[1] le Cinque giornate di Milano, alludes to the "Glorious Five Days' Revolution" at Milan in March, 1848, which resulted in the expulsion of the Austrians from the city.
[2] pensa a trarne partito, think about turning it to account.
[3] Fieschi, a Corsican assassin who, in 1835, at Paris, made use of an infernal machine in an attempt to put to death the king, Louis Philippe. The king escaped, but a number of persons lost their lives.
[4] Orsini, an Italian revolutionist who, in 1858, attempted, with other conspirators, to assassinate Napoleon III. by means of bombs.
[5] alla meno peggio, as best he could.
[6] intendermela, to have an understanding.
[7] corso, name of the principal street of Rome.
[8] Ove diavolo, Where in the world.
XV. LA MIA PADRONA DI CASA.
[1] l'Alfieri. Vittorio Alfieri (1749-1803) was the most famous Italian poet of his age; his reputation rests chiefly on his tragedies.