he struggle before
me; and know that some good men, mayhap some great ones,
will fall in it; but in the distance I see the dome of St.
Peter's rising majestically above the clouds of battle, and
the countless millions kneeling once more before its altars!

"I do not clearly understand you about Ireland, although I
agree in the policy of putting the Protestant rebel in the
foreground. A conflict ever so brief with the Government
would be most useful. I have thought a good deal on the
subject, and am convinced that nothing would awe England
more than the impression of any foreign assistance being
given to Irish insurrection, while it would lend to _your_
loyalty the grand trait of nationality. This is a highly
important feature. Remark how they are taunting us with
being ultramontane just now, and think what an answer this
will be to the sarcasm! I am sure--that is, if you concurred
with me--I could easily persuade some young fellows in this
service to join the movement. As officers, and well
acquainted with military details, they would have a
formidable effect in English eyes. I have two or three in my
mind already; one, a brother of my young Princess, that fair
damsel of whom I spoke in my last letter as my destined
_charge d'affaires_ at St. Petersburg,--a very difficult
post to fill, and one for which I am by no means sure she
will be adequate. When I reflect on the difficulties
experienced by us in arriving at truth, we, who have the
hearts of men so open before us, I am astounded at any
success that attends a mere secular government. More than
two thirds of those with whom I live are, so to say, in my
power,--that is, their reputation and their fortunes; and
yet I must make them feel this ten times a day to turn them
to my account. Believe me the Holy Office was right: there
is an inseparable bond of union between truth and a thumb-
screw!

"Tell me if you wish for military aid; substantially, I am
well aware, it would be worth nothing, but it might assist
in pushing your patriots, who, I must own, are a cautious
race, a step further. This Dalton boy is a thorough Austrian
up to this,--a regular 'God and the Emperor' soldier; but I
have thrown more stubborn metal into the crucible, and seen
it come out malleable.