in a promise of mutual assistance for twenty years; and even the Lodese were persuaded to enter the confederacy. Barbarossa was sacrificing a new army in the unwholesome plains of Romagna to the fatal influence of the mal aria, which proved the worst enemy he had yet encountered. Six years were necessary to enable him again to take the field in Lombardy; and with a fresh army he advanced, for the last time, against Milan. The Milanese, no longer animated by the base passions of jealousy and civil hatred, but by true and honest patriotism, resolved to conquer, or to die in defence of their domestic hearths. Their nobility and wealthiest citizens had formed two bodies of cavalry; one consisting of nine hundred men, who had taken the most solemn oaths to maintain the struggle to the last-the other consisting of three hundred youths, who had pledged themselves to defend the carrocio. This was a heavy car, drawn by oxen, and supporting the banner of the republic, which was regarded with the greatest veneration by the Italians, and afforded a common centre round which they rallied. The lower orders of citizens were formed into six bodies of infantry. Thus prepared, the Milanese no sooner heard of the approach of Barbarossa than they ad D vanced to meet him as far as the plain of Legnano, about fifteen miles from their city. The forces of the Milanese were inferior in number to those of Barbarossa; and when they saw the German horse furiously approaching them at full gallop, with the emperor at their head, they experienced a universal pang of terror; but throwing themselves on their knees, they prayed aloud and with energy that God would defend their cause. Then starting to their feet and unfurling their banners, they prepared to meet the utmost fury of the German cavalry with the steadiness of brave and virtuous men. Yet in spite of their endeavours to sustain the charge, so tremendous was the shock that they were borne down by the enemy, and appeared in imminent danger of losing the day. Then it was that a second time they cried aloud to Heaven; and swearing to conquer or perish, they threw themselves on the enemy with the desperation of men who have hazarded all on one die, and obtained a complete victory! After the battle, the emperor, who had fought bravely, was nowhere to be found, and it was generally believed that he had been slain on the field; but in a few days he made his appearance before the gates of Pavia, alone, disguised, and humiliated. All his proud hopes of conquering Italy were at an end: he had led seven armies to their destruction; had shed torrents of blood; had carried fire and sword all over the country; and was now returning home, unpitied and alone, a miserable fugitive. VENICE. THE VENETIAN BRIDALS. VENICE, like the fabled goddess of beauty, had sprung from the sea; and from being at first a mere assemblage of fishermen's huts, now appeared more like one of the sparkling and fantastic fabrics which we read of in books of chivalry as created by the waving of a magician's wand, than a real substantial dwelling for ordinary inhabitants. If the eye was gratified by the various styles of architecture-the many-storied houses, with their gay awnings and verandahs-the marble churches, bridges, and palaces -the ear was no less surprised to miss the usual noises of a great city. No streets echoed with the sound of rolling chariot or trampling horse-no trees afforded shelter to singing-birds and shade to the foot-passenger. For the noise of wheels and hoofs was exchanged the plashing of oars and the song of gondoliers. The only horses which the Venetians could boast were those moulded in brass by the famous Lycippus: the only place of general resort where they could take exercise was the Place of St. Mark, sought alike by those in pursuit of business or pleasure. The first Duke or Doge of Venice was Paolo Anafeste, elected in the year 697; a man singularly esteemed by his fellow-citizens for his public and private virtues. The second doge likewise governed with moderation and ability; but his successor was ambitious to increase his own power at the expense of the liberties of the republic: his schemes were discovered, and the enraged citizens put him to death. From this time the Venetian history for a long period presents nothing but a scene of confusion and bloodshed; the doges oppressing the people, the people murdering or banishing their doges. The Venetians were alternately engaged in civil commotions or naval wars. Nevertheless, their trade was flourishing, and their city and population rapidly increasing. It was an old established custom for the nobility and principal citizens of Venice to celebrate their marriages on the same day of the year; viz. that preceding the day of Purification. On this occasion they united to give the solemnity all the splendour and magnificence in their power. The canals were crowded with gondolas conveying friends of the bridefolks richly apparelled, and laden with presents, from all parts of the city. The balconies were filled with spectators. Every one endeavoured to increase the general appearance of gaiety by the elegance and costliness of his dress. Armour, or offensive weapons of any kind, would have been considered an insult: they were laid aside for gowns and mantles of the finest silk and velvet, embroidered with gold and silver. Strains of lively music resounded on all sides, mingled with the joyful ringing of bells; and rich carpets and tapestries depending from the windows heightened the brilliancy of the scene. Every face shone with smiles; every heart beat with pleasurable expectation. Such was the spectacle that presented itself on the Venetian bridal day in the reign of Doge Candiano the Third. All the inhabitants were engaged either in the wedding procession, or as spectators. The brides, glittering with ornaments, embarked, to the sound of soft music, in the stately vessels which were to convey them to church; their relations and friends followed, carrying the bridal gifts exposed to public view, while the air resounded with shouts and acclamations. Unfortunately for the bridal train, the shores of the Adriatic Sea were |