n,
Russell, and Gladstone--who did all in their power, and were prepared,
perhaps, to risk war, in order to forward the policy of Victor Emmanuel and
Cavour.

Lady John unfortunately lost her diaries recording events from May, 1859,
to January, 1861; but it is known that she was in close sympathy with her
husband's policy, and she looked back upon the part he played in the
liberation of Italy with almost more pride than upon any other period of
his career. Italian patriots and escaped prisoners from the Papal and
Neapolitan dungeons found a warm welcome at Pembroke Lodge. She was never
tired of listening to their stories, and she felt an enthusiastic ardour
for their cause.

PEMBROKE LODGE, May 9, 1859

Farewell visit from Spaventa and Dr. Cesare Braico, [53] who goes
to Piedmont Wednesday. Spaventa full of eager but not hopeful talk
on Neapolitan prospects, Dr. Braico very quiet, crushed in spirits,
but not in spirit.

"For me the illusions of life are past," he said. "I have given the
flower of my youth to my country in prison--what remains to me of
life is hers."

In answer to some commonplace of mine about hope he replied, "To
those who have suffered much the word hope seems a lie.... While I
was in prison my mother died--my only tie to life." Said he left
England with regret, and should always gratefully remember the
sympathy he had found here. Told him I thought there was not
enough. "More than in my own country. We passed through four
villages on our way to the port after leaving the prison; not one
person looked at us or gave us a word of kindness; not a tear was
in any eye; not one blessing was uttered." I wondered. I supposed
the people (the Neapolitans) were _avilis_. "More than
_avilili--sono abbruttati_." All these sad words, and many
more, in beautiful Italian, would have touched any heart, however
shut to the great cause for which he and others have given their
earthly happiness, and are about to offer their lives. As I looked
at that fine countenance, so determined, so melancholy, and
listened to the words that still ring in my ear, I felt that,
though he did not say so, he meant to die in battle against
tyranny. He gave me some verses, written with a pencil at the
moment, to little May, who ran into the room while he was here.
Farewell, brave, noble spirit. May God be with thee!

[53]