city, and take employment in the service of the Turkish Government. Many
others of the Armenian students here also find this career open to them in
the East.

The literary exercises closed with another essay in Armenian; and then the
archbishop delivered, very gracefully and impressively, an address to the
boys. After this, the distribution of the premiums--medals of silver and
bronze, and books--took place at the desk of the archbishop. Each boy, as
he advanced to receive his premium, knelt and touched the hand of the
priest with his lips and forehead,--a quaint and pleasing ceremony which
had preceded and followed the reading of all the themes.

The social greetings and congratulations that now took place ended an
entertainment throughout which every body was pleased, and the good-
natured fathers seemed to be moved with a delight no less hearty than that
of the boys themselves. Indeed, the ground of affection and confidence on
which the lads and their teachers seemed to meet, was something very novel
and attractive. We shook hands with our smiling friends among the padri,
took leave of the archbishop, and then visited the studio of Padre
Alessio, who had just finished a faithful and spirited portrait of
monsignore. Adieux to the artist and to Padre Giacomo brought our visit to
an end; and so, from that scene of oriental learning, simplicity, and
kindliness, we walked into our western life once more, and resumed our
citizenship and burden in the Venetian world--out of the waters of which,
like a hydra or other water beast, a bathing boy instantly issued and
begged of us.

A few days later our good Armenians went to pass a month on the main-land
near Padua, where they have comfortable possessions. Peace followed them,
and they came back as plump as they went.