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30 July 1885 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Thursday. 30th July [1885]. We breakfasted at 8.30 & then Henry, Sir John Lumley & I went off in our gondola to the Launch. We had our little silk ambassadorial flag flying on our gondola & Sir John had the entré into the Arsenal by which we also profitted & we reached there at the same moment as Sr Mussi the prefect of Venice & his wife. I joined Mme Mussi & Mme La Comtessa Serego the wife of the syndic & got a seat between them & Mme Mimaut the French Consul’s wife & had good front seats only we were baked by the fierce sun. Sir John & Henry remained with the Prefect in order to go into the royal box as soon as the K. & Q. arrived which they did at 10 o’cl to sound of the royal band. They were accompanied by high officials & the Morocco Ambassador Arabs in white turbans & burnooses—then the Patriarch Cardinal went round the ship sprinkling it with holy water—& the Royal party came out of their box & mounted a platform where the Queen pulled a ribbon which let loose a bottle & it was dashed against the ship wh was christened the “Morosini.” They all returned to the box & brought the patriarch with them & while they were partaking of refreshments the supports were one by one knocked away from the ship—a last wedge was pushed out & away she slid down into the water leaving a smell of burnt wood & a smoke. The workmen cheered lustily & there was general rejoicing & congratulations & soon after we all were able to return to our houses glad to get away from the heat & glare. Mr Vigor joined us at lunch & then I rested. Ersilia Canevaro came to see me & said she & her family were leaving Venice tomorrow. We dined at 7 & directly after lighted up our candles & chandeliers for the serenade. Several people came to our house to see the Serenade pass & as soon as it had gone by we got into the gondola & Henry, Sir John & I set off to see the fireworks & see the other 2 serenades. There was an illuminated bucintoro in imitation of the real one wh was wonderfully pretty– The P&O Steamer was dressed & illuminated & there was a tremendous crowd of boats. The fireworks began at last & lasted for nearly 2 hours & the rockets were very splendid. We were astounded at being told that the whole affair only cost the town 2000 fcs. We were well tired out when we returned home abt 2.30 & glad to get to bed—but the heat & the noise of the canal prevented me getting much sleep. | |
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