MAZZINI'S COURAGE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 11, 12 March 1892, Page 249

MAZZINI'S COURAGE.

This famous Italian exile was once forewarned that his assassination had been planned, and that men had been dispatched to London for the purpose, but he made no attempt to exclude them from his house. One day the conspirators entered his room and found him listlessly smoking. • Take cigars, gentlemen,’ was his instant invitation. Waiting and hesitation on their part followed. ‘ But you do not proceed to business, gentlemen,’ said Mazzini. ‘ I believe your intention is to kill me.’ The astonished miscreants fell on their knees and at length departed with the generous pardon accorded them, while a longer puff of smoke than usual was the only malediction sent after them. Mazzini once, when he was staying with his friends in an Italian city, where his head was forfeited, saw guards ap-

S reaching the bouse to arrest him. On their way up to the oor—the chateau stood on an eminence—they met a per son sauntering down toward them smoking a cigar. He gave them the salutation of the morning, which the Captain returned. On arriving at the chateau, Mazzini was demanded. •We well know he is here,’ said the chief officer. • Certainly,’ said the host, who knew it was in vain to profess ignorance ; ‘he was, but is not. It is he whom you met. I saw him salnte you.’ They had been completely thrown off their guard by the coolness of the smoking stranger. Once out of their sight they knew it was vain to expect to lay hands on that übiquitous smoker, whom no man ever betrayed.