Note 24 — Chapter XVIII

Maria de’ Monti, one of the most popular models of Rome, who had frequently suffered annoyance from the importunities of a contadino, met him one day in the Piazza Barberini, when the solicitations were again renewed. Having indignantly rejected his addresses, and received at the same time, a provoking schiaffo, or slap in the face, she drew the spadino from her hair, and stabbed him in the breast. No sooner was the blow given, than the irritated girl ran to the French Academy on the Pincio to seek refuge, it being considered by the models as a sort of sanctuary. The man died shortly after, and on being brought before the police, Maria was immediately acquitted on the score of her youth and previous good character, and in consideration of the provocation she had received. This specimen of Roman justice may appear very lax to English minds, and its want of severity can only be reconciled by the reflection, that the criminal deed was entirely unpremeditated, and that a blow in the face is regarded by the irritable Romans, as an unpardonable insult.