increased, if possible, my desire that the people who have this rich inheritance may no longer be deprived of its benefits by bad institutions.
The people of Subiaco are poor, though very industrious, and cultivating every inch of ground, with even English care and neatness; — so ignorant and uncultivated, while so finely and strongly made by Nature. May God grant now, to this people, what they need!
An illumination took place last night, in honor of the “Illustrious Gioberti.” He is received here with great triumph, his carriage followed with shouts of “Vive Gioberti, morte ai Jesuiti!” which must be pain to the many Jesuits, who, it is said, still linger here in disguise. His triumphs are shared by Mamiani and Orioli, self-trumpeted celebrities, self-constituted rulers of the Roman states, — men of straw, to my mind, whom the fire already kindled will burn into a handful of ashes.
I sit in my obscure corner, and watch the progress of events. It is the position that pleases me best, and, I believe, the most favorable one. Everything confirms me in my radicalism; and, without any desire to hasten matters, indeed with surprise to see them rush so like a torrent, I seem to see them all tending to realize my own hopes.
My health and spirits now much restored, I am beginning to set down some of my impressions. I am going into the mountains, hoping there to find pure, strengthening air, and tranquillity for so many days as to allow me to do something.
TO R. F. F——.
Rieti, July 1, 1848. — Italy is as beautiful as even I hoped, and I should wish to stay here several years, if I
