ITALIAN SCENERY, MANNERS, AND CUSTOMS. 47
PILATE X X I .
THE CONFESSIONAL OF ALBANO.
T H E little town of Albano, on the borders of the lake of the same name, probably derives
ifs appellation from the ancicnt town of Alba Longa, although their form and situation are
quite different. Alba was destroyed by the Romans in the 88th year of Rome; and Albanum
Pompeii, now Albano, began to be built in tlie time of Pompey, whose ashes, according to
Plutarch, were buried there.
The Capuchins have a convent at this place, admirably constructed on a beautiful terrace.
In the annexed plate part of the convent is seen, with a confessional, and a Capuchin sitting
in it. His gestures demonstrate, that he has heard the confession of the woman kneeling at his
right hand, and is exhorting her respecting her future conduct, previous to his bestowing absolution
upon her.
The young man, on the left, is reading over some prayers preparatory to confession. As
soon as the confessor has heard a person on one side, he turns to the other, and continues to
do so as long as there is any person to confess.
The woman, who kneels before the cross ornamented with attributes of the Passion, is performing
the penance enjoined her by the confessor.
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