“February 17. The plan said to have been determined on by the conspirators was this:  The last night of the Carnival was fixed for the execution of the plan.  This was Tuesday night when it is customary to have the moccoletti, or small wax-candles, lighted by the crowd.  The conspirators were each to be placed, as it were by accident, by the side of a soldier (which in so great a crowd could be done without suspicion), and, when the cannon fired which gave the signal for closing the course, it was also to serve as a signal for each one to turn upon the soldier and, by killing him, to seize his arms.  This would, indeed, have been a bloody scene, and for humanity’s sake it is well that it was discovered and prevented.

“February 20. I learn that the Pope is desirous of yielding to the spirit of the times, and is disposed to grant a constitution to the people, but that the cardinals oppose it.  He is said also to be prepared to fly from Rome, and even has declared his intention of resigning the dignity of Pope and retiring again to the solitude of the convent.

“February 24. It seems to be no longer doubtful that a revolutionary army is approaching Rome from the revolted provinces, and that they advance rapidly....  The city is tranquil enough; no troops are seen, except at night a sentinel at some corner cries as you pass, ’Chi viva?’ and you are obliged to cry, ‘Il Papa’; which one may surely do with a good conscience, for he is entitled to great respect for his personal character.

“February 25. Went to-day to get my passport viseed for Florence, whither I intended to go on Tuesday next, but am advised by the consul and others not to risk the journey at present, as it is unsafe.”

I break the continuity of the narrative for a moment to note that while Morse was making copies of famous paintings in Rome, and studying intelligently the works of the old masters, he was not forgetful of the young academy at home, which he had helped to found and of which he was still president.  On March 1 he writes jubilantly to the secretary, J.L.  Morton, that he has succeeded in obtaining by gift a number of casts of ancient and modern sculpture which he will send home by the first opportunity.  Among the generous donors he mentions Thorwaldsen, Daniel Coit, Esq., Richard Wyatt, Esq., Signor Trentanove, and George Washington Lee, Esq.  He adds at the end of the letter:—­

“I leave Rome immediately and know not when I shall be allowed to rest, the revolution here having turned everything into confusion, rendering the movements of travellers uncertain and unsafe, and embarrassing my studies and those of other artists exceedingly.  I shall try to go to Florence, but must pass through the two hostile armies and through a country which, in a season of confusion like the present, is sure to be infested with brigands.  If I reach Florence in safety and am allowed to remain, which is somewhat doubtful, you shall hear of me again, either directly or through my brothers.”