The word _Venice_ makes my heart beat. Has Guiducci any grounds for hope about Venice? If Austria could be _bought_ off at any price! Something has evidently been promised at Villafranca on the subject of Venice; and evidently the late strengthening of the hands of Piedmont will render the Austrian occupation on any terms more and more difficult and precarious. I should agree with you on Prince Napoleon, if it were not that I want the Emperor's disinterestedness to remain in its high place. We can't spare great men and great deeds out of the honour of the world. There are so few. For the rest, the Prince would have been a popular and natural choice at one time, and as far as central Italy was concerned. Also he is very liberal in opinion, and full of ideas, I have been told. But the fusion is a wiser step _now,_ and altogether--even if we could spare the Emperor's fame. Do you remember the obloquy he suffered for Neufchâtel? and how it came out that, if he pressed his conditions, it was simply because he meant to fight for the independence of the State? and how at last the Swiss delegates went to Paris to offer their gratitude for the deliverance he had attained for the people? His loyalty will come out clean before the eyes of his enemies now as then. We agree absolutely. And Robert does not dissent, I think. Facts begin to be conclusive to him. You are an angel, dearest Isa, with the tact of a woman of the world. This in reference to the note you sent me, and your answer. You could not have done better--not at all. Our kind love to Kate--and mind you give our regards to Dr. Gresonowsky. Also to Mr. Jarves--poor Mr. Jarves--how sorry I am about the pictures! Robert will write another time, he says, 'with kindest love.' * * * * * _To Miss Browning_ [Siena: September-October, 1859.]