“Oh! there is an organ playing in the street—­a waltz, too!  I must leave off to listen.  They are playing a waltz which I have heard ten thousand times at the balls in London, between 1812 and 1815.  Music is a strange thing[23].

[Footnote 23:  In this little incident of the music in the streets thus touching so suddenly upon the nerve of memory, and calling away his mind from its dark bodings to a recollection of years and scenes the happiest, perhaps, of his whole life, there is something that appears to me peculiarly affecting.]

“February 5. 1821.

“At last, ‘the kiln’s in a low.’  The Germans are ordered to march, and Italy is, for the ten thousandth time, to become a field of battle.  Last night the news came.

“This afternoon—­Count P.G. came to me to consult upon divers matters.  We rode out together.  They have sent off to the C. for orders.  To-morrow the decision ought to arrive, and then something will be done.  Returned—­dined—­read—­went out—­talked over matters.  Made a purchase of some arms for the new enrolled Americani, who are all on tiptoe to march.  Gave order for some harness and portmanteaus necessary for the horses.

“Read some of Bowles’s dispute about Pope, with all the replies and rejoinders.  Perceive that my name has been lugged into the controversy, but have not time to state what I know of the subject.  On some ’piping day of peace’ it is probable that I may resume it.

“February 9. 1821.

“Before dinner wrote a little; also, before I rode out, Count P.G. called upon me, to let me know the result of the meeting of the Ci at F. and at B. * * returned late last night.  Every thing was combined under the idea that the Barbarians would pass the Po on the 15th inst.  Instead of this, from some previous information or otherwise, they have hastened their march and actually passed two days ago; so that all that can be done at present in Romagna is, to stand on the alert and wait for the advance of the Neapolitans.  Every thing was ready, and the Neapolitans had sent on their own instructions and intentions, all calculated for the tenth and eleventh, on which days a general rising was to take place, under the supposition that the Barbarians could not advance before the 15th.

“As it is, they have but fifty or sixty thousand troops, a number with which they might as well attempt to conquer the world as secure Italy in its present state.  The artillery marches last, and alone, and there is an idea of an attempt to cut part of them off.  All this will much depend upon the first steps of the Neapolitans. Here, the public spirit is excellent, provided it be kept up.  This will be seen by the event.

“It is probable that Italy will be delivered from the Barbarians if the Neapolitans will but stand firm, and are united among themselves. Here they appear so.

“February 10. 1821.