lyS Voyage of the Novara. 



was in mourning owing to a death in the family. She was 

 only attended by one lady in waiting, and received us with 

 infinite grace. She is rather short in stature, and although 

 still young, looks aged j in conversation she becomes how- 

 ever very animated, and thereby gains in gracefulness ; her 

 favourite theme was Italy, on which she dwelt with child- 

 like fondness. Speaking of Naples, its charming bay, of the 

 Vesuvius, and the lovely walk of Santa Lucia, near the 

 sea, the tone of her voice became involuntarily more lively. 

 Notwithstanding the tropical splendour, and an Imperial 

 throne, the Princess seems to have a great longing for her 

 native land. Alas ! even an imperial crown is no protection 

 against the yearning for home ! 



During our stay here, the anniversary came round of the 

 birth of our gracious Emperor, which was celebrated in the 

 most festive manner. From early dawn the frigate appeared 

 decked out in her gayest flags, which was similarly responded 

 to by the English and French ships of war in the harbour. At 

 8 A.M., with the customary salutes of the ensign, a salute of 

 twenty-one guns was fired, as also at mid-day and sunset. At 

 11 A.M., the crew were paraded and divine service was per- 

 formed, to which our resident envoy and his family were 

 invited, together with the acting Consul-General, the captain 

 of an Austrian vessel, and a few Austrians who happened to 

 be at that time in Rio. After service, the foreign guests and 

 several officers of the staff were entertained by the commo- 

 dore at breakfast In the evening there was a banquet at the 



