If there be one thing more than any other that strikes dismay in the camp of the foes of the church, it is the united action of Catholics in defence of their faith. Let Italian Catholics act unitedly and, wherever and whenever they can, act politically, saving their faith and their obedience; uphold generously the Catholic press; let them speak out manfully and fearlessly their convictions with all the force of their souls; and for the rest, look up to God, and the enemies of God and of his church and of their country will disappear “like the dust which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.” “It is time, my brethren, to act with courage.”[5] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A MOUNTAIN FRIEND. I.—OUR BOND. I know not why with yon far, sombre height I hold so subtle friendship, why my heart Keeps it in one dear corner set apart; No rarer glory clothes it day and night Than find I otherwhere, yet, whensoe’er Amid all wanderings wide by road or crest Mine eyes upon those simple outlines rest, My heart cries out as unto true friend near. Nor holds that half-forbidding strength of form Memories more dear than give so deep a grace To other heights, yet e’er on yon dark face, Sun-lighted be it, or half-veiled in storm, I longing gaze with thoughts no words define, And feel the dumb rock-heart low-answering mine. II.—NOON. I climb the rugged slopes that sweep with strength And lines, scarce broken, from the desert wide, Beneath whose shadow frailest flowers abide And sweetest waters trip their murmuring length; I stand upon the crown—the autumn air Blows shivering out of scarcely cloud-flecked skies, While warm the sunshine on the gray moss lies And lights the crimson fires low leaves spread there. Beyond, hills mightier far are lifted, stern With ancient forest where wild crags break through, And, nobler still, far laid against the blue, Peaks, white with early snow, for heaven yearn—— Whose azure depths the quiet shadows wear—— Crowning my mountain with their distance fair. III.—NIGHT.