THE PIRATES OF SEGNA. 373 



thither from all sides, eager to secure places which 

 might afford them a good view of the fight. Every 

 roof, gable, and chimney had its occupants ; not a 

 projection however small, not a Avail however lofty 

 and perilous, hut was covered with people, for the 

 most part provided with baskets of provisions, and 

 evidently determined to sit or stand out the whole of 

 the spectacle. In the anxiety to obtain good places, 

 the most extraordinary risks were run, and feats of 

 activity displayed. Here might be seen individuals 

 clambering up perpendicular buildings, by the aid of 

 ledges and projections which appeared far too narrow 

 to afford either grasp or foothold ; further on, some 

 herculean gondolier or peasant served as base to a 

 sort of human column, composed of five or six men, 

 who, scrambling over each other's shoulders, attained 

 in this manner some seemingly inaccessible position. 

 The seafaring habits of the Venetian populace, who 

 were accustomed from boyhood to climb the masts 

 and rigging of vessels, now stood them in good stead ; 

 and notwithstanding all the noise, confusion, and 

 apparent peril, it was very rarely that an accident 

 occurred. 



Under the red awnings covering the balconies and 

 flat roofs of the palaces, were seated groups of ladies, 

 whose rich dresses, glittering with the costliest jewels 

 and embroideries, appeared the more magnificent from 

 being contrasted with the black attire of the grave 

 patricians who accompanied them. But perhaps the 



