NAPLES BAY AND FISH-MAEKET. 97 



Nor are the fireworks confined to the land : many a 

 gay shallop, bedizened with coloured transparencies in 

 honour of the Virgin or some patron saint, exhibits 

 rival pyrotechnics ; then, too, the fishing-sloops glide in 

 and out of the creeks, following their noiseless occupa- 

 tion among the rocks, each burning at the. stern a flam- 

 ing torch, which ever and anon, as it waxes faint, is re- 

 stored by a smart blow to its wonted splendour; when a 

 spectre-like figure in a threatening attitude, with uplifted 

 spear, is jevealed standing at the bow ; and as the light 

 again grows dim, on goes the fairy boat in shadowy in- 

 distinctness, till another coruscation bursts from the 

 struck flambeau and renews the scene. Nor must we 

 omit the beautiful fire-balloons sent up from various 

 points along the coast, and winging their way between 

 sea and sky, as if carrying despatches to the stars. Fi- 

 nally, the waters too are luminous ; innumerable hordes 

 of moUuscs glitter like glow-worms in the depths of the 

 abyss, whilst huge moon-fish lie on the surface, illumi- 

 nating many a watery rood around. 



Now, who but a Neapolitan would expect an abrupt 

 quenching of all this brilliancy, — the disturbance of a 

 repose of earth, air, and water, so absolute and com- 

 plete, — 



When not a breath invades tlie deep serene, 

 And not a cloud obscures the lovely scene ? 



Who could imagine that a mighty change inthe elements 

 might wind up the evening with a sudden borrasque ? 

 Yet this is the usual course of things here at the au- 

 tumnal equinox. While the observer is, perhaps, enjoy- 

 ing the placid moonbeams, and reluctantly thinking of 

 returning home, a whole park of artillery is preparing 

 for mischief behind the rocks of Capri. A squall, as 

 sudden as a Neapolitan's 'rabbia,' quickly ruflSes the 

 quiescent sea, and lashes it into foam ; the earliest inti- 

 mation of which is no sooner given, than all hasten to 



