanmasonry，otherstructureswilldoubtlessrise，andvanishlikeephemeralthings。
　　Toaspectatoronthespot，itisremarkablethattheeventsofRomanhistory，andRomanlifeitself，appearnotsodistantastheGothicageswhichsucceededthem。WestandintheForum，orontheheightoftheCapitol，andseemtoseetheRomanepochcloseathand。Weforgetthatachasmextendsbetweenitandourselves，inwhichlieallthosedark，rude，unletteredcenturies，aroundthebirth-timeofChristianity，aswellastheageofchivalryandromance，thefeudalsystem，andtheinfancyofabettercivilizationthanthatofRome。Or，ifwerememberthesemediaevaltimes，theylookfurtheroffthantheAugustanage。Thereasonmaybe，thattheoldRomanliteraturesurvives，andcreatesforusanintimacywiththeclassicages，whichwehavenomeansofformingwiththesubsequentones。
　　TheItalianclimate，moreover，robsageofitsreverenceandmakesitlooknewerthanitis。NottheColiseum，northetombsoftheAppianWay，northeoldestpillarintheForum，noranyotherRomanruin，beitasdilapidatedasitmay，evergivetheimpressionofvenerableantiquitywhichwegather，alongwiththeivy，fromthegraywallsofanEnglishabbeyorcastle。Andyeteverybrickorstone，whichwepickupamongtheformer，hadfallenagesbeforethefoundationofthelatterwasbegun。
　　ThisisowingtothekindlinesswithwhichNaturestakesanEnglishruintoherheart，coveringitwithivy，astenderlyasRobinRedbreastcoveredthedeadbabeswithforestleaves。Shestrivestomakeitapartofherself，graduallyobliteratingthehandiworkofman，andsupplantingitwithherownmossesandtrailingverdure，tillshehaswonthewholestructureback。But，inItaly，whenevermanhasoncehewnastone，Natureforthwithrelinquishesherrighttoit，andneverlaysherfingeronitagain。Ageafteragefindsitbareandnaked，inthebarrensunshine，andleavesitso。Besidesthisnaturaldisadvantage，too，eachsucceedingcentury，inRome，hasdoneitsbesttoruintheveryruins，sofarastheirpicturesqueeffectisconcerned，bystealingawaythemarbleandhewnstone，andleavingonlyyellowbricks，whichnevercanlookvenerable。
　　ThepartyascendedthewindingwaythatleadsfromtheForumtothePiazzaoftheCampidoglioonthesummitoftheCapitolineHill。TheystoodawhiletocontemplatethebronzeequestrianstatueofMarcusAurelius。