Hentsch in his researches?  The Gambas are at Florence, but have authorised me to treat for them.  You know, or do not know, that they are great patriots—­and both—­but the son in particular—­very fine fellows. This I know, for I have seen them lately in very awkward situations—­not pecuniary, but personal—­and they behaved like heroes, neither yielding nor retracting.

“You have no idea what a state of oppression this country is in—­they arrested above a thousand of high and low throughout Romagna—­banished some and confined others, without trial, process, or even accusation!!  Every body says they would have done the same by me if they dared proceed openly.  My motive, however, for remaining, is because every one of my acquaintance, to the amount of hundreds almost, have been exiled.

“Will you do what you can in looking out for a couple of houses furnished, and conferring with Hentsch for us?  We care nothing about society, and are only anxious for a temporary and tranquil asylum and individual freedom.

     “Believe me, &c.

“P.S.  Can you give me an idea of the comparative expenses of Switzerland and Italy? which I have forgotten.  I speak merely of those of decent living, horses, &c. and not of luxuries or high living.  Do not, however, decide any thing positively till I have your answer, as I can then know how to think upon these topics of transmigration, &c. &c. &c.”

* * * * *

LETTER 441.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Ravenna, July 30. 1821.

“Enclosed is the best account of the Doge Faliero, which was only sent to me from an old MS. the other day.  Get it translated, and append it as a note to the next edition.  You will perhaps be pleased to see that my conceptions of his character were correct, though I regret not having met with this extract before.  You will perceive that he himself said exactly what he is made to say about the Bishop of Treviso.  You will see also that’ he spoke very little, and those only words of rage and disdain,’ after his arrest, which is the case in the play, except when he breaks out at the close of Act Fifth.  But his speech to the conspirators is better in the MS. than in the play.  I wish that I had met with it in time.  Do not forget this note, with a translation.

     “In a former note to the Juans, speaking of Voltaire, I have quoted
     his famous ‘Zaire, tu pleures,’ which is an error; it should be
     ‘Zaire, vous pleures.’  Recollect this.

“I am so busy here about those poor proscribed exiles, who are scattered about, and with trying to get some of them recalled, that I have hardly time or patience to write a short preface, which will be proper for the two plays.  However, I will make it out on receiving the next proofs.

     “Yours ever, &c.