But it had not yet become clear how far the new doctrines might be held compatibly with perfect community with the Church of Rome at the time when Vittoria arrived in that city from Ferrara. The conference with the German Protestants, by means of which it was hoped to effect a reconciliation, was then being arranged, and the hopes of Vittoria's friends ran high. When these hopes proved delusive, and when Rome pronounced herself decisively on the doctrines held by the Italian reformers, the most conspicuous friends of Vittoria did not quit the Church. She herself writes ever as its submissive and faithful daughter. But as to her having held opinions which were afterwards declared heretical, and for which others suffered, much of her poetry, written probably about this time, affords evidence so clear that it is wonderful Tiraboschi and her biographers can deem it possible to maintain her orthodoxy. Take, for example, the following sonnet: "Quand'io riguardo il nobil raggio ardente Della grazia divina, e quel valore Ch'illustra 'l intelletto, infiamma il core Con virtù sopr'umana, alta, e possente, L'alma le voglie allor fisse ed intente Raccoglie tutte insieme a fargli onore; Ma tanto ha di poter, quant'è 'l favore Che dal lume e dal foco intende e sente. Ond ella può ben far certa efficace L'alta sua elezion, ma insino al segno Ch'all autor d'ogni ben, sua mercè, piace. Non sprona il corso nostro industria o ingegno; Quel corre più sicuro e più vivace, C'ha dal favor del ciel maggior sostegno." Thus rendered into English blank verse, with a greater closeness to the sense of the original than might perhaps have been attained in a translation hampered by the necessity of rhyming: "When I reflect on that bright noble ray Of grace divine, and on that mighty power, Which clears the intellect, inflames the heart With virtue, strong with more than human strength, My soul then gathers up her will, intent To render to that Power the honour due; But only so much can she, as free grace Gives her to feel and know th'inspiring fire. Thus can the soul her high election make Fruitful and sure; but only to such point As, in his goodness, wills the Fount of good. Nor art nor industry can speed her course; He most securely and alertly runs Who most by Heaven's free favour is upheld." The leading points of Calvinistic doctrine could hardly be in the limits of a sonnet more clearly and comprehensively stated. Devotional meditation inclines the heart to God; but the soul is powerless even to worship, except in such measure as she is enabled to do so by freely-given grace. By this means only can man make sure his election. To strive after virtue is useless to the non-elect, seeing that man can safely run his course only in proportion as he has received the favour of God. [Sidenote: DEVOTIONAL SONNET.]