Viewing page 83 of 150

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-8I-B

centive and independence necessary for the growth of genius?
After discoursing for some time for the benefit of the peasant, the Professor demanded his tea. The frightened maid went back to the house to fetch it and when she returned with the tea-pot, the Signora S. drew from her hand-bag two small biscuits which she handed to the Professor (biscuits are now all but unattainable) To the little boy who was standing near her she also offered a biscuit, but on diving a second time into her bag she failed to find one. The little fellow was so disappointed that he began chewing the stems of the flowers he was holding. When we tried to prevent him he informed us that they were 'buona da mangiare e molto dolce.' (good to eat and very sweet)
At the end of the afternoon before we left the fields, the Professor recited two very early poems of D'Annunzio, written at the age of sixteen. He beat time with his hand and with softly modulated voice gave a perfect rendering of these lyrical verses. And who indeed can pretend to appreciate the poetry of D'Annunzio without feeling the magic of a language whose music can convey emotions far beyond the limits of expression.
May 2nd. This morning the attack over Florence was worse than ever before. Swarms of bombers flew over our heads and all around us resounded with the crashing of bombs and anti-