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society of my little dumb friend. I stood for hours in anxious,
weary mood, at the window which looked over a gallery, on the other
side of which could be seen the extremity of the court-yard, and the
window of my former cell. Who had succeeded me there? I could
discern his figure, as he paced quickly to and fro, apparently in
violent agitation. Two or three days subsequently, I perceived that
he had got writing materials, and remained busied at his little
table the whole of the day. At length I recognised him. He came
forth accompanied by his jailer; he was going to be examined, when I
saw he was no other than Melchiorre Gioja. {4} It went to my heart:
"You, too, noble, excellent man, have not escaped!" Yet he was more
fortunate than I. After a few months' captivity, he regained his
liberty. To behold any really estimable being always does me good;
it affords me pleasant matter for reflection, and for esteem--both
of great advantage. I could have laid down my life to save such a
man from captivity; yet merely to see him was some consolation to
me. After regarding him intently, some time, to ascertain if he
were tranquil or agitated, I offered up a heart-felt prayer for his
deliverance; I felt my spirits revived, a greater flow of ideas, and
greater satisfaction with myself. Such an incident as this has a
charm for utter solitude, of which you can form no idea without
experiencing it. A poor dumb boy had before supplied me with this
real enjoyment, and I now derived it from a distant view of a man of
distinguished merit.
Perhaps some one of the jailers had informed him where I was. One
morning, on opening his window, he waved his handkerchief in token
of salutation, and I replied in the same manner. I need not
describe the pleasure I felt; it appeared as if we were no longer
separated; and we discoursed in the silent intercourse of the
spirit, which, when every other medium is cut off, in the least
look, gesture, or signal of any kind, can make itself comprehended
and felt.
It was with no small pleasure I anticipated a continuation of this
friendly communication. Day after day, however, went on, and I was
never more gratified by the appearance of the same favourite
signals. Yet I frequently saw my friend at his window; I waved my
handkerchief, but in vain; he answered it no more. I was now
informed by our jailers, that Gioja had been strictly prohibited
from exciting my notice, or replying to it in any manner.
Notwithstanding, he still continued to look at me, and I at him, and
in this way, we conversed upon a great variety of subjects, which
helped to keep us alive.
CHAPTER XI.
Along the same gallery, upon a level with my prison, I saw other
prisoners passing and repassing the whole day to the place of
examination. They were, for the chief part, of lowly condition, but
occasionally one or two of better rank.
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