The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1229: Chapter 145: The Internationale (Part 3)

Garibaldi’s impromptu singing instantly prompted cheers, even the chief tenor Nourri of the Paris Opera House couldn’t help but applaud with a smile: ”Giuseppe, you sang really well, even better than that day at the inn! Maybe you should consider changing your career to be a singer instead of continuing as a sailor.”

Garibaldi’s face was flushed, brimming with a passionate smile: ”I have indeed thought about it; if I hadn’t pursued other occupations, I could have become a singer. I have a tenor voice, though not as good as yours. But if I were trained, my range would certainly become quite broad.”

As a professional, Nourri spoke highly of this Italian folk singer: ”You really chose the right song that day, Beranger’s lyrics, passionate singing, the rhythm of the refrains, and the poet’s renown captivated everyone present. I remember after you finished the first time, those young people collectively demanded you sing it again. Giuseppe, you need to know, such a request is the highest praise for a singer.”

Great Dumas also recalled the scene from that day: ”Giuseppe has such a unique charisma, do you remember the scene after he finished singing? That group of lads jumped onto the table together, embraced him, and shouted: ’Long live Beranger! Long live France! Long live Italy!’ Even in the Paris theater, such scenes are rare.”

Even someone as critical as Heine admired Garibaldi’s charm: ”At dawn, those youths came to see us off, accompanying us for miles. Even the innkeeper who threatened to arrest us was moved, do you remember the bundle he handed us as we left? It contained a sandwich with ham, but unfortunately, Alexander hid the sandwich for himself.”

If not for hearing it directly from those involved, Arthur would never have believed such experiences could exist in the world.

However, considering the great things Garibaldi was destined to do later, you have to admit that there’s something extraordinary about him. Even though Young Italy suffered a defeat this time, Garibaldi managed to escape unharmed, all thanks to the help of the friends he made.

Perhaps he was indeed a bit naive, but if not for this naive passion, sincere attitude, and unique personal charm, how else could he have so many friends willing to risk their lives to help him?

However, Arthur was most delighted by discovering Garibaldi’s musical talent unexpectedly.

He always knew Italy produced great tenors, but he hadn’t expected to encounter one so casually.

The leading role in ”Turandot” had already been reserved by Nourri, but this does not mean Garibaldi’s voice was without a place.

Arthur seemed moved by Garibaldi’s singing as well, the reactionary academic authority was stirred, and soon he was openly moved to tears.

He supported his forehead and shook his head slightly: ”Such a great story, this is true internationalism. Giuseppe, those authoritarians cannot defeat us!”

”Us?” Great Dumas was momentarily baffled, he hadn’t figured out how Arthur suddenly became aligned with their cause.

But Garibaldi took Arthur’s words seriously, and optimistically said: ”Fate let me escape by the skin of my teeth to tell me I’m destined to help achieve the unification of Italy. Thank you for your support, Arthur, I don’t want to call you Sir, not out of disrespect but because I truly respect you and don’t want to use those flamboyant titles to distance ourselves.”

Arthur pulled out a handkerchief from his chest to blow his nose: ”Do you have any paper?”

”Of course, what do you want to do?”

Garibaldi directly took out the newspaper full of Arthur’s scandals: ”Come, say goodbye to your past. Tear them to shreds, and bid farewell to the old world!”

Unexpectedly, Arthur did not tear the newspaper as Garibaldi expected, but instead took out a pen from his coat pocket and began to write a long string of French lyrics on the newspaper, along with a staff notation.

Having been arranging the musical with Mendelssohn these days, Arthur drew the notes effortlessly, and soon presented the new song to everyone.

”Giuseppe, I don’t know how to express my support for you, but since you like singing, I think gifting you a suitable song would be the best. And other than you, this song shouldn’t find a more suitable singer.”

Nourri leaned close to Arthur, glanced at the lyrics, and sang: ”Arise, you slaves in hunger and cold, arise, all suffering people in the world! Full of fervent blood is boiling, fighting for truth! The old world is shattered, slaves arise, arise! Don’t say we have nothing, we want to be the masters of the world...”

Even Nourri, when he saw this song, couldn’t help but exclaim: ”This is indeed a Beranger-like song, and it’s certainly fitting for Giuseppe. Perhaps after ”Turandot,” we can stage another act of ”Spartacus.” This way, Giuseppe’s identity and theirs can be resolved naturally, after all, a band with a few members who can’t play an instrument is indeed strange.”

Garibaldi was excited to try it out upon hearing the melody hummed by Nourri: ”This is not only fitting for me, but also fitting for Young Italy and Free Poland, it’s a truly internationalist song. Perhaps I should send it to Mazzini in London, let him publish the tune in our magazine. Even if just relying on this song, they shouldn’t doubt Arthur anymore.”