milk cheese,—and vegetables, are very reasonable. Hence, also, the Roman tendency for far niente, and his aversion to manual labor. He has also his pride in this. Sono Italienissimo perche sono Romano, says even the street-boy, as he throws over his shoulder, like a toga, a ragged piece of linen, or of a coverlet, and scorns to labor in the earth. Thus, in ancient times, the lower class of the Romans desired from their rulers, as at the present day, merely panem et circenses. There is now, however, an increasing middle class which requires something more.
But I will now speak of the month of May in Rome.
For some years, this month has been especially dedicated to the Virgin Mary by the Romish church, and they preach only about her in the churches,—even on this day,—Whitsunday. I was curious to hear what they could say about the humble mother of our Lord, who, in the sacred histories, keeps ever in the background, behind her divine Son; and I went, therefore, in the morning, to the church of Jesuits, “Chiesa di Gesu e Maria.” It was crowded with people, the greater part of whom were on their knees. The church was tastefully decorated with flowers, amongst which were bouquets of burning lights. The music was of a peculiarly tender, soothing character, delightful as a mother's care. I obtained a place between two elegantly-dressed ladies, who had an amiable pleasure in allowing me to accompany, from their mass-books, the church prayers and singing. I could not prevent myself experiencing an impression so sweet, and at the same time so pure, that I could not
