Pagina 662 di 788

"On the left is another scene, a convent refectory, transformed

into the assembly hall of the gentry. The older men are seated in

a row on benches; the younger are standing and looking curiously

over their heads towards the centre; in the centre stands the

Marshal, holding the urn in his hands; he is counting the balls,

and the gentry devour them with their eyes; he has just shaken

out the last one: the Apparitors raise their hands and announce

the name of the elected official.

"One gentlemen has no respect for the general concord: see, he

has thrust in his head from the window of the refectory kitchen;

see his wide-open eyes, how insolently he stares; he has opened

his mouth as though he wanted to eat up the whole roomful: it is

easy to guess that this gentlemen has shouted 'Veto!' See how at

that sudden challenge to a quarrel the throng is crowding to the

door; they are evidently on their way to the kitchen; they have

drawn their swords, and a bloody fight is sure to break out.