Oxford Democrat

MISCELLANY.
A MIDSHIPMAN'S FIRST LOVE

We were lying in the harbor of Genoa—the 'City of Palaces.' Our frigate, one of the fleetest in the American Navy, was in splendid trim—her decks clean and white as 'holy stones' could make them, her brass work glittering like burnished gold, and not a belaying pin or a ring-bolt but shone like polished steel. Our crew, too, as fine a set of fellows as ever manned one of Uncle Sam's thundering batteries, were in excellent discipline, and, with their white frocks turned over with blue, their black neckerchiefs, snowy duck trousers, and glossy black tarpaulin, they presented a beautiful, uniform, and sailor-like appearance. Our ship was open, during the day, to visitors, and no small number availed themselves of the opportunity to examine and admire one of the most splendid specimens of naval architecture that ever floated in those waters—model man-of-war from the great Western Republic. The Ciceroni were justly delighted, and exhibited the best evidence of that sympathy which men born under the same sun with Columbus and enjoying the traditions of a free and happy government naturally feel for the citizens of that mighty clime which their sister's countryman, under Providence, redeemed from barbarism and gave us the grand theatre of human development through enlightenment and liberty. Invitations poured in upon the elated tars from all quarters, and a most delightful time they had of it.

For my own part, I was perfectly enchanted with Genoa, or ought to have been, if it be true that 'distance lends enchantment to the view,' for it was only from the deck of our ship that I had any opportunity of contemplating the superb city. I had become refractory in the eyes of one first lieutenant—perfect Tartar—and was enjoying the pleasures of quarantine.

It is no trifling matter to regain the good graces of a midshipman's irascible superior, especially when he has so great a sinecure as captain, and a set of duty by the day. But at any rate I was master's mate on the middle watch, to drill and play the part of officer of the deck—as far as I was neither guest to—but a wish afforded me peculiar satisfaction at that spot, as it did the envy of the envious. I could read my cabin door a long line but as anticipated is by situation as the city all would not be a parish.

We ate the world's beauty a thinner day. What makes at 'Srt lu eme aoe tie was the vast of the bapes well et with fegpn as served. He aan t bary that the cat of has garmest were is Eipested, and made various efforts to modern an them but whether the tailors were just were we, or whether he lacked direction in rang his orders, smell the fashions of lang, lang ago, prevailed all over his attempts.

Personal ioa close raunl jarlet, aa white trousers cf eaguis ie St, with oy ro kish farte eap wes jiuntity ao my heat. I used to strut by in with all the air of waecige sapermry io taste and elegance, and was fairly delighted when ordered to execute this agreeable duty, which being sure to loosen targyemy apparel, us, I thought, n evidence of his curr. In ten minutes after it was reer, I always appeared on deck as orru hmasly neat se benilate. Whether the 'fret lud had ensciestiuns astives in behalf of my waslereumis, of cogs artalice 'an the shortness of a middy's murne, be etldacs pat toue to trial twice in one day.

Well, I believe I said we anchored off Genoa. It was a bright and beautiful day such as an Englishman might have gone to constatancies, but which we aerustrnlto eus American skits, would ot bare thogha woeh to bang of. I had gone through my tusreing duties. Gusshed av toilet, and was feasing ever the famaoek dxitings eo the quarter deck, aatching a boat-load of ears whe bad juat put u fot the aisre, thae ia lodamoeg thrm, diled wath bright antierga ts of sletaure. I began to feel my eon faeamcst a litde irkeome, and had half determined I aoald praise the arss lirstonant's last new coat to has bot, who not snfregwent by brought his girments for me to eterese my entieal aruara egun, whre a frank, blufl wae hailed me i the oaber ale of th deek!

'Here, youngster, why don't you go ashore t th the rest of the, ao yo stem to l.ave on vour 'mcster su!*

This inquiry was put by the second lieutenant, a rough, kind-hearted man, 'every inch a sailor,' and borrowing his bruque manner, true gentleman.

'I am in quarantine, sir.'

'What for? Not neglect of duty, I hope!'

'No, sir. I differed with the first lieutenant about painting the doabings of the hatch es on the gun-deck.'

'I remember, and you were right. I am first lieutenant today, to gotresfy, and ashore io the next boat, if you wish.'

'Thank you, sir, but I would rather not. I'll apply to the captain when I went my quarantine taken off.'

'Well, perhaps you are right,' said he, ppreeiating at eore my mative, which was to prevent any unpleasantness between him and the first lieutenant; 'but don't forget to come in the wardroom and dine with me today.'

I accepted the invitation, and was just about to enter into conversation with him, when the quarter master reported a shore-boat alongside, with a gentleman and some ladies who ahed to come on board. The officer stepped pal lightly upon the horse block, and looking ever the ende, saw at once they were respectable persons.

'Let them come on board, quartermaster,' said he. 'Mr. B—, this is a chance for you—there's a pretty girl in the gangway.'

I obeyed promptly. The first who came up was, sure enough, a beautiful girl. Her golden locks, fair complexion, and large, dove-like eyes, might have well told me she was no native of a sunny clime, but I had seen blondes even in Italy, and was not in a very discriminating humor, so I at once essayed to address her in Italian, which I had been studying diligently a whole month. 'Vole predred madeachua, sgnorna.'

'...That's Italian enough,' thought I; but what was my astonishment, and to say confusion, when the reply came in English—such sweet, soft tones, redolent of home recollections—'Thank you, I believe I'll wait until papa comes up' and doubtless seeing that I looked embarrassed, she added, with reverent self-possession, 'but I will take a walk on the gun slide in the meantime, if you please.'

In a few moments, a tall, stately English man, assisting an elderly lady, appeared at the top of the accommodation-ladder, and I based tos let my aivares. They were followed by a younger girl, but not so pretty. As soon as he stood upon the deck, the gentleman atufand my relater, eaad,

'I understand in the city that your frigate was open to visitors, and, following savings to are an Iuesiean sa vlys at, louk the liberty to come on board without an invitation.'

'You are welcome, sir, and I shall be most happily to adow you the ship,' I replied, at she same time aaia edring my ann to the doveerrd iwanly.

I did this because I saw the appearance of the party had attracted the attention of a group of officers near the taffrail, who were ap peoackung, and I had no idea of being caught out. Whether the young ladies divined my motive I cannot say, but she looked at her father with a smile, and reeng a nod of agptos eand envetly.

'I will take your arm now, if you please, sir.'

The second lieutenant came up, and, exchanging salutations with the English andard me to oeart hos thuwgh the ship. 'Da Id with pleasure, captain, w all the elagurure ad valghality of which I as nauter, evervihorg of estereat. Dg fasdmse all kea srtheng alest aatal wit 2, and I foatad thy ote in quratian wellin Gormnd, and diagumed to take grestsestrreat afl te wra. 1enre it wts easy to ptatrart thair vait, wieh I did eot tal to do, fo there was sazetbing in the reert, beac durds of ay eomyaion that weat right my teart.

When every part of the ship had been visited, and there was nothing to detain the party, except to offer them some hospitality, I covated them to the captain's cabin. This was at first declined, with the natural delicacy of well-bred folks to anything like intrusion, but I knew out good old captain well, beeadev being an arred faror stemso I waited giving the orderly notice to tasoaare tae at the same time, and of course they yielded.

Capt. A'reeegtion a s frank and centlenanly, and removed any scruples the Englishman might have entertained as to the welcome. Our time passed very pleasantly, and was only interrupted by the English gentleman rexnemlrring be had a boat waiting.

'Never mind—Mr. I will attend to that,' said our urbane skipper, 'and the frigate's boat will st jou anshute.'

I drew up deck, and dispatched the boat. On my return, I found the party just coming out of the cabin for another tour of inspection. Mary—that was her name—had been wae sepulined by a dashing commander, who happened to be a guest of our captain for the time being—but I found! L emiled in triumph at me as I was only offer my arm to the younger sister. When we returned to the cabin, we partook of a splendid lunch, which was arhy prensated.

I availed myself of the second lieutenant's friendly disposition so far as to stamp the party ashore. The old gentleman returned ed me many thanks, and just as they landed, Mary said, 'Papa, perhaps Mr. B will take a family dinner with us today.'

'...Thank you,' said I, endeavoring to conceal my gratitude, 'but I cannot be excused from duty.'

'We should be very happy, and the captain, I am sure, would spare you,' said the father, with that genuine frankness a true welcome always has.

'I fear not, as we sail tomorrow.'

'O, you go to Leghorn, I heard your commander say.'

'I believe so, sir.'

'Of course you intend visiting Florence, Mr. B—,' said Mary.

'We expect to leave for that city, also, tomorrow.'

'I shall try to go there,' said I.

'Do you? We shall be there same time, at world be delighted to meet you, and return same of your kindness today,' said the father.

A cordial pressure of the hand from all parties, and I pulled back very moodily to the ship.

'Me coita' in Florence! How did you get there!' asks the reader.

Why, thanks to my friend the second lieutenant, who brought my case before the captain, my quarantine was removed when we got to Leghorn, and in company with three of my messmates, I set out in a lumbering old vehicle which we hired for the enormous sum of seven dollars.

The incidents of the journey were unimportant, except that two of my companions came near enacting over the story of the white and black hogs, in Tuscany, until I pacified matters by telling it to them. Arrived at Florence, we were soon quartered at a very agreeable English boarding-house, and at once commenced sight-seeing.

For my own part, I was in a land of romance, and seemed to walk on air. At my age, seventeen summers, one naturally looks through a rose-colored atmosphere, and I confess that even to this day my recollections of the beautiful city of the Medici are like those of a pleasant dream.

We found our distinguished countryman, the Hon. R. H. Wilde, sojourning in Florence, and were indebted to his kindness for many agreeable hours. Sacred is his memory to all who know him.

The morning after our arrival, we visited the Florence gallery. I had not mentioned my hopes to anyone, and was devising some means to discover whether my English friends had arrived. The wonders of art which surrounded me soon engrossed all my attention. With such a cicerone as Mr. Wilde, the dullest apprehension could not fail to be enlivened, but to my fresh young nature, all was wonder and delight.

The Tribune, as it is called—a small octagonal room, enriched with the purest gems of the artist's genius which the world has known—was reserved for the last. There, sempiternal as the spirit of beauty which it typifies, to the Medici Venus. There also are the St. John and Venus of Titian, the voluptuous Fornarina of Raphael, and Van Dyck's Charles I. No collection on earth contains such treasures.

I entered a little ahead of my companions, not always citing for the explanations, interesting as they were, of our guide. At that early day, I cared little for the history of art—my only impulse was to admire.

In the presence of beauty diffuses an indefinable sensation of pleasure. I paused at the threshold of the Tribune, awed and a duel. Before me was a world of loveliness even in the lifeless canvas, and cold, hard marble, but lovelier than all to my enrapture! won, woman, breathing, animate, with real life, Castile cheeks, full beaming eyes. There stood before the impersonation of all my ideas of beauty, the beautiful Mary S—.

Tre anca redo wad retrias, md lal eat my srial efaatin tierlt ry shat tos gret cn,rrssment was illbred, difliienne slage would lase beld me back, as it was frak, but salest. She recognized me at once, and with evident satisfaction. La yeans have passed, and not the thrill which bet wof teee sat thral wy hegaatelail baites alang the strings of memory.

'Mama and Papa are in the cloisters and will be delighted in seeing. Let us find them.'

There was a natural frankness in this invitation which put me at once to my ease. I no longer attempt to add my mite in Italian again, until I am better acquainted with the idiom, and I, offering my arm.

'To you most certainly cultivate Italian,' said she, wrept ag my coruit a ithoat hearts the.

We soon found the party, raaing co cut wat my own friends wi gazod in evident admiratus and envy at the lovely ren I had picked up. Mr. S— received me not only kindly, but almost fraternally. The ice was broken; there are no warmer-hearted people than the English.

My age was such that I was the more reobily admitted fromk, ant alino esrsreseal the dalighiial glon w bomg leel iag•.

The cat ae taring, I Janlstel wi my freala at thsie bate', and accompanied them to the Pitti Palace, and from that time I was every day, during my stay, included in their plans of amusement.

It was delightful, interesting. And never was a midshipman happier, for a week. The tiny of my stay began to draw to a close, on I became currevsaniingly miserable.

The S— family were evidently sorry to part with me, and hoped I might again it I'aslas. before I returned to my own country.

The night before my intended departure, I declined an invitation to join my companions at an entertainment given by an American gentleman resident in Florence; my English friends I knew were engaged elsewhere, and I determined to pass the evening in solitude and thought.

One of my messmates happening to feel unwell, returned home alone, however, and found me with three or four sheets of paper scribbled over and scattered before me.

'Hallo! What are you at? Writing your travels, eh!'

'Only scribbling,' said I, gathering up my effusions.

'Sonnets to your fair one's eyes, eh? Well, she is beautiful and no mistake! I don't blame you for being smitten, Jack.— Why don't you marry her? I have no doubt the old one is rich.'

'No joking, Fred, for I am regularly dodted,' said I, opening my heart to his friendly sympathy, 'and I know all hope is madns.'

'Remember the old adage of 'faint heart.' Jack. Take my advice—burn up all that silly writing, and tell her right out to her face that you love her and that you'll go home and resign, and go to Congress just to marry her; for, confound our navy, there is no hope of a fellow being a Captain or a Commodore until he is gray-headed.'

Don't smile, reader. Fred was in earnest in his sympathy, and half in earnest in his advice; for midshipmen are generally romantic, and not always world-wise. Well, we discussed the matter over a bottle of wine, and I made up my mind to do something desperate, and then went to bed and dreamed that I was post-captain and Mary S— my bride.

There must have been a great change in my countenance next morning, for at the breakfast table—I was taking my last meal with the S— family—all noticed it, and asked if I were sick. I might well have answered yes, at heart, but I ralled and was soon as gay to all appearance as ever.

After the meal was finished, Mr. S—, with his youngest daughter, went out to make some purchases, telling me not to leave until they returned, as it was the last day we should see each other.

'Oh, no! Jack shall stay, and I will charm his blues with music,' said Mary playfully.

I did not like the familiarity with which the beautiful girl addressed me, delightful as it had hitherto been, for it lowered my sense of dignity, and was not auspicious of success to my desperate hopes.

The old lady left us to attend to some domestic matters, and as we were alone Mary sat down to the piano, and, after running her fingers over the keys, asked what sound would lave.

'...The first which comes,' said I, picking up a piece of music from that which lay before me, and handing it to her.

She smiled as she began, in a simple and exquisite voice—

'It was lighter degree, Anta lady high castle.

What fate placed that song in my hands? By the time she had finished, my very heart was melting with tenderness, and, on looking up, I saw Mary herself so full of emotion. With the impulse of the moment, I sank upon my knees, and uttered the burning words that came in hot haste from my heart.

Mary was startled at first, but her manner subsided into deep interest. As I concluded with an eager, bygerlole, extravagant enough perhaps, but with the impress of truthfulness in every word, she laid her hand gently on my head, while her eyes were moist and angelic earnestness was in her softly modulated tone, and a—

'Poor boy! I am only grieved to see you feel so much, but you will soon forget me, or remember me only as one who felt a sister's kindess for you.'

'I dreamed last night.'

'Is it still to a dream, Jack, and if any thought of me can cheer you to good and so hhe aetious, my shall be say dream bover.'

This was said in a tone of half, half raillery, lotf tearless, lot w calm ant cn ecas that it tolled the death-knell of all my hopes, if in fact I had any.

Notwithstanding all her kindness, I was fitly over a lelme! with eanfotion, and would base retralad precipitately, but with a kind rene which never lost its impression on my buesrt, she enathed aaar each roBed feelieg came, 'Come, Jack, you shall take a morning walk with us along that pleasant boulevard. I could not hive you go away so sadly, and when you write poetry hereafter—da tos hooa I think you a etethen you may immortalize in tetee this little episode in both our lives.'

That last walk by the Arno taught me many lessons they were fresh awill rv er furgel, afal the esjerence of years cannot froms the wisdom of that young English girl! wo fall of truth and tenderness. She bal lave to give ae an my eense od the term, but the influence of her spirit has bers tjos ie throggh life, always to soothe and to bless nd hovering at the portals of the eterns este to welesare me, in the guise of white wiogad angels, will sw ait the rate and holy mpathies she awakened in that brief hour.