Margaret was called by the women bystanders, as the
Signora who could most influence them to peace. She went
directly up to the men, whose rage was truly awful to behold,
and, stepping between them, commanded them to separate. They
parted, but with such a look of deadly revenge, that Margaret
felt her work was but half accomplished. She therefore sought
them out separately, and talked with each, urging forgiveness;
it was long, however, before she could see any change of
purpose, and only by repeated conversations was it, that she
brought about her desire, and saw them meet as friends. After
this, her reputation as peace-maker was great, and the women
in the neighborhood came to her with long tales of trouble,
urging her intervention. I have never known anything more
extraordinary than this influence of hers over the passion and
violence of the Italian character. Repeated instances come
to my mind, when a look from her has had more power to quiet
excitement, than any arguments and reasonings that could be
brought to bear upon the subject. Something quite superior and
apart from them, the people thought her, and yet knew her as
the gentle and considerate judge of their vices.
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