to begin.[1] The people gathered themselves close together by the walls of the houses; a pause succeeded, and then a loud exulting shout, which ran like wildfire along the Corso; and from the Piazza del Popolo sped, in flying career, a little troop of small horses, adorned with gold-paper wings or flags. Away they rush at full speed along the Corso up to the Piazza di Venezia, where they are stopped, and the judges of the race award the prizes which their owners shall receive. Scarcely have the swift-footed steeds passed, when the throng of people crowds after them like a swarming ant-hillock. This closes the amusements of the day, and every body goes home, the greater number of pedestrians, more's the pity!—under umbrellas; as do we, amongst the rest. But my young friend is delighted with the sport, has a great number of beautiful bouquets, and is extremely amused. We close our day by reading Guinginé's interesting history of Italian literature.
- ↑ I learned with astonishment that the Jews, resident in Rome, are compelled to furnish the money which is run for at these races, and which the owner of the winning horse receives, and also that by such payment the Jews purchase annually the exemption of themselves running on the Corso, and also permission to remain yet another year in Rome. Anciently it was the Jews who were obliged to run races during the Carnival for the amusement of the Christian populace; and the assent which was given to their prayer to continue yet another year in Rome, was accompanied with—a kick! Both the racing and the kick are now dispensed with, but it is declared that they are continued in the manner in which the permission is given. For the humiliating tribute is still exacted, and yet the Roman state claims to be called the “most Christian,” and the most civilized, and its church the mother of Christendom.—Author's Note.
