Not Marco Twain.

Otago Witness, Issue 1851, 17 August 1893, Page 49

Not Marco Twain.

The most striking feature of St. Mark's, in Venice, is k the prolusion of mosaics, which are said to cover 50,000 square feet, and are much like faded paintings in appearance. High up in the facade is the Lion of St. Mark, which one sees repeated in every material and manner. The author of a book called " College Tramps " gives an experience with a guide which suggests that Italians do not appreciate American humorists.

We passed out, he says, into the square, glancing, as we went, at the work of several artists who were busily putting upon their canvas the image of the gorgeous interior. While in the cathedral, our guide, who was pointing out and explaining the different objects of .interest, waved his hand towards the magnificent bronze altar, and whispered, impressively : " Gentleman, at ze bottom under zis grande altare, repose ze great San Marco, ze patron of Venezia. He is brought here from Alexandreea, 1000 year."

"Ah.!" saidN , "he is the gentleman who .owned the lion. Is — is he dead ? "

The guide's face grew livid, and his hand fiew*to his waist for his stiletto— it may have been for his handkerchief ; still, his hand flew somewhere. " Is you call Marco Twain ? " he asked. " No," replied the trembling NN — — , " my name is not Mark Twain." The guide kindly refrained from further demonstrations, but muttered :

" Zat Marco Twain have made one big fool of ze guide profession in Italia, and all ze guide have conjurationed to keel him, soon as he com once more 1 " After that N— was his most patient auditor.