Monday, April 18, 2011

Amanuensis Monday -- Nonno Enzo's Diary -- November 14, 1915

Continuation of the translation of my grandfather, Vincenzo Dibennardo's diary.  He was 15 at the time and attended a Salesian boarding school in San Gregorio, Sicily.  Previous posts may be found through the last post, found here.




                                                                                                                              November 14, 1915

Yesterday, we were walking when on the street I met a woman carrying a parcel to San Gregorio to give to me. I took it and saw it contained dried figs that I began to do away with -- partly in my stomach and partly in that of my schoolmate.  Then we sat on boulders at a crossroads and started an animated conversation.

We talked about boarding school, punishments, and teachers.

Later, we continued our stroll, and when we arrived at the road we prayed and then took the road of return.

Having arrived at a three-way crossroads, we stopped because there was a small chapel. It is said that here, below the church, a beautiful image of Saint Lucia is found.

We continued our return trip, and two cars flew by, raising a great dust.  Farther up, we saw a beautiful villa, and at first glance -- outside it -- was a beautiful dog made of terracotta with this written on it:

(In Sicilian dialect)

HERE IS A DOG
HE NO LONGER BITES
HE ONLY SURVEYS AND KEEPS VIGIL
AND WARNS HIS MASTER

1 comment:

  1. Enjoy the transcriptions, but most of all I love his handwriting --- never ceases to please me.

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