243.—ARRESTED FOR TREASON.
The famous baritone, Tamburini, once had an experience which showed the appreciation in which he was held by royalty. He was passing through Venice, where he was very popular and greatly idolized, on his way to Trieste to keep an operatic engagement in that city. As he, with his lovely young wife, were seated in their gondola on the way to the ship which was to carry them on their journey, they were overtaken by a Government gondola filled with armed men, and the singer was placed under arrest. He protested that he was an opera singer simply passing through Venice, that he never meddled with politics, and that there must be some mistake. But the officer showed the order for his arrest, and the singer and his wife were transferred to the Government vessel and taken back to the city.
The gondola drew up to the heavy doors of a large building and the prisoners were conducted through a long passage-way and suddenly thrust into a brilliantly lighted room, which proved to be the "green room" of a theater. The officer then addressed him, saying, "I have the honor to announce to you the commands of his Majesty the Emperor. It is his imperial wish that you perform to-night in the 'Marriage of Figaro.' The Emperor, together with his Majesty the Emperor of Russia, will honor the performance with their presence."
The audience was one of the most brilliant that could be conceived, and Tamburini excelled himself. At the end of the last act, the audience remained to call the singer before the curtain and deluge him with wreaths of flowers. When, flushed with triumph, Tamburini returned behind the curtain, he found himself again a prisoner, and he and his trembling wife were conducted to the apartments assigned to them. While their treatment had been courteous, they knew not what was in store, nor could they obtain any information from the soldiers in charge. The answer was that "he should know on the morrow."
The next day Tamburini was conducted into the royal presence. The whole court was assembled to do honor to the illustrious guest, the Emperor of Russia. When his name was announced, the singer made his obeisance and stood awaiting the monarch's commands.
"Signor Tamburini," said the Emperor, "you stand before us a prisoner, but we understand you plead ignorance of your offense."
"I do, Sire; I am ignorant of how I have broken the laws or offended your Majesty."
"Then we will tell you. It was high treason for you to attempt to pass through this city without stopping to sing for us. You are proved guilty of a conspiracy to defraud our good Venetians of their rights in refusing them the privilege of hearing you. You lie at our mercy. But we will remit all punishment other than a few days' imprisonment with us. Moreover, we have ordered a sum of money to be paid to you in testimony of our appreciation of your performance, and, in addition, allow you to ask any favor you will."
"Sire, I simply ask to be permitted to keep my word to my friends at Trieste, who are expecting me."
"You are a noble fellow, Tamburini, and your request is granted; only to-night we must have you in 'Lucia di Lammermoor;' and now come nearer."
The artist knelt at the monarch's feet.
"Receive at our hands this medal 'di nostro Salvatore' and learn how much we love to honor genius," and the Emperor flung a golden chain around his neck.
Tamburini was then presented to the Russian Emperor and received the compliments and congratulation of the nobility present. The next day the artist was sent on his way rejoicing, loaded with honors and tangible marks of royal esteem.