the people; and they went to the Pope, to demand that he should declare war against the Austrians.  The Pope summoned a consistory, and then declared in his speech that he had only intended local reforms; that he regretted the misuse that had been made of his name; and wound up by lamenting the war as offensive to the spirit of religion.  A momentary stupefaction, followed by a passion of indignation, in which the words traitor and imbecile were heard, received this astounding speech.  The Pope was besieged with deputations, and, after two days’ struggle, was obliged to place the power in the hands of persons most opposed to him, and nominally acquiesce in their proceedings.

TO R.W.E. (in London).

Rome, May 19, 1848.—­I should like to return with you, but I have much to do and learn in Europe yet.  I am deeply interested in this public drama, and wish to see it played out.  Methinks I have my part therein, either as actor or historian.

I cannot marvel at your readiness to close the book of European society.  The shifting scenes entertain poorly.  The flux of thought and feeling leaves some fertilizing soil; but for me, few indeed are the persons I should wish to see again; nor do I care to push the inquiry further.  The simplest and most retired life would now please me, only I would not like to be confined to it, in case I grew weary, and now and then craved variety, for exhilaration.  I want some scenes of natural beauty, and, imperfect as love is, I want human beings to love, as I suffocate without.  For intellectual stimulus, books would mainly supply it, when wanted.

Why did you not try to be in Paris at the opening of the Assembly?  There were elements worth scanning.

TO R.F.F.

Rome, May 20, 1848.—­My health is much revived by the spring here, as gloriously beautiful as the winter was dreary.  We know nothing of spring in our country.  Here the soft and brilliant weather is unbroken, except now and then by a copious shower, which keeps everything fresh.  The trees, the flowers, the bird-songs are in perfection.  I have enjoyed greatly my walks in the villas, where the grounds are of three or four miles in extent, and like free nature in the wood-glades and still paths; while they have an added charm in the music of their many fountains, and the soft gleam, here and there, of sarcophagus or pillar.

I have been a few days at Albano, and explored its beautiful environs alone, to much greater advantage than I could last year, in the carriage with my friends.

I went, also, to Frascati and Ostia, with an English family, who had a good carriage, and were kindly, intelligent people, who could not disturb the Roman landscape.

Now I am going into the country, where I can live very cheaply, even keeping a servant of my own, without which guard I should not venture alone into the unknown and wilder regions.