صفحة 746 من 1118

To escape such a dilemma, Don Roderick, having risen before the

sun, threw himself into a carriage with Griso, and, followed by

the rest of the bravoes, retired like a fugitive, like (if we may

be permitted to elevate him by such a comparison), like Catiline

from Rome, foaming with rage, and threatening a speedy return to

accomplish his revenge.

Meanwhile the cardinal approached, visiting every day one of the

parishes situated in the territory of Lecco. On the day he was

expected in the village, great preparations were made for his

reception. At the entrance of the village, near the cottage of

Agnes, a triumphal arch was erected, constructed of wood, covered

with moss and straw, and ornamented with green boughs of birch

and holly. The front of the church was adorned with tapestry;

from every window of the houses were suspended quilts and sheets,

intended for drapery; every thing, in short, whether in good

taste or bad, was displayed in honour of this extraordinary

occasion. At the hour of vespers (which was the hour Frederick

usually selected to arrive at the churches which he visited),

those who had not gone to church, the old men, women, and the

youngest of the children, went forth, in procession, to meet

their expected guest, headed by Don Abbondio.