312

NAPLES AND ITS ENVIRONS.

until 1806, when it was occupied by the English in the
name of the King of Sicily.
It is a curious fact, but fact it is, that all the rulers
that have been powerful here during more than eighteen
centuries, and all the events that occurred during their
reigns, are forgotten. One hears neither blessings nor
curses on them. They are ignored, while the whole
island is so filled with the memory of Tiberius that one is
almost tempted to believe that his spirit has remained
here in some more potent form than that of a bronze,
diamond-eyed rider of an equally lifeless steed. When
one thinks of all the hours that have been spent by each
generation in reciting the wonders and horrors of the
Tiberiana to their children, and remembers how much
nervous force and even strong emotion has been put into
this story-telling, in order to have it make the inefface-
able impression which it has made, the whole thing
becomes marvellous, and one regrets the thought that
will follow, — that cruelty is longer remembered than
kindness.
In the midst of the present life of Capri one cannot
realize its tragic past. The wonderful contrasts in its
scenery alone suggest anything outside the monotonous
toil and content of to-day. Within short distances of its
peaceful homes and luxuriant vineyards, one may stand
where all is bare, grim rock and awful precipice, where
Nature frowns, and the spirit of loneliness and desolation
broods, where all is gloom and awfulness.
The Marina Grande, besides being the busy place it is,
with all the Capri boats and fishermen, their goings and
comings, net-mendings, boat-cleanings, and all that, is
also the landing for the steamers and smaller craft that
bring visitors from all the neighboring ports. Several
hotels and a group of fishermen’s cottages are also here,
and altogether it is an amusing and interesting place,