Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/377

Rh lie on the southern side of the small island. A few walls, fallen marble columns, and a beautiful Mosaic floor, are all which now remain of its fallen splendor. The view from the heights, is of unrivaled beauty, embracing the entire island; heaven, sea, and coast, all round; and, unrivaled too, was this evening the spectacle of the flaming clouds in all their variations of purple, gold, and crimson, as well as the after-glow in the sea following upon the sunset. I have never beheld a more magnificent play of brilliancy and color. On our return, we met a young girl carrying a large vessel of water on her head; but the girl's beauty and queen-like bearing, were so unusual, that we voluntarily stopped to speak with her. She replied with simplicity and kindness. Her parents were poor people on the island; her name was Carmela, and she was seventeen.

In the evening, the Tarantella was danced by all the people belonging to the Hotel Pugani. The joy of the dance was expressed in every countenance, but especially in the countenances of two young girls whose beautiful eyes beamed with delight. We were so charmed with our visit to Capri, that we resolved to return hither for a longer visit, when we have bidden farewell to Sorrento.

August 15th.—The Ascension-Day of the Virgin, is a great festival in the Catholic Church. For the last week, they have been talking about it in Sorrento, and of the great fire-works which are to take place on that day, and for which the Prince of Syracuse, who has a beautiful villa here is said to have given a hundred scudi.