Under such impressions were written the very few allusions to the actual state of Italy which this work contains. The aspirations of her regenerators after nationality and constitutional freedom have since been fostered by her spiritual ruler, and prematurely fired by an explosion of French democracy. Subsequent events, under altered circumstances, may accordingly seem to have invalidated opinions therein expressed; but the end is not yet. The present continues overshadowed by gloom, and the torch of hope glimmers but dimly in the distance. A sincere interest in the country and its people dictates our prayer that the God of nations may grant an issue realising the fondest anticipations of genuine patriotism, and eventually crown these struggles with results compensating their recent evils. Yet when we recollect the condition of Italy as we left her shores four short years ago,--when we contrast the calm then around her institutions, the stillness of her every-day life, the careless ease of her nobles, the physical enjoyment of her middle classes, the simple well-being of the peasantry under their own vines and fig-trees,--we must sigh to see so much positive happiness perilled for contingent ameliorations which, if ever attained, may, like most political experiments, fail to realise the promised benefits. "Let him who sees mad war like deluge sweep Surrounding regions, learn his peace to prize; Let the poor bark with sides unripped, which tries In vain by helm and sail its course to keep, Make for the port. He lives perchance to weep, Who quits the genial air and smiling skies For depths unknown. O blind desire unwise Of mortals, spurning thus on earth to creep! O when, in this his mouldering garment frail, Did man, whose thread soon breaks and joins no more, Clear his own path, or by his power prevail?"[6] [Footnote 6: _Giovanni della Casa_, translated by JAMES GLASSFORD.] In a work of history, party politics ought to have no place; and when the nations are moved there is little inducement to assume a prophet's mantle. We, therefore, gladly leave a topic on which perhaps too much has been said. Possibly some Italians, to whom we have formerly represented that it were "Better to bear the ills we know, Than rush on others that we wot not of," may yet admit the truth of this suggestion. May they never personally realise the adage, that those who originate revolutions reap all their evils, without living to share their fruits! * * * * *