Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/321

Rh But I will lead thee thither as the bird flies, and thus thou shalt escape what I had to endure, nearly three hours of shaking under the burning heat of the sun, on the paved road from Naples to Portici, and from thence to Vesuvius, for thither is our journey. But I should be very glad to show thee the picture which is presented as we ascend the mountain, the grand, glorious picture of the sea, with its vessels and islands; of Naples and its surrounding district, far away towards the blue mountains on the horizon. It is glorious, especially when, as now, it is lit up by the sun, which in its descent bursts forth, from between a dark cloud and the earth, with a brightness and power like a beaming glance of love on parting from the beloved.

We soon reached the stream of lava which rolled forth threateningly through the vineyards above Portici. The inhabitants had already fled from several small houses, from others they were ready to fly. Upon the roof of one well-built dwelling stood an elderly man immovable with a child in his arms, watching the glowing stream which was slowly approaching. The horse stood before the gate saddled and loaded in readiness. In one hollow, towards which the stream was rolling onwards, was gathered a large concourse of people amidst which a procession advanced with singing, and a number of burning lights, carrying two gilt figures; the one with a bishop's mitre on his head, and his hands uplifted, like those of the Pope, in the act of blessing; the other of the Madonna, a little image with an immense crown on its head, above which a canopy was borne by priests. San Gennaro,