a I E) RARY OF THE U NIVE.RSITY Of ILLINOIS V. I Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/rightwrongorkins01youn MGHT Jm© WRONG- 1 OR, THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES, A ROMANTIC STOPvY, IN FOUR VOLUMES. BY MARY JULIA YOUNG, AUTHOR OF Rofe Mount Caftle, The Eafl Indian, Mofs Cliff Abbey, Poems, &c. &c. VOL. L ■ They both are bright ; but one Benignly bright as ftars to Mariners ; And one a Comet, with mabgnant blaze Denovmcing ruin. The Brothen—^Young. Who by Repentance is not fatisfied, Is nor of Heaven nor Earth. Shakefpeare, loncon : PRINTED BY D K. SHUTIY, BERWICK STREET; ?0R CROSBY AND CO. STATIONERS' COURT; AMI HUGHES, WIGMORE STREET. 1803. G. E. A. WRIGHT, ESQ. While I was confidering to whom I fhould infcribe the following pages, the voice of gratitude, eloquent in your praife, convinced me that there is a real chara8;er who will appreciate the ficti- tious%neof Duvalvin; who will exclaim from his own heart, glowing with the trueft liberality, " I would aft thus in fuch a cafe!" That conviftion is the only excufe which can be made, for pre- fuming to dedicate fo trifling a work to you, Sir, by Your most obedient, and most humble Servant, THE AUTHOR. MIGHT AN© WmONGj OR, THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES, CHAP. I. The Vijit pojlponed. One morning, as Lorenzo di Rozezz! and Frederic Duvalvin, nephews to the Conte Pliantini, were going to pay a vifit to the Marchefa del Urbino, an old pea- fant paffed flowly and carefully by them, with an humble bow; he was leading a mule heavily laden with fruit. VOL. Is B The « RIGHT AND WROxVG; OR, The poor peafant had not proceeded many fteps when the wheel of a gay car- riage, which rolled haftily and carelefsly paft, caught againfl one of the panniers of fruit, and pulled it fo forcibly that the feeble bead fell beneath his burthen. No one happened to be near to whom the diftreffed old man could apply for affiftance; he flood gazing in filent affliQion, unable to lift up the panniers, that the proftrate mule might be releafed from their weight until he recovered his legs. The companionate Duvalvin beheld the embarraffment of the peafant, and could not ftand an idle fpe6lator; he thought that his youthful ftrength could never be more nobly employed than in affifting THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 3 alTiIling feeble age; he relieved the poor mule, replaced the panniers, and gave the peafant money, much rp.ore than was fufficient to pay for the fruit which had been damaged by the fall, and im- mediately, without hearing the efFufions of a grateful heart, followed Di Rozezzi, who had walked on. When he had overtaken him, Duvalvin faid, '* Why did you not lend your aid, Lorenzo ; the peafant, enfeebled by age, was fcarcely able to give me the lead afliftance? Poor old man! I fear he will fuffer from his anxious exertions/' '* Your drefs, Frederic, has fufFered finely from your officioufnefs; what a dirty figure you have made yourfelf.** 8 2 ** I am. 4 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, " J am a little muddy, to beTure, but what fignifies that? I can very foon change my clothes, and cleanfe my hands from the fpots which defile them'. if inhumanity fullied my heart, the ftain would difgrace it for ever.'* " That is feverely faid, upon my foul! You are a moil eccentric being, Duval- vin, a very Quixotte in the caufe of Aw- manity. This morning, for inftance, you came out glowing with pleafure in the delightful expeftation of beholding beauty and converfing with wit. I ob- ferved that you had taken more than common care to render your appearance fafhionable, yet you ran into the mud up to your ancles, to aflTift adecrepid beggar and a blind mule, without confidering the THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. ,5 the confeqiiences which would attend fuch an ill-timed aQ of charity." *' Can a deed be ever ill-iiuied when it relieves decrepitude and blindnefs? Poor old man ! no one was near to help him except us. He faw the fruit he had laboured to rear (tlie whole flock, per- haps, of hi^ cottage garden), and iiis mule, the blind, the worn out partner of bis toil, lying on the ground, overturned by the glittering equipage of luxury, and dreading that the next which carelefsly whirled by would deftroy them quite, and deprive him even of that fcanty and laborious means of providing for his humble family. I have extricated him; I have given him a temporary relief, and feel m.ore real fatisfaQion in having done fo, than even the eiichanting looks and B 3 fenfible 6 KIGHT AND WRONG: OF, fenfible converfation of the Marcbefa have power to beftow.*' " What would (lie think of you ifflie heard that ungallant declaration ? The neglect of not going when flie invited you, when you promifed fo faithfully too — unpardonable. What excufe can I make for you? It is now beyond the appointed time. I fhall tell her the truth." *' Say what you pleafe for me. I wifh you an agreeable morning, my dear Lorenzo, although my vifit muft be poft- poned." THE KINSMF.N OF NAPLI-.8, CHAP. II. The Marchefa, LORENZO proceeded to the Pa- lazza del Urbino, and found the Mar- chefa alone. Without rifing from the fofa on which (he reclined, fhe held out her hand, and faid, ** I am glad to fee you, Di Rozezzi — Are you alone? — Where is the philofo- pher? He promifed lad night at the Opera to come with you, and take a part in the trio with which I am fo en- chanted — is he coming ?'* B 4 '' No, 8 RICHT AND WRONGS OR, ** No, charming Marchefa ; for as we were coming along he formed a trio in the ftreet with an old peafantand a blind mule, and rendered himfelf unfit to ap- pear in your prefence. — There is no being fure of fuch a fellow as Frederic, who is always feeking adventures.*' <* And fuch as he feeks are eafily found. His character pleafes me, it is fo fingular. Do not look grave, Lo- renzo; you have lUidiedthe art ofpleaf- ing with fuccefs, but you are no novelty \ to the men you are polite and agreeable to the women, attentive and flattering; yet I have frequently obferved your eyes difagree with your expreffionsi and when you have addreffed your own fex with friendfliip or fubmiffion, 1 have {qq.u. jealouTv and fcorn in \our looks ; and while THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 9 while entertaining the fair fex with the language of adoration, I have beheld in your dark eyes proud felf-confequence, and fometinaes cold eontempt for the divine cbjed of your pretended idol- atry." ** What my eyes may have expreffed to other females I cannot be anfwerable for, but I am fure they were n^wtv falfe to my heart when I have had the honor ofaddrefling the Marchefa del Urbino." " Oh no! I adure you they are not falfe to your heart, for they confefs its felj-jufficiency'y they conftantly tell me that you have been too fuccefsful an ad- mirer to fear a repulfe from any one, and that you will grow moft infufferably proud and vain if you do not meet with B 5 a few 10 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, a few falutary mortifications now and then; if I have the leaft power over you, Di Rozezzi, I will exert it to your advantage, and, by pointing out your faults, endeavour to make you relinquifh ihem." " If you think me -worth improving ; if you condefcend to correct my errors, I fhall have much greater reafon to be proud and vain than ever I had." " Oh ! if I find you grow worfe in- ftead of better from my fincerity, I fhall give you up as an incorrigible creature, and beftow my attention on a more do- cile pupil.*' " Form my manners as you pleafe, I will bend fubmiffively to your opinion — do THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 11 do not talk of giving me up, unlefs you wi(h to annihilate me.'* ^^ No, no, it is your errors which I wifh annihilated, not yourfelf: I have fome hopes of your improvement al- ready ; your look correfponded with your fpeech, it expreffed humility. This morning the Marchefe told me that the Conte Cefario is gone to Rome on fome affairs of ftate, fo you fhall be my Cicif- beo while he is abfent, and when any other engagement prevents you from at- tending on me, Duvalvin fhall take your place.'* " I afTure you that Frederic will make a ver)^ awkv/ard Cicifbeo ; he is a ftranger to all the little delicate pun61ilios which attend the pleafing office — he is too de- B 6 ficient 12 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, ficient in gallantry — you will be afliamed of his negligence — he will not read your looks, and anticipate your wiflies — he will be too carelefs and inattentive to do that." ** And yet I think he is toofenjible to be inattentive when Del Urbino teaches him to be agreeable." -' He ought not. — I hope you will find him an apt fcholar.'* ^' You do nc)^ hope it, Lorenzo; there- fore to punifli your duplicity, and to cor- reQ the erroneous opinion which you feem to have formed of Frederic Du- valvin, I will give you his true character. He pofleffes beauty and elegance with- out vanity, learning without pedantry, dignity THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. J3 dignity without pride ; he is majlir of the fine arts and fafhionable games, and fcorns to be z/lave to any of them ; his humility isnohky his fincerity polite, and his courage is the filent magnanimous offspring of philanthropy; in fhort, no mortal compofition can be more exqui- fitely harmonized than Duvalvin's, and Heaven adorned it with a foul fo pure, that it feems to throw a divine radiance around him. I am fure if a celeftial Being deigned to vifit our fphere in a fublunary form, he could not affume a more pleafing one than your coufin Frederic's.'* ** Curfe his form ! I deteft his perfec- tions — I hate himl'* ** Di Rozezzi!" ** Pardon J4 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, " Pardon me ! but it is too, too much. I cannot hear you praife him fo extravagantly with calmnefs. — It \s you who make me hate Duvalvin." " What! for his perfeQions ! No one ever hates another for poffeffing merit, unlefs he be confcious of his own defici- ency. — Can it be poffible that you, Lo- renzo, have fo mean an opinion of your- felf?'' " Charming Marchefa, you miftake the caufe of my hatred ; I am not jea- lous of his perJeBionSy but of the praifes you beftow on them. If he rival me in your favour I fhall abhor him." " Then you will be extremely unjuft, becaufe he never wifhes to rival you in THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 1^ my favor, nor, I believe, in that of any one elfe. — And do you not agree with the general opinion of the world, that a perfe6l character, however it may claim our admiration, is not fo likely to engage the affedions as one fomething lefs per- fed?'' ** Can any one admire without lov- ing?" *' Certainly. — Love is a paffion too flrong to be guided by reafon, and con- fequently is not always beftowed upon the mofl deferving.** ** Then I may yet hope to be pre- ferred to Frederic.'' '* Undoubtedly you may, humble Lo- rcnzoi f'> *< You l6 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR7 " You revive me; I am bleft! let Duvalvin be a Deity — I will not envy him — far rather would / be a happy mortal beloved by thee, enchanting Del Urbinol" *' I did not fay a word of myfej\ Lorenzo — yet, as your cyts expreded humility, I will pardon you — gallantry can only difgufl when it is accompanied by confidence. — I will now contrail your chara(5ler with Duvalvin's; and I am convinced you will not be difTatis- fied with yourfelf. In your exterior learning and accompli (hment, you are in no degree inferior to your kinfmau Frederic ; it is in your opinions that the difference lies ; you think an auflere look and a proud demeanor becoming, becaufe you fee them adopted by mod of THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 1/ of the Italian Nobility. Duvalvin thinks haughtinefs difgraceful to a man of fenfe, however exalted his rank may be in the world. You feek applaufe and patronage from the great\ he, Jdf -appro- latioUy by patronifing the diftrefled : you are a bigot to your religion and country; he is a citizen of the world, he wifhes to emulate the virtues of every nation, and fears not to abjure the errors of his native land. You are carefTed by thofe with whom you alTociate, becaufe they find you accommodating and agreeable ; Frederic is difliked by many people, for tacitly condemning their conduct by the reditude of his own. You, Lorenzo, love to lead the fafhion in drefs, and are followed becaufe you have an elegant tafte and a graceful deportment, while Duvalvin endeavours to corre8: in his own l8 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, own drefs the extravagant modes of others, rather than to attraQ obferva- tion by inventing new ones ; and, to conclude, you indulge in luxuries and avoid fatigue ; he gratifies himfelf and others by difinterefted a6ls of benevo- lence, and fcorns toil and danger to ex- tricate a fellow creature from mifery. I have taken a jufl flcetch of your cha- racflers, Lorenzo, and you admire your own far more than you do Duvalvin's; you know that the fafhionable world admire it alfo, therefore be contented, nor envy the amiable Frederic for hav- ing virtues which you are not defirous of cultivating in your own breaft. — Yet remember, Di Rozezzi, how fatal it may be to yourfelf and him if you nourifh there fuch de{lru6live paffions as envy, jealoufy, and revenge — if encou- raged. THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES, 1^ raged ^ how very foon do tkty become de- rpotic tyrants over the mind, and deflroy its tendered affeQions — they compel a man to commit the blackeft deeds — they urge him meanly to hire the mercenary bravo, or daringly to plunge the ftiletto himfelf into the bofom of friendfhip. Par-don me, Lorenzo, if I have fpoken too warmly upon this fubje8:;but, from the knowledge which I have of your difpofition, 1 cannot help fearing that you will fome time or other fall into thofe dreadful errors, too common among the Neapolitans of a fimilarturn of mind — " '' Heavenly powers ! can all this be real! am / a villain — ^-a villain in your opinion, and Duvalvin a Deity! May curfes '* '' Stop, 20 RIGHT Ax\D wrong; OR, y " Stop, Di Rozezzi, nor let your own lips again convince me that you are fuch When you fay you hate Du- valvin — when you curfe Duvalvin, your looks too well agree with your horrid expreflfions ; they difcover your heart — they let me read what pafies in it, and you know that I have read it truly— yd be not alarmed, I will not betray you — ** " I am not the wretch you think me. Do not abhor mc — do not baniJJi me.*' ** U you will banifh your faults I will uBt — you Ihall be my Cicifbeo, and while you guard my per/on horn danger, I will return the obligation by guarding your heart from errors which may ruin its happinefs — I know that your aunt by too great indulgence has rendered it proud THE KlNSMEiN' OF NAPLES. 21 proud and flubborn ; unaccuftomed to reproof, you will find it very difficult to make it bend fubmiffively to my cor- rcQions, although you are to be anni- hilated if I give you up. Poor Lo- renzo ! this has been a fevere lelTon — do notforgetit — I am wearied with talk- ing, and you with liftening. — If you find no difcord in your temper^ I fhall be glad to fee you this evening with Duval- vin — I want you both to affift in my concert." " Ye3, all-powerful Marchefa! you fhall fee the influence that you have over the heart which you think proud and ftubborn — upon my knees I fwear that you fliall have full dominion over it — it is yours — do with it whatever you pleafe." *« I thank 22 RIGHT AND WRONGJ OR, " I thank you, my dear Lorenzo; be alTured that I fliall let a proper value on the trull you repofe in me. I will corre6i: its foibles with lenity, and regard its good qualities with partiality — I think the foil is good, and I will endeavour to extrad the weeds and cultivate the flowers. Until evening I mud bid you farewell, Di Rozezzi." The haughty Lorenzo could fcarcely brook reproof from the mod beautiful lips; nor did he like that even the bril- liant eyes of the Marchefa del Urbino fhould fearch into his foul, as he knew that it was fuUied with many errors, which he was too careiefs or too indo- lent to eradicate. Both his intereft and inclination impelled him anxioufly to engage the favour of the Marchefa, who, although THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 23 although (he was pad the bloom of youth, was extremely beautiful, very captivating in her manners, and allowed to be one of the mofl fenfible women in Italy. The Marchefe del Urbino was truly deferving fuch a wife; theirs had been a match of love; and notwithilanding he beheld her continually furrounded by admirers, he never once doubted her fidelity, which he knew to be guarded by religion, good fenfe, and affeftion. It is true the Marchefa exerted the power which her beauty gave her over men of gallantry, but (he exexted it not to corrupt, but to improve their morals ; and as flie imperceptibly extinguifhed a criminal paffion in their hearts, fhe kindled 24 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, kindled the pure and permanent flame of fincere friendfhip. Even men of the loofeft principles adored Virtue when they beheld her adorned by the Graces, enfhrined in the unfullied bofom of the fafcinating Marchefa del Urbino. Lorenzo di Rozezzi was one of her moil obfequious adorers, and his vanity flattered him with hopes of fuccefs. He feared no rival except Duvalvin. — Tealoufy and envy clouded his brow, while he faid to. himfelf, ** Why do I hate Frederic ? — in what does he excel me ? He is not affiduous to pleafe — Can he have charms in the eyes of thofe women whom he fcorns to flatter? Perhaps he may — the fex are perverfe, and delight in novelty; it has THE KIN^SMEN: of NAPLES. 25 lias hitherto been the pride of Duvalvin to behold them with indifference, and no doubt it will be the pride of Del Urbino to conquer that indifference — I mufl, I will prevent it. — Frederic Duvalvin fiiall be the JIave of beauty — but not the Marchefa's — no — he (hall be fubdued by a more artful — more capricious beauty— prudent infenfible Frederic, you (hall not be the rival of Lorenzo.'* Di Rozezzi paufed — he was at the villa of Signora I'Abandoni, it was the abode of pleafure, and Lorenzo was too great a voluptuary to forfake it entirely, although he had worn the chains of the Signora long enough to be weary of them. — Until now he had difliked the idea of introducing Duvalvin to Corinna I'Abandoni; but fince the Marchefa had VOL. I. c deftroycd 26 RIGHT AND wrong; OR, deftroyed her power over his own heart, he wifhed that her arts might be To pow- erfully exerted to gain his coufin's, that it could not long refift. Lorenzo knew I'Abandoni admired Duvalvin, and he relied on her charms for the removal of fo potent a rival from the Palazza del Urbino, where hehimfelf was ambitious of being the moft favoured gueft. THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. CHAP. III. The Aunt. AT his return home Duvalvin vvifhed to pafs unnoticed to his apartment, but was obliged to fpeak to the ContefTa Pliantini, who was fitting in her dreffing room with the door open. Surprifed to fee him, (lie faid, •* How IS this, Frederic 1 have y on ueen difappinted, that you are returned fo foon? Is the Marchefa from home, or indifpofed ? Tell me why you are come back. Where is Lorenzo?" c 2 "At 28 . RIGHT AND wrong; OR, " AtthePalazzadel Urbino. A cir- cumftance happened as we were going there which has prevented me from pay- ing my refpeQs to the Marchefa as I in- tended.'* *' Negligent, ftupid boy ! what cir- cumftance ought to have prevented you from keeping an appointment which conferred honour on vou, unworthy as you be? Did not all the young men at the Opera laft night behold Lorenzo and you with envy when they heard the elegant Marchefa fo particular in her in- vitation? Good Heaven! where have you been, Frederic ? what a dirty figure you are!'* *' Not fit to appear before you, in- deed, my dear Aunt; but when you fpoke TKE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 29 fpoke to me I could not pafs without anfwering." " And now anfwer me, Signor, how came you to be in that pretty condition? what mifchief have you been doing?" *' No ^ni/chie/yConiciTdii 1 have been only giving a little affiflance to a dif- trefTed mule driver." '* Frederic, will you never leave off being fo mean — fo ridiculous; why do you not follow the example of your coufin Di Rozezzi, and other young men of fafhion?'' ** Becaufe I prefer Following the dic- tates of humanity — '* c 3 ^' Nonfcnfe 30 RIGHT AND VVi^ONG; OR, ** Nonfenfe — I have no patience with you — elegance, poiitenefs, every thing which becomes your flation, muft be continually lacrificed to your plebeian fancies. — Lorenzo is an hpnour to us, he graces our family, and the education which your Uncle has beftowed on him; while you^ ungrateful boy, inOead of rewarding tbi Conte Pliantini for his liberality to you, are perpetually dif^ gracing him by your vulgar conduct." " I have never been ungrateful to my Uncle, nor a difgrace to his family. — To the Conte Pliantini's generoOty I owe the title of fcholar; to his rank, that of 7ioh!e; a Hill higher title I have received from Heaveri, that of 7nar,^ Vvhich I will endeavour to fupport in fuch a manner that it ilia 11 ^ivc lull re to the I HE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 31 ihe oihcr two, or elfe the pooreft pea- fant I can meet may be a far more ex- alted charader than the nephew of the Conte pliantini.'' ** I fincerely wifii you were not his nephcvs^, fince you fct To little value on the title. I never knew fuch a provok- ing creature! How are you to be pro- moted? what are you fit for with fach ftrange low notions? is your Uncle to protect and fupport you for ever?" 'f That Lorenzo and I arc at prcfcnt leading an inaclive life in the Caftella di Plianthii is contrary to our inclination.?. You know, Conteffa, that we Iiave fre- quently folicited my Uncle to let us ferve our countrv, and that he continu- ally puts us off by tenderly alking- us if c 4 we 52 RIGHT AND wrong; OR, we are weary of his fociety and wifh to quit a home which he ender.vours to render agreeable to us by behaving in every refpecl with the moil paternal af- fe£iion. — Duty and love both compel us to obey the Conte, and furely you can- not think either Lorenzo or myfelf blavicahle for our obedience to fo kind an Uncle/' '* Were you like Lorenzo I (hould have no reafon to blame you; he never makes me angry — his behaviour is juil what it ought to be upon ever/ occafion, ^nd yourSy I am forry to fay, quite the reverfe. — It is only throwing away good advice to talk to you, therefore you need not dlfgrace my apartment any longer by your dirty appearance; I am afliamed to look at you; go and make yourfelf THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 33 yoLirfelf fit to be feen, you fhocking figure!" Duvalvin gladly received his leave of abfence from the Conteffa, whofe proud and frivolous manners were fo extremely difagreeable to him that he found it dif- ficult at times to pay her the refpedl due to her as the v;ife of his Uncle; while Di Rozezzi behaved to her in the mod flattering and obfequious manner, and prcferved a decided preference in her affedions. Duvalvin beheld her par- tiality for his coufin without envy, yet fometimes he was apprehenfive that her endeavoursto prejudice hisUncle againft him might prove but too fuccefsful. The Conte Pliantini was afFeQionate and good tempered, but extremely fond- c 5 of 34 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, of adulation, and eafily biaffed by thofe who gratified that weaknefs. The Con- teffa was handfonne, vain, and ambitious; her addrefs was fpecious, and her man- ners fafhionable; fhe had an unlimited power over the Conte, whom at her marriage fhe had found greatly attached to his little nephews, who were the or- phan fons of two beloved fifters ; he had taken them under his care in their in- fancy, and the ContefTa expreffed no objeclion to their refiding with their Uncle, nor to his making them his heirs if ftie fhould not bring him any, which happened to be the cafe. As the boys grew up Lozenzo became her favourite, and fne fecretly wifhed that the Conte would make him the fole heir to his fortune; nor did (he defpair of THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. ^5 of feeing that w'lfli gratified, as by her artful inGnuations Lorenzo grew every day dearer to the Conte, and the unfuf- pe6ling, generous Frederic more and more indifferent to him ; for fuch an impiieit confidence did he place in the judgment and penetration of his beloved wife, that he feldom took the trouble of thinking for himfelf: to his partial eyes the Conteffa appeared all perfe6lion, and he almoQ hated every one who did not feem to be of his opinion \ and the fin- cere Davalvin was frequently fo unfor- tunate as to incur his difpleafure by hrmly fupporting the caufe of reafon and good fenfe, when the Conteffa chofe to argue contrary to both ; while Di Rozezzi engaged hisaffeftions by never contradicting her opinion, however ab- furdit might be. c 6 At 36 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, At prefent the ContefTa's defign was, by reflefting on Duvalvin's dependent ftate, to roufe his pride, and induce him to enter into the arnny ; where, by fol- lowing the didates of his courage, he might, perhaps, in alhort time leave her favourite no competitor to his Uncle's fortune or regard. THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. Q7 CHAP. IV. The Valet. WHEN Duvalvin entered his own apartment, he found his faithful fervant Marco repairing an old violin, and fmil- ing faid to him, *^ Are you going to commence mu- fician, Marco, or to increafe your in- come by repairing inftruments?'* ** Neither, my good mafter ; for the firji 1 want talents, and I have no necef- fity to make a trade of the other while you 38 RIGHT AND WRONG; OP, you are fo kind as to let me be yourfer- vant. — Ah ! my dear Mafter, I am try- ing to firing this fiddle for a poor little boy, who will call for it prefently ; I liave kept it to forne purpofe all this time if it will get him a few pence, poor fel- low ! I am fare your heart would have ached as mine did, had you [etn his dif- trefs after a proud infolent puppy broke his violin. Curfe the ill-natured aftion — " '* Be caln>j my good Marco, and tell me how it was." ** I carried the money as you ordered me, Signor, to the poor flioemaker, and he blefl: you a thoufand times for your generofity. He lays ihcit fum, and the great order which you have given him for THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 39 for boots and (hoes, will be the making of him; and his Vv^ife and children too were all fo grateful, poor things ! it made me fo happy to leave them rejoic- ing over their riches^ for fuch it was to them, that when I heard the little fid- ler playing merrily, my heart danced gaily to the tune, until a young, unfeel- ing, fiae-dreffed fellow flruck his cane upon the violin, crying affe6ledly, * Ah, you little devil, what an infernal fcraping you make! There, imp of difcord! not a word, or I will break your head as well as your Cremona.' The unfeeling puppy fwaggered into a coffee-houfe juft by, laughing, I fuppofe, at the mifchief he had done, while the poor chiid looked after him wnih fuch a look! It faid a great deal — it was a noble look! I v/ifli you had feen it, Signer.*' '' \do 4'0 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR', ^^ I do fee it, Marco; it expreffed confcious worth, an humble and inno- cent foul ftruggling againft poverty and contempt/' " Yes, fo it did, my dear Mafter; but it did not laft long — grief drove it away. When he looked at the broken' violin he did not cry loud — No ! yet I faw the big tears roll down, they fell up- on the ufelefs inftruraent— Then, look- ing up to Heaven he faid foftly, ' Now I am diftreffed indeed!' Sobs inter- rupted his words — I took his hand, and led him filently tov/ards our gate; I could not fpeaky and my poor one eye was fo filled that I could fcarcely fee my way; however I made fhift to tell him to call here in an hour, and I would give him another violin. He kiffed my hand, this THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 41 this which has loft two fingers ; he miffed them, and prefTed it to his affeBionate bofom — then, obfeiving my lame leg, he faid, " Have you been a foldier?' and when I anfwered * yes,' his giief was more viulent, and I could iuft hear him fay, * Oh! my father! had you lived, even /a mutilaUdy I fhould have been happy!'* ** Marco, I mufl fee this child. Be cheerful, my good fellow, I will pro- vide for your little friend. You know that you may rely on my word." ^* That I may, my Mafter: you love to do good, or you would not have taken fuch a poor cripple as I am into your fervice, half lame, and half blind; every body defpifed me but your dear felf. 42 RIGHT AND WRONGi OK, felf. No! }'0u did not think an boneit fellow was to be thrown away like rub- biHi, becaufe he had had the misfortune to lofc an eye, to have his leg fplintered, and two of his fingers fhot off, while he was fighting for his king and country. Heaven blcfs you fur ii! you thought the trunk was worth preferving, though a branch or two were a little blighted." *^ I did, my friend, and have not been deceived ; although your frame is a little fhattered by the chance of war, your heart \s perfcH, my faithful affiftant in deeds of benevo^ence, That wounded leg is flrong when I fend you to relieve diftrefs; that mutilated hand feeli no im^ pediment when it is extended to fuccour the unfortunate; and that one eye is iUu^ minated mih a double portion of pity's brilliant THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 43 brilliant gems when it beholds a fellow creature in affli8ion. O Marco! what fhould I do with fiich a thing as Lucen- tio fluttering about me? I wonder Di Rozezzi can keep fuch a vain puppy." ^* No doubt Signer di Rozezzi finds him vtty irfcful j he is an excellent fer- vant for a man of pleafure, as he is per- fe6lly acquainted v/ith the fecret hifto- ries, not only of the moft famous Bona- nobas, but alfo of the principal families in Naples, Then he boafts of being expert in carrying on private intrigues, and of having preferved many reputa- tions by his artful manner of delivering and receiving letters; and he brags of having frequently faved his mafter's life by attentively watching the motions of jealous rivals. Then he fays, that Sig- ner 44 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, nor di Rozezzi is looked up to as the model of fafhion, bec.aufe he leaves the whole management of his drefs to the infallible Lucentio, who would be ca- refled, and thought a treafure by every man of quality, fur the elegance of his tafte and the quicknefs of his invention; yes, Lucentio would be prized, and poor Marco be feen with difgujly fpurned away like ufelefs lumber by allhutyou Sign or." ** Your character of Lucentio is jii ft, but your opinion of the Great is too fe- vere : many of our Nobles poffefs excel- lent hearts, and if they k7iezo your worth, my honeft Marco, they would efteera you as /do." *' No, my Mafter, no — I have lived a great many years in the world; I have been THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 43 been in various parts of it ; fortune has thrown me among the great and the liitlc; and as in the fky I could never fee but one fun, fo upon the earth I can only fee one Signor Frederic Duva]vin; and if he were to difcard me I mufl: beg in the flreets/' " You are too partial, Marco ; you turn your blind eye to my faults, while the other magnifies the itw qualities which Heaven has beftowed upon me. •Go and fee if the little boy is at the gate^ if he is, bring him to me," 46 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, CHAP. V. The Young Mufician, MARCO foon returned, and intro- duced to Duvalvin a boy about ten years of age; his clothes were rather foiled, but genteelly made, his fkin and his linen were perfectly clean ; luxuriant ringlets of light auburn hair partially fhaded a beautiful and mofl interefting countenance, from which early misfor- tune fcemed to have banidied the gaiety of youth ; when prefented to Signor Duvalvin his deportment was humble but THE KINSMEN Of NAPLES. 47 but not eLnbarraffed ; the hand which afFedionately prefled his he modeftly touched with his hps; and hfting up his dark blue eyes, they expreffively folicited patronage, while timidity deprived him of words. The confiderate Frederic led his little guefl: to a table, and defired him to eat fome cakes and ices while he looked out Tome mufic. When the child had eaten a few of the lighted cakes and one glafs of ice, he returned thanks for his repaft in fo polite a manner that Duvalvin^ looking at him with aftonifhment, faid, ** My dear boy, to whom do you belong?'* ** Alas! Signor, to no one, — I am an unhappy^ 4^ RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, unhappy, deftitute orphan, and quite a flrangerin Naples.'* ** Sit down, my poor fellow, and tell me what has reduced you to a (late which, by your manners, mud be new to you. Place an implicit confidence in me, I will be your friend," The grateful boy again preifed Du- valvin's hand to his lips, whilft tears gliftened in his eyes, and it was fome time before his full heart would let him articulate.^ " Will you, Signor? will you indeed be xnyfriendy and fave me from difhrefs — from beggary? — I hope I fhall defervc your kindnefs — I am fure I (hall endea- vour to do fo. — I was born at M , my THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 45 my mother died three years ago; — - my father was a Colonel in the cavalry^ and gready efteemed by the Prince for his bravery. In the late attack mj father loft his life ; he repulfed the in- vaders with ardor, diud Jell covered with wounds — he faw not the enemy fpread- ing deflruQion over his native land — / did. Immediately on the death of my father, his only brother, who had always lived with us, fled with me from the approaching horrors of war. So pre- cipitately were we obliged to quit l/l that it was impoflible to lecure any part of his own or my father's pro- perty — to prcferve my life, and to place me far from hoftile terrors was his chief care; therefore, with only a purfeof pif- toles, a large packet of manufcript mu- fiC, and his unfortunate nephew, did my ' VOL. I.' D dear 5© RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, dear uncle proceed to Naples, where he was fure of finding friends who would patronize him, as his talents for com- pofing had made him regarded as one of the firft profeffors of mufic in Italy. — Perhaps, Signor, you may have heard of Enrico Arioni, the compofer." " His compofitions are well known in Naples, and highly efteemed. / have many of them, and admire them greatly j and diX^youhis nephew ?*' " I am indeed, Signop; he always lived with us. I was named Enrico after him, and to that dear uncle I am indebted for a fkill in mufic above mofl children of my age.*' ' Where THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. ^i '* Where is your uncle noz(;, thatjow are fo deftitute ?" " He is dead — were he alive I (hould not be de/iiiute."' '^ Pardon me, my dear boy; and if it will not diftrefs you too much, pro- ceed with your narrative.** '* It is a very melancholy one, Signor. My poor uncle was taken ill upon the road, and with difficulty reached Naples, where, taking the firft lodging he could find, he v/ent to bed, and before morn- ing he was delirious: I called up the miflrefs of the houfe, who fent for a doctor and a nurfe — I could only weep by the bed — on the tenth day he expired, without having had one interval of per- D 2 fe6t ^2 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, fe£l fenfe. — My forrow was inexpreffible —I feemed as cold and as inanimate as my dear uncle, whofe corpfe I never quitted until it was forced from me to be buried — meanly buried! — for our hoftefs told me that fhe had expended all the piftoles during my uncle*s illnefs, and was obliged to bury him partly at her owa charge ; fhe faid, alfo, that fhe jnuftput me into the Hofpital for dif- treffed Children if I could not earn my living, but that 1 was welcome to fleep in the lodging until it were kt, if I could find any way of getting food. This offer 1 thought was very kind, and I did not fear recommending myfelf to the notice of feme benevolent perfon if 1 took my violin, and played near the gar- dens of the elegant villas which I could fee from my window. Luckily my uncle THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. .53 uncle had purchafed a violin at a town through which we pafTed, or even that refource would have been denied me. To my great raortilication, little fucccfs attended my performance, which at- tracled only the domeHics and a few pallersby; they, however, were charit- ably inclined, and gave me enough to prcierve me from ftarving." *' Why did you not introduce yourfelf by name to fome of the No- bility?" *^ I could not take courage, Signor^ I flattered myfelf that Tome amateur would, by afl^ing me a few qucftions, fpare me the di (agreeable tafk o{ ohtmSr- ing my miferable tale upon flrangers. — - For three days I have been a fad wan- D 3 derer; ^4 FICHT AND wrong; Oh, derer j and when the cruel man broke my violin, and I found myfelf in a mo- ment rendered unable to procure even a morfel of bread, the famje blow feemed to break m.y heart. But this good man fnatched me from wretchednefs — he brought me to you, who will not let Enrico Arioni be a beggar in the ilreets/' " I will not, my dear child! What have you done with the manufcripts which you mentioned ?'* *' I have them fafe at home, Signor ; as I knew they were very valuable, I thought it better not to do any thing with them until I had found a difinter- efted friend to direO: me in the difpofal of THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 55 of thofe facred relics of my uncle's genius." '' You have proved yourfelf a faithful guardian of fuch a treafure; your dif- cretion in this point evinces an under- ftanding far above your years. Go, Marco, with Signor Arioni to a ware- houfe where he may be furnifhed with genteel mourning, and every article of apparel fuitable to his birth, then dif- charge his lodging, and bring away all that belongs to him. When you come back I will hear you play, Enrico— you will be more compo fed." *' May all the Saints in Heaven blefs you, my Mailer ! How happy you make poor Marco, who could do no more for D 4 him 56 RIGHT AND WRONG; OK, him than firing an old violin. Ah ! my dear little boy, your troubles are all over, for Signer Duvalvin is your friend, and he 7iever forfakes the unfortunate, — Come, my young Signor— Nay, nay, dry up your tears; why do you weep now?'' " Ah ! my good friend, when I was almoll ftarving I rejoiced that my be- loved and refpedable uncle did not fhare my wretchednefs — but now — now I lament that he cannot partake of my good fortune; this kind Signor regards vie on my uncle's account ; O then how much more would he have efleemed my dear uncle himfelf I who perhaps died for want of good advice '* " Aye/' faid Marco^ Ihaking his head, THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. ^; head, " I wifli that Signer Frederic had known the minute you arrived, then no- thing would 4iave been wanting; how- ever it cannot be helped now ; we muft not repine; — I hope he is happy! — We muft be thankful for the bleffings Heaven thinks fit to bellow upon us.'* " I am thankful indeed — my heart glows with gratitude to yoUy my Jirfl friend, and to this good Signor; my generous henefaElor ! — yet, I cannot help feeling the lofs of my father, and of my uncle, who was a fecond parent to me — both have been torn from me within two months. — Forgive me, Signor — I can- not help my tears. — My foul fupported excefs cf mifery with more fortitude than it can your liberality ; the voice of affeQion has awakened all my fenfibility D 5 — 1 fee5 ^8 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, — I feel my forrows — I feel my ohliga- tions to you, my noble patron, more, far more than I can express ^**^ ** Your fenfibility charms me, my beloved child; your tears need no apo- logy, they do you honor — reftrain them not, they will relieve your oppreflTed heart. The affliQions which you have fuffered came with dreadful rapidity ; your father's death, fudden and terrific; your flight, dangerous and fatiguing; your uncle's illnefs attended with cir- eumllances of horror ; and your own deftitute fituation at his death ; all con- fpired to petrify your heart. Friend- iliip has foftened it, and tears alone can relieve its fenfations= — Sit down^ and endeavour to rec6ver your fpirits. Before you go out, Marco, lay my things THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 59 things ready for me to drefs, then you need not be confined to time 5 and make our young friend drink a glafs of wine, and eat fome more cakes, or put fome in his pocket,"^ d6 6o i?rGHT AKD wrong; or? CHAP. VI. The Refufal, THE good Marco performed his matter's orders with exaftnefs and de- light in regard to Enrico, whom he en- deavoured to enliven by giving him Signor Duvalvin's chara6ler, with which he was enchanted; his young heart alfo experienced a great degree of pleafure at feeing the complete and genteel ward- robe that Marco provided for him, and he returned to his benefactor greatly improved both in drefs and fpirits. Duvalvin THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 6l Duvalvin feeing him cheerful, defired a fpecimen of his mufical talents: Enrico felefted a lefTon from the manufcripts, and (hewed fiich brilliant (kill in the performance that Duvalvin was aftonirti- ed, and, trying him in pieces which he had never feen before, the youth dif- played fomuch judgment, and fuch ex- traordinary abilities, that he exulted in the treafure he had found, for he knew that when Enrico was known he would be regarded as a prodigy in all the fafhionable circles. Frederic, whofe foul was harmony, wifhed his family to fhare in his entertainment, he therefore led the young mufician into the faloon, and prefented him to the Conte, Con- teffa, and Di Rozezzi, as the nephew of the celebrated Arioni ; the Contefla and Lorenzo fmilcd contemptuoufly, while 62 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, while the Conte, afTuming a haughty look, faid gravely, *' Frederic, you prefume too much; this houfe is mine, not yours, young man, and I will not have it made an hofpital for beggars. — What do you mean by fuch a proceeding?" ** He means, mio caro, to make his beggars our companions, you fee — What an infult this is, Duvalvin, to the Conte and myfelf ! That boy was beg- ging in the flreet this morning, and now you introduce him to us as a gueft — for fhame!'' " Send the boy away immediately, Frederic,*' faid Di Rozezzi, 'Vhis pre- fence offends my aunt. I wonder why vou THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 63 you brought him here fend him away." " Lorenzo, you do not know what you fay when you defire me to put away this youth — You, who are an ex- cellent mufician yourfelf, and an ad- mirer of genius, will not treat Enrico with coldnefs when you have heard him play. To you, Contelfa, I fhall make no apology. I introduce to your notice one who will grace your concerts— you will be proud of his talents ; and you, my uncle, have no reafon to be dif- pleafed, or to call me too prefurning, for feeking your patronage for this young ftranger, who will be received as atrea- fure in the firfl palazzas in Naples." '* Frederic, we are not to be impofed upon 64 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, upon — we already know his hiftory, and will not admit vagabonds into the caf- tella di Piiantini." " Your uncle is perfedly right — in- deed he always is fo — who knows but an itinerant fidler, although he be a child, may admit a banditti in the night to murder us? or^ even fuppofing he be honeft, do you imagine that I will have a poor wanderer feen to play at my con- certs, let his abilities be what they may, I am amazed that you could have fuch an idea — Bring a beggar among iVb- hilityr' *' Revolutions, ContefTa, have ren- dered Nobility beggars : a greater king- dom than this has been overturned, pride has been humbled to the duft ; this child, born THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 65 born to affluence, is driven from one part of Italy to another for protection ; we oi'^^ht to patronize him while it is in our power; ere long, perhaps, we our- felves may be compelled to feek for re- fuge in a foreign land.'' ** Heavenly powers defend us! how you talk, Frederic Duvalvin, the very thought'is treafon! You, with your low principles, are laying a foundation for a revolution, I believe — You make no diflinQions — you are a Democrat — a Leveller Indeed, mio caro, you are too good-natured — too eafy 1 am fhocked to death to hear him fay fuch horrid thin^^. — This perverfe Frederic abufes y nir indulgence, and defpifes your inflruclions; why does he not fol- low the noble example you fet him? but here, 66 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, herCj hercy in Lorenzo di Rozezzi, be- hold your true copy — Frederic Duval - vin is furely Tome changeling — ^he can- not be allied toyou,'* " I almoft think he is not — I am out of patience with him as well as you are, my Conteffa. Remember, Frederic, that you yourfclf are only a dependent on my bounty, and you ought not to impofe upon my generofity. I have been I'o indulgent as to let you keep one poor cripple in theCaftella, although he is a very unfit objeQ to be feen among the domeflics of a Nobleman, and your aunt is fo fhocked at the fight of the blind, lame creature, that (he is forced to turn awAy whenever he approaches her — yet, as I fay, I have indulged you in this ridiculous whim when certainly an THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 6/ an hofpital would be a much fitter place for fuch a figure; and now you have brought home a loathfome beggar boy, whom you picked out of the Ilreet, and nDpertinently bring him into my pre- fence. — Your eccentricities grow incx- cufable — You think, that I am proud, un- feeling, and cruel — 1 am neither', I only know how to fet a proper value on my- felf; — refleQ on the impropriety of your behaviour, and I know that you will be forry for it. — Send the child home di- reQly, and I will forgive your folly in having brought him here. — Frederic Duvalvin, if you expcQ that the Conte Pliantini is to behave like an aflPeftionate uncle to you, remember that you mad acl in every refpedl as becomes his ne- phew. Come, cara fpofa, we will take a turn 68 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, a turn in the garden — give us your com- pany, my dear Lorenzo.'* Di Rozezzi immediately gave the ContefTa his hand, and ihey followed the Conte into the garden, on which the faloon opened. Duvalvin was greatly furprifed and vexed at their haughty condu(fl ; he had depended on their hearing the child pby, and knew they all had judgment to appreciate his ge- nius, particularly Lorenzo, who he was fure would not have facrificed his tafte to pride : he imagined that the officious Lucentio mud have given an exaggerated account of the boy, which had fo cru- elly prejudiced them againft him, not- withRanding his very genteel and in- terefling appearance. The THE KINSMEN OB NAPLES. 69 The difappointed Duvalvin flill held Enrico's hand, and blufhed to think the fenfible boy fhould have met with a re- ception fo unworthy of himfelf, and fo difgraceful to thofe he had been intro- duced to. Enrico felt hurt a little upon his own account, but much more on that of his liberal minded patron, who was fo feverely reprimanded for hisgoodnefs to him— then did Enrico's grateful heart fwellalmoft to burfting — his tears would have flowed in abundance, but they were checked by indignation ; and while the Conte and Conteffa fpoke to his amiable benefador of their own dignity^ he fcorned them for their meannefs. When they were gone, while Duvalvin flood filently refle6ling on the abfurdity of their behaviour, the poor boy no longer refrained from weeping, Duvalvin heard his yO RIGHT AND WRONGj OR, his fobs, and felt his tears fall upon the hand which held Enrico's — He faid, ** Do not weep thus, my beloved Enrico, I will no^ forfake you.'* " Yes, dOi Signor, abandon me to my fate — be not embarrafl'ed about me — you have been too good — I will ever think of you with gratitude — but let me be JliU a wretched wanderer, rather — yes, rather than be an encumbrance to you '* *' How your fobs diflrefs me ! be not fo affli6led, dear Enrico — I will find a better home for you than this. I fhould have been happy to have kept you here, and I know that when my relations are acquainted with your talents^ they will fincerely THE KINSMEN OF NAPLFS. 7I fincerely repent of their miftaken pride — do not form a bad opinion of them — they have been biaffed by fome mif- reprefentations — if they had conde- fcended to have heard you, they would be fenfible of your merit, and eager to patronize you. — This evening I will in- troduce you where I hope you will meet a more agreeable reception.'* " I fhall be happy any where if I can fee you, Signor, very often. — Oh, my generous benefadlor ! my appear- ance will not now difgrace the apart- ments I am admitted into through your means — for you have clothed me. libe- rally.'' " Go, pratler, and fetch your mufic, and tell Marco to order my carriage im- mediately. RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, mediately, Stay, you are a ftranger, and will not find your way — I will go with you." THE KINSMEN OF NxYPLES, 73 CHAP. VII. True Liberality, IT was to the Pa]azza del Urbino that Duvalvin conveyed his young charge. The Marchefa was alone, and receiving them with a captivating fmile^. faid, ^- Now you are very good, Signor Duvalvin, this early vilit makes amends for my difappointment this morning." ** I ought indeed to apologize—" VOL. i. E -* An 74 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, *' An a6l of humanity needs no apo^ logy, my dear Frederic. — I hope, in imitation of the knights of old times, you are going to prefent that pretty boy to me, to be my page." *' I am, indeed, amiable Marchefa; heis a diftre{redorphan,a fugitive from , he is a ftranger in Naples; I have no houfe of my own, and am forbid to keep him in the Caftella di Pliantini; I came thus early on purpofe to folicit your protection for him. His father was flain in the de- fence of his country; my honeft Marco, compaflionating the friendlefs orphan, "whom he found wandering in the Hreet, brought him to me ; too foon I found that it was impoffible for me to afford him an afylum, without difpleafing thoje on whom I am a. dependant — You will fhelter THE KINSMEN OF NAPLKS. 75 fhelter the unfortunate child, for you have a liberal mind.*' " You compliment me highly, Signor Duvalvin — 1 have children of my own, therefore I mud feel for this dear boy, and take charge of him with pleafure. Welcome home, my child, the Marchefe del Urbino and myfelf will ever behave to you with parental afFe6lion/* Enrico upon his knee kiffed the Mar- chefa's hand; then turning haftily to Duvalvin, preffed his ardently to his bo» fom, but his happinefs and his gratitude were toogreat^ox words to exprefs; tears of delight trembled in the Marchefa's eye, whilft flie faid tenderly, '' My beloved boy, this proof of your E 2 fenfibility yS RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, fenfibility charms me; I find Signer Duvalvin has given me a treafure which I fhall value extremely. — You are no common child — your manners furprife me.*' *^ O excellent Marchefa ! you are truly liberal, and will, I hope, be re- warded by the condu8: of this boy, whom you fo nobly confent to patron- ize, knowing him as only the child of misfortune/* '* As fuch he has furely the greateji claim to my protedion. What is the name of my adopted?" " Enrico Arioni ; his father was aT Colonel in the Prince of — — *s cavalry, and his uncle was the compofcr Arioni~ he he is jufl dead, but I think he will live again to the world in his nephew, whofe dawning genius promifes a bright meri- dian; that packet contains the manu- fcript works of Signor Arioni; you (hall judge of their value, and of Enri- co's abilities, before your company ar- rives, if you can afford us To much tinre ' — the buftnefs of your toilet feems finifhed/' ** Jufl completed before you came, luckily^ for now I fhould think the time loft if I were obliged to give up a real entertainment for that frivolous employ- ment. It is yet early; before you play give m.e a fl^etch of your hiftory, my little Arioni.'* Enrico obeyed the Marchefa, to E 3 whom 76 RIGHT AND WRONGj OR, whom he gave a concife yet interefting account of his former happinefs and his fubfeqaent troubles, with which fhe was extremely affefcled. When he con- cluded, file exclaimed, '* O that excellent Marco! I fhall always behold him with pleafure ; my dear boy, you muft be ever grateful to that good man. The fervant is like the mafter, I find, he takes a delight in doing good,'* " Yes, my dear Marchefa, Marco has a moft excellent heart; the caflvet is damaged, but the gem which it contains IS unhlemiJJied'y poor fellow! it is a pity that he fliould be defpifed! yet there are too many in the world who cannot look THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. >] (^ look beyond the exterior, and in the eyes of thoJe,\i^ appears defpicable.'* " Both the Marchefe and / love to fludy characters, and we have found great entertainment in talking to your Marco and your coufin's Lucentio ; the plain fenfe, real worth, and humility of the former, are an excellent contrail to the afFedlation, frivolity, and pert vanity of the latter. But now for my promifed entertainment, or we Ihall be interrupted ; we will go into the concert room, where the inftruments are all ready. Come, my child, and favor me with a piece of your admired uncle's compofition : how fincerely do I regret that fo celebrated a genius is fo foori loR; to the world." E 4 Enrico 8o RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, Enricohad beentoo much accuftomed to play before Nobility to feel himfelf embarraffed, and performed with great tafte and execution; the Marc hefa was enchanted, and whifpered Duvalvin, •' Oh! you dear creature I what a prefent you have made me 1 This boy and his manufcripts are worth a duke- dom, and were I a Queen I would re- ward you with one. — A pleafant fcheme has juft entered into my head, which you, Frederic, muft ailift me to execute ; your family will be here this evening, and it will gratify me exceedingly to fur- prife them with an invifible concert. Behind that filk curtain is, you know, a faloon, where refrefliments are prepared; iherei concealed, Enrico fhall play a concerto, you will accompany him on the THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. Ht the bafs, and other fkilful amateurs whom I will choofe fhall aflTift. — After I have enjoyed the furprife and plea- fure of my guefts, the curtain (hall arife flowly, and difcover my little mu- lician, who I will introduce in a proper manner when the piece concludes. Enrico, if you fee among my vifitors the fool who broke your violin, take an opportunity to point him out fecretly to ■me, for I have a great notion he is fome puppy of fafhion, a pretender to tafte, whom I Ihall like to mortify. As the evening is beautiful, we will amufe ourfelves in the garden until the com- pany come — Were you to play there^ my little Orpheus, I fhould exped to fee my trees dance.'* E 5 82 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, CHAP. VIIL Recrimination, WHEN the expefted guefts were aflembled the concert began by a grand overture in the great room, which was fucceeded by a delightful concerto com- pofed by the late Signor Arioni, and performed by his nephew, behind the curtain, as had been propofed hy the Marchefa, who had taken her place by the Pliantinis and Di Rozezzi, in order to obferve their remarks, and fhe heard them with pleafure bellow the higheft encomiums THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 83 encomiums on the piece and the invifible performer. The Marchefa faid, *^ Your approbation charms me; I am extremely gratified by being enabled to give my friends fuch a mental feaft." " Negligent Frederic/* exclaimed Lorenzo, ^* where can he be?** *' Gone upon fome of his own ridicu- lous whims, I fuppofe ; perhaps to fee his beggar boy fafely lodged in the hof- pital. I wifh he were a little like other men of fafhion. O Marchefa ! are you not vexed to fee fuch a difference be- tween my two nephews?" ** I own that there is a great difference in their manners and difpofition; were E 6 they 84 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, they as much alike in thofe points as they are in their perfons and accomplifh- ments, fuch another perfeQ: pair could not, I am fure, be found in Italy — You and the Conte might indeed boait of your nephews; and you have no reafon to be diffatisfied now." ** Not with Lorenzo, certainly, for ^^is all that we can wifli him to be — he is not to be equalled.^' ** Nor is Signor Duvalvin; do you diink he is, my dear Conre ?" ** I hope noty Marchefa, by any one above the degree of a mule driver. — You muft bear of his behaviour to-day. Lorenzo will tell yoiu" " Another THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 85 ** Another Vitnt — the mu^ic now de- mands our attention — the curtain is drawing up ; let us go nearer to the fa- loon." As they approached, the Marchefa enjoyed the aftonifhment of the Plian- tinis and Lorenzo when they beheld the child whom they had defpifed playing a concerto, accompanied by Duvalvin and feveral nohle amateurs.^ — The youth, the beauty, and, above all, the brilliancy of his execution, rendered Enrico the won-y der and delight of the whole company, except thofe who felt their error in hav- ing fcorned him, particularly Di Ro- zezzi, whofe foul the fweetefh notes could not harmonize ; mortification and jealoufy fcowled on his lowering brow — he bit his lips — he ftruck his clenched hand RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, hand againft his forehead, and dared not encounter the penetrating eyes of the Marchefa. HTs aunt exclaimed, " O Lorenzo ! why didyou advife me to turn away that boy? noto he is out of my reach — how foohfh you were!'* ** Reproach me not — I told you the truth; your pj'ide revolted againft him, and I never contradict you — Frederic has made a fine (lory — be has prefented that boy to the Marchefa. He has gained her favor, while / am lau-ghed at for a taftelefs fool, an inhuman brute. Let us leave the room — we (hall be the de- rifion of the whole company.'* " Go, if you cannot command your temper — your aunt and I will fiay ; your ridiculous, THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. S/ ridiculous, violent behaviour is enough to make you the derijion of the con>pany. You have no difcretion, Lorenzo; a litde diffimulation will conceal our folly; we let ourfelves be too much biaffed by you, who take a pleafure in finding fault with your coufin Frederic ; now your ill-nature is defervedly punifhed." *• My dear Conte, do not encroach upon my privilege; Lorenzo has given me permiffion to correQ his errors. Do not let my happinefs create either regret or difpleafure. You. Conte and Con- tefTa, adted like prudent relations when you checked Duvalvin for introducing an improper objed, as you imagined, into your houfe. Uncles and aunts muft, like parentSy preferve their confe- quence, therefore you have no reafon to reflea 88 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, refle6l on yourfelves, or Lorenzo, who was eager to convince you how highly he regarded the dignity of his family. He will not fo haftily condemn for the future ; he comes here on purpofe to re- ceive lefTons, and muft take the fevere with ihegentle. Come, come, be cheer- ful, Di Rozezzi, your iajle is not in- jured in my opinion by this affair; had you heard Enrico play, you would not have defpifed him, I am fure. If you are dull and idle this evening, I fhall be ferioufly angry with you. My concert will not be perftB unlefs you take your ufual part in it. Let us fing my favorite duet, and enchant every body.** *' You can indeed enchant! Your voice has already harmonifed my foul— will THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 89 will you aflc Frederic to accompany us? /cannot — I have offended him.'* " Frederic loves you too well to be offended at trifles : I wifh that you could hear how handfomely, how affe6lion- ately he always fpeaks of you. Go and afk him ; your fhynefs will only confefs a confcioufnefs of having defignedly of- fended him; behave to him as ufual, and be fure to praife my little Orpheus, or / will be offended." Lorenzo obeyed the Marchefa, who had aQually talked him into a good hu- mour; and even the Conte and ContefTa Pliantini were fo pleafed with her be- haviour, that they were no longer dif- fatisfied with their owriy and, upon ma- ture 90 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, lure refle8ion, were delighted to fee hoih their nephews fo highly favored by the lovely Marchefa del Urbino, who now introduced Enrico to the company as the nep^^v of the celebrated Signer Arioni, and her adopted child. The engaging boy, careffed, praifed, and congratulated, received the compli- ments which were paid to him fo grace- fully, that he convinced the Marchefa and her guefts he had been brought up in an elegant and liberal manner, and had been accuflomed to be received in the politeft circles. Enrico difcovered among the Gentle- men the perfon who had demolifhed his violin, and told the Marchefa, as fhe had defired himj he was the Conte Caflino, proud, THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 9I proud, vain, and thoughtlefs, yet ex- tremely generous, and fond of encoa« raging the fine arts; he had paid paiti- calar attention to the mufic, and hadex- preffed his admiration of the pieces and performer to the Marchefa, who now led Enrico towards him, and faid, *' I think, my dear child, you mud be millaken, this Gentleman has iomiich tafte, that even if he had had a fit of the fpleen, thefe little fkilful fingers would have charmed it away.** *' He did not give himfelf time to liften, Marchefa; I know it was his hand that gave the blow for which I ought to be for ever grateful to him, as in that lucky moment the worthy Marco was paffing 92 RIGHT AND WRONGS OR, pafling by, to v/bom I owe the happinefs I now enjoy." The Marcbefa found thefe fpeeches v;ere not lofl: upon the Conte, by his embarraflTment, he coloured — would have left his place without fpeaking — and when fhe laid her hand upon his arm to prevent his retreat, he looked fo con- fufed that (he faw he was truly afhamed of his morning's tranfaQion, and laugh- ingly faid to him, " I came to reproach you, my dear Caflino, for letting fome evil fpirit have a momentary triumph over your tafte and humanity this morning, but I fee you condemn yourfelf, and will not add to the mortification you feel.*' '* I know THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 93 ** I know I a6led like a madman ; I had met widi fomething which vexed me almoft to diftratlion; ii -that will excufe me — I reflected, and was forry — but when I left the coffee-houfe with an intention to repair the damage I had done, I could not find the injured boy — I have now found him, but it is too late; I cannot convince him that I really meant to be generous — you, lovely Mar- chefa, are his patronefs, and he wants no other/* *^ Your apology, Conte, is a fufficient compenfation for your fault, and confers honor, not only on Enrico Arioni, but alfo on the Conte Caffino, who never appeared fo amiable in my eyes as he does dLtthis minute,'" ** You 94 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, " You are very flattering, dear Lady, to a poor penitent.— Your hand, young Signor, and forget you ever Jaw me till we met in the Palazza del Urbino." ** I fhall never think of the Conte CafTino without a wifli that my perform* ance may be honored with his approba- tion; and I fliall ever remember with gratitude his liberal intentions towards me, though the benevolence of the Marchefa del Urbino renders the exe- cution of them unneceffary.** ** My fweet boy, though you do not ftand in need of my patronage, you fhall always find a friend in CalTino, who will think his concerts enriched by your talents, if the Marchefa, who often graces THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 95 graces them with her prefence, will per- mit you to play at them." '* Genius is given for a public bene- fit, therefore I (hould be unjuft to the world if I confined Enrico's within my own walls; his is certainly extraordinary for his years, but, if not cultivated by flulful mafters, affifted by his own dili- gence, it will foon ceafe to be a wonder. I fliall endeavour to repair the lofTes he has fuftained, by the recent deaths of his father and uncle, to the extent of my power ; nothing (liall be wanting that will comfort his afFeclionate heart, and improve a mind fo capable of receiving inftru6lion ; the Marchefe will be our friend and advifer, and I trufl: that we fliall fee Enrico improve as rapidly the fecond gS RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, fecond ten years of his life as he has the firjl." When they were out of the Conte's hearing, the Marchefa faid to Enrico, " As the Conte Caflino has excufed himfelf in fo handfome a manner, it is but generous, my dear child, to conceal his error, even from Signor Duvalvin ; if it were to be mentioned it might oc- cafion a quarrel, for the Conte is too proud to bear reproof, and Duvalvin is a warm defender of the injured j there- fore never let him know it was Caflino who broke your violin/* • '* Be afTured, Marchefa, I will not tell my dear patron what perhaps would A litde prejudice him againft a Noblernan whofe THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. Q7 whofe behaviour to me juft now ought entirely to obliterate from my mind a thoughtlefs aQ;ion, which was no fooner committed than repented.** As it was very late before the concert ended, Lorenzo and Frederic went home with the Conte and ContefTa, who, fear- ing Duvalvin would refleO: on their con- dud in regard to Enrico, talked of vari- ous things, very oppofite to their even- ing's amufement, and, as he joined in the converfation with hisufual fenfe and fpirit, they all parted for the night in apparent good humour with each other. VOL. I, 98. RIGHT AND WRONG; ORj CHAP. IX. The Bona Roba, IN the morning Duvalvin fent Marco with the linen, and other neceflaries he had purchafed for Enrico, and the good man returned quite delighted with the kind behaviour of the Marchefa, who had converfed with him longer than ufual, and alfo at the grateful and af- fedlionate reception given him by En- rico, who imputed all hisprefent happi- nefs to the companionate Marco, and be was much better pleafed to fee the amiable boy under the prote6lion of the Marchefe THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. gg Marchefe and Marchefa del Urbino than, he would have been to fee him in a houfe where pride, caprice, and illi- berality predominated in the minds of almoft all its inmates ; nor was Duvalvin lefs fatisfied than Marco at feeing his little friend in fuch an advantageous fituation. Lorenzo afked Duvalvin, when the evening was far advanced, to accompany him to the Opera. They had not been long in the theatre before Lorenzo ex- claimed, *^ By Heaven ! there is the lovely Corinna PAbandoni quite alone in her box — come, Frederic, I will introduce you to her.'* I 2 '► You IGO RIGHT AND WRONG ^ OR, *' YoQ are extremely kindy Lorenzo, but I imagine any gentleman may intro- duce himfelf to that fair lady without much ceremony," " You arc miflaken; flie is remark- ably nice in the choice of her acquaint- ance ; money cannot purchafe her fa- vours, becaufe fhe is too rich to wsmt any addition to the immenfe fortune left her by an old merchant, to whom fhe was married very young: fince his death flie has devoted her life to pleafure, it is true, but has never loft her confequence in the opinion of even her difcarded ad- mirers, as they knew intereft could not bias her inclinations.'* " In my opinion, Lorenzo, an un happy creature whom poverty compels to accept THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 101 accept a trifle to buy her neceffary fufte- nance, is a far more worthy objeft than fliewho is induced by libertinifm alone to live in a continual fucceffion of criminal " When your eyes contemplate tlie tranfcendant beauty of Corinna, v/hen your ears are captivated by her match- lefs wit, you will think it facrilege to call any thing that (he does criminaL Come, you are unacquainted with the power of her charms; you mufl; be a convert to them — it is fcandaloufly ungallant to let her fit by herfelf — I heard her fpeak of you the other day in very flattering terms." *' So (lie will of a thoufand other young men.'* F 3 *< Will i02 RIGHT AND WRONG; OF, " Will you come, Frederic ? or are you afraid to truft yourfelf within the found of her voice.*' ** I will attend you, and be gallant — I will admire her beauty, be enraptured with her converfation be it ftupid or witty, and even condefcend to wear her chains while they fit eafy, for I fee they are not very hard to be thrown off, as you are now perf^d^ly free from them, or you would not be quite fo defirous of prefenting 77ie to her." *^ I do not comprehend what you mean. — I — I — '* *• You choofc to be rather dull juft at prefent, and dullnefs does not become you, Lorenzo.'' The THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. I03 The coufins proceeded arm in arm to Signoral'Abandoni's box — She received Duvalvin with fuch an appearance of modeft confufion, that he, defpifing her artificial behaviour, thought it deferved ridicule. He ftarted back, and faid, " I begpardOi'i; Signora, I fee that I am an intruder, my prefence isdifagree- able and embarraffing to you, who no doubt wifhed to fee Signor Di Rozezzi alone — I will take my leave." ** I am forry that my reception of Signor Duvalvin (hould be fo awkward as to require an explanation; if my looks and manners were fo inexpreffive, my tongue muft corre6l their errors, and fay that 1 am happy to fee him, and that the momentary embarraffment I felt was F 4 caiifed 104 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, caufed by the agreeable furprife o^Jeeing him unexpeBtdly. Signer Di Rozezzil imagine it is ioyou that I am indebted for this pleafure.'* " Why, in truth, Signora, my coufm Frederic is a very bafhful young man, and v/ould not have taken the liberty to have entered your box without being introduced. — I have juRrecoUeBed that I made an appointment with the Conte Caffino this morning; I mud meet him immediately — Duvalvin will think him- felf honoured by being your proteBor, as it will be impoffible for me to return before the Opera will be over,,'* Di Rozezzi took his leave; and what- ever might be Duvalvin's inclination, common politenefs obliged him to fiay with THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. I05 with Signoral'Abandoni, who entertained him with a conveiTation fo fpirited and interefting that he found his fuiiation extremely pleafant, and fupported his part oF the dialogue with eafe and vi- vacity, until his fair companion com- plained of a fudden indifpofition — in a faint voice fhe entreated him to condu8: her to her carriage. Duval vin obeyed without giving any great credit to the reality of her diforder, yet, as fhe was apparently too ill to be left alone, he ftepped into the carriage without the lead hefitalion. She grew worfe from the motion, although they went as llowly aspoffible. She reclined' her head upon the bofom of Duva'.vin, while his arm fuftained her lan'-ruid o frame — She feemed in pain, and fighed f 5 deeply to6 -RIGHT AND WRONG; OF, deeply — The gentle, compafTionate Fre- deric was not prepared for this powerful attack on hisfenfibility — his expreffions were foothing and tender, nor was it poffibje for him to refifl; the temptation of prefling his lips upon the beautiful face which refted fo languidly on his bread; and he had not the lead reafon to imagine that the Signora was offended with him for taking fuch a liberty. The elegant villa of Signora l*Aban- doni was at a fliort diftance from the city, and her extenfive gardens and pleafure grounds gradually defcended to the fea from the elevated fituation of the villa, which commanded a grand and variegated profpe6i:, flill partially vifible from the brilliancy of the night. When the carriage Hopped at the gate, as the lovely THE KINSMEN- OF NAPLES. lOJ iovely invalid continued too weak to fupport herfelf, Duvalvin carried her carefully to her dreiling rooip, where fhe funk fiom his arm on a fuperb fofa. She complained of being extremely faint — her female attendants were imme- diately fummoned, and when they ap- peared, fhe thanked Duvalvin for his polite attention to her, and defired that he would let her carriage convey him back to the Opera-houfe, or to where- ever elfe he might wifli to go. As it was very late, he accepted her offer, and now, for the firfl: time, ima- gined that her indifpofition was not feigned — After expt effing great uneafi- nefs at leaving her fo ill, he entreated the permiffion of enquiring after her health the next morning- She bowed her F 6 thankful 108 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, thankful acquiefcence to his kind re- queft, and with a languid yet bewitching fmile, gave him her hand, which he killed with tendernefi;, and wiflied her a good repofe. He threw himfelf into the carriage, and ordered itto the Caftella di Pliantini, and during the whole way thought only of Corinna; for although he v/a^ per- fedly acquainted with her charaQer, he was not proof againft her attractions — he fufpeded the fnare that fhe had fpread for his heart — her vivacity — her diforder — and the tender privileges which it Teemed to authorife — and her hafty and ceremonious difmiffal of him, were ap- parently the aflPeded arts of a coquette; yet he refolved to vifit her the next day, and felt rather an anxious curiofity con- cerning THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 109 cerning the reception he fhoald meet with from her, which he endeavoured to fhake oflF, for he fcorned to be the flave of any woman, and particularly of one fo liberal of her favours as Corinna I'Abandoni. 1 'O RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR;, CHAP. X. The Temple of Venus, ABOUT tbe time that fine ladies are generally vifible, Davalvin was at tbe villa of Signora I'Abandoni: when he told bis name, a fei vant condadled bim through a labyrinth of the mod aro- matic ftirubs, to a beautiful building furrounded by rofes and myrtles ; it was ixi the form of a temple, the cupola fup- poned by pillars, on the top ftood Cu- pid, a golden arrow juft ready to fly from his bow; over the portico was en- graved on a fcrcll, ' The Temple of Venus.' THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. IH Venus.* Duvalvin fmiled. — As the day was very warm, the windows were all open, but curtains of crimfon tafFety en- tirely concealed the interior of this facred place. When he entered, the luxuriant beauties that furrounded him Teemed to announce it the real abode of the amor- ous goddefs ; piQures, flatues, the em- broidered tapeftry under his feet, the painted roof, all correfponded with the place they adorned. In a moment a curtain fprung up, and difcovered a re- cefs lined with mirrors ; — here, on a fofa of crimfon fatin, covered with fine muf- lin richly ornamented with lace, lay the enchanting reprefentative of the Cyprian Queen : her head was fupported by feveral pillows, trimmed alfo with lace; a loofe robe lightly fhaded the delicate form around which it was wrapped, and a garland ri2 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, a garland of rofes intermixed with blof- fomed myrtle, entwined the auburn ringlets that fell in profufion on the fair- eft neck nature ever formed — the tranf- parent robe was conhnedjull below the fhoulders by bracelets of pearl — Duvalvin was left to contemplate this beautiful profped without reftraint — the melody of the birds and the fall of a cafcade had lulled her to repofe ; a blue fatin flipper had fallen off her foot that hung down, and a book had dropped from her hand — he took it up — it was Ovid — he gazed filently on the fleeping beauty, to whom the xrimfon curtains gave an artificial blufh that heightened her charms. He knew the manner of his reception was defigned, and imagined the flumber was only pretended. — Du- valvin THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. I I3 valvin defpifed art, but when it was made ufe of by a lovely woman to ren- der herfelf dill more enchanting in his eyes, he found it had the defired efFe6l — love and admiration filled his foul; — bending on one knee, he ardently preffed her hand to his lips — fhe opened her eyes, and affeded a furprife ;, then, re- colIeQing herfelf, fmiling faid, " Signor Duvalvin, you are welcome — I expeQed you earlier — and, not hav- ing flept well lad night, encouraged a gentle fluraber to pafs away the time.*' *' You have chofen a moil enchanting retreat, where every thing confpires to charm the fenfes — I never was in fuch a delicious place — I never until 7iozv be- held a living Venus. 1 feem tranfported to 114 RIGHT AND V.'RONG ; OR, to Lhe iove-breathing ifle of Cyprus, and paying my adorations to ihe real god- defs.^ " O ! how flattered I am to find that my temple has fuch a delightful efFeQ on you ! It is, to be fare, a charming place.. and contains the mofi: elegant and con- venient baths you ever faw, perhaps ; I will fhew them to you prefently. I am aQiamed to think of the trouble which I gave you lafl; night — can you forgive me? 1 believe you have forgotten that I was fo ill — I have heard no enquiries concerning my health from Signor Du- valvin/* '^ You muft pardon me if, intoxicated with the odours and the beauties that furrounded me, and above all, the en- chanting THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 113 chanting (ituation in which I found you, I forgot the pa[l and could only be fen- fible of the tranfporting prefent, that gave you to my eyes in all the glowing charms of heakh and beauty." ** Come, thou engaging flatterer, and lit down by me — flay — put on my flipper firft Oh! Heavens! how very lazy 1 am! The breeze is rather too much for me — ^jufl touch that fpring, and then fit down and read to mc, mio caro Du- valvin !" The enamoured Frederic took the Ovid — touched the fpring as he was de- fired, and down dropped the curtain that concealed the recefs. l6 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, CHAP. XI. The impertinent Advijei\ AS Duvalvin had no particular en- gagement for the evening, he promifed to attend a converzatione which the fair Corinna was to have at her villa, and only left her to change his drefs, allur- ing her he would return by fun-fet to walk in the gardens and groves, which he could then examine with pleafure. He had not been long at home before Lucentio begged to have the honor of fpeaking with him in private ; Duvalvin admitted THE KIMSMEN OF NAPLES. II7 admitted him ; he entered with an af- feQed air, and faid, " Pardon the liberty I am going to take, Signor, but you want a little ad- vice, and I am able to give you fomeof the beft : you have juft entered into a very dangerous intrigue, Signor, and you ought to have a faithful friend about you whofe perfe6l knowledge of fuch affairs enables him to warn you of the dangers that attend them-" *' Do not give yourfelf any uneafi- nefs about me, Lucentio, I will endea- vour to take care of myfelf.'' ** Ah ! Signor, you do not know the perils which attend the lovers of Signora l*Abandoni — while one is happy, many are Il8 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, are watching round her villa to take away the life of the favoured rival — he ought to have an Argus continually looking about to guard him from attacks. — Oh ! how often have I preferved Signor Di Rozezzi! I wifh he had refigned her to fome other Noble, and not to you — for now, by Santa Maria ! I cannot help having the fame fears for you, without being at leifure to take care of you — « unlefs you will afk my mafter to lend me to you juft during your vifits to the Signora; for what is Marco, poor crea- ture!'- " A brave and honell man, Lu- centio — " '« Very true, Signor, he fnay be fo, but will he fly from one Palazza to an- other. THE KIMSMEN OF NAPLES. IIQ oiher, drink wine and game with the valets, and win by his arc not only their money, but all their mailers' fecrets ? — then — ha — ha — ha! — excufe me, Si^- nor, but I muft laugh — will he, while you are engaged with the lady, make love to her favourite woman, and find out all your rivals ? — no, no, Lucentio is your only man for thofe things, and if Signor Di Rozezzi will but give me leave, I will ferve you both moft punclu- ally." " I thank you, Lucentio, for your good intention, but it will take up too much of your tinnie to attend both my coufin and me; one of us mufl be negleded, therefore leave me to my fate ; I have a ftrong arm and a trufty fword 120 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, fword to proteft me from aflaffins, if I fhould ever meet with any." '* Strong arm! trufly fword! Ah! Signor, of what nfe are they when a hired villain comes behind you, and burying his ftiletto in your back, leaves you to die upon the fpot, or drags you to fome unfrequented place, where your corpfe may liefer months unfeen — nay, perhaps, forever!" " I believe, Lucentio, that you are an excellent moral chara8er, and want to intimidate me from affairs of gal- lantry, left they may bring me to an un- timely end.*' *' O no, Signor ! fome amours may be carried THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 121 carried on fafely enough; but the fa- mous Corinna I'Abandoni has caufed the de(lru6lion of more young noblemen than all the bona robas in Naples. This /know for a certainty. Ah ! Sig- nor, I can tell you many ftrange things, I know more than you think I do ; aye, and more than Signora I'Abandoni thinks I do. — I lived with her, you know, Signor — yes, and I took her fancy- mightily — I was a very great favourite — the Signora was amazingly liberal to me till unfortunately a certain Prince beheld the favoured Lucentio with jealous cytsi a rival, in the houfe too, was alarming — the lovely Corinna, to preferve my life from his fury, was obliged to part with me, very much againft her will I afliire you; for I may fay, without vanity, that nature had beftowed far VOL. I. Q more 122 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, more perronal graces on the domeftic than fhe had on the Prince: yet, ahho* it was thought dangerous to exafperate royalty, I have been fo fuperlatively happy as to preferve her favour and her confidence; yes, Signor, and the favour and confidence of many ladies of fafhion in Naples who are young, beautiful, and virtuous alfo, in appearance ; but they know that Lucentio may be confided in, they know that he will no more betray their fecrets than their Father ConfelTor. Well, Signor, I will leave you to con- lider what 1 have faid, and when Signor Di Rozezzi is dreffed I will do myfelf the honor of waiting on you again, to know the refult of your deep refledions, in confequence, no doubt, of the excel- lent advice I have had the felicity of giving you. Think of my experience, of THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 123 of my talents ; you cannot do without me, Signor, and I fhall be happy to ob- tain the title of your confidant.'* Lucentio bowed profoundly, fixing his eyes on a mirror which reflefted his own figure ; a figure in his opinion far fuperior to Duvalvin's ; then, perceiv- ing that he was not noticed, fmiled con- temptuoufly^ and quitted the apartment. The (hutting of the door roufed Du- valvin from a difagreeable reverie ; he had not attended to the latter part of Lucentio^s long fpeech; he thought only of I'Abandoni. He had been enchanted by her beauty, and elated by her ca- refles; he had anticipated the pieafure that he fiiould enjoy while wandering about the Paradife which had juft pre- G 2 fented 124 RIGHT AND \VRONG; OR, fented itfelf to his view, accompanied by the lovely owner, vvhofe chara6ter was forgotten until Lucentio faid Lo- renzo had refigned her, and boafted that he himfelf had obtained favours from her; then the gay fcenes of blifs vaniJJicd from the eyes of Duvalvin; l*Aban- doni's fafcinating charms had loft their power, and his fenfes were reftored. No longer a dupe to her well-feigned love, he refolved to break his appoint- ment for the evening ; when Lucentio left him he arofe haftily> and faid to himfelf, " No, no, I will not break my ap- pointment ; why fhould I not make an amufement of this affair ? I do not fe- duce innocence ; I injure no hufband ; nor fhall I impair my uncle's fortune by this THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 12^ this connexion; 1' Abandon! is above all pecuniary reward ; furely I may drink from the cup of pleafure without being intoxicated. I will think of her as fhe really is, a lovely but inconftant woman : I will vifit her while my vifits are agreeable to us both, and be her ad^ viireVj not her captive."' " That puppy Lucentio! C^7iitbe! no, it is impojfihle ! His egregious vanity has fuggefted the infamous falfehood- — I will not, I cannot think that^^e would (loop fo low Yet — well, well, it is no matter — The fellow's officious im- pertinence has refiored me to reafon as much as the moft fenfible arguments which prudence could diclate, and has impreffed the character of I'Abandoni fo firmly upon my mind, that her moft G 3 artful 126 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, artful blandifliments can never obliterate it." Frederic Duval vin, once more per- feclly himfelf, now rung for Marco to drefs him, and prepared for his vifit to Signora I'Abandoni, with the fame in- difference that he would have done for the Opera. THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES, 12/ CHAP. XIL A Converzalione, ALTHOUGH Duvalvin was accuf- tomed to behold elegant gardens and fublime profpedls, he thought that art never difplayed more elegance, or na- ture more fublimity in any part of Na- ples than they did around the fuperh villa of Signora l^Abandoni, who had exerted her fine tafle to give beauty and variety to every part of itsextenlive en~ virons. G 4 As 128 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, As they wandered through the fra- grant groveSj fometimes the bay, glitter- ing with the refleded rays of the fetting fun, dazzled their eyes as they wifhed to obferve the ftately veffels which glided fwiftly through the brilliant waves. Sometimes a majeflic rain terminated the vifla, and invited them to take a nearer view of the venerable remains of former days. Here, fields of ripening corn pro- mifed a golden harveft ; there, a fnow- white flock cropped the verdant herbage, while the fhepherd, featcd on a flowery bank, played upon his oboe wild, de- licrhtful ftrains. to' Vefuvius, awfully grand, gave majefli(j beauty THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. I29 beauty to the fcene without menacing deftru6lion to all around it, while the bright rofeate clouds fwept gently over the now harmlefs fummit. Duvalvin was enraptured ! The earth, the fea, the fky, were adorned with their gayeft charms, and one of the lovelieft women nature ever formed hung fondly on his arm, and entertained him by a converfation fo new, fo varied, fo re- plete with wit, tafte, and judgment, that he dreaded the approaching moment when a crowd of rivals would interrupt his happinefs. At their return to the houfe (he led him through a fplendid fuit of apartments brilliantly illuminated, in which tables were prepared for all the falhionable Gs games; 130 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, games; and then, taking him into a fmall room at the end of the corridor, flie faid, ** Now, my dear Duvalvin, you muft flay here till the rooms are nearly full, then mix with the company as if you were juft come in, when our behaviour muft be polite and diftant ; if you were known to be a favoured lover, your iituation would be dangerous, as your rivals are numerous and powerful ; fome of them I muft appear to encourage, therefore do not let jealoufy expofe you to danger while lam endeavouring ..to Ihelter you from it by coquetting with men who are my averfion. — If you think it is impoiTible to condutt yourlelf with indifference, do not ftay 5 we will never meet but in private.'* <' My THE ICINSMEN OF NAPLES, i3t " My lovely Corinna, I have lived long enough in the fafhionable world to know the charaBers in it ; therefore be perfeftly eafy upon my account; I fhall fee your coquetry in its true light, and not expofe myfelf by ridiculous jealoufy to the ftiletlos or fv/ords of my rivals i nor would I ever fee you in private, captivating as you are, if I thought thofe interviews would make me forget what is due to myfelf in public; hitherto I have been mafter of my paffions, and even the enchanting Corinna VAbandoni muft not make me their flave." ** O proud philofopher I do not defpife my power, left I fhould be tempted to exert it, and humble you, haughty Frederic Duvalvin, who have the temerity to defy me, when prince?, G 6 forgetful 132 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, forgetful of their royalty, bend fubmif- fively to kifs my hand, and wifdom af- fumes the air of levity to court my fmile. You know me not, Duvalvin — noblevS — fcholars — warriors, are my captives — my voluntary captives ; they wifh not for liberty — no, they dread it — fo do you — Ah ! mio caro! fhall I fet you free ? No, I will not punifh your afFe6led pride fo feverely. — Adio — there are books and pi8ures to entertain you until it be time for you to appear. — I leave you with re- luctance, mio caro Frederic, but I muft receive my guefts," vShe held out her hand — ^-Duvalvin kiffed it politely, not with rapture : Corinna was difappointed — fhe frowned; then, affuming a cold, contemptuous look, made him a formal curtfey, and left THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. to3 left the room, not a little piqued at his indifference. " Miflaken woman!** faid Duvalvin to himfelf, ** it is not an exterior alone that can enflave me — Oh ! were your mind as pure as your form is lovely, I fhould glory in being your captive — I fhould love you — now I can only admire your perfonal charms, which, perfe6i as they appear at the firft tranfient glancey have loft all their brighteft luftre ; — re- fplendent virtue, humble modefty, per- feQ love, have long been banifhed from thy fair bofom; and alluring vice, un- blufhing vanity, artful coquetry, ufurp their place, as baneful weeds will fpring where once the faireft flowers have bloomed — O did thofe eyes beam love on me alone! did that foft, white hand prefs 134 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, prefs only mine, I then might be thy /lave, Corinna ; but as I only Jhare thy carefTes; as I only make one amidft thy train of equally favoured admirers — /muft he/ree, and will calmly behold my va- rious rivals,** Thus Duvalvin triumphed in Tolilo- quy, and defied the power of I'Aban- doni, whofe villa he would have quitted immediately if curiofity to fee what fort of company attended her converzatione had not detained him. He examined the pi6lures which orna- mented th« elegant Boudoir ; they all expreffed the power of beauty and love. The books alfo were calculated to infpire the fofteft ideas, and fo were fome fon- nets which lay upon the piano forte ; he THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 1 35 he found that the fair enchantrefs would not fufFer any thing likely to counteradt her charms to appear in or about her abode, but was rather anxious to call in auxiliaries to them. Duvalvin was not long obhged to re- main in folitude, the rooms were foon full enough for him to join the guefts, among whom he was at firft greatly fur- prifed to fee many ladies of fafhion and charaQer, until he recolleded that Sig- nora I'Abandoni's immenfe fortune and high ftyle of living made her private condud not too clofely inveftigated by thofe who were not very rigid, and he found in the courfe of the evening that there were many who chofe to keep up appearances in their own houfes, and gailv 136 RIGHT AND WRONG; GR, gaily throw off all reftraintin this temple of licentious pleafure. The gentlemen were moflly of the higheft order of nobility, and the faith- ful votaries of beauty and love. The gamingtables remained unoccupied, the rooms were nearly deferted, while the company, tempted by the warmth of the night and the luftre of tli^ moon, wan- dered in pairs about the garden, where many a fragrant bower invited them to reft awhile beneath their luxuriant^ foliage. Frederic Duval vin could not find amufement any where; he was not in a humour to converfe, therefore he af- fiduoufly avoided thofe with whom he were THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. '37 were acquainted. Lorenzo he wifiied for, but Lorenzo was otherways engaged; with ih&few who fat down to play he did not choofe to affociate, as he knew them to be profe (Ted gamefters. Corinna had been continually fur- rounded by a crowd : within a few mi- nutes he obferved it to difperfe, and leave the Duke of V to the full enjoyment of her converfation, with which he appeared to be enchanted. This nobleman was neither young nor handfome, but he was a great favourite at Court, and held an exalted flation in the army ; the charms of l*Abandoni made him wifli to entwine the myr- tle with his laurels, and he flattered her that he would reward her indul- gence to him by foliciting the King to 138 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, to grant her letters of nobility ; and TAbandoni was willing to purchafe a title at any rate. Duvalvin, who faw her converfing with the Duke without hearing the pur- port of their difcourfe, beheld rapture fparkle in her eyes, and the moft cap- tivating fmiles play around her lips ; he beheld her give her hand to the Duke, who kiffed it ardently, and led her out of the room. This was too much for one who had only prepared himfelf to witnefs a gene- ral coquetry ; he fat for fome time in gloomy difcontent, refleQing on her be- haviour to himfelf and the Duke — then ftarting up, went into the garden, and taking the,-tnoft retired walk, arrived at the THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 139 the Temple of Venus, without being fenfible whither he was going. He found this enchanting place fuperbly il- luminated : v/eary, and out of humour, he threw himfelf upon a fofa, and ru- minated on the difference between his morning reception and his evening en- tertainment, when, to his great fur- prife, the curtain before the recefs flew up, and the Duke led I'Abandoni from it. Duvalvin arofe haflily, and darting a look of contempt at the fickle beauty, quitted the temple. He hurried back to the houfe, and called for his carriage — it was not ar- rived — he would not wait for it ; he walked on infenfible of the calm beauty of the night; he was difpleafed with I'Abandoni, 140 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, l*Abandoni, yet far more fo with himfelf for letting the condaft o{ fuch a woman ruffle him, and pettiflily exclaimed^ *' What a fool I am to feel vexed and disappointed at the inconjlancy o^ Coxmudi I'Abandoni! yet I flattered myfelf that I might pofTefs her love for a few xveek^ at leaft, but {ii^ can change in a few hou7'S — deceitful woman! It is a pity that fuch an angel in appearance fliould have a mind fo corrupted by vice! I will never Yes, I will fee her once more, and let her fee how I defpife her con- du6l — I fhould have ftaid, and convinced her of my indifference by attaching myfelf for the evening to fome pretty woman; that would have mortified her a little, perhaps, and I fhould have evinced fome THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 141 fome fpirit — My abrupt departure was ridiculous ! I have a6led like an idiot — " i^2 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, CHAP. XIII. The Cottage. THE accents of diftrefs roufed Du- valvin a young girl was running to* wards him in an agony of trouble — he flopped her, and aiked, " What is the caufe of your affli6lion, my poor girl?*' ^ *^ Oh Signor! my mother — my dear mother is dying, I fear — and I cannot get any thing to fave her — I ran to the do6lor — but he will not come with me, be THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 143 he fays, at this time of the night — nor will he give me any medicine for her, becaufe I have not any money — Oh! my mother! muft I fee you die for want of help!*' ** Where is your mother ; my dutiful girl ? I will affift her — I will give you money — where is your mother? Let us fly to her relief — '* ** May Heaven blefs, you, Signer! may Heaven for ever blefs you I Here, jufl by, is our cottage — come, come and reftore my mother to me, and I will re- gard you as an angel — " The poor girl caught his hand ; her own was cold and trembling; flie led hin\ down a little lane,. and foon flopped at 144 RIGHT AND wrong; OR, at a fmall garden — fhe opened a low gate — they pafled along a flowery path, and entered the humble cot — neatnefs and gentility made it appear the abode of thofe who had feen better days; the girl faid fofdy, " Stay here, Signor, my mother is lying down in the next room — I will fet how Ihe is — and then, if you will be fo generous as to give me fome money, I will buy a little wine, or whatever you think is bell for her — " Duvalvin had juft quitted the fplendid fcenes of vice and elegance, and feemed now arrived at the humble retirement of virtue and fimplicity ; as he looked through the window, fhaded by the fra- grant jeffamine, he was delighted at the wild THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 1^5 wild beauty of the little fpot it opened upon ; a clear rivulet meandered among a profufion of flowers, and gaily re- flecting the moon-beams on its rimpled furface, invited the eye to follow its glit- tering courfe. Duvalvin fighed as it filently crept along, to think that the refrefhing fl;ream, the aromatic gales which gently fwept around the cot, and the perfedl cleanli- nefs that reigned within it, fhould not be able to banifli difeafe from the owner, when a faint voice faid, '* I am afiiamed, Signor, that the in- advertency of my affedionate child fhould detain you — I beg pardon— but — I cannot intrude on the bounty of a ilranger — I am very much indifpofed at VOL. I. H prefeBt t^6 RIGHT AND WRONG; OK, prefent — and fhe was alarmed by my growing faint — 1 hope in a day or two I fhall be better." The gentle Frederic beheld a delicate woman leaning upon the fhoulder of the little girl — he took her hand, and lead- ing her to a feat faid, ** Do not call me dLjlranger, my dear Signora — I have taken the liberty of in- troducing myfelf as 3. friend — my name is Duvalvin, I am nephew to the Contc Pliantini — your child has artlefsly de- clared that a temporary diftrefs renders her unable to get the neceflaries you at prefent (land in need of — do not refufe the afliftance that I am able and willing to give you ; you feem to want refrefh- ment — *' ** I do THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 1^7 " I do indeed — but bow can I trefpafs on your goodnefs?'* ** You will confer an obligation on me — it grows late — tbe houfes will be fliut up — tell that anxious child what fhe (hall get for you ; furei v you will en- deavour to live for her fake — what would fhe do without a mother ?'* " What indeed, poor orphan! Yes, benevolent Signor, I will accept your bounty My child fliall get me a flafk of wine, and fome bread.*' *• And fliall I not fetch the doflor, my dear mother?'* *' No, my love; it h fujlenancc, noi medicines which I require." II 2 " For 148 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, ** For Heaven's fake, have fomething more nourijhmg than bread. Dear Sig- nora, I conjure you to take this purfe, and have every thing which is neceflary for a fick appetite — make no fcruple, but depend upon my future friendfhip, and allow me to flay with you until the child comes back.'* *« Do, kind Signor, pray ftay with my poor mother — then if (he fhould faint again you will not let her fall — I will make hafte back. — My dear mother, per- mit me to buy you a few eggs — we have lived only upon falad, fruit, bread, and water, iince the cruel man took our poor hens from us.'*^ *^ Well, my Paulina, you may take jour little bafket, and buy eggs, a loaf, and THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. I49 and fome wine — there is a ducat. Signor, you never performed a greater act of charity — I was finking under my diftrcffes, and^'oz^ v;i.il prcferve me for my child.'* " Then I fliall for ever blefs the hicky moment in which I met the af- fliQed Paulina.— Sweet child', her filial diftrefs was too interefting to be pafTed unnoticed.'* *« Poor Paulina ! When fhe faw me a little recovered from my fainting, fhe flew away to fetch the do6lor, but the innocent child forgot that money was neceffary. — Your kindnefs, Signor, has fo much revived my drooping fpirits, that I can tell you what has caufed the deplorable (late m which you have found me: H 3 " My 1^0 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, ^' My hufband was Captain of a mer- chantman, and unfortunately funk with his vefTel in a great ftorm, about five years ago — I then refided at Pozzuoli; but having a mother who was very dear to me living in this folitary cottage, I left Pozzuoli, and came to her with my only child, the little Paulina; and as I did not choofe to be the lead incumbrance to my mother, who had but a fmall pen- lion, I maintained myfelf and child by making artificial flowers, drawing, and painting, in which I foonmade my child capable of atTiRing me. — After a long illnefs, my mother died about two years ago; her penfion ceafed with her life, and I found myfelf rather involved by her illnefs and funeral, as, during my clofe attendance on her, I could not fol- low my little occupation fo aiTiduoufly as to THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. l^i to make it a maintenance — my child too had a fevere fever, which plunged me ftill deeper in diflrefs — I ftruggled how- ever to extricate myfelf ^from my em- barrafTments, and worked almofl: night and day io pay ofF the debts I was obliged to central ; and I could have done fo in a litde time, but unfortu- nately a rigid fteward w^as impatient for the rent, and to preferve this beloved retreat I was obliged to give him not only all the money I had, but alfo my fmall ftock of poultry — fince when I- have worked hard to finifli fome draw- ings and flowers; but alas! by living entirely upon vegetables and water^ I grew too ill to carry them to the town in ord r to difpofe of them, and my child has never gone fo far by herfelf — " H 4 " And 15« RIGHT AND WRONG; OF, ** And to whom, Signora, belongs that cruel fleward ? Unfeeling wretch, to take your poultry!'* " He is the land fteward to Signora TAbandoni, who leaves the entire ma- nagement of her eftate to him — the ground is hers, but the cottage was built by my father when he retired from the fatigues of a military profeffion; he was in the King's troops. Here I fpent my youth — here 1 wifh alfo, if polfible, to fpend my age.** *^ Itis— ity7z^// be poflible — you.fhall have friends — your induftry (hall be re- warded — and your future days fhall be made eafy and cheerful — '* Paulina now entered with her little baflcet THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 153 bafl^et well filled, and pleafure fmiling in her expreffive face — (he went affec- tionately to her mother, and faid, *' I have made hade — How have you been, my beloved mother? Better I hope. You look better — O! this good Signor! I am fure we will pray for him — perhaps he has not Tupped, and will eat an egg with us — do afk him — has not his own money paid for them ? I have bought enough — and two flafks of wine. Arc you angry, my mother !'* <* No, my dear child. You hear my Paulina's requeft, Signor — will you ho- nor us fofar?" ** If I can enliven you, I will flay; but I rather fear, as you are not well, that I H 5 fhall J54 riGlHT and wrokg ; or ihall incommode you ; fpeak freely, my dear Signora, do not let me be an in- truder." ** Generous Signor, my illnefs was occafioned by trouble ; you have kindly removed thai trouble, and my health and fpirits will return. You have fnatched this dear child and myfelf from poverty, and my grateful heart will be relieved by cxpreflfing its thanks to our benefactor.'' ^* What I have done is nothing — that purfe I put into my pocket with the thought of lofingthe contents perhaps at play — luckily I did not fit down to any game, and it \s yours. In the firft cafe it would have purchafed a flight amufe- ment — now it has procured me happinefs, bv affording you and this dear child a THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. i T/- little affi (lance. Did you apply to Sig- nora TAbandoni when her fteward was fo rigid?" *'- I did, Slgnor, but was not admitted to her prefence — the anfwer I received was, that (lie could not be troubled with the complaints of her tenants, by whom file knew her fie ward would ad jullly.'* " Thoughtlefs woman 1 who can re- vel in vice, luxury, and diflipation by the oppreffion of virtue andindullry.", Signora Vinoni, for that was the name of the cottager, left Duvalvin to aiTift her daughter in preparing the humble repaft ; he amufed himfeif with examin- ing the decorations of the apartment he v/as in, and obferved with pleafure the H 6 tafte 1^6 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, tafte and delicacy of the drawings, and the apparently natural beauty of (hell and other artificial flowers which were difperfed around the room ; his agitated mind was reftored to its ufual ferenity, and he returned thanks to Heaven for enabling him to refcue the inhabitants of this humble dwelling from poverty. Neatnefs and cheerfulnefs prefided over their frugal meal; the converfation of Signora Vinoni was modeft and fen- fiblc; her daughter's, artlefs and enter- taining. Duvalvin never enjoyed a fupper more than he did this» — It was late when he took his leave of the ami- able cottager, on whom he promifed to call the next day, and they expreffed the mod lively gratitude for his condefcea- (lon and generofity. THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. CHAP. XIV. Anxiety dijfipated, MARCO, who was at the gate, no fooner beheld his mafter, than he ran to him, exclaiming joyfully, " My mafter — my dear mafter, are you fafe?** **~ Perfedlly fo, my good fellow.'* ** Thank Heaven! thank Heaven! Your carriage returned without you, and your long ftay fmce, Sigiior, alarmed me for t^B RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, for your fafety, becaufe Lucentio faid the jealous Duke of V '* ^' What have I to do with the Duke of V or hisjealoufy? Lucentio is a fool — he talks without a meaning.— Is Sienor Di Rozezzi at home?" *' Yes, my dear mafler, and gone to bed; all the houfe is at reft except our- felvcs, or I (hould have gone out to feek for you/* ** And where would you have fought, my good Marco?" ** In all the bye-paths between this houfe and Signora I'Abandoni's. Ah! Signer, I wifh— I J(? wiih — " ** What^ THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 1 59 *^ What, ray friend?" *^ That you would not vifit her again^ my beloved young mafter; do not be angry with poor Marco, whofe affection for you may Teem impertinent, but Lu- centio fays — " *' No more of Lucentio — I thought you knew him better than to mind what be fays.'* > " I did not believe him, Signor, till your carriage returned from the very boufe. The fervants faid you were gone home — but you were not here, my mafter; and then when it grew fo late, I could not help being very uneafy lefc ^ome accident bad happened to you.'* '' I fet l6o RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, " I fet out from Signora TAban- doni's— " " Ah! Signor, then you were at her villa!" *V Yes, ISiarco ; fo were three parts of the people of fafliion in Naples, I be- lieve—" '' Oh ! that is another thing — I did not know it was a public affair; forgive me, my dear mafter, I wasmiftaken: but why did you not wait for your carriage, Signor?^' " I grew weary, and wifhed to be at home; and now, Marco, I fee you long to know what has detained me fo late — ^ I will fatisfy yoiu'* " As THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. l6l ** As you pleafe, Signor, I am not curious." " Yes, you are a little fo, my honell Marco, from offeBioii^ not impertinence y therefore I will indulge you. As I was coming home very prudently, a pretty young girl (lopped me on the road, en- ticed me into her cottage, where I fupped, and gave all the money I took out with me for my entertainment — I have been perfeftly happy, Marco." ** No, Mafter — no — r\oi per JeHly fo; I know your heart too well to believe that — you are too good to enjoy perfeB happinefs unlefs you a8; rightly yourfelf and fee others do fo too, Couid Signor Duvalvin fee a young girl loft to all fenfe of virtue and modefty and be happy? l62 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, happy? — if you could^ how muft your mind have been corrupted by tkree fhort vifits to— to— **' ** To one whofe charaBer you have had from Lucentio, remember that, Marco — " ^* And alfo from public report, Sig- " The one is no more to be credited than the other. — I will convince you, my dear Marco, that I am not fo cor- rupted as to be indifferent about the opinion of a good man. I cannot let pu retire with a worfe than 1 deferve — therefore fit down, and participate in the bappinefs of Duvalvin," He THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 163 He then gave Marco a circumftantial account of the cottagers. When he concluded, the honeft man exclaimed, '* Then you are dill Signor Frederic Duval vin! still an angel upon earth, and Marco's own dear mafter! How could 1 doubt you? Yet angels have fcillen— and Adam was feduced by a woman ; and the ftrong, the wife, the brave, the young and the old have been led aflray by artful females ; fo I did not know what might have happened even to you^ iny beloved mafter, excellent as you are. Oh ! how you have rejoiced my heart! I fliall dream of the cottage, and the fweet litde girl^ and the Tick mother; I fhall hear their pra\ ers and their blefs- ings. Signor, will you let me buy them fome 164 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, fome poultry to-morrow ; the little girl will be fo delighted to feed them.'* ** You (hall have the pleafure of wit- neffing that delight, my kind Marco — you fhdU alfo look out for an honeft, difcreet domeftic for them, fome decent reduced female, who will be glad of fuch a quiet (ituation, and relieve the deli- cate mother and child from the drudge- ries which fhould not interfere with the elegant arts by which they maintain themfelves.'* ** My filler, who is a widow, will be happy to live in fuch a comfortable re- tirement — fhe is humble and affeBion- ate, atid has no means of providing for herfelf bur by fervice — (hall I mention it to her, Signor?'* '^ By THE KIMSMEN OF NAPLES. l6j ^* By all means, before 1 fay any ihinkto Signora Vinoni — *' ** Vinoni! blefs my foul — is fhe the widow of Captain V^inoni of Pozzuoli?" t " Yes, the fame — do you know her?'* " No, Signer, but our liule Enrico this morning enreated me to enquire for this very lady— ^e is his aunt — filter to his mother — he was lamenting that he did not know the place of her abode, as a correfpondence was carried on be- tween his father and her by means of a merchant at Pozzuoli, from whom his- uncle meant to get her addrefs, and to whom he mufl have written himfelf if I could not find her out. The fweet boy faid, " While I was in diftrefs myfelf I would l66 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, would not have added to the troubles of my widowed aunt, who I know is not in affluent circumftances — now, per- haps, the amiable Marchefa will be her friend as well as miney and my little cou- fin's too, of whom I have heard a great deal." Dear Enrico, how happy he will be to fee them!" ** This is an unexpeBed afFair indeed — I will go to the Marchefa's to-morrow morning, tell her the ftory, and afk her permiflion to let Enrico accompany me to the cottage; he will love his amiable relations, and they will find a patronefs in the Marchefa del Urbino. See Marco, the day begins to dawn, it is time to take fome refl;; in a few hours, my good friend, we will arife, and do what we can to promote the happinefs of others.*' THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES, 167 CHAP. XV. The Benevolent Refolve, THE impatient Duvalvin was deter- mined not to lofe time; he longed to try the difpofition ofCorinnain regard to humanity, and was at her villa before fhe had arifen. Imputing his eagernefs to the violence of his love, fhe could not have the heart to refufe him adnnittance, and faid, as he entered her chamber, " I fear you will reproach me for my lazinefs — I am drinking my coffee in bed — come and take a cup with me. You i68 RIGHT AND WRONGj OR, You rude man, to pay me fuch an early vifit, and after flying away as you did lafl night. — What pofTeffed you, Du- valvin? I was in hopes you would have flaid until my guefts departed, and had ordered a little fupper for only us two — I was difappointed.** ** So was / — the public entertain- ment which you gave me left no appetite for a private one — I \^disfurjeited,'* " You were deceived by appearances, and jealous without acaufe of the Duke of V , to whom intereft obliges me to be apparently civil — but furely you cannot poffibly think that I prefer Am to you^ old and ugly as Ad is.*' " You may give whom you pleafc the preference # THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. x6q preference— ^i}wr paffion for variety is too well known to furprife me — I am not come to folicit your conjlant love, be- caufe ihatis an impofiible gift ; this vifit is not on my own account ; no, Signora, I am come to plead for opprejfcdm^nt.** *^ Oh! Heavens! how ill that grave feverity fits upon the brow of youth. You muft take a pleafanter look, and a more agreeable manner, if you wifh to plead fuccefsfully either for yourfelf or for others. Come, come, take fome coffee, and be yourftlf- — be what you were yefterday morning, and you fhall command my heart and fortune — but frowning reproof can create only dif- gull ; my foul difdains it, and thofe who prefume to utter it — I would not have admitted you into my chamber had I VOL. I. I thought IJO RIGHT AND \VRONG ; OR, thought it pofTible that you would have affumed the chara6ler of a furly huf- band — Ah! how hideous! Come, mio caro Duvalvin! — look at me — fpeak fondly to me, and banifh the horrid matrimonial idea from my mind.** She took his hand, prefled it very tenderly, and looked at him with fuch a languifhing, fuch a fafcinating fmile, that Duvalvin once more found her power irrefiftible. Love and TAban- doni triumphed over his reafon, and the Duke and the cottagers were forgotten, until fhe faid, " Now you are in good humour, my beloved Frederic, I will grant any thing you afk ; tell me for whom you wiih to plead. Can / relieve oppre fifed merit — who is it that fuffers by oppreffion ?*' " All THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 171 " All your tenants, I fear, if I may- judge by the rigour fhewn to one. You truft to a fteward, who opprelfes the widows and orphans, and you will not condefcend to hear their complaints. You tell the lambs that the devouring wolf is juft." L*Abandoni blufhed — fhe knew the accufation was true, and that the bene- volent Duvalvin muft hate her for a condud fo unlike his own. While fhe was meditating what excufe to make, he went on, *' Lovely Corinna, you are immenfelv rich — you give vaft fums to priefts for indulgencies — you wifh to purchafe a title — but neither the indulgencies nor the titles you can purchafe will give you 1 .2 fuci-r ij2 RIGHT AND WRONG; OP, fuch heart-felt blifs as benevolence be- ftows. To raife your fellow-creatures above want, to wipe the tear from the cheek of afflidion, to make plenty adorn the cottage, and content enliven the mind, is an angel's office ; it is that which will purchafe prayers from hearts glowing with gratitude ; pure and fin- cere, they will afcend to Heaven, and plead for you before the throne of mercy — while thofe you buy of priefts are dull, cold, and uielefs. And what are titles? the higheft that a monarch can bellow will only fet ihcjaults of the pof- feffor in a more conjpicuous view; while that which can be/g//'-created — BenefaElor to the poor — will excufe, even in the juft eye of Heaven, a multitude of errors." L' Abandon! wept — fhe was afhamed to THE KINSMEJi OF NAPLFS. I73 to think (he had been fo long infenfible to diftreflfes which (he had fuch ample power to relieve, and faid, ** Excellent Signoi Davalvin ! you fhall fee the efFeQ your converfation has had upon my heart, I have been cruel to myfelf and others, from thoughtless- ness, not from a real want oF charity,— I will vifit every cottage on my eftate, and make my tenants happy. It is to ^'ou that I fliall owe a change fo pro- duBive of pkafiire to myfelf and others, oF rf^/pleafure. But I have not heard the particular circumilance which has led to this difcoiirfe — You mentioned oppreffed merit ; what do you mean ?'* Duvalvin gave her the hiflory of Sig- norr Vinoni, to which (he liftened with attcruion j when he concluded, fhe faid, 13 «' Poor 174 RIGHT AND WRONG i OR, ** Poor woman! I know but one way that / can make her amends for my Jlew-^ aj'd's conduft, which was too rigidly juily and that is, to give her the ground fhe now pays for^ a cow, and fome poultry, alfo a fum of money to fet her forward ; then fhe and her daughter will have time to finifh their pretty works in a complete manner. YoUy liberal-minded Duval- vin, will take a pleafure in fettling this bufinefs for me — and do have the good- nefs to excufe my former behaviour to her — I cannot fee her myfeif yet awhile — I am not infenfible to my faults — I will mend what I ca7i — Alas ! why am I not virtuous? I fliould not then feel abaflied at appearing before an amiable cottager and her innocent child — but now^ though rich, and her benefadrefs, I (hall think (lie defpifes me. — Dear Du- valvin. thp: kinsmen* of Naples. 175 vaK'in, put tne in conceit with myfelf — fay fomething to raife my fpirits — '' " You have eveyy reafon to be fatis- fied, my lovely'Corinna, with the bene- volent refolution yon have formed ; it does vou honour — pure and permanent bappinefs will reward j'our generofity; and, by blefling others, you will yourfelf be bleft; and never did you appear (o charming, fo inlerefting in my eyes as you have juft now — the modeft bluOi of felf-accufaiion has glowed on your cheeks, the tears of compaflion have adorned your eyes, the tender figh of pity has heaved that lovely bofom — what beautiful proofs of fenfibility !" ** Ah Frederic! did^'ow doubt my fen- fibility before you had thefc proofs ? — I 4 fenjibilityy ij6 SIGHT AND WRONG , OR, Jenjihility has been the caufe of all my errors — it has debilitated my mind — it has rendered me unable to refill tempta- tion.'' " Do not confound true fenjibility with a foft, enervating weaknefs of the mind, my charming PAbandoni ; the former guards the foul from every de- grading psfTion, the latter benumbs its r.obleft feelings, and expofes it to the allurements of vice v;hen it is not in a condition to withftand them.'* ** You are an excellent moralifer, and talk more to the purpofe than ever Fran- cifco my reverend confeffor did ; yet, grave as the turn of thofe features are at prefent, it would be a pity to fhade them with a cowl. Oh dear! how long I have THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 177 I have been ferious — I am quite weary — give me that writing defk, and tell me how to write a deed of gift that will fe- cure the land to your cottager — and here, here is a bag of money — give it to Her; there is enough in it to purchafe cows, poultry, znd JJieep^ if fhe has a mind to turn fhepherdefs — but do not let her fteal my fhepherd from me.— — Duvalvin! D^^zr Duvalvin! I mufl not lofe you; the feeds of benevolence which you have fown in my mind will perifh if you do not take pains to culti- vate them. Wife morality will approve of your vifiting me, when regard to the poor is your inducement; and / fliall improve in good works i^ you are my inflruQor." «•' You are a mofi; engaging creature; 15 I am 1/8 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, I am fure my morality is not proof zg^m^ your flattery. There is a copy of what is neceffary; thofe few words will put Signora Vinoni iato the pofleflion of the ground belonging to her cottage; your figning them is enough. I wiQi that ^026 could witnefs the joy with which Ihe will receive this paper and your libe- ral gift of money— how you would be gratified!'* " You mufl come back and tell me ; my pleafure witl be greater to hear you repeat her thanks ; for indeed, Duval- vin, I fear it is only for the fake of your approbation that I am fo generous, and not from a real regard to the widow and orphan of Captain Vinoni." *' Be the caufe what it will, the effect is THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 179 is glorious, and will reflect honour, whenever it is mentioned on Signora I* Abandon].'' " Ah! my Duvalvin, if the perfec- tions that glow fo pure and fo bright in your bofom will communicate a little of their luftre to me, I (hall glory in the refleQion." '* Do not talk of perfe6lion to me, my lovely friend, left I (hould turn my eyes inwardly, and fearch for it in vain. Adio, 1 am impatient to execute the foul-enlivening commiflion you have honoured me with." 1 6 i80 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OE^ CHAP. XVI. A Domefiic Arrangement. WHEN Duvalvin arrived at the little gate, he was furprifed at the nice order of the garden, and the rich variety of flowers with which it was adorned; he anticipated the pleafure the careful owner would have when fhe knew that no rigid hand could fnatch it from her. Signora Vinoni, who faw him through the window, came out to meet him, with the fmiling Paulina in her hand; he con- gratulated her on the reftoration of her healthy THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. l8l health, which (he gratefully imputed to his generous fupply, and faid fhe hoped to be able to go the next day to difpofe of the flowers fhe hadfinifhed; but Du- valvin told her that fhe muft not think of that yet, as a long walk would fatigue her too much. They now entered the apartment in which they had fupped the night before ; it was Hke an aromatic bower; flowers, real and artificial, were flung in carelefs and gay profufion around ; the cafements were open, and admitted the refrefhing breezes which continually fpring from the Bay; nor did the fragrant foliage that hung around the windows conceal its majeftic beauty, or intercept the air, although it fliaded the v/hole cottage from the heat of the fun, and fheltered a variety of birds that charmed the ear with their inceflant warblings. Duvalvin faid, " How l82 RIGHT AND %VRONG; OR, ** How delightfully you are fituatedl what rural fimplicity furrounds this calm retreat, and how grand, how extenfive are the profpe6lsr' ** It is a charming little place — my father took great pains to improve it, and wilhed very much to purchafe the ground, but Signor I'Abandoni, who was avaricious to a degree, fet fo high a va- lue on it that my father could not make *^ I am jaft come from Signora TAbandoni, who is extremely forry that her fleward behaved fo rigoroufly, and fays if you had written to her fhe would have made every thing eafy to you fooner; but flie hopes it is not too late to compenfate for the trouble her do- meflic THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 183 meftic gave you, and defired me to give you this paper, which will fecure you from allfach difficulties for the future." ■** What is this! Can it be pof- fible ! Do 1 read right? Tell me, Sig- nor, is this eflate my own? the free gift of Signora I'Abandoni?'* *' It is, Signora; and mo^ freely given by that generous Lady.'* *• Generous indeed! May Heaven reward her for it ! andjyow, noble Signor, who muft have pleaded moft powerfully for me.*' ** The fimple reprefentation of the cafe was fufficient. She faid your father ought not to have paid for adorning the ellate 184 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, eftate with fuch a beautiful fpot, and defired me to give you this fum to reim- burfethe money he has paid for it — the bag is marked 500 piftoles.** ** Can all this he reall Surely I am in a dream — my Paulina, do you hear all this?" *^ O yes, I do, my dear mother ; you are not in a dream; but I do not think this Signor is z ge7itleman -, no, no, he is a fylph — a genie — a fairy — or an angel who comes to bring us bleflings — we never found a man fo good — we never, I am fure, faw a man fo beautiful — then he /peaks fo like an angeU' •^ Did you ever hear an angel fpeak^ my little Paulina?'* " Never Thir. KIMSME-N OF NAPLES. i8^ ** Never before lafl night; nor did I ever fee one before — I have 7'ead of all thofe good beings, and have many times xvi/Iied to fee one, and I \^as praying ear- neftly to faints and angels for my dear mother, when Heaven heard me, and fent you to fave her. By what name fhall we pray to you when you return to Heaven ; for in every diftrefs / will pray to you for relief.*' '* My fweet little girl, I am afraid you have a very bad opinion of mortals in general, if you think many would not have a8;ed by you and your amiable mother as I have done ; and you know that (he, who has een more of the warld than you have, does not take me for a fupernaiural '*'eing, though I have had the felicity of doing her fome little fer- vice. l86 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OK, vice, which is perhaps unexpeBcd but not wonderful, my dear Paulina.'' *' My mother, I am fure, thinks it is very wonderfuh and (lie faid, lad night and this morning, that you were our good angel ; and now you have done more for us. — O my mother ! tell me — is he not a heavenly being — is he not ?'* " For the fake of mankind, to whom this our kind benefaQor is an honour, I tnuft not let you think he is a fuper- natural being, my Paulina, though I be- lieve he comes as near their perfection as is pofTible for mortality.** ** I am indebted to your romantic imagination, my pretty flatterer, for the moft elegant compliment I ever heard. But THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 187 But now to be ferious. — My dear Sig- nora; I have taken the liberty of de firing my fervant to call on me here; he is the belt and mod faithful creature in the world ; I refped and love him ; and this morning he told me his fifter, who v/as juft left a widow, was defirous of a com- fortable fervitude; I immediately thought of you, Signora, who certainly (land in need of a domedic — he is to bring her with him, and I hope fhe will merit your approbadon — *' '' How confiderate you are, Signor; and if I thought fuccefs would attend my induRry, 1 fnould be happy to take an affiftant fo recommended ; but if I fliould again involve myfelf — if illnefs fhould render me incapable of exerting my little talents, I fhould diftrefs a faith- ful tS8 right and wRo^'G; or, ful fervant, without being able to reward her." " She will not be an expenfe to you, as (he will give you more time to attend to the pretty arts you are miftrefs ofj and to the inllruBion of this your engaging pupil; fhe will alfo, by faving you from too much fatigue, preferve your health. Take courage, Signora, this fum will fet you enough beforehand to keep you in a ftate of independence; and as your beautiful performances are more known they will recommend you to the notice of ladies who will patronize both you and your dear Paulina." " What a comforter you are! — per- fuafion dwells on your lips — excufe me for having fears which io yoic muft appear fimple THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. l8y iimple — but you have not known the pangs of being in debt, and the agoniz- ing (Iniggles of maternal exertion to preferve a child from want — thefe 1 have long been accuftomed to — can I forget them in an inftant ? — no. Signer, the dread dill hovers over my m-nd. w^hile I can fcarcely believe the reality of the bleffings which fo fuddcnly are beftowed upon me." *^ My honed Marco is trying to open the garden gate — will you admit him, my pretty Paulina?" Paulina flew to open the gare, and pre- fently returned with Marco and his fifter, a well-looking, middle-aged woman. — Marco gazed at Signora Vinoni and her daughter with delight, and with furprize and l90 RIGHT AND WRONG; OK, and admiraiion on all around him — then turning to his mafter, he faicl, ** This is my fifter Bianca, Signor — (lie will think herfelf very happy if this lady will employ her, and i will anfwer for her fidelity." " You fliall find me humble and in- duftrious, Signora — and I (hall think myfelf in a Paradife in this fweet place, i'f you will have the goodnefs to let me live in it.'* •'* .If you can prefer comfort to proht, my good Bianca, you are welcome to a home where content muft fupply the place of plenty,'* '' You are very kind, Signora; C07i- teni THE KINSMEN OF NATLLS, 1 91 tent will find pknly in a little, and comfoi t is great riches. — But I have a family, Signora, will you permit me to bring them with me ?" " That will not, I fear, be convenient to Signora Vinoni ; you did not tell me that your filler had children, Marco.** " No, Signor, I could not tell you any fuch thing— yet fhe has a family that the thoughts of parting with afflided her to tears — fhe has two cows and fome poultry that fhe told me this morning fhe mud fell either if fhe did or did not get a place ; but you know, my dear mailer, what 1 was to do — fo I foon comforted poor Bianca with the pleafmg hopes of flill milking her cows and feeding her poultry, if the Signora will let her bring them here." « I will 192 RIGHT AN© wrong; OR, ** I will purchafe them with pleafure ; you fliali not be parted from yourufeful family.'* " No, Signora, no, I have no reafon to fell them if you will give us all leave to live with you— that will make me happy indeed, to have the poor things my own ftill ; if you^ Signora, can make it convenient to find lodging, pafture, and food for them, I will be bound for it the good creatures Vt'iil maintain us all —we fhall have plenty of milk, eggs, and chickens, without buying any." ** I have excellent paRure, and every conveniency for cattle and poultry, my ^ generous Bianca ; bin if is not right that j'oz^rs fhould fupply myftlf, my child, c c\ti\ yourfelf, while you are in my houfe, uniefs you let me pay for them.** ** Say THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. I93 " Say no more about paying, Signo- ra; is it not enough that you will take us home to you, and make us happy? I wifh for no more; pray do not talk again about paying — it diftreffes me — " *• You mufl indulge the good Bianca, Signora ; fhe is like her brother, I fee, who is often fo obftinately in the right that I am forced to give him his way — if they form their ideas of happinefs con- trary to the generality of the world, let us not check the pleafing novelty, left we fhould prove that our fentimcnts are lefs liberal than theirs — '* *' Well, Signor, I will not contend with the difinterefted Bianca; (he and her family fhall be welcome upon her own terms.'* VOL. I. K *' Heaven 194 RIGHT AND wrong; OR, " Heaven blefs you, kind Signora, and fend you health and profperity : I will do all in my power to oblige you and your dear child, and T hope you will find me as deferving of your love, as I fliall be happy in obtaining it; I can come this evening, if you pleafe, Sig- nora — ." " You may, Bianca, as foon as you will, and bring whatever you choofe to keep along with you." " Ah, Signora! you have made my poor fifter very happy, and I am fure (he will be grateful — I know Bianca's honed heart. Can you fpare me, my mailer, to aflift my fifter? (he has no friend but me now — '' '^ Yes,. \ THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. I95 ** Yes, Marco, you (hall have the whole day ; Bianca ftands in need of your aflTiftance more than I do. To- morrow morning I ihall do myfelf the pleafure of inquiring after your health, Signora, when I hope I fhall find you perfectly fatisfied with your domeftic arrangement/' Duvalvin returned to TAbandoni, and expatiated on the happinefs flie had conferred on Signora Vinoni, whofe gra- titude he expreffed in fuch glowing terms that Corinna fhed tears of joy, while her heart expanded lo fenfations new and delightful. — She was accuftomed to flattery — one lover echoed the adora- tions of another, and her wit and beauty were the theme of every man fhe ad- mitted into her houfe; but Duvalvin had K 2 taken igS RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, taken a more eflFe6laaI way to charm her; he infpired her with a love for virtuous deeds, and delicately gave her the credit of them without arrogating the lead merit to himfelf — he praifed the excel- lence of her heart, the generofity of her behaviour to the widow and oiphan — he brought her their thanks and their bleflings — how new was this to I'Aban- doni ! She was refolved to continue the purfuit of an enjoyment fo beneficial to others — fo gratifying to herfelf — an m- joyment on which fhe could reflect with pleafure, while (he felt the blifs of felf- approbation, and exulted in rendering herfelf deferving the approbation of her 710X0 almoft adored Duvalvin. As (he was engaged to vifit one of the ladies who was at her converzatione the THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES- I 97 the evening before, Duvalvin returned home, not forry at having it in his power to go to the Palazza del Urbino, and had the perfuafive Corinna been difen- gaged he would have wanted the refolu- tion to have left her, notwithftanding he wifhed to tell the Marchefa that he had found Arioni*s aunt, and to folicit her patronage for that amiable woman and her daughter. He had avoided mentioning Enrico at the cottage, and had cautioned Marco to do the fame, as he promifed himfelf fome pelafure in introducing them to each other without any previous notice on either fide. ^3 198 RIGHT AND wrong; OR CHAP. XVII. Jealoufy. WHILE Frederic Duvalvin ^ was gently bending the hitherto thoughtlejs heartof rAbandoni to beneficence, Lo- renzo di Rozezzi fcarcely quitted the Paldzza del Urbino, where he exerted all his art to inflame the heart of the Marchefa with a criminal pafTion for himfelf and jealoufy of his coufin ; he took every opportunity to fay the mod tender things, but her partiality for En- rico was very difagreeable to him, as fhe kept that youth continually with her. Fortune, THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 199 Fortune, however, favoured him with a few lucky minutes ; the Marchefe fent for Enrico, and Lorenzo found hioifelf alone with the objeQ of his adoration, who, before fhe gave him time to fpeak, faid, *•' I thought Signer Duvalvin would have been here this evening ; I have not feen him fince he brought me the dear little Enrico — what is he doing himfelf, can you tell me, Di Rozezzi?" ** A6ling the character of Rogero with the enchantrefs Aicina — or, to Ipeak ferioufly, devoting all his time to the too fafcinating Signora 1' Abandon], who holds him fo fafl in her chains that he cannot, or rather will not free him- felf; in fhort, he is loft to us all, and K 4 makes 200 RIGHT AND WRONGj OR, makes my uncle and aunt very uneafy for him.'* ^* Why fo? do they love him better than they do you, Lorenzo?" ** I flatter myfelf they do not. — But why, lovely Marchefa, do you a(k that queftion?'* '* Becaufe Duval\in never told me that they were uneafy about you when you were exa81y in the fame predica- '* /in the fame predicament! no, no, it is not in the power of fuch as I'Ahan- doni to fafcinate vie ; but Frederic is ab- folutely her dupCy and 1 fear will, if he !:^oes on as he has begun, be her Jacri- fice THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 201 Jice — his inconfiderate condu6: will ex- pofe him to dangers which he is too carelefs to guard againft/' " I fuppofe you are alarmed left he fhould fall a vidim to the jealoufy of I'Abandoni's lovers, who muft think him a far more potent rival than they did you, if they do not let him efcapeas fafely — no poifon was mingled with your wine — no bravoes were hired to aflaffinate you — here you are — free and uninjured, and he will be as fafe if they do not think him of more confequence. Di Ro- zezzi, you are difconcerted to find tha I am not alarmed for your poor coulin Frederic — no, I am perfe6lly eafy on his account, I affure you — and, as I can read hearts, know that you are fo alfo. — Lorenzo, if you are his friend, he has no enemy »'\ K5 " Why S02 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, " Why that if- — can you doubt me?** " Moft certainly I do — and if any accident fhould happen to Duvalvin, I fhall fufpea—Di Rozezzi — " " If you flill flight my love — if, mad- dened by the flings of jealoufy, I fliall forget the ties of blood — the friendfliip of our early years — and deftroy Du- valvin. Remember it was you — you, mofl: charming Marchefa, whoinftigated — \i\iojorced me to a deed my foul ab- hors. — I cannot exifl: without your love — nor will I let Duvalvin exifl if he robs me of it — You fay you can read my heart, do — and fave your darling from my revenge — I am not a cold, Platonic lover — I am not a fluttering fop, who whifpers love in your ear while his heart THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 203 heart is infenfible of the paffion his tongue declares — no — the foul of Lo- renzo di Rozezzi glows with a deftruc- tive fire that you alone can render harm- lefs — let it not blaft my youthful days- let it notconfume thofe of Duvalvin.'' ^* My dear Lorenzo, moderate the violence of your temper. Can I love a madman? can phrenzy foothe my heart to tendernefs? — this behaviour may cre- ate terror and difguft, but it cannot in- fpire love — recollect yourfelf — calm the ilorm in your bread, and let your reafon tell you that if your humble folicitatlons cannot win the Marchefa del Urbino, fhe is not to be intimidated by your threats. I fhall leave you to your own refle6lions now — nor do I ever wifli to fee you^ Signor di Rozezzi, in fuch a furious humour. K 6 The 204 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, The Marchefa left him too much agi- tated to fpeak; he was fenfible of his error— he curfed himfelf — Davalvin — TAbandoni, and even the Marchefa — he rufhed out of the houfe like one frantic, and fought the gloom of a thick wood that lay at fome little diftance be- hind it — he threw himfelf on the ground —his brain throbbed — his blood boiled • — his foul was tortured — he ftarted up — he drew a dagger from his bofom— he gazed upon it for fome time in all the agony of defpair — then turning the point from him, exclaimed with a look oi fury, « No — Duvalvin ftiali not furvive to triumph — to enjoy my fortune— to pof- fefs Del Urbino — no— he Jhall not — this dagger mull avenge me — / adore Del THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 20^ Del Urbino — and fit loves Frederic — PAbandoni loves him too — yes — better —far better than ever (he loved me — • pride — jealoufy — :ambition — frenzy, all urge me to deftroy him — I voili — when! — no matter — fom.e time or other-^foon —before the Marchefa confers the bleffing on h'wi that (he denies to me, — Yes, cruel woman, this dagger ihali pierce the heart you prize fo highly — Lorenzo cannot let you flight him un- rerenged — It is refolved My mind grows cahn — Ah ! what do I fee? Du- valvin — the Marchefa hanging fondly on his arm — fmiling in his face — and only the boy Enrico with them; who plays around unheeding '.vhat they fay. No doubt they talk of me — fport with my agony — did I v/ant/Azs Gghtto curfe me more — to exciie my vengeance! — ■ Now 2q6 right and wrong; or, Now — noiu I could plunge the dagger in his bofom — yet, why forfeit my otun life — no — I will live unrivalled by Duvalvin — They fhall not fee me — I am not in a temper to converfe with them. Oh! Del Urbino ! your irrefiOible charms have deftroyed my peace — Love, like a gay and harml efs (lame, played in my heart till now — Ah ! now it rages v;ith impetuous fury, and, like the fatal fire which burfts from yonder dreaded mounts confumes my better thoughts, and leaves a gloomy chaos in my bofom," With quick and unequal fteps the truly unhappy Lorenzo hurried away from the Marchefa and his coufin, and went direftly home; where, finding the Conte and Conteffa alone, he made his uneafmefs THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 20/ uneafinefsfor Frederic's indifcretionand danger an excufe for the melancholy he did not drive to conceal : the ContelTa, who could not bear to fee her darling in affli6lion, faid, *' But 'why fliould Frederic's folly diftrefs yoUy my beloved Lorenzo? I cannot bear to fee you look fo grave — thank Heaven, let what will happen to that unfortunate boy we have you to comfort us, and to be a worthy inheritor of your uncle's fortune. Do pray, mio caro, fay fomething to comfort the kind Lorenzo, whofe afFe8ionate heart feels fuch an amiable interell for his worthlefs coufin/' " Yes, my love, J will comfort the poor fellow, who is crying becaufe Fre- deric 208 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, deric has ftolen his play-thing. Never mind, Lorenzo, you c- n eafily bny an- other — How often h;)ve both you and your aunt defpifed poor Frederic, be- caufe be was not a man r.P fr irit and gallantry ; yet now he quits his bind mules and beggars to amufe him'^f^'f v^kh a famous b- na rc>na, ycu pretend to srieve for hi in, an.i he Contefla calls o him worthlefs. I be ve that there is only 07ie thing he can g to pleafe either of you." *' And pray, mio caro, what one thing isthat?" *•' He mua die,'' ** O Santa Maria, what an idea! — Hov7 can you have fuch an opinion of me THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 20g me and Lorenzo? Fie, mio caro, I am quite angry with you; but I fee you love Frederic, though he delpiies you, better than you do me and Lorenzo^ who idol- ize you — 'I cannot bear fuch partiality to him and unkindnefs to us ! it wounds me to the heart,** " Isiy beloved aunt, how thefe tears diftrefs me. O ray dear, my revered Uncle! do not afflift the mod ami- able wife in the world, who adores you, and whofe only diflike to my coufin fprings from his too cohfpicuous difre- fpecl for the beft and mofl generous of Uncles — indeed you do not know him, he impofes on your noble, unfufpecling difpofition — how then can my aunt and Hove the unnatural Frederic, whom, if we revere you, my excellent Uncle, duty compels 210 RIGFIT AND WRONG, OR, compels us to hate — I feel myfelf greatly difordered — I muft retire ''. Di Rozezzi knelt before the Cor.te and ConteiTa ; he took botli their hands in his, and preffed them very tenderly to his bofom and to his lips; the Con- tefTa faid, " Lorenzo! my dear Lorenzo! your fenfibility is too great, it will injure your health — do not leave us — give us your company at fupper.'* ** Do, my dear boy, and let me have the pleafure of feeing you cheerful — believe me I did not intend to vex either your aunt or you, my Lorenzo ; no, I doat on you both, you are the comforts of my life : — Frederic is a ftranger to me compared ^ THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 2l i compared to yoa ; let him not be men- tioned this evening — we will be happy. Come, my angel, forgive your caro fpofo." The Conte Pliantini embraced his wife and nephew, perfe£ily convinced of their vafl affe6\ion forhimfelf, and of their finc^rity in regard to Duvalvin ; and implicitly believing what they faid of his difrefpetfV, was greatly exafperated again ft him. I?.t2 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, CHAP. XVIII. An interejling Difcovery. AS the morning was very temperate and beautiful, the Marchefa walked to the cottage, accompanied by Duvalvin and Enrico, without having mentioned Signora Vinoni to her n.phew. They found the amiable mother watching the expanding genius of her attentive child, who was drawing a light and elegantly blended bunch of flowers from nature. The Marchefa faid, *' I fliould THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 213 ^' I ihould think it a (in to difturb you Sigiiora, if I did not know that it is ii my power to introduce yourfelf and lov^ely daughter to thofe who will not be infenfible of your merit. Signor Du- val vin has brought me here to fee fome performances with which he is delighted —I hope it will not be intruding too much on your time to requeft the indul- gence of feeing fome of them." ** I am fure that the Signora will think herfef honoured by fuch a requeft from the Marchefa del Urbino, whofe talteis fo highly fpokenoFand followed." *' The bringing the Marchefa del Urbino to my humble abode is doing me an unexpe6led honour, and adds greatly to the obligations already con- ferred 214 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, fened on me by Signer Duvalvin, whofe kindnefs has, I am fure, far over-rated my little talents." During the time that Signora Vinoni was {peaking to the Marchefa, and fe- leBing what flie thought moft worthy the infpeQion of her elegant vifitor, Enrico was indulging a curiofity natural to his years, and examining the views and flowers which adorned the room; he afked Paulina many queflions, and beftowed great encomiums on thofe pieces that fhe told him were of her own doing, and appeared particularly delighted with her portrait ; pleafed with his praifes, flie faid, *' I copied thai from one which my mother painted a little while ago, to be a com- THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES, 215 a companion to the portrait of a coufin which greatly refembles you — I have begun his — I wifh it were finiChed — but I wlJJi more that my dear couGn were here:' " Your coufin is very happy to be fo wifhed for— 'does he refide in Naples?'' " Ah ! no — perhaps he is dead ! — I never faw him — yet his picture, and what I have heard of him made me love him very dearly — [ wifh you were he, young Signor ; but you are of a noble family, no doubt." '* Indeed 1 am not — I am a poor or- phan, patronized by the xVIarchefa del Urbino, to whom the generous Signor Duvalvin introduced me.'* • '^ Then 2l6 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, '' Then he \syour good angel, as well as ours. — See, Signor — this is my ecu- fin's pi8:ure — I have been working on the copy this morning, but I cannot fhew you that till it is finifhed." *' What am I to think? where am I ? in whofe houfe ? This is my own pic- '* Yours — yoiirsl are you my coufin Enrico Arioni?" ** I am indeed — d^ndi you are Paulina Vinoni, the belo^ ed coufin whom I have fo often longed to fee — my aunt, my dear aunt,'* '' O my mother ! fee — ht is our little Enrico — how like his pi6lure V' Signora THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 217 Signora Vinoni fondly embraced her nephew, to whofe converfation with Paulina the Marchefa and Duvalvin had made her attend; he hung upon her neck, his joy was inexpreffible — delight fparkled in the lively black eyes of Pau- lina, who, throwing her arms around them both, faid, *' You (hall love him, my mother — I will fhare your afFeQion with our dear Enrico — he fhall be my brother — will you, Enrico?" ' *• Yes, my beloved Paulina; you and your dear mother are all that are left to me — I have no kindred tie but you— death has broken all the reft. Sifter of my mother, accept my filial duty and affe8ion; and you, my Paulina, the VOL. I, L warmeft, al8 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, warmed, tendereft love a brother ever gave a fifter.'* *' My child ! my dear fon ! we have longed to fee yon ; that picture which my brother fent to me, and his letters concerning you,have madeusacquainted with you, my Enrico — but we are rudely felfifh, our mutual tranfport at this hap- py meeting has rendered us too long forgetful of the refpeft due to our noble benefaQors ' ' ** Dear Signora, talk not of refpedl, which is cold and infignificant, when I have been enjoying warm, fubftantial delight; fo, I am fure, has Signer Du- valvin ; we anticipated this felicity, and it has fully anfwered our expedations. And now, my dear Signora Vinoni, I am going THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 2I9 going to entreat a great favour of you.'* " The Marchefa del Urbino may Gom- mand me.'* " Before our beloved Enrico found yoUf his fecond mother, the Marchefe and myfelf received him to oi'r bofoms with parental fondncfs, and a determina- tion to promote his future interefl and fortune to the utmofl: of our power. Our firft defign is, to have him inRruded by the ableft matters, under our own eyes, in every thing necefTary to com* pletean education fowell began, and to form his manners ourfelves to all that will make him refpeded by the world; for thefe reafons I hope you will permit him to relide with us. You fhall have L 2 him 2^0 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, him often with you, and vifithim when- ever you pleafe. I (hall be happy to fee you and the dear Paulina frequently at the Palazzadel Urbino.'* " Generous Marchefa! I fliould be my nephew's greateft enemy if I could wifh to immure him in my poor cottage merely to indulge afoolifb fondnefs for his fociety, when all his future hopes depend on your patronage. May he ever deferve it! Happy Enrico, to meet with fuch noble friends!" " And now, Signora Vinoni, to foften the hours of abfence, will you let him have thofe beautiful views of this charm- ing cottage and its environs, and alfo the portrait of Paulina which Enrico now holds in bis hand; thefe will be great THE KINSAIEN OF NAPLES. 221 great treafures to us, if you will have the goodnefs to (pare them." '[ The requeft is fo indulgent to us all that it deferves our mofl; grateful o thanks. Paulina (hall give them to her coufin, who I fee has affection enough to value the gift, bccaufe they are her 0U71 performance." *' 1 fhall value it indeed, my kind aunt! but I fee a lute, can my couiiin play, and can ftie fmg?" ** A little, my dear boy; juft enough to amufe herfelf and me; I have in- flructed her to the bed of my poor abi- lities." " Oh ! will fhe favour us witii a little L 3 air? 222 KIGHT AND WRONG, OR, air? My noble friends will you entreat her— die will oblige you.'* *• Not fooner than fhe will her coufin Enrico, I am fure : come, my dear Pau- lina, with your mother's permiffion, in- dulge us with a fpecimen of your mufical abilities — Signor Duvalvin and myfelf ^ will be happy to hear you/' "Take your lute, my child, and fing the lines you thought of while you were copying your coufm's pi6ture. Partial to my daughter's poetical attempt, {im- ple as it is, I have compofed mufic to it as fimple; novelty will be its only merit; therefore, my Paulina, in obedience to the requeft of our generous patrons, you mud do your beft — they will be in- dulgent — take courage, my child.'* Paulina^ THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 223 Paulina, blufhing modeflly, tookdown her lute, and fang the following 'AIR. While thus I trace the work of Art, I long, O Nature ! long to fee The real form — the real face That owe their genuine charms to thee j Yet if this lov'd refnmblance grows Each day more priz'd, more dear to me, Then Nature fay, if e'er he come, What will the true Enrico be ? " Loved and prized, my Paulina, far more than my pi6ture, I hope. My aunt — my coujin — gratitude, wonder, and delight fill the foul of your happy En- rico!" *' My dear Signora, your daughter*s voice does great credit to the charming L 4 muiic 224 RIGHT AND WRONG; Oii, mufic with which you have adorned her very interefting words. I do not won- der Enrico is enchanted." " Nor do I — he has met with fouls congenial to his own, attuned to har- mony. Paulina's voice promifes to be one of the fined in Italy, and deferves every affillance that art can give it." " And that affiftance it fhall have^ Signor Duvalvin, if her dear mother will permit her to come to my houfe and take leflbns, as there the mafters will be more attentive. Have you inflruQed Paulina regularly, Signora?" *' I have, from her earlieft years; but, generous Marchefa, Paulina has no for- tune — fhe muft earn her bread — hither- to THE KIMSMEN OF NAPLES. 22 o to muficand Tinging have been made aa amufcment, a pleafing relaxation from ourbufinefs; but to make her a pro- ficient in them will, I fear, encroach too much upon the time fhe ought to fpend in more effential vocations.'* " You talk like a ^(t\y. fenfible and moded woman, Signora Vinoni — I re. fped and love you; but Signer Arioni has been introduced to his MajeRy, who in refpe^l to the great talents of his uncle> and as an encouragement to his own, has appointed him one of his band of muficians, and fettled a very liberal penfion on him; I muft afk him, there- fore, if he were of an age to a6l for him- felf, what he would do for his aunt and coulin," " O! 226 RIGHT AND WRONG ; OR, '* O! every thing — every thing that was in my power to render their lives eafy and happy — they (hould not work for their living — ^Oh! no, no — /would work for them." " Well, my dutiful boy, then as the -J Marchefe has undertaken to be your guardian till you are of age, he fhall, with your confent, fettle a part of your penfion upon your aunt; fufficient to maintain herfelf and Paulina in the manner you wifh them to live. You will not, I am fure, refufe to accept this trifling mark of afFed:ion and duty from your filler's fon, my dear Signora, nor will you refufe me the pleafure of taking the charge of your Paulina's education, which only wants difinijh — your care has, I believe, left an eafy taflc to both maf- ters THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 22/ ters and fcholar in every thing that is to be performed now.'' '* O my revered, my beloved Mar- chefa! how happy you have made your Enrico. My aunt I my ^d^r aunt, con- defcend to Ihare the fortune of your fijlersfon. There are but we three — only we three left — fhall we have a divided intereft? O no! you are my mother r\ow ■ — /am yoxxi' Jon — if /had come a beg- gar to your door, would yon not have taken me in ? would you not have called me your child? Yes; and I know my Paulina would have fhared her food with me." '' Yes^ Enrico, even when we had but littUyyoii fhould have had the largeft part. I do not wifhyou to be a beggar, my beloved coufin; yet if you had come fo 228 RIGHT AND WRONG; OP, fo poor to us, you would then have known how very dearly we loved our Enrico, and I hope you do now know it, my kind brother!** " I hope you do, my dear child— -I ?X77/ fliare my Enrico's fortune, fince by doing fo I fee that I can convince him of my maternal affedion ^ and ftill more willingly would I have fhared my pittance with him had he come to me in diflrefs. To yon, generous Marchefa, and io you^ benevolent Signor Duvalvin, w^e owe our happinefs, and I can only fliew my gratitude for all the benefits you have conferred on us by a ready and humble compliance with every thing you think proper to fugged for my childrens' future benefit.** '' That THE KIXSMEN OF NAPLES. 229 *•■ That is enough — their interefl: fhaU be dear to me— Signer Davalvin and I will now bid you good morning : Enrico fhall (lay all day with you — he h^s much to tell you — I will fend for him at night. You mud give me leave to vifit you often, my dear Signora, for I am en- chanted with the rural beauty of this charming retirement.'* The Marchefa had ordered her car- riage to fetch her, and wait at fome litile diltance from the end of the lane; as Duvalvin led her to it (he faid, " What a biifsful morning this has been — how^ happy you have made me, my dear Duvalvin — O that delightful cottage! I fhall always think of it with rapture." '' How 1^0 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, *^ How fenfibly your generous heaii feels the bleflings you beftow, lovely Marchefa!*' <* It is to you I owe the gratification of the fenfibility you compliment me with-^did you not lead me to that charm- ing cot, where I am fure our pleafure was mutual — your fenfibility equals mine/' ^ They now arrived at the coach, and during their ride they talked of nothing but of the amiable cottagers. — The Marchefa would have engaged Duvalvin for the reft of the day, but he had pro- mifed to fpend the evening with Signora r Abandoni, and he excufed himfelf in rather a hefitating manner — engage- ments which he was afhamed to confefs were THE KINSMEN OF NAPLES. 231 were new to Duvalvin— the Marchefa obfervinghis confufion, faid, " I pity you, amiable Duvalvin.— . When an excellent heart like yours is betrayed into errors, it feels far more uneafinefs than one lefs perfed would upon a fimilaroccafion ; but then it foon extricates itfelfglorioufly from the tram- mels of indifcretion — fo will yours ; therefore do not defpair, my dear Fre- deric ; ptrfeBion cannot belong to mor- tality." Duvalvin coloured, and filently took his leave of the Marchefa, full of refpeft and admiration for her, and contempt for his own weaknefs, which compelled him to give up her elegant and improving converfation to keep his appointment with 232 RIGHT AND WRONG; OR, with rAbandoni ; ytt Jo it was — Duval- vin found that his paffions had over- powered his reafon, and rendered it at prefent unable to difTolve the charms of a beautiful enchantrefs, who had exerted all her art to make him feel that they were irrerifliblc. - . tl.D OF THE FIRST VOLUME. D. N.SHORY, PRINTER, BERWICK STREET, SOHO.