see it any day this month
you like, for it is the identical Violoncello now on show at
Kensington numbered 188. Who would divine its separate adventures, to
see it all reposing so calm and uniform in that case?--_Post tot
naufragia tutus_."

[Footnote 1: "Cremona Violins," _Pall Mall Gazette_, August, 1872.]

The love of Tarisio for the masterpieces of the great makers was so
intense, that often when he had parted with the works he so admired,
he never lost sight of them, and waited a favourable opportunity for
again making himself their owner.

It is related of him that upon one occasion he disposed of a beautiful
Stradivari, in perfect preservation, to a Paris dealer. After having
done so he hungered for it again. For years he never visited Paris
without inquiring after his old favourite, and the possibility of its
again being offered for sale, that he might regain possession of it.
At last his perseverance was rewarded, inasmuch as he heard that it
was to be bought. He instructed his informant to obtain for him a
sight of it. The instrument was fetched, and Tarisio had scarcely
patience enough to wait the opening of the case, so anxious was he to
see his old companion. He eagerly took up the Violin, and turned it
over and over, apparently lost to all about him, when suddenly his
keen eye rested upon a damage it had received, which was hidden by new
varnish. His heart sank within him; he was overcome by this piece of
vandalism. In mingled words of passion and remorse he gave vent to his
feelings. He placed it in its case, remarking sadly that it had no
longer any charm for him.

In the year 1851 Tarisio visited England, when Mr. John Hart, being
anxious that he should see the chief collections of Cremonese
instruments in this country, accompanied him to the collection,
amongst others, of the late Mr. James Goding, which was then the
finest in Europe. The instruments were arranged on shelves at the end
of a long room, and far removed from them sat the genuine enthusiast,
patiently awaiting the promised exhibition. Upon Mr. Goding taking out
his treasures he was inexpressibly astonished to hear his visitor
calling out the maker of each instrument before he had had time to
advance two paces towards him, at the same time giving his host to
understand that he thoroughly knew the instruments, the greater number
having been in his possession. Mr. Goding whispered to a friend
standing by, "Why, the man must certainly sm