been told; of the rest they still talk, but nobody believes that any thing will be done. The public voice cannot demand them, because it has no organ, either in the Council or in the Senate—the members of which are nominated by the Pope or Press. Thought is under a diving-bell, as well in Rome as in Naples. The only journal of Rome is pontifical; and the introduction of foreign books is under strict surveillance. I have not been able by any means to receive
prevails an intolerably unhealthy odor in the rooms of the Convent. A former Princess who died there, about two months before, “as a saint,” remained still unburied, and was visited daily by the nuns. The inmates of this Convent can never see their connections, nor yet hear their voices, nor even know any thing about them. Neither are they permitted to see the sacrament; it is administered to them through a hole in the wall; through this hole it is also, that they make their confession and receive absolution. Amongst the nuns there, upwards of thirty in number, many were young and two very handsome, but looked “stupid” and unhealthy. This order was founded by a Princess Farnese, and she buried herself there with the other persons, and it has since then, spite of its unnatural character, considerably increased.
Not much more natural, and as little edifying, appeared to me the order of “The Sisters of the Holy Sacrament,” who pray both day and night in splendid and magnificent dresses before the wafer and the wine which the priest has blessed.
The Passionists of Monte Cavi, who live a life of perpetual adoration of the heart of Jesus, were visited a few days since by Mr S——. He found that the good brethren of that order practice by no means severe fasting, but, on the contrary, take good care of themselves. Between meals they repeat their masses and prayers as a matter of form. Such Convents ought to be reformed, and to be made more nearly to resemble those of the Philippines, the Ursulines, where indeed the nuns have rigid rules, but occupy themselves with the education of children,—and also the Carmelites.—Author's Note.
