"Mates," he said, "I am not apt at making fine speeches, though I can
feel as many thanks as another. I'll give you then, our jolly host and
his sweet daughter. Than he, no better rules the roast between here and
the salt sea. And what maiden can compare with her in loveliness?"

This speech was received with the most decided applause by the rest of
the company, who seemed eager to evince their approbation of all things
at present said and done, by steadfast application to the festivities of
the occasion.

Meantime, far removed from their boisterous cheer, sat within her little
chamber the maiden, weeping at thought of the dreaded marriage-day,
towards which the hours were rapidly hastening.

"O, Gulielmo!" such were the thoughts which she murmured, "shall I be
able to support life forever removed from thee? Alas! the fate which so
ruthlessly severs our mutual loves!"

Meanwhile, Gulielmo roamed the hills, his heart swelling with sadness.
What use in longer adherence to home and the lowly shepherd's lot? No,
he would no longer tamely submit to poverty and the contempt which it
entailed on its victim. The moment was now arrived when he must bid
adieu to Rosa, loved in vain, and to Sorento, spot hitherto so loved and
lonely. Thus musing, he began to trace on the sandy soil a rude outline,
which certainly bore a striking resemblance to Rosa's pretty features.

"Well done, Master Gulielmo!" suddenly exclaimed a strange voice.

The startled youth looked up, and in so doing cast his eye on a face