The Genius of Italy

We have chosen, however, to let such passages stand without modification, because they serve to indicate, in a striking manner, the nature of the changes which have occurred. Let the reader pass on, and he will find a tolerably accurate account of the present condition of things in the leading Italian States, and some suggestions as to their probable destiny. The present, indeed, is a most critical juncture in the affairs of Continental Europe. War has already commenced in the north of Italy; and a few days may produce an entire revolution in the whole Italian peninsula. Liberty and despotism have met front to front. The Pope, once liberal, calls to the enemies of his country, to restore him to his throne, over the dead bodies of his once beloved flock, the patriots of Rome! What will be the issue of this strange drama, time alone will reveal. After all, the age of despotism is past; and even if Austria should triumph, her triumph will be brief and unsatisfactory. Liberty, crushed and wounded, shall rise again, and assert her right to supreme and universal dominion.

But the ink from our pen is scarcely dry, when we are startled with the news that Charles Albert, at the head of the Sardinian army, has been completely routed by the Austrians, and that he has abdicated his throne in favor of his son, Victor Emanuel, to whom it is supposed the Austrian government will concede much which they might withhold from his father. The Pope, then, we presume, goes back to Rome, as we predicted in the body of the work; the preface, which is the first thing seen by the read

er, but the last written by the author, giving us an opportunity of referring to this circumstance. So also, in all probability, the Grand Duke of Tuscany returns to Florence, and the newly formed Italian republics may once more become monarchies. Austria, as of old, will regulate the affairs of the peninsula, and dispose of its revenues.

Thus freedom recedes for the present, but only to gather fresh strength for another and more successful effort at some future day. Perhaps, too, it may be well, that, for a few years longer, the strong hand of power should hold in check the wild and irregular impulses of Italian democracy, and thus condense it into greater compactness and vigor. We trust it will learn wisdom, by the things which it is called to suffer.

In the hope that the present volume may aid in giving some just conception of the genius, the present state, and probable destiny of one of the most interesting countries in the world, and supply some useful hints on the various topics which it embraces, the author commits it to the kind consideration of his friends and the public.

Hartford, Conn.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I.

Introductory-Claims of Italy-Prayer of Petrarch-Beauty the principal feature in the Italian landscape-Its position and general aspect-Language and Literature-Characteristics of its Sculpture, Painting and Music-Harmony between Natural and Moral Beauty -Spirit and Form-Final Reconcilement of all things-Design of this work.

CHAPTER II.

First view of Italy-Descent of the Alps-Lago Maggiore-Borromean Isles-Cardinal Borromeo-The Church in Locarno-Its persecutions and trials-Final Banishment-Persecution in Italy-Religious Liberty-Arona-Evening Scene on the Lake-Ippolito Pindemonte-His verses on Night.

CHAPTER III.

Lombardy-Aspect of the country-Condition of the inhabitants-
Brief sketch of the History of Lombardy-Milan-Description of the
city-The Cathedral-View from the summit-Sunset on the Alps—
Interior of the Cathedral.