the moment of my appearance in their midst. They were entirely willing
to let my two champions go to Lucca on my account, and I was glad to
hear that the company would not stand to lose much by so generous an
act. They were on their way to Siena, and except for an open-air
performance or two in mean villages would not need either Belviso or the
dwarf until they reached that city, where the pair would rejoin them.
They offered me their protection and hospitality in the frankest manner--
in such terms, indeed, that I could not but have accepted them had my
necessities been lighter than they were. I took them thankfully, and
asked leave further to propose that, as I had a good memory and a person
not otherwise unsuitable, I might place myself and my abilities at their
whole disposal. "Use me, gentlemen," said I, "if I suit you; make me of
service elsewhere than on your scene if I do not. By so doing you will
lighten my load of debt, and make me feel less of a stranger and a
burden. I have won two friends already by the recital of my sorrows"--
here I placed a hand on Belviso's shoulder and gave the other to Il
Nanno--"let me hope that I can gain yet more by some exhibition of my
talents."

This was loudly applauded. "Stand up, Don Francis," said Belviso to me,
"and spout us out whatever bombast you can remember."

I gave them, first, the opening speech of the Orfeo of Politian, where
the sad shepherd accounts his plight, his pursuit of the nymph Euridice,
her abhorrence of him, and the like. All eyes were fixed upon me; I saw
those of La Panormita glisten. The smooth-flowing verses moved her. They
were silent when I had done, which a little disconcerted me; but
presently the dwarf snapped out, "More." Emboldened, I began upon the
Aminta of Tasso, reciting the opening speech of Daphne in the fourth
act. To my delight the part of Silvia, which Virginia in our old days at