viA i'r'^K. :.!'■'»' '^Z'm-'Y^t:^ ^V[l^yf:{0,t]-, ''.-■' :'.:-"';>■■?;,;'';;! V Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/countcavourmadamOOcavorich COUNT CAVOUE AND MADAME DE CIECOUET ANASTASIE KLUSTINE, COMTESSE DE CIRCOURT. COU^T CAYOUR AND MADAME DE CIECOURT SOMU UNPVBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE EDITED HY COUNT NIGRA TRANSLATED BY ARTHUR JOHN BUTLER LATE FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEOE CAMBRIDOE CASSELL AND COMPANY Limited LONDON PARIS 4' MELBOURNE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED n/' >^\ . t> ^ o MOFFin f -^B R A R^ OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAVOUR'S LETTERS INTEODUCTION. Early in the year 1860, Count Cavour sent me to Paris to take charge of the Sardinian, afterwards to become the Italian, Legation. When I took leave of him, he said: " I am giving you a letter for the Countess de Circourt.^ Take it to her yourself, and frequent her salon. This is my final instruction to you ; and if you carry it out, you will be able to render sundry addi- tional services to our country, besides getting profit and pleasure for yourself." When I reached Paris I did not fail to take the letter to Mme de Circourfc. I found her lying on a sofa in that little drawing-room in the Eue des Saussaies which, for some years past, had come to be the meeting-place of all the well-known persons, men and women alike, of all countries. She introduced her husband. Count Adolphe de Circourt, a man of ^ This is the letter of Februaiy 7, 1860. 132955 2 CAVOUR'S LETTERS. mucli merit and a good wit, immensely learned, and modest beyond common.^ Until her death, which took place in 1863, I saw the Countess continually, except during the ten months — October, 1860, to August, 1861 — which I spent in Italy, owing to the temporary break in my mission.^ During these years I saw a stream of those who might be called the picked men of contemporary society pass through the Circourts' drawing-room in Paris, or their country house at Les Bruyeres, near Bougival. She herself determined to honour his recommendation in my favour, and passed on to me a portion of the friendship which she had long felt for Count Cavour. Young and almost inexperienced as I was when suddenly ^ He appeared for a short time in a public capacity when M. de Laniartine sent liim, in 1848, on a mission to Frederick William lY., King of Prussia, a task which he fulfilled, amid serious difl&culties, with much tact and with his native straightforwardness. But to the men of his generation he was known less by this brief tenure of office than by his rare erudition, and by the kind courtesy with which lie placed it at the disposal of every applicant. His published works, numerous as they are, are far from giving a measure of his talents and his knowledge. His worth, both as a man and as a savant, will be judged by his cor- respondence, if it ever be published, and by the recollections of his contemporaries. One of these. Colonel Huber-Saladiu, has dedicated to his memory a cleverly — perhaps too cleverly — written book, interesting, however, for the historical, biographical, and bibliographical material which it contains. It appeared at Paris in 1881, under the title, Le Comte de Gircourt, son temps, ses ecrits ; Mme de Circourt, son salon, ses corre- spondances. But the book never had any circulation. Like him who was its principal subject, it remained almost unknown beyond the narrow circle of friends for whom it was exclusively destined. 2 On the breaking off of diplomatic relations between France and Sardinia, owing to the invasion of the Papal territories by the latter power. INTRODUCTION. 3 placed at the head of what then was the most important and most difficult of Italian diplomatic missions, called upon, moreover, to move amid a society in great part hostile to the cause which I represented, I was not without some apprehension as to the success of my efforts. The assistance which I had been fortunate enough to afford to Cavour, and the intimacy with which he honoured me, had, it is true, been the best train- ing I could have for all that related to the political part of my task. But in the social relations which are so important in diplomatic life, I was, so to say, without bearings ; not to mention that, at the time of which I speak, these relations had in France become extremely difficult, owing to the great division and hostility between parties. The chateau} as the phrase then was, and official society were, of course, open to me; but there were many people in Opposition circles whom it was useful and agreeable to me to know, and my only chance of meeting them was in those salons which brought together the best men and women of both parties in the bond of wit and intelligence. That in the Eue des Saussaies was perhaps the last survivor of these. When Mme de Circourt admitted me to it, she used all her courtesy and all the inducement of her wit to make me welcome to the distinguished company which surrounded her. ^ Of the Tuileries : that is, the court. B 2 4 CAVOUB'8 LETTERS. At her death she bequeathed to n^e the letters which Count Cavour had written to her during a period of twenty-five years. Unfortunately, they are not many. Reckoning the six addressed to Count Adolphe de Circourt, which formed part of the legacy, and in- cluding a note two lines long, the little collection contains only thirty-seven items. They are all auto- graph, written in Cavour's delicate little round char- acters — extremely neat and free from erasures ; but curiously enough only six have a complete date, while seventeen are undated.^ They are written in French, for though Mme de Circourt knew something of Italian, she was not accustomed to read or write it. Such are the letters which I now publish, thirty years after the death of her to whom they were addressed. Mme de Circourt was wont to call this little collection her " treasure " ; and indeed its publication will add fresh wealth to that unequalled treasury formed by the works of the greatest statesmen of modern Italy. I Count Cavour's letters can well dispense with any commentary ; they speak clearly and plainly for them- selves. (What, indeed, could one add to these pages ?? If the author's renown, or his claim to the gratitude 1 " Count Cavour's Correspondence," edited by Signor Chiala, contains a letter to Mme de Circourt of April 26, 1849 (vol. i. p. 413), which is not in my collection. In vol i. p. 287, of the same work, the letter whicli appears as No. xii., under the date of May, 1835, is wrongly put down as addressed to Mme de Circourt ; and several extracts from letters to her are inaccurately dated. The correct dates will be found in this book. INTEOBUGTION. 5. of Italians and the admiration of the world, could be increased by anything, it would be by these letters. All his characteristics, his prodigious activity, his clear- headedness, his "go," the keenness of his intellect, at once playful and decided, touching with equal ease the most diverse subjects ; the precision of his thought, his unalterable faith in freedom, his ardent yet well-con- sidered patriotism, his independent yet safe judgment, find in these letters fresh and genuine corroboration7 Nor is there any need for me to take the oppor- tunity of this publication in order to write another biography of our great statesman. Every circumstance of his life, every political act of his, has been the subject of careful studies and of numerous writings, some of which met with a success which time has only confirmed.^ Although an important part of the present correspondence, that, for instance, which refers to the preparation for the war of 1859, could not be included in the great collection compiled and anno- tated with such unwearied devotion by Signor Chiala, ^ I may mention two, rendered specially worthy of attention by the position of their authors and the authentic sources to which they had access. One is the fine introduction which Signor I. Artom, who shared with me the honour of acting as secretary to the great Minister, prefixed to his CEuvre parlementaire du Comte de Cavour, brought out by him and M. Albert Blanc at Paris in 1862. The other is M. William de la Rive's Le Comte de Cavour, recits et souvenirs (also Paris, 1862). M. de la Rive, whose family was related to Count Cavour, had seen him frequently, and at all periods of his life, in the close intimacy of his own father's house. He has drawn with a master hand the most lively and most faithful portrait that exists of his illustrioas cousin. 6 GAVOUE'S LETTERS. Count Cavour's work has by this time been known and judged in its entirety. His mighty figure lives in the consciousness of the Italian people, and has taken its place for ever in history. That of his unpretentious correspondent, on the other hand, has never, even at the time of her most brilliant social success, been con- spicuous beyond the circle with which she came into personal contact. The new generation knows her not. It is her figure, possessing more than one claim to our interest, that I propose to sketch out in the following lines. But the amiable lady who was Cavour's friend will be better known from the letters which she wrote to me in her later years, and which I give in an Appendix, than by any words of mine. I would not have the reader think that I am urged to publish this latter correspondence by any feeling of vanity. Mme de Circourt does, indeed, address to me in some of the letters eulogies which I never believed myself to deserve. I know well, however, that these must in some measure be set down partly to her friend- ship for Cavour, whose pupil I was, and partly to the excessive kindness which her desire to attract and retain those whom she liked to have around her, made habitual to her. Also, I have kept these letters in their portfolio for more than thirty years — long enough, I think, to prove that I have not been in too great a hurry to use them for the furthering of my vanity. INTRODUCTION. 7 But now, after making all needful concession to my scruples, I thought myself no longer justified in sup- pressing this correspondence, closely connected as it is with Cavour's own, and rich in memories of him. Anastasie Klustine was born at Moscow in 1808. She was the daughter of Simon Klustine, an officer of high rank in the Eussian army, and the Countess Vera Tolstoi. Her early years were passed, sometimes at Moscow, sometimes on the estate of Troitzkoie, in the district of Kalouga. According to the most praise- worthy custom of the Eussian noble families, Anastasie learned in her childhood, first from governesses, then from masters, the principal modern languages. Though her health was very delicate, she made such rapid pro- gress in her studies that at sixteen she knew Eussian, German, French, and English. Besides these, she had learned the ancient Church-Slavonic, and was studying religion and ethics, metaphysics, and even botany ; not to mention music. At eighteen, in company with ber mother, she commenced the travels which occupied a great portion of her life. To improve her health, she went first to Montpellier, to be under the care of Dr. Chretien ; then to the Pyrenees and to Paris. Two years were passed in these three sojourns. It was in Paris during the winter of 1826-27 that she made the acquaintance of Count Adolphe de Circourt. She met him at the house of his cousin, the Marquise de la Tour 8 GAVOVIVS LtJTTERS. du Pin Montauban, who was at that time living with her father, the old Marshal du Houx de Yiomesnil (who died in 1S27, aged ninety-four). Mile Klustine was not pretty ; but she had a pleasant face, with fine eyes, large and expressive. She was naturally elegant, and decidedly taking. Being no less remarkable for intelligence and education than for nobility of mind and a soul full of goodness, she attracted the attention of distinguished men wherever she appeared. Count Adolphe came under the charm of the young Eussian, and soon a mutual liking decided their fate. Their marriage, however, did not take place for three years, being celebrated at Berne towards the end of 1830. These three years were passed by Mile Klustine with her mother at Nice, at Greneva, and in Ital}^ ; going from Pisa to Eome, and from Naples to Venice. At Pisa she learned Italian from Professor Eosini, who dedicated to her his novel Luisa Strozzi. During this journey she made friends with Carmignani, Niccolini, Cicognara, Justine Eenier Michiel, and many other eminent Italians. At Eome, Signor P. E. Yisconti dedicated to her his collection of popular songs. Mar it- tima e Campagna, and the Accademia degli Arcadi admitted her to membership under the name of " Corinna Boristenide."^ Later on she added to the ^ In 1829, Mile Klustine had written a remarkable article on the state of Russian literature, which was printed without author's name in INTBODUCTIOK 9 list of lier Italian friends the names of General Filangieri, of Grino Capponi, of Pellegrino Eossi, and of Camillo di Cavour. She passed the year following her marriage in Switzerland, and chiefly at Geneva, whither she was drawn by the connexion which she had formed with the literary society of that place ; especially with Sismondi, the aged Bonstetten,^ and Pyramus de Can- dolle. Then, wishing to revisit Italy with her husband, she passed three winters there, staying by turns at Pisa, Eome, Genoa, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Venice. Italy, by her past greatness, by her present misfortunes, by her indomitable faith in a better future, by the merit of the men who then were nursing the first germs of revival, was in 1830 well fitted to arouse in the generous and enthusiastic soul of the young woman those feelings of admiration and sorrowful tenderness which she retained for the country till her death. She was appreciated and loved there ; and left behind her memories which the disappearance of all her contemporaries has not wholly effaced. After Italy, the young couple visited Eussia and Germany. In the last-named country, Mme de Cir- the Bihliotheque Universelle of Geneva. Later on the same publication was fortunate enough to have three more articles from her: Georges Miloslawsky, ou les Busses en 1812 (by '' Zagoskine") in 1831 ; Belation d'une course a Benevent et Amalfi ; and Belation de quelques excursions dans le Boyaume de Naples y both in 1832. * The friend of Gray. He lived to the age of 87. 10 GAVOUR'S LETTERS. court added yet others to her illustrious friendships. Prince — afterwards King — John of Saxony, the Dante commentator and translator/ and two Kings of Prussia, William III. and Frederick William IV., successively showed her marked regard ; and soon she could reckon among her friends Cornelius, Kaulbach, Eauch, Lepsius, Humboldt, Eanke, Bettina von Arnim, Schelling, Tieck, every person, indeed, then eminent in letters, art, and science throughout Grermany. In Eussia she was held in esteem by the small literary circle of which Pouschkin w^as the recognised head ; and in later days she acquired, out of Eussia, the faithful friendship of her most famous compatriot, Mme Swetchine. But I must come without further delay to the first meeting between Mme de Circourt and Count Cavour. At Greneva the Countess had known the future Minister's mother and aunt, the Marquise de Cavour (born de Sellon), and her sister, the Duchess of Cler- mont-Tonnerre ; and at Plombieres, in 1834, she had met his elder brother. Marquis Gustave de Cavour. Her first meeting with Count Camillo was at Paris in 1835. He had just resigned his commission in the Sardinian Engineers, and was travelling to improve his mind. In after times she often said to me, "At the very first sight of him I recognised in Cavour the most high-minded man of his time." From that moment ^ KuoAATi to Dante students as Philalethes. INTRODUCTION. 11 she dedicated to him a friendship which was ever con- sistent, and later on grew to be an unbounded devotion. Count Cavour, on his side, felt for her an affection mingled with respect and gratitude, which only ceased with his life. Even at the most critical moments of his political career, amid his most severe trials, the great statesman found time to write to her. He knew that wherever in Paris society there was most hostility to the Italian cause, he could reckon on the courageous and audible voice of his friend. The reader, as he peruses the letters which Cavour addressed to her, will be able to judge for himself how great was the con- fidence, intimacy, and esteem which united these generous souls. After 1836, Mme de Circourt was definitely settled at Paris during the winter. In 1841, following the example of her compatriot, Mme Swetchine, after mature reflection, she left the Orthodox Church and became a Catholic. In 1848, she accompanied Count Adolphe on his mission to King Frederick William IV. ; and on this occasion, as at all times, she afibrded M. de Circourt at the Court and in the society of Berlin the support of her grace, of her judgment, and of her advice, and even that of her pen, for during the whole time that the mission lasted she was her husband's only secretary. In 1850, she furnished a country house at Les Bruyeres, near the village of La Celle 12 CAVOUWS LETTERS. Saint-Cloud, not far from Paris. She called this her hermitage, and henceforth in summer and autumn the house receiv^ed, as we know, many illustrious visitors. It was in this cottage that, on the evening of August IS, 1855, happening to put her head near a candle, she set fire to her cap and her hair. The poor Countess was so badly burnt about the neck and shoulders that for the rest of her life she remained an invalid and partly paralysed. Her sufferings, which were literally indescribable, were supported by her with heroic fortitude and serenity; she concealed them from her friends, and continued to receive both at Paris and at Les Bruyeres, whither she had herself moved every spring. Mme de Circourt's salon at Paris, of which the cottage at Les Bruyeres had become since 1852 a summer dependency, was, from the very first, one of the few places where eminent people of all countries could have the pleasure of meeting each other. Count Adolphe, both by family tradition and by personal conviction, was a Legitimist. He has been wrongly accused of being sceptical or indifferent in politics, whereas he really was only tolerant and enlightened. As for the political opinions of Mme de Circourt, we must suppose that she had preferences, or one would rather say, an ideal ; but she never made any display of it. She tolerated all sincere convictions, and judged men by their deserts independ- INTBODUGTION. 13 ently of the political sets to which they might belong. As M. de Circourt wrote to me after her death, " Her intelligence leapt out to meet greatness and goodness wherever she recognised it, piercing all barriers and disdaining commonplace objections." Essentially kind and amiable towards all, loyal and devoted towards her friends, always inclined to preach concord to the most divergent and most obstinate spirits, putting into this work of conciliation all her heart, all her feminine persistency, and all the charm of her wit, she succeeded in bringing side by side and keeping near her men and women whom whole gulfs separated, and who had no bond between them save her friendship. Monseigneur de Bonnechose and Vitet, De Falloux and Merimee, Eanke and Tocqueville, Cobden and Thiers, Prevost- Paradol and Drouyn de Lhuys, Mme Swetchine and Mrs Austin, Countess de Pimodan, and Duchess Colonna, Lady Holland and Mme de Goyon, Cavour and the great ladies of the Faubourg St. -Germain, Eckstein, Cousin, Ticknor, Stanley, Prescott, Senior, De la Eive, DolgoroukoflP, Oliphant, Geffcken, Scherer, Parieu, Filangieri, Scialoja, a whole list of illustrious persons wide apart from each other in politics, religion, or prejudices, coming from all countries, professing the most different beliefs and opinions, found beside Mme de Circourt's sofa an opportunity of meeting which they would have sought in vain elsewhere. 14 CAVOUR'S LETTERS. The Countess de Circourt died March 9, 1863, after a short illness, at her rooms in the Rue des Saussaies in Paris. Her death was a great grief to her numerous friends of all countries. It was specially felt in Italy, where people were well aware both of her intimacy with Cavour and of the sympathy which she boldly avowed for his cause. I made myself the interpreter of the feelings of my countrymen by inserting in the Official Gazette of the kingdom^ an obituary article containing some biographical notes which I had obtained from Count Adolphe de Circourt a few days after his wife's death, and of which I have here been giving a summary. A French critic, whose leanings were not to the side of indulgence, Sainte-Beuve, dedicated to her memory in the Gonstitiitionnel a page, which is worth the longest biography. I cannot refrain from quoting some lines from it : — "The special characteristic of Mme de Circourt's salon was that intellect gave, as one may say, rights of citizenship there. No preconceived opinion, no prejudice stood in the way of this lady, pious as she was and firm in her beliefs, so soon as she perceived that she had to do with a sterling intellect and a man of talent. From whatever political shore one might come, on whatever philo- sophical dogma one might take one's stand, one met with friendship and sympathy beside that sofa on which she had for years been imprisoned by cruel sufferings dissembled under a kindly and gracious charm with a social art that nothing could alter." ^ Gazzetta Ufficiale del regno d'ltalia, April 10, 1863. INTRODUCTION. 15 It is with a sentiment of pious gratitude that I dedicate these pages to the memory of the clever and good woman who was the friend of Count Cavour, and remained loyal to him until death. In publishing this work, which will receive, I hope, a favourable greeting, not only from my fellow-citizens, but from the lofty minds of all countries, I am fulfilling a duty which was imposed on me by Mme de Circourt's last wishes, and by regard for the name of him who was at once my master and my friend. I was the last person with whom Cavour held any connected talk upon State afiairs ; may I be allowed to end this intro- duction with a personal reminiscence ? On Friday, May 31, 1861, the third day of his illness. Count Cavour summoned me to his bedside about three in the afternoon, and gave me with great clearness instructions for drawing up a note, of which I need not here state the purport. Our conversation had lasted half an hour when I thought I perceived a little difficulty in his speech. I told him that he must not tire himself more, that I quite understood him, and that I would lay the minute before him on the following day. He answered, "Yes, I feel very weary ; I need a long rest ; but I have yet two things to do, Venice and Eome. It will be you others who will do the remainder." ^ ^ I give the Piedmontese words literally, " I I'ai aucora doi cose da f e, Yenessia e Boma. 'L rest a '1 lo faran peui lor." Ix 16 CAVOUE'S LETTERS. I could not refrain from smiling, and I answered, " Count, if the comparison so far as we are concerned did not savour of vainglory, we might complain of you as Alexander did of his father, by reproaching you for having left us nothing more to do." He smiled in his turn and put his hand out to me. As I pressed it I felt that he had fever. I went out just as the Marchesa Al fieri was entering. She watched for six days and six nights beside his noble delirium, and on June 6, at 6.45 a.m., she closed his eyes. She contributed to M. de la Rive's book a striking account of the illness and death of her beloved uncle. Having myself witnessed the last moments of the great Italian, I am unable, after more than thirty-two years have elapsed, to read these pages again without keen emotion. C. Nigra. October, 1893. INTRODUCTION. 17 Note. — The bequest of Count Cavour's letters was made known to me, and the legacy forwarded, by Count Adolphe de Circourt in the following letters : — To M. Nigra, Paris. Paris, March 25, 1863. Sir, — I am sure that no one understands better than you, perhaps no one so well, the extent and the nature of my loss. I hasten to comply with your request.' It does not renew my grief to occupy myself with matters relating to the object of it. I cannot for a moment turn my thoughts from it ; and when I find no means of occupying my thoughts they prey upon me. Faro come colui che piange e dice.^ I will send you a little later my wife's precious legacy. Those letters of Cavour's were so dear to her that she never called them anything but "my treasure." Count Cicognara's have some value from a literary point of view ; and had much for us as a memory of one of the noblest men of past days. Quando mi ricordo, Del tempo andato, e 'ndietro mi rivolgo.^ I speak of all this in the past, for I feel as if I had been following my own funeral. Believe me, devotedly yours, A. DE Circourt. ' This letter was enclosed with some notes on Mme de Circourt's life, for which I had asked the Count. They were reproduced in the obituary article in the Gazzetta already referred to. 2 Dante, Hell, v. 126. 3 Petrarch, Ode, " Spirto gentil," 11. 30, 31. 18 GAVOUE'S LETTERS. Paris, May 4, 1863. Sir, — I have found, collected and put in order, Count Cavour's letters to my wife and to myself ; as I had the honour to write to you, this precious little legacy is bequeathed to you. I am dis- charging this sad duty before leaving Paris for a few weeks' holiday, which the state of my health renders necessary. I will forward you the correspondence of Count Cicognara from Les Bruyeres, where it is kept. In parting with these letters, to which my wife attached so much value, I have no feeling but one of gratitude for the truly worthy hospitality which they will find in your portfolio. That great man's memory has no heir more affectionate, more zealous, or more capable of realising the ideas of which the execution has by his premature death been relegated to the future. Again I will beg you to believe that I am sincerely yours with all respect and devotion, A. DE CiRCOURT. LETTERS OF COUNT CAVOUR TO MADAME DE CIRCOURT, 1836-1860. c 2 LETTEES OF COUNT CAVOUE TO MADAME DE CIECOUET, 1836—1860. I. [Turin, 1836.] Madam, — I am sorry that an excess of delicacy should have caused you some moments' embarrassment. If you had reflected upon the reason of your scruples you would be convinced that you owe no gratitude to anyone, but that, on the contrary, you rendered a real service both to M. de Casanova^ and to me when you gave us a more special opportunity of attending to your wishes in London. In that foreign land it was very pleasant to us to have something to do which might carry us back to those spots which we had just quitted with so much regret. We could have wished to have a fresh commission to do for you every day ; we should ^ Count Alessandro Avogadro di Casanova, of Vercelli in Piedmont, was one of the most brilliant officers, first of the Sardinian, then of the Italian ai*my. He served in the Crimea and in all the Italian campaigns, became lieutenant-general in command of an army corps, was deputy and senator, and died in 1886. 22 GAVOTJR'S LETTERS. have the less felt our separation from the Eue des Saussaies, which has nothing in London to match it. During my stay in England I often wished to write to you, but was always withheld by the fear of boring you. I knew that you were unwell and not strong, and if I had thought that I could cheer or distract you I would have written you volumes. But how can one be lively or amusing when one is living in the middle of fogs and sm'oke, crushed under the weight of a heavy and ponderous intellectual atmosphere? In England one may discuss, but never chat; how could I have gone into discussions or dissertations with an invalid ? I preferred to deprive myself of the pleasure of any intercourse with you rather than run the chance of boring you. People who are in pain are more sensi- tive to boredom, and I was afraid of adding to your suffering. I do not mean to say that England is not a country of immense intellectual resources. You can find there quite as many specialists and men of deep thought as anywhere else — perhaps more. Nowhere are certain branches of the moral sciences better cultivated, but there is one thing which you will seek there in vain ; I mean that admirable union of science and wit, of depth and of kindliness, of solidity and polish which forms the charm of certain Parisian salons^ a charm which one regrets all one's life when one has once GOUNT CAVOUB TO MADAME BE CIRCOUBT. 23 made trial of them, and which can never he found again when one has left that intellectual oasis of which you are one of the principal adornments. In London one makes acquaintances, the intellect ripens, the ideas become less vague and more avail- able ; one gains, perhaps, a practical spirit, highly valuable in the conduct of the affairs of life, but one loses that flexibility of intellect, that pleasant sharpening of the wits which make a Parisian sahn the only place in the world where the intelligence can exert itself without fatigue. It is impossible in London to keep up a correspondence with Paris, it is like trying to run in leaden shoes. If I had been able to go back by way of Paris and to stay there a month, just long enough to tend you in your convalescence, I should have asked your leave to recount my impressions of England ; thanks to the atmosphere which one breathes in your society my story would, perhaps, not have been too much flavoured with the fogs of the Thames. I do not venture to write it, for in certain respects the air of Piedmont is heavier than that of London. The sky is clear there, but the moral horizon is so darkened by the clouds which are there developed under an eminently repressive system that one's wits have even less elasticity than in England. So, instead of think- ing how I may occupy myself with all that interests 24 • CAVOUR'S LETTERS. the brilliant circle of which yon are the centre, I have decided to resnme my rustic career, which certainly will not do anything to make me regain what I have lost since my departure from Paris. I make this confession to you in order that you may have no illusions with regard to the new correspondent whom you have acquired. I have too much conscience not to warn 3^ou that in pledging yourself to an epis- tolary correspondence with me you are making a wretchedly bad bargain. You must have felt that you had a strong element of generosity and devotion in order to agree to exchange the thoughts which with you develop under the highest intellectual tempera- ture in Europe against those of a person who is about to make oxen and sheep his principal occupation. If after this humble confession you persist in your kind intentions with regard to me, I can only promise to make up for the deficiency of interests which my correspondence will have by gratitude and a devotion of rural vigour. I arrived here two days ago. Yesterday I suc- ceeded in seeing Rora^and his wife. You will know of their troubles, the illness of their daughter,^ and her sad convalescence. Mme di Eora could not bear the ^ Marquis Maurice Luserna di E,ora, senator and syndic of Turin, who died in 1854 ; and Adele Oreglia di Farigliauo. 2 Constance Luserna di Bora, Countess Costa di Carru. COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIBGOURT. 25 sad sight, and fell ill herself ; though not actually in danger, she suffered terribly. Thank God, she is better, and her daughter is in the country. She will join her there. Pray Heaven that the distractions of country life and the quiet which she will enjoy at Campiglione may re-establish the order of her thoughts. It would be too cruel to see a most reasonable, most sweet, and most virtuous person fall into a complete state of derangement. My brother begs to be remembered to you. Al- though we have only passed a few moments together we have already spoken much of you, and of the recollections which we have brought away from your house. He was wishing to publish a work upon which he has been engaged for three years, but the censorship does not find it suflBciently Catholic ! ! ! This shows you how sincere is the neo-enthusiasm of the Catholic party for liberty of speech and the progress of education. I am addressing this letter to you at Paris, but I hope that it will not find you still there, for that would prove that you are by this time well enough to go in search of strength to the sea-side, where you will get thoroughly set up. Please give my compliments to M. de Circourt, and accept the assurance of my most respectful devotion. C. DE Cavour. CAVOUR'S LETTERS. II. [2Vrm], 1838. I HAVE been very happy; madam, to learn from my cousin Eora that you were kind enough to preserve some kindly recollection of me. I had hardly dared to flatter myself that it would be so, for if it is impos- sible to leave Paris without bearing away many recol- lections, nothing is more rare than to leave any behind. That city, so full of new occurrences and of interests constantly renewed, is the classic land of oblivion. But your drawing-room is a happy oasis which in this as in many other respects bears no resemblance to its surroundings. You know there how to maintain bygone feelings in view, and those persons who have been happy enough to gain a benevolent reception there run no risk of being forgotten. Yet, again, it is that drawing-room, and she who forms all the charm of it, that one most regrets in leaving Paris. You must be accustomed to inspire regrets of this kind, but I venture to assure you, madam, that there has never been any truer or more sincere than mine. I hear that this winter has been far less brilliant than the last. Society has undergone cruel losses, which must have diminished the number of parties and the eagerness with which people attended them. Your visitors will have been the gainers, for you will COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME BE CIRCOUBT 27 have had more time to bestow on them. Have you no thought" of once again exchanging the noisy pleasures of Paris for the more tranquil enjoyments of a winter in Italy ? It would be a very groat happiness for Bora and for myself ; for Turin would be on your road, and there would no longer be any Alps between you and us. You are too fond of the arts and of ideal beauty to be able to refrain over long from visiting their father- land. I trust that this feeling will soon bring you back, and that one of these winters — next winter, perhaps —we shall find once more, at Kome or at Naples, that salon which makes us so envious of Paris. You must bring with you, when the time comes, your graceful cousin, Mme de Menthon,^ who knows only a corner of Italy. She, too, is made to appreciate the land of art and grand memories, and I feel sure that she would find as much pleasure and as much admiration in the studios of artists as in the drawing-rooms of Paris. What is she doing this winter? Is she hiding in the depths of the country the wit and grace which made her shine in the midst of Paris society ? May I venture to remind you, madam, that you obtained General Eogniat's^ promise to send me the continuation of the " Engineer Ofiicer's Note-book " ? ^ Caroline Pauline de Klinglin, Countess de Menthon; born 1822, died 1871. 2 A General of Engineers, and member of the Chamber of Peers; friend of Soult : died 1840. 28 CAVOUB'S LETTERS. Would you be kind enough to recall it to his memory, and at the same time to ask, if it can be done with- out indiscretion, for the memoranda which have been drawn up in order to form an estimate of the works undertaken bj^ the engineer service ? You see how bold one single recollection makes me, since I take leave to require from you the performance of a troublesome service. Perhaps I am wrong in being so outspoken. But if it be so, be kind enough not to punish me by depriving me in future of such proof of your interest as you have given me through Eora, to which, as you know, I attach an incalculable value. Kindly give my best regards to M. de Circourt, and accept the assurance of my respect and devotion. C. DE Cavour. III. [Turin], May 27, ]841. Madam, — I take the liberty of recalling myself to your recollection through the medium of a book of high metaphysics, presenting you in my brother's name with a work which he has just published on this serious subject/ If the intimacy into which I have had the happi- 1 Fragments Philosophiques par le Marquis Gustave de Cavour, Turin, 1841. COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE CIBGOUIIT. 29 ness of being admitted had not disclosed to me all the depth and solidity of intellect which in you is overlaid by a varnish of the utmost good nature, I should not have ventured to forward to you a book in which the stiffest philosophical questions are treated in a purely scientific manner. The exalted opinion of your under- standing which you have made me conceive causes me to hope that my brother's work, which is destined to find its readers almost exclusively in the dusty studies of philosophers, will receive a kindly greeting in your pretty drawing-room. I had spoken many times to my brother of the indulgent kindness with which I was treated by your learned friend, M. le Baron d' Eckstein.^ He has bidden me present him with a copy of his work. Would you be kind enough to give me your assistance in fulfilling this commission, which is very delightful to me, since it gives me an opportunity of recalling myself to the valued recollection of a person no less distin- guished by the loftiness of his intellect than by the kindliness of his disposition ? In the course of his work, my brother has been led to examine the doctrines of the eclectic school, and, 1 Baron Ferdinand Frederick d'Eckstein was born in 1790, and died in 1861. He was born a Protestant, but became a Catholic, and settled at Paris. Lamartine, in his Cours de Litterature, i. 14, speaks of him as follows:— "Philosopher, poet, publicist, Orientalist, a Brahmin of the west, misunderstood by his contemporaries, living in one century, but actually present in another." UMiVE'^SlTY OF 30 CAVOUR'S LETTERS. consequently, to speak of one of its most distinguished professors, your friend, M. Jouffroy, for whose know- ledge he expresses the highest regard. Starting, how- ever, from a principle, if not superior, at least different from that which forms the basis of Jouffroy*s philo- sophy, he has been obliged to combat some of the consequences of his teaching. If he had dared, he would have sent him his work, begging him frankly to state his opinion as to the validity of the objections which he brings against his theories. But it would have been audacious, and perhaps indelicate, for a novice in the art of writing to challenge a direct controversy with so formidable an athlete. Neverthe- less, as he desires much to know the judgment which M. Jouffroy will pass on his book, at the risk of com- mitting an indiscretion, I will ask you to lend him the copy which I have the honour to send you, requesting him to give a detailed opinion. If this opinion were of a nature to be made public, my brother will be proud to see his work judged before the tribunal of public opinion by such a man as M. Jouffroy. But this would be asking too much of your kindness, so that I am rather forming a wish than addressing a request to you. Your friend, M. de Eora, is well ; his stay at Nice has been repaid to him by several months of health untroubled for an instant by the gout. His daughter, COUNT GAVOTTR TO MADAME BE GIBGOUBT. 31 whom you saw at Paris, has left Turin to settle at Bologna, where, I hear, she is very happy. Are you likely to go this summer to Franche Comte? If it were so I should have the hope of seeing you when I go to Epinal, whither I am sum- moned by business, for I quite hope you would allow me to ask your hospitality on my way. Kindly remember me to M. de Circourt, and believe in my respectful attachment. C. DE Cavour. IV. Decemhei' 24, [1841]. Madam, — Shall I be presuming too much on the rights which your kindness gives me, and on the pri- vilege of the approaching New Year, if I offer you one of these newl}^ invented pens which still hold the rank of a novelty, and which, I understand, never wear out. If this pen has really the merits which are assigned to it, pray think now and again when you are making use of it, that it is not destined to last so long as the feelings of respect, devotion, and I venture to say, friendship in him who begs you to accept the gift of it. C. DE Cavour. CAVOUB'S LETTERS. V. [Turin, 1843]. Madam, — I have taken the liberty of sending you by my cousin, M. de la Eive, an article, which I have contributed to the Bibliotlieque Universelle of Geneva, upon the posthumous work of M. de Chateauvieux.^ The subject of which I have treated is not likely to be of any interest to you. Nevertheless, I hope that you will receive kindly the tribute of my little paper for the sake of the amiable and clever author whose eminent qualities I have tried to recall, no less as a man of the world than as a didactic writer. / Fro m the nature of what I am writing you may imagine that since my return to Piedmont my atten- tion has been chiefly devoted to the study and the work of agriculture. This is, indeed, the only one to which one can with perfect safety devote oneself in this country, where we are enjoying in all its fulness that liberty of the intellect with which the clergy would endow France. If one would live peaceably in Pied- mont, one must occupy oneself with the fields and the meadows ; and one has need to love peace when one is living in the bosom of a numerous family, ^ Tlie book by F. Lullin de Chateauvieux, published after his death, is entitled Voyages Agronomiques en France. Count Cavour's article appeared in the Bibliothi que Universelle, dated Santena, Sept. 11, 1843. COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME DE CIRCOUBT. 33 who decidedly object to conflicts of opinions and ideaa J This necessity, of which I am continually under the influence, makes me often regret the movement and the freedom which up till now you still enjoy on the banks of the Seine in spite of the evangelising efforts of my Lord of Chartres^ and of Cardinal de Bonald. My regret becomes keener in proportion as I see the time of year approach when everybody in Paris resumes his old habits, and the privileged visitors at the Eue des Saussaies are sure of finding again in the intimacy of four o'clock all that can satisfy the heart and charm the mind. In spite of the deprivation of which I feel the full bitterness, I cannot think of Paris for this year. The health of my mother and that of my aunt, Mme de Tonnerre, which, though not endangered, is growing feeble, keeps me near them. I must, there- fore, madam, bid you a new farewell, sadder than that which I addressed to you last spring, for the hope of seeing you again is now more remote than it was then. It is a farewell for at least a year, and it may be more. During this long estrangement from the focus of light, it is probable that my mind will become entirely rusted, especially if I continue to make agriculture my exclusive occupation; but I venture to assure you that, far from weakening, my feelings will acquire fresh vigour. I entreat you, therefore, whatever may befall me 1 Mgr Clausel de Montals. D 34 CAVOUB^S LETTERS. from an intellectual point of view, to reserve for me a small sliare of your regard. Be kind enough, among the ever renewed interests of Paris life, sometimes to remember one of your most devoted friends. If last year's circle has formed itself again around you, I beg you will remember me to all who have not wholly forgotten me ; and especiallj^ to M. de Belleveze.^ In spite of the divergence of our opinions on more than one essential point, I venture to reckon on a little of his good will ; since, for my part, I confess that he is one of the men whose conversation has most charm for me; and I should be glad to be able to enjoy it occasionally, even if I had to listen to him, in his anti-university zeal, setting the prose of the Abbe Desgenettes above that of M. Cousin, and the intellect of the Bishop of Chalons^ above that of M. Villemain. Can you tell me what has become of Princess Belgiojoso since the Pope launched his anathema against her ecclesiastical labours ? ^ ' Does she make submission ? If so, it would be a fine triumph for the Boman power. " I doubt, however, if she will bend completely. The future will probably show us a fresh transformation of her mind. I suppose that the ^ Rightly " Belveze," Legitimist Deputy for the Aude. 2 Mgr de Prissy. 3 Cristina Trivulzio, Princess Belgiojoso, was born 1808, died 1871. She published (Paris, 1843) four volumes, under a title which the work hardly justified, Essai sur la formation du Dogme Catholique. - COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME DE CIBGOUBT. 35 Dachesse de Rosan \_sic] will have resumed her winter quarters. If it were not for the fear of being indis- creet, I would ask you to give her my respects.^ Can you give me any news of poor Prince Dolgo- rouki ? ^ Since he has fallen again into the claws of the terrible autocrat, I can only recollect his wit, without thinking any more of the touch of spite in his character. The Czar is not likely to be in an indulgent mood toward foreigners who write about Russia, or Russians who publish abroad their opinions on their country. M. de Custine's work^ must have wounded his self- esteem deeply ; and it will take many tears and many sufferings to allay his irritation against men of letters. I am come to the end of my paper without saying anything about your own health ; and yet that is the subject which interests me most. Of all the news that you could give me, the pleasantest to me would be to learn that the mild climate of the Isle of Wight, and the rest which you enjoyed there, have already restored your nerves, which, when I left you, were so over- wrought. Pray husband the strength which you will have gained. Deprive your friends now and then of ^ Claire de Durforfc de Duras, daughter of the last Duke, married in 1819 to Henri de Chastellux, Due de Rauzan. 2 Prince Peter Yladimirovitch Dolgorouki (1816—1868), author of some Memoires on Russia (Geneva, 1869). See Mme de Circourt's letter of September 8, 1859, to Cavour (Chiala, Letter e di Cavour, vi. 438). 3 La Bussie en 1839 (Paris, 18 1;}). D 2 36 GAVOUR'S LETTERS. the pleasure of seeing you in society, in order that you may not lose the means of sparing those who chiefly seek you in the intimacy of home from a hard privation. Please remember me most kindly to M. de Circourt, and believe me, with much respect, your devoted friend, C. DE Cavour. [Paris, 1843.] Madam,— W am glad that the Due de Broglie has anticipated the request I was intending to make to him on your account, and has enabled me to present you with a copy of his report^ on the state of the French colonies and the abolition of slavery, I venture to recommend strongly to you the perusal of this voluminous report, not only because I believe that your superior intelligence will be interested by the immense quantity of facts and profound thoughts which it contains, but more especially because 1 hope that your generous heart will feel, as you read, a true ^ A German translation of this letter has been published by Mr. J. H. Geffcken in his Politische Federzeichnungen, p. 365 (Berlin, 1888). 2 This report on the colonies and slavery had been made in the name of a commission, of whicli the Due de Broglie was chairman. It occupies 360 pp. of a volume, called Ministere de la Marine et dea Colonies Commission institueepar Decision Roy ale, du 26 Mai, 1840, pour Vexamen des questions relatives ci Vesclavage et d, la constitution politique des Colonies, etc. (Paris, March, 1843). COUNT GAYOUR TO MADAME BE CIBGOUBT. 37 sympathy for the illustrious statesman who has risen above the miserable interests of popularity and political ambition and without allowing himself to be discouraged by the delays and frequent miscalculations which civil- isation experiences in its forward march, continues to work with do less steadiness than prudence in spread- ing throughout the whole universe, without regard to latitude or race, the great principles of equality and perfectibilityTl I wish I could mate you share my opinion of the Due de Broglie in order that, whenever a fresh example of the disgraceful shiftiness of our politicians chances to distress you, you may be able, by the thought of his unconquerable consistency, to obliterate from your mind the mischievous traces of their melancholy fickleness. Pray forgive my declamatory and provincial tone, and do not deride me too much when you reflect upon the disagreement between my letter and my precepts. It is true that it has not yet struck twelve, and that for me you are something more than the kindest of fashionable ladies. ' ^ ^ C. DE Cavour. VII [Turin, Jan. 1, 1844.] Madam, — I would begin this new year by drawing near to you in thought, not that I think I need inflict 38 CAVOUR'S LETTERS. upon you tlie commonplace phrases which in that case are employed by people of fashion with a view to the exchange of false sentiments and most insincere wishes. Such phrases are a paper coinage, more depreciated than any of those of which M. Michel Chevalier has, I presume, been treating in his lessons on exchange ; they can have no real currency among persons who still believe in true attachment and lasting friendship. If I choose this day for writing to you, it is because, in order to make a good beginning of the new period which we are about to face, I cannot do better than call up the most agreeable recollections of the past and make them the basis of dreams and hopes for the future. When will these hopes be realised ? When shall I be permitted to resume those habits of intimacy which you are able to make so binding and so precious ? I have no idea. I cannot at this moment form any plans nor make projects extending into the distant future. So many ties keep me in Piedmont, so many reasons prevent rhe from leaving home that, in truth, I cannot foresee the moment when I shall be able to return to Paris. I much fear that I shall for a long time have to invoke your indulgent recollection before I am able to go in person and beg for the continuance of the good- will which you have accorded to me. It is a sad thought, and would be still more so if I did not know that one may reckon upon the memory of COUNT CAVOUB TO MADAME DE GIBGOUET. 39 your heart, as well as upon the charm of your friend- ship. You will have this winter, I think, a visit from my friend Casanova. After having passed six months in the country, deep in the theory and practice of agriculture, he is going to recover his tone in the drawing-rooms of Paris. I suspect that he has a secret desire to find there a help meet for himself; you will be able to give him powerful assistance in his search. He has no exaggerated aims in regard to fortune, an ordinary dowry, 200,000 or 300,000 francs, would be quite enough for him. What he is most particular about is the character, that is to say, the intellect of her with whom he will have to pass his life. My friend has one of those exceptional hearts which err through excess of delicacy, which ask much because they can give without limit. Like all generous -minded Italians he is sincerely liberal ; a wife with too much of the faubourg would not suit him. Equally I think that a frivolous young person, crazy for pleasure and fashion, would be little suited to him, for his tastes are serious and his habits lead him to prefer the sweets of private life to the enjoyments of fashionable society. He can offer the lady to whom he may pay his addresses an income of 40,000 francs from a fine and fertile estate; the certainty of inheriting about as much again from two uncles who are indeed not advanced in years, one 40 CAVOUB'S LETTERS. of the great names of Italy, good looks, and above all, and better than all, an elevated, noble, and generous character, and a spirit in which the good qualities of the old nobility are reconciled with the enlightenment of modern times. If a man like that cannot make a woman, who is worthy of him, happy, one must con- clude that marriage, is as detestable an institution as Georges Sand asserts.-^ Speaking of Greorges Sand, what do you say about the shameful association which M. de Lamartine has formed with her? How could the singer of Elvira attune his lyre to the voice of the bacchanal Lelia? I was only too right last year when a secret presenti- ment kept me at a distance from the man who was formerly as great by character as by talent. I do not know if I am deluded by my own im- pressions, but I cannot help thinking that the comedy which has lately been played in Belgrave Square will have distressed you.^ I do not know what the partisans of the elder branch expected from these empty demon- strations, nor do I know what effect they have produced in France. "What is certain is that in foreign countries there is not a single man of good sense, whatever may be the shade of his opinions, who has not vigorously ^ Count Alessandro di Casanova died unmarried. '^ In November, 1843, the Comte de Chambord went from Frohsdorf to London to meet his partisans. More than 300 French Legitimists were present at the gathering in Belgrave Square. COUNT CAVOUB TO MADAME DE GIliGOUBT. 41 blamed them. I regret the consequences which they may have in Parisian society, but I doubt not that your privileged circle is sheltered from dissensions and from petty social hatreds transfigured into political passions. I saw with pleasure that hardly any of your liegemen went on pilgrimage to London. Happy are they who, living near you, feel the influence of your lofty good sense and of your beneficent enlightenment. My brother joins with me in expressing the same feelings of respect and devotion. Accept them kindly, and believe me, with unchangeable attachment, C. DE C. YIII. Turin, Feh. 15, 1844. Madam, — I would not answer your last letter till I had read Father Eavignan's pamphlet.^ You were quite right in calling my attention to its appearance as a great event. Like you, I admired its eloquent pleading, its courageous justification of a body which reckons so many powerful and determined foes.il_The reading of it has convinced me that the Order of Jesuits may boast the possession of great talents and great virtues ; that its iron rule, if it is stifling to ^ De VExistence et de VInstitut des Jesuites. Par le R. P. Ravignan (Paris, 1844). 42 CAYOUR'S LETTERS. average natures, redoubles the energy of vigorous minds. But granting this, M. de Eavignan's book has only confirmed the opinion which, in Italy, all enlightened men, all true lovers of their country, hold with regard to the Jesuits. I find set forth in it, more powerfully than anywhere else, the immense resources which the Company of Jesus has at its disposal in religious conflicts. These resources, says Father Eavignan, are placed at the sole service of religion. That may be true, if one only considers the ultimate aim, the final cause of the efforts of the Order. But it is beyond doubt — our country is a sad example of it — that in order to arrive at spiritual and religious ascendency, the Jesuits seek, in the first place, temporal and political ascendency. I do not doubt the good faith of the eminent preacher. But when he speaks of the disinterestedness of his Order, of its love of progress, civilisation, science, even liberty, I have only to look around me to recognise the hollowness of his words. I wish I could take you for a moment into one of the colleges managed by the Jesuits in this country; give you a glimpse into their methods and the results of them. This simple inspection would certainly suffice to destroy in your mind the magical effect of the sometime Solicitor-Generars^ pleadings. ^ The famous Jesuit preacher began his career as a barrister, and was rising rapidly in that profession. In 1821 he acted as counsel for the COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME DE GIRGOUBT. 43 They are less mischievous in France and Switzerland than with us. But why ? Because in those countries, which are not under their yoke, they have to take precautions, to employ care in handling Grovernment and people. Being with us all-powerful, they can give free scope to their tendency, and let the spirit of the Order develop itself. If you wish to know the inner- most nature of the Order, you must not study them where they have to fight their way, and where their position is precarious. You will never form a complete estimate of them save where, with no obstacles to encounter, they apply their rules in a consistent and logical manner. They have learnt nothing, forgotten nothing ; their spirit and their methods are the same as ever. Woe to the country, woe to the class which shall entrust them exclusively with the education of its youth. In default of such fortunate conditions as may obliterate in the man the lessons received in childhood, they will, in the course of a century, produce a bastard and degenerate race : Spanish grandees, Neapolitan signori; that is, some- thing midway between men and brutes. The opinion that I express here is shared by the most distinguished among our clergy, and by the immense majority of Crown in an important trial, and was subsequently appointed deputy to the procureur du roi, an office which was regarded as a certain road to that of avocat-general, the nearest French analogue to our Solicitor- General. 44 CAVOUE'S LETTERS. sincere CatholicsD Therefore, before admitting M. de Eavignan's conclusions, before yielding to the impetus of his burning eloquence, deign to reflect on the actual facts, on the positive and incontestable result of their revival in the countries which they rule; and oppose to the splendour of rhetoric the stern logic of events. But in truth it is a case of much cry and little wool. The Jesuits are not dangerous in France. In a land of freedom, in a land of science and enlighten- ment, they will always be compelled to modify and transform themselves ; they will never obtain a real or lasting empire, either in the political or in the intellectual world. In the interests of mankind, I should like to come to terms with the Jesuits, and concede to them in the countries whence they are at present excluded three, four, ten times more liberty than they would allow to the people whom they rule. Forgive me for having dealt at such length with a disagreeable subject. If you were to stay among us for six months, you would no longer be surprised at the degree of warmth, at the excited tone, which I bring to the discussion of this question. I ought to express my condolence for the ill-success of your protege's candidature.^ In truth, I cannot conceive how anyone could put M. Yatout before him. 1 Alfred de Yigny. He was elected to the Academy in the following year. \ B SITY COUNT GAVOUE TO MADAME DE CIEOOURT. 45 What has M. Vatout done as good as St.-Mars [sic] ? It is true though that M. de Vigny's last poems were not of a kind to increase his fame, or to smooth his path to the Academy. If you have any influence over him, try to send him back into the field of journalism ; he will surely obtain successes there which will earn him the laurels of a fame worth all that of the Academic armchair. I will ask you to let me know from time to time what works are producing most effect in the world of Paris ; in thought one is always in the midst of it, even when tyrannous circumstances keep at a distance from it those who have shared its inner life. Eora has had a bad attack of gout; he is better, but still in pain. Casanova is in mourning for his sister, and has a lawsuit on with his cousins ; he hardly knows which way to turn, and is out of heart and unsettled. The letter which you were good enough to write him has shed balm into his heart. It was an act of charity, for which I, too, on my own account, am deeply grateful. My brother, who has read M. de Ravignan's work with more profit than I, thanks you for your kind remembrance of him, and desires his respects. Please accept once more those of your sincere friend, C. DE Cavour. 46 CAVOUB\S LETTERS. IX. Turin, Feb. 23, 1844 MADAM,-t:J am not going to resume my dissertation npon the Jesuits, though I am far from having ex- hausted the subject. For our sins, they every day supply good Italians with fresh reasons for looking upon them as one of the most deadly among the scourges which ravage their fair land. You are quite right to admire M. de Eavignan. I share your feeling ; but it only increases my antipathy for an institution which renders such fine talent, such grand devotion, fruitless, if not dangerojus^J^ Many thanks for the witty and interesting biblio- graphical chronicle which you send me. I shall profit greatly by it, if I avoid what displeases you, and if, according to your advice, I read M. Saint-Marc Grirardin and Miss Prescott. [I was already acquainted with the Edinhurgli Review article on Ireland^ which you notice. It is by a friend of mine, Mr. Senior; the most en- lightened thinker in Grreat Britain. He is the econo- mist par excellence on that side of the Channel. M. Chevalier will, no doubt, know him, but is not likely to love him much ; for Mr. Senior treats political economy like a man of learning, M. Chevalier like a romantic man of letters. I had for my sins put 1 By Nassau Senior. Edinburgh Review for April, 1844. COUNT GAVOUE TO MADAME BE CIBGOUBT. 47 together in my corner here an article on Ireland, with no suspicion that so much better a man as Mr. Senior was preparing a paper on the same subject from a point of view absolutely similar to my own. When I read it, it was too late to stop the publication of my work, which was already being printed in my too indulgent cousin's review.^ It comes at a bad moment, for I may be accused of having copied Senior, which would distress me vastly. I know none more worthy of contempt than commonplace men who try to deck themselves in the thoughts of superior intellectsT? Whatever merit, real or occasional, my article may have, I shall take the liberty of offering you a copy of it. Do you think I may lay one at the feet of the Duchess?^ Her opinions are not mine; might she not be displeased at my serving her a dish flavoured with dangerous views? If I do it, it will only be on 3^our authority, and after you have obtained her promise to consider not the work itself, but the homage paid to her by the author. My aunt, Mme de Tonnerre, has had news from Paris of M. Scipion de Breze's^ health, which make her very anxious. They tell her that the doctors are sending him to Italy alone, without wife, relations, or 1 The Bihliotheque de Geneve. Edited by M. de la Rive. 2 De Rauzan. ^ The Marquis Scipion de Dreux-Breze, one of the heads of the Legitimist party in Paris. He died November, 1845. 48 GAVOUR'8 LETTERS. friends; that he is even forbidden to take his valet. Is his brain affected, and is it thought essential to a cure that he be kept away from whatever may call up memories of his past life ? It would be very sad to see so lofty an intellect perish so young, and so fine a character fall into a condition which is not beyond the reach of the corroding action of ridicule. The Legitimist party must be deeply distressed at M. de Breze's condition, for he was indubitably the finest thing it had produced, the only man who could manage to combine in a dignified and noble fashion a reverence for the antiquated recollections and sentiments of a nobleman with the progressive ideas of the new generation. I have not said anything about M. de Salvandy's resignation,^ because I should have been obliged to confess that at Turin he was not very much regretted. Wrongly, no doubt, a severe estimate was formed of him. Our society, which is essentially aristocratic, found a want of distinction in his manners. Excep- tional efforts failed to improve them, and only trans- formed them to affectation. I did not share this opinion, at least, if at the bottom of my heart I recognised a certain blend of vulgarity and self- 1 Count Narcisse de Salvandy, member of the French Academy, Minister for Education in the Cabinet of which Count Mole was the head (1837), and Ambassador first in Spain, then in Piedmont. He resigned the Turin Embassy in February, 1844. COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME BE GIBGOUET. 49 importance in the late ambassador, I took no heed of it, preferring to occupy myself solely with the charm of one of the most conspicuous intellects of our day. The great thing for success among us is simplicity, and a certain external elegance. Both one and the other were lacking in the academic diplomatist. Time would have been needed, enough to let his really remarkable wit display its most brilliant side, if our ladies were to forget his theatrical fashion of entering a drawing- room, and a certain sweep of the arm which is peculiar to him. I am very much afraid that we shall lose little by the change. While waiting for the arrival of M. de Mortier^ to let us know if our fears are well founded, we are enjoying a young lion of the Jockey Club, who is a perfect representative of France among our fair ladies and our whist players. With all M. de Salvandy's abilities I much doubt if he would have obtained in our drawing-rooms half the success which M. de MareuiP owes to his good looks, his elegant manners, and his position as tame lion. I trust most sincerely that your health is improving, and that it allows you to emerge from the retreat in 1 Count Mortier succeeded Count Salvandy as French Ambassador at Turin .in February, 1844. 2 Joseph Durand, Yicomte de Mareuil, first secretary of embassy and interim charge d'affaires of France at Turin, in February, 1844, was son of Comte de Mareuil, a member of the Chamber of Peers in the Monarchy of July. 50 OAVOUWS LETTERS. which you are living. I ardently desire to hear that you are again launched into the world; in the first place, because your sufferings distress me as much as if I felt them myself, and, then, from a little jealousy of the lucky liegemen who can surround you more completely and enjoy the pleasure of your intimacy more fully than it was permitted me to do when I was wathin sight of you. Please keep a small indis- position for me, and in the meantime, until I can join with your elect in tending you, try to he extremely well, if it be only in order not to add the torments of anxiety to the regrets of absence, which of them- selves are quite sufficiently cruel to endure. Believe me, madam, yours with unchanged and respectful attachment, C. DE Cavour. X. [Turin], March 15, [1844]. Madam, — I hope that this letter will find you completely recovered from the fever and its effects. I wish to persuade myself that I have to ofier you nothing but congratulations on your return to health, and on your reappearance in the midst of the select circle to whom your presence is a daily need. While you were laid up I was engaged on my side in tending some very dear invalids, whose state of COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME DE GIBCOUET. 51 health was causing us much anxiety. . I had my mother and my grandmother seriously ill at the same time. My mother has got pretty well again ; my grandmother is much better, but her great 'age gives us some anxiety as to the result of an illness which has lasted nearly forty days. LI have begged my cousin, De la Rive,^ to send you three copies of my article. One of them you will kindly accept, and lay the second at the feet of the fair Duchess.^ The third is intended for M. Chevalier, if he will deign to accept it. It is a tribute of my esteem for many of his works, and a mark of sympathy with mamr of his opinions. As it is possible that I may hereafter take leave to combat some of the latter, I wish to show that this partial disagreement is combined in me with a keen sense of the far-reaching quality of his mind and the extent of his talents."? Besides, since you told me that he was very intimate with my friend Mr. Senior, I have no longer had the same feeling of estrangement from him which certain ill-sounding ex- pressions in his speeches and his lectures had aroused. When next you meet our ex-ambassador^ you can tell him that his stay at Turin has not been barren, but that he may claim to have influenced in the most ^ Auguste (le la Rive and Camillo di Cavour were second cousins, their maternal grandmothers, Mme T. Boissier and Mme de Sellou, having been sisters. 2 De Rauzan. ^ Count de Salvandy. E 2 52 GAVOUB'S LETTERS. fortunate manner the fate of a young and brilliant singer. The Cross which he sent her, the advice which he gave her, while he was still under the spell of her divine voice, have acted upon her as an irresistible charm, and made her prefer a young and handsome husband to the fabulous terms offered by the directors of the principal theatres in Europe. Do not tell him that the young and handsome husband has two thou- sand a year, for that would destroy all the poetry of the story, and do away with the virtue of the senti- mental diplomat's charm. If M. de Salvandy desires to continue inspiring the married woman as he inspired the young beginner, there is a good opportunity, for at this moment she is in Paris, changed from Mile Branca, as she was, to Mme Juva.-^ /it distresses me to be unable to share any of your opinions on M. de Lamartine ; but I must admit to you that his speech on the fortifications seemed to me to be beneath his abilities.^ It consists of a mass of declama- tion and a string of commonplaces, such as a man of the deputy for Macon's grasp should not employ. The zeal of the Bishops for freedom of instruction is curious to one who knows the true instincts of the 1 Mile Branca married M. Juva, of Turin, in 1844. 2 Lamartine delivered two speeches in the Chamber of Deputies on the subject of the fortifications of Paris : one at the sitting of January 21, 1842, when the Bill was introduced, the second at the sitting of May and 7, 1845, when the armament was under discussion. COUNT CAVOUE TO MADAME BE GIBCOUBT. 53 higher clergy thoroughly. While in France they are keeping up such an ardent controversy in the name of the most liberal principles, their brethren here are, in circulars and speeches, attacking all liberties, from that of speech to that of thought, with redoubled virulence. God grant that France be not the dupe of these recent converts to the great principles of the free development of the intelligence of which they are at bottom the irreconcilable foesT] Please believe me as ever your most devoted friend, C. DE Cavour. XL Santena, Oct 14, 1844. Madam, — If I had not ever present in my remem- brance a thousand irrefragable proofs of your indulgent friendship towards me I should not, in truth, venture to resume a correspondence which has been so long interrupted through my fault. I shall not seek to excuse my silence by commonplace reasons ; I prefer, after the English fashion, to admit that I am to blame, {'' to plead guilty ")> and to owe my pardon only to your affection and kindness. The inhabitants of my country are subject to attacks of moodiness, phases of taciturnity. It is the sole extenuating circumstance which I allow myself to put forward, and I avow, moreover, that I 54 GAVOXmS LETTERS. recognise that before a severe judge it will have no weight. AVhile you were enjoying the sweets of country- house life, first with a brilliant duchess, and then with the quondam singer of Elvira,^ I was travelling about Switzerland with one of my friends to get rid of the remains of a touch of fever which I caught in the rice- fields. I revisited with interest and pleasure that beautiful Swiss scenery, so picturesque and attractive in its grandeur. I did not occupy myself much wdth deep researches into the politics of the country. From the tourist's point of view at which I was placed, I could not have formed a good estimate of itJ Tables d'hote and hotel salons, in. Switzerland particularly, are not very faithful mirrors of the national spirit ; more- over, the moral spectacle which that fair country presented at the time was too melancholy for one not to wish to look away from it during a journey of pleasure. On the road I met M. and Mme de Barante, who were staying at the dull Chateau de Villar. Their conversation brought me back to the drawing-rooms of Paris and the intellectual activity which is only found there. Mme de Barante seems to me to have definitively exchanged the part of fashionable beauty for that of pious woman. The cavernous sighs drawn * Lamartine. COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIBGOURT. 55 from lier by the witty account which, her amiable husband gave us of the compulsory withdrawal of the sons of Loyola prove to me that she is fallen for good and all into the Jesuit mysticism, that melan- choly fanaticism which nothing redeems and nothing beautifies, which is beggared of poetry and of love, and sacrifices the reason without raising the feelings towards the regions of the sublime. M. Michel Chevalier married! I confess that I liked him better as a bachelor; that suited better his present state and still more his past career. I hope that conjugal love will not do any harm to the science of which he is one of the principal experts, and that he will not altogether forget political economy in order to surrender himself exclusively to the charms of its domestic branch. I have no plans for this winter. To be away for long is impossible to me, and I should hate to go to Paris for a short time only. I am meditating a journey to England for next spring, but that is a very vague plan, the realisation of which is subject to sundry eventualities, which I cannot foresee. In any case, if it be not Paris, at any rate the Eue des Saussaies will turn out to be on my way ; it will be the most agreeable halting place of my journey. Signor di Castellengo^ takes charge of this letter. ^ Count Adolfo Frichignono di Castellengo. 56 GAVOUB'8 LETTERS. I am delighted that you should have appreciated his intelligence and enlightenment. He is a good speci- men of what the upper class in Piedmont can become when it is transplanted to an intellectual soil, and when it issues from the narrow circle in which on its own soil it is forced to vegetate. I assure you that for you he has a feeling very different from indulgence ; he is quite clever enough, I assure you, to be able to judge you at your true worth. All that he has said to me proves that he has been able to discover the treasures, both of intellect and of feeling, contained in that drawing-room of the Eue des Saussaies, of which I so feel the loss. Kindly thank M. de Circourt and the Duke and Duchess of Eauzan for their friendly remembrance of me, and offer them my kindest regards. I hope that in spite of my sins you will believe in my sincere friendship, and will allow me always to call myself yours most devotedly, C. DE Cavouk. XII. [Turin,] Feb. 4, [1845.] Madam, — You will not think it amiss, I venture to hope, that I have given one of my friends, who is about to pass some months at Paris, a letter of intro- duction to you. Full as I am of confidence in the COUNT GAVOUE TO MADAME DE GIEGOURT. 57 indulgence of your friendship, I thought I might appeal to your kindness on behalf of a young man of distinction. The person whom I introduce belongs to the family of Berton, well-known in France, since it is the stock from which the Crillons sprang.^ He has served for some time in the cavalry, and now he has retired into private life to give free play to his turn for serious and independent thinking. He is going to Paris filled with desire to see and to learn. If you receive him with kindness, his desire will be satisfied, for your salon will initiate him into all the charms of the French mind, and in your society he will attain to a knowledge of the pitch to which the atmosphere of Paris can develop the graces of the intellect without injuring a lofty heart and strong feelings. I will not ask you for news of the political worlds (jThe Parliamentary drama which at this moment is being played in Paris seems to me to be stripped of all grandeur, and offers only a moderate interest. In all that passes I see but one living and real feeling, the envy and hatred which the oratorical eminence of M. Guizot inspires in all the politicians. I could have wished that that illustrious statesman had withdrawn, for while I believe his policy to be better than that of his rivals, I think that his sacrifice is necessary to allay the irritation which 1840 produced in France, and 1 This was Count Auguste Balbis Bertone di Sambuy. 58 GAVOUB'S LETTERS. which all the extreme parties, all the mean passions are taking so much pains to maintain. I keenly regretted that M. de Lamartine did not take part in the debate on the address. He would have turned it into a political struggle instead of a regular vestry squabble. I do not know whether a morose spirit is disturbing my judgment, but I do assure you that MM. Mole, Thiers, and Guizot quarrelling on the Pritchard question^ produce on me the effect of canons disputing about the administration of Chapter property77 On your recommendation I have read " Hellen [sic] Middleton."^ Without wholly sharing the enthusiasm with which it inspired you, I found great beauties in the novel ; what specially interested me was the picture which it contains of the Catholic tendencies in the more fervent portion of the Anglican Church. As for the heroine, I confess to my shame that I find her very little to be liked and deserving, up to a certain point, of the fate which overtook her. If any book of any merit has appeared since the last letter you wrote me, it will be kind in you to let me know of it, so that I may not remain altogether a stranger to the ideas 1 Mr. Pritchard, the British consul in Tahiti, had been arrested on March 5 in this year by the French authorities, on a charge of fomenting local disturbances. The matter was the subject of Parliamentary debates in both countries ; but in the end an indemnity was paid by the French Government. 2 Ellen Middletorif a Tale, by Lady Georgina Fullerton. London, 1844. COUNT CAVOUB TO MADAME'^ Tm-lJlEGOTJET, 59 which are current in the circle of society in which you move. In lieu of Parliamentary debates we have had the incomparable Taglioni.^ This year, at any rate, we have no occasion to complain of our lot. Taglioni has not only been the charm of our evening parties, but she has supplied Turin society with an inexhaustible subject for comment and discussion ; an inestimable blessing for a town where, in spite of the proverb, the days follow and do resemble each other. On her first appearance the grand dancer was coldly received. The somewhat uncultivated public of the pit did not at once grasp the full perfection and grace of her dancing. Local persons of taste were keenly alarmed ; they feared lest the city of Turin should render itself guilty of the unpardonable fault of not applauding Taglioni. One of them with some emotion expressed his fear to a charming Eussian prince, who follows, or leads, as you may please to put it, the car of the divine dancer.^ The prince, unperturbed, reassured him with this pro- found saying : " Do not be astonished with what is taking place, it is quite natural that at the first moment 1 Maria Taglioni apj)cared in the Theatre Royal at Turin on January 21, 1845, in the ballet L'Allieva d'Amore, composed by Monticini. She was then thirty-six years old, having been born at Stockholm in 1809, In 1832 she had married Count Gilbert des Yoisins. 2 Prince Alexander Yladimirovitch Troubetskoi, who afterwards married Taglioni's daughter, and died in 1889. 60 GAVOUKS LETTERS. they should not appreciate all the sublimity that there is in Taglioni. It is just as when one first enters the basilica of St. Peter. Works of genius at the first view appear simple and natural/' The Eussian prince was right ; at her second appearance Taglioni was loudly applauded, and on the third she kindled the same enthusiasm that one feels at St. Peter's on Good Friday when the church is lighted up. LMy brother bids me remember him to you. If you did forget him you would commit a great injustice, for in him you have a most devoted friend. He has recently been writing some philosophic and religious works, and although they are strictly orthodox, the censorship has not allowed him to publish them; a happy result of absolute government, an encouraging example of the way in which the party that in France is claiming freedom of education with such frenzied ardour makes use of its power. "^ I hope that the next newspapers will bring us the news of M. Michel Chevalier's election. If he is successful, kindly give him my congratulations. Pray believe me your respectful and devoted friend, Camille de Cavour. COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME BE GIROOURT. 61 XIII. [TuHn], Ajwil 11, [1845.] Madam, — If I have been so slow in thanking you for the kindly interest which you have been good enough to take in the poor still-born article which could find no hospitality with the scornful Parisian press, it was neither owing to ingratitude nor forgetful- ness. I have been for the last two months, and I still am, exclusively occupied with the sad state of health of some of the people who are most dear to me. First, Madame de Tonnerre^ has been at death's door. She is now nearly well, but still suffering from the remains of an inflammatory disorder which the doctors cannot succeed in wholly eradicating. While my aunt was slowly advancing towards recovery, my mother was suffering more and more from a heart affection, the germs of which she has had about her for two years. ^ It is now a month since the doctors declared her to be in danger, and more than once she has become so much worse that we had no hope left. Nevertheless, after a painful crisis she has each time recovered sufficiently to allow us to take a cheerful view in regard to the dangers which threaten her. Last Sunday she was so ill that she asked for the last Sacrament. Since then ^ The Duchess o£ Clermont Tonnerre, born de Sellon of Geneva, was sister to Cavour's mother. 2 Ad^le de Sellon, Marquise de Cavour, died in 1846. 62 GAVOUmS LETTERS. she has gained a little, the doctors even declare that she is better. She is, however, still in such a state that at any moment she may drop back to a lower point than ever. To increase our troubles my honoured grandmother is in bed with a severe catarrhal fever.-^ In spite of her eighty-four years she bears her illness with wonderful vigour, and on her sick bed she thinks only of my mother, whom she has always cherished as a beloved daughter. The sad picture which I have been giving you will explain my silence. Even if my mind had been calm enough to write to you I should not have had the time, for for some time past I have been the only individual of my family on his legs. My brother and my father have had the gout, and my nephew has twice been let blood. Happily they are all three cured, and they are sharing with me the care of our beloved invalids. Your good friends Eora are not in any better con- dition. Eora is suffering from a most violent attack of gout. The young Marchioness^ is expecting shortly to ^ FraiKjoise Philippine, daughter of the Marquis de Sales de Dningt, sprang from that famous family in the Chablais which reckons St. Francois de Sales among its members. At the date when this letter was written she was widow of the Marquis Filippo Benso di Cavour, grandfather of Camillo. She died August 5, 1849. Count Cavour was sometimes fond of recalling with a smile that he was the saint's great- great-nephew. 2 Giulia Yisconti d'Aragona, wife of Emanuele Luserna, Count of Campiglione, afterwards Marquis of Rora, deputy-prefect of Romagna, and syndic of Turin, COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIBGOUBT. 63 be confined, which, exhausts all her strength ; and, lastly, the whole family is enduring the most cruel anxiety about the condition of Madame de Carrii, who seems on the point of relapsing into the malady of which she was with such difficulty cured three years ago. The doctors here say that their Pisan colleagues are killing her by the treatment which they have prescribed. Her parents would like to make her come to Turin, but the journey offers all kinds of difficulties, which have not yet been overcome by the presence of her brother Emmanuel. I am talking to you of nothing but sad things, dear madam, for I could not entertain you with other matters. So I leave you that I may not distress you further, though I am quite sure that you sympathise with our troubles and sorrows. Believe me yours with respect and sincere devotion, C. DE Cavour. XIV. [Turin, 1846]. Madam, — I am about to require a conspicuous favour from your indulgent friendship. This concerns no less a matter than the obtaining from the manager of the Revue des Deux Mondes the insertion of an article composed by me. You see that it is no easy task. J This article which, taking its text from the rail- 64 GAVOUB'S LETTERS. ways, discusses the question of Italian politics, aims principally at acting upon the opinion of a highly placed personage,^ who is very sensitive to what the Parisian press says of him. Owing to certain special circumstances, I have reason to believe that a manifesto of the kind which I should wish to make would not be without its value for my country. That is why my heart is so much set on seeing my article published in the Revue des Deux Mondes. .---■^ I sent it to M. Cousin, who has from time to time shown me much kindness, but I should be very glad if M. Michel Chevalier would use his influence to over- come M. Buloz's objections. Ll do not disguise from myself the importance of the favour which I am asking from M. Chevalier, for my article, besides its other sins, has that of having been written with a special view to my own country, a point which will have only a moderate interest for French readers.^ [The chief plea which I beg you to urge with M. Chevalier are the liberal and moderate opinions which I am making an effort to propagate in a country where hitherto extreme views have always had the upper hand. Many of my friends, Count Balbo among others,^ are making every effort to organise a party of * King Charles Albert. 2 Count Cesare Balbo author of Speranze d'ltalia and La Vita di Dante. COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME BE GIBGOUBT. 65 peaceful reforms and measured progress /j Enlightened and philanthropic men like M. Chevalier owe him their support. M. Cousin will, I think, speak to M. Buloz, I ask, therefore, of M. Chevalier only a word in support of what M. Cousin may say. There, madam, is a very indiscreet request, and I offer my apologies for it. Only I beg you not to attribute my indiscretion to excessive literary vanity, an error into which I do not think I ever fell. I may exaggerate the political range of my article, but I am under no delusion as to its literary merit.^ Since I learnt from the newspapers the illness and death of Mme Delaroche,^ I have thought much of you, although you never made me aware of the ties of affection which bound you to that charming person. I only knew that Mme Delaroche possessed an irresistible charm; though I am little poetical by nature I was conscious of its effect. Seeing her and hearing her talk, I felt that I was in presence of one of those choice natures which subjugate all who surround them; she was too perfect for this world. Her death must have left a great void in her surroundings. I grieve bitterly for her unhappy husband whose inspiring genius she was. We have had at Turin for some days a person of 1 The article, on the " Railways in Italy," was published not in the Revue des Deux Mondes, but in the Bevue Nouvelle, of May 1, 1846. 2 Madame Louise Delaroche, daughter of Horace Yemet, died in 1845. ^V b R A R y- OF THE UNWERSITY 66 ' GAVOUWS LETTERS. your acquaintance, M. de Nieuwerkerke,^ the sculptor of William the Silent. He came to return thanks for a bit of riband the king had granted him, and also, it is said, to beg an order for a statue of the famous Prince Eugene. The king was disposed to receive him very kindly, but as he did not wish to be intro- duced by the French charge_ d'affaires, he has not been received at Court, which has annoyed him a good deal. I will not say anything about Lucca. Eora is sure to give you the news of it in detail, for he has been several times at the new court. Although I am little inclined to Carlism, I wish most sincerely that marriage may have changed the character of the young prince. The session so far seems to me to be turning out to the advantage of M. Guizot, and even to that of Salvandy. Bitter enemy as I am of the Jesuits, I cannot help approving his reform of the Eoyal Council. I admire Cousin s talent, but I do not see the necessity of making him a Father of the Faith in philosophy. M. de Salvandy has shown great courage, and that is an enormous merit in this age of compromise. My brother begs you to accept his warmest regards. He will send you a little article on Communism in a few days. If I am not blinded by fraternal affection, I think you will find in this paper some profound and original ideas. ^ Superintendent of Fine Arts under Ihe Second Empire ; died 1892. COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIBCOUBT. 67 Farewell, madam, and believe me with sincere respect your devoted C. DE Cavour. XV. [1851]. Madam, — T cannot let my niece ^ start for Paris without expressing to you how much I regret my inability to present her to you myself, introducing her as the person whom my brother and I hold dearest in the world. My niece, I venture to say, is, although still very young, qualified to appreciate all the bril- liance and solidity possessed by your salon. In ad- mitting her into that select circle you will enable her to taste whatever the French spirit has preserved of the kindliness and the charm of old times, united to the more solid acquirements which it has gained in the present age. You already know her husband, the Marquis Alfieri, and you will be, I hope, as good to his wife as you were to him last year. Spoilt as we have been by your indulgent friendship, my brother and I count above all upon you to make 1 Giuseppina Benso di Cavour, daughter of the Marquis Gustavo, married March 27, 1851, Marquis Carlo Alfieri of Sostegno, the last inheritor of the name of that famous Piedmontese family. After having been deputy in several Parliaments, he was nominated senator in 1870. It is to him that Florence owes the foundation of her great institute of social science. F 2 68 CAVOUB'8 LETTERS, my niece's stay in Paris at once profitable and agreeable to her. It is a piece of audacity on our part, I feel, but you will pardon it in consideration of tbe lively feeling which drives us to commit it. The Marquis Alfieri being destined for political life, I shall be infinitely obliged if you will bring him into contact with some of the politicians in Paris. If M. Chevalier has not bv chance forgotten the former relations which I had tl^e honour of having with him, I should be very glad if he would allow my nephew to be introduced to him. y^^l say nothing about our country and about our politics. As Minister I am paid to speak well of them, and you might suspect my opinions. I will confine myself to assuring you, at the risk of passing for a .dunce or a Utopian, that in spite of all the sorrow and misfortune which have befallen France and Italy, I preserve an unshaken faith in the future of Liberal ideas. J relieve me, madam, most sincerely your respectful and devoted C. DE Cavour. XVI, [Paris, August, 1852], Saturday. Madam and dear Priend, — I was very happy to receive your kind note bidding me come to see you at COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIBGOUBT. 69 Les Bruyeres. I do not know by wliat chance this note travelled over Grermany ia pursuit of M. de Collegno before being delivered to me. I hasten in the first place to thank you for your kind remembrance and for the friendship which has survived so many phases and so many revolutions, and then to inform you that on Monday I will be at Les Bruyeres with my nephew, in the desire of passing as much time as possible with you, and putting off to the last extremity my visit to M. Pescatore's greenhouses. Permit me to shake your hand in virtue of our old friendship, which I value so much. C. DE Cavour. XVII. [Paris, 1852], Monday. It seems clear that you will not receive me at your house. You bid me farewell in writing, and you force me to do the same. I bow to your good pleasure, although I find it very severe of you to have kept me at a distance from the circle of intimates that you have formed around you. I hope that on my return, more or less remote, you will treat me with more indulgence, and that if at that time you are not in the dear little drawing-room of the Eue des Saussaies, you will extend your hospitality at 70 CAVOUB'8 LETTERS. Les Bruyeres to me just as mucli as to my friend Huber.^ I have not, like him, a story to read to you, I have not even one to tell, for, as you know, I am too prosaic to make them. But I assure you that the matter-of-fact of life has not invaded my heart so far as to render me insensible to the charms of a mind so amiable as yours, or to leave me incapable of appreciating the value of friendship. I go the day after to-morrow, taking away from Paris sad enough impressions. I do not see the future in rose-colour, and it is not without grave apprehen- sions that I am about to plunge afresh into the whirl- pool of politics. It is pleasant to think that your thoughts will follow me in that rough career where one meets with more reverses than successes. I thank you for it beforehand, awaiting the time when I may return and lay at your feet the expression of my keenest and deepest feelings. XYIII. [Paris, March, 1856]. I AM happy to know that you are in Paris, and shall be still more so when I am able to see you. To-day, being free, I shall present myself at your door ^ Colonel Huber Saladin. COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME I)E GIRGOUBT. 71 between four and five. Kindly let me be told when I may come upstairs without fatiguing you. C. DE Cavour. XIX. [Turin, April 7, 1857]. Madam and dear Friend, — I have never had any doubt as to your taking an interest in our strife with Austria. Noble and generous hearts like ours must sympathise with the weak who are offering a brave resistance to the unjust claims of the strong and powerful. Q[ do not think that the actual quarrel will for the present pass out of the pacific sphere of diplomacy. We are fully decided to be energetic and firm, but in no way imprudent. Europe desires peace ; we shall not be the first to disturb it, ready as we are for all sacrifices if the honour and dignity of the nation require it.J Q[ venture to hope that you have succeeded in making the select circle which surrounds you share your feeling in our favour. Composed though it is of diverse elements, it numbers none but persons of feeling and intelligence who w^ould not be able to sympathise with those who wish to accomplish the ruin of poor Italy. In any case, I depend upon you to start a propaganda in our favour, for we have a great need of the moral support of France, and, consequently, of 72 GAVOUB'S LETTERS. finding in the salons of Paris defenders of such influ- ence as are your friends of all shades. --7 S In spite of the threats of Austria, we are seriously considering the plan of piercing Mont Cenis, and I hope that within a few months we shall undertake this gigantic work with the help of entirely new methods. You see that we are no less bold in industrial than in political matters. I While awaiting the accomplishment of this work, wEich will bring us infinitely nearer to our friends in Paris, we are about to enter, on May 1, upon the enjoyment of the railway which goes up to our frontier. Thanks to it, the distance which separates our two cities will be covered in thirty hours. Will not this near approach tempt you ? Cannot you steal a few days from j^our lieges of the Eue des Saussaies and Les Bruyeres in favour of your Piedmontese friends ? Our country will not be without attraction for you. The sight of a people which has known how to reconcile a great mass of franchises with perfect order seems to me sufficiently interesting at the current time. My brother thanks you for your kind remembrance. He is ill in health, his nerve has been shaken; he will need to live in the peaceable regions of Catholic philosophy into which you have brought him. Please remember me to M. de Circourt, and believe me, with unchanging devotion, yours, C. Cavour. OF COUNT CAVOUB TO MADAME DEUTEVSUBT, XX. June 21, [1857]. Your kind and friendly letter of the 8tli inst. reached me very late, after many days' delay. In reply, I hasten to assure yon that business and the cares of Ministerial life have not effaced or even weakened the recollections which I bore away from Paris of your much valued friendship. On the contrary, I feel each day the worth of it. The political tempests amid which I have for nine years past been struggling have made me feel more than I ever did the charm of intimacy with you, of that fireside where one can forget one's most weighty preoccupations, and surrender oneself to the delights of friendly and no less intelligent conversation. (Many thanks for the interest with which you have followed the Parliamentary contests which I have had to maintain since my return to Piedmont. They have not been either laborious or dangerous. In presence of Austria's declared enmity, honest men of all parties have united around the Government ; and I have only had individuals to fight, parties having vanished from the Parliament:^ //Events have led Piedmont to take a clearly marked and decided position in Italy. That position is, I feel, not free from danger, and I am conscious of the full weight of the responsibility which it lays on me. But it was imposed upon us both by honour and by duty. 74 . CAVOUR'S LETTERS. Since Providence has ordained that Piedmont alone in Italy should be free and independent, Piedmont must use her freedom and independence to plead before Europe the cause of the unhappy peninsula. We shall not shrink back from this perilous task. The King and the country are determined to carry it out to the end J Our friends the doctrinaires, those Liberals who weep the loss of liberty in France after having assisted to stifle her in Italy, will, perhaps, think our policy absurd and romantic. I am resigned to their hard words and censures, being certain that generous hearts like yours, whatever judgment they may pass on my political principles, wdll sympathise with my efforts to recall to life a nation which for ages has been shut up in a hideous tomb. If I go down, you, I feel sure, will not cast me out; but will grant me an asylum amid the defeated men of distinction who cluster round you. Do not interpret this outburst as a sign that war is imminent. Nothing is further from my thoughts. Take it solely as a declaration that all my strength, all my life, are consecrated to one task only — the emanci- pation of my country. My brother thanks you for your remembrance. Like me, he is sincerely devoted to you. Believe me, with unchanging friendship, yours, C. Cavour. COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIBCOURT. 75 XXI. [Turin'], July 7, 1858. If I were free to guide my steps as my feelings and wishes prompt, I would surely profit by my holi- day to claim your hospitality at Bougival. But yoked as I am to the car of European politics, I cannot wander from certain paths traced out by the position which I hold. If I were to go to France at this moment, when the diplomatists are struggling to find a fitting solution for a problem which they have beforehand rendered insoluble, my journey would give rise to all kinds of comments ; which, though devoid of any basis, would be none the less fertile of vexatious annoyances to my country. I must, therefore, my dear friend, make once more the sacrifice of my wishes to the melancholy goddess to whose service I have made the mistake of devoting myself, namely, politics. But if, as I hope, I regain my liberty, the first use I shall make of it will be to go and grasp the hands of the faithful friends who are willing to take an interest in me, even though, in the whirlwind of affairs, I cannot take the notice of them which I should, and would. As soon as the session is over, which will be in a few days, I shall go to Switzerland to breathe the fresh air of the mountains, far away from men who think only of politics. I think of staying a few days at 76 CAVOUB'S LETTERS. Presinge, being certain that no one will suppose that I am conspiring with our good De la Eive friends against the peace of the world. We shall often talk of jou, and shall transport ourselves more than once in spirit to the delightful hermitage which you know how to turn into a little earthly paradise for your friends. I will send you the book for which you ask. Al- though written in very bad French, it offers some interest to persons who know something of Piedmont and of the persons who have played a part on the Parliamentary stage. Only, as the author has chosen to handle all parties, and all those of whom he speaks, tenderly, it is necessary, in order to approximate to the truth, to strike off three-quarters of the eulogies which he distributes right and left with lavish hand. Thanks once more for your kind remembrance. The disillusions of public life render genuine feelings ever more precious ; most of all, those friendships which time and absence strengthen and develop. C. Cavour. XXII. [Paris, March, 1859], Saturday. My dear Lady and Friend, — Although I am at Paris only for a very short time, I should like to come and shake hands with you. But I dread finding in COUNT GAVOUB 'TO MADAME BE GIRGOURT. 77 your drawing-room some frantic partisans of peace, to whom my presence would be supremely displeasing. Seeing, therefore, that in spite of my bellicose humour, I do not at all care to make war on your friends, I will not call upon you unless you can promise to receive me alone, or in presence of such persons as will not tear out my eyes for love of peace. - Your devoted C. Cavour. . XXTIL [Paris, March, 1859.] My dear Lady and Friend, — If you have no objec- tion, I will be at your door this evening at a quarter before eight. C. Caa^our. XXIV. [Turin], July 22, [1859.] If Bougival, instead of being at the gates of Paris, were to be found in some obscure corner of France, I would eagerly and gratefully accept the hospitality which you so cordially offer me. In my present frame of mind no abode would appear to me comparable to the hermitage where I should be certain of finding true friendship and sympathy, at once lively and sincere, for the fate of my country. You, my dear Countess, 78 GAV0UW8 LETTERS, would, I am certain, help me not to despair of its future, and I should leave you after a while in better condition than I was in to recommence the struggle for her independence and freedom. But what am I to do? I could not go to the gates of Paris and not enter. That would look like sulking, and there is nothing in the world so ridiculous as a fallen Minister who sulks ; especially if he thinks fit to be sulky with that city of all the world which cares least for mis- fortune and is most given to raillery. My position makes it my duty to keep as quiet as possible ; it is the only service which I am for the moment able to render my country. To this end I was on my way to Switzerland, that hospital for the wounded of politics ; but as the announcement of the Congress of Zurich might have given a suspicious air to my innocent plan, I shall beat a retreat upon Savoy, and go and settle myself at the foot of Mont Blanc, there to forget, amid the wonders of Nature, the pettiness of the affairs managed by men. As soon as the hot weather is over, I shall go back to Leri to wait till an opportunity offers of working at the task of regeneration, which my friends and I are far from having abandoned. I have under- gone a stunning defeat, and it will be long before I can return to the field as commander-in-chief; but I am quite decided to fight as a private under new COUNT CAVOUB TO MADAME DE GIRGOUET. 79 commanders, who will, I hope, be more fortunate than I was. What you tell me as to the return of my old friends entirely consoles me. I ought to regard my fall as a lucky event, if it has made me regain the esteem of that select circle which surrounds you, and from which my policy, not rightly understood, had in some sort excluded me. My bitterest enemy, the Times, said the other day, " Poor Cavour ! he was honest and zealous." I ask no other testimony or panegyric. The two qualities which the journal that has so violently opposed me ends by allowing me, are enough to assure me of a good welcome from all those whose welcome I value. At Turin I saw Huber-Saladin for an instant. He seemed very well pleased with the military mission which he had discharged. I think he was right, for he is the only Federal officer who could, without neglecting his duty, have handled delicately the sus- ceptibilities and sympathies of the Ticinese. Believe me, dear Countess, your sincere friend, C. Cavour. XXY. Leri, Nov. 23, 1859. I WISHED, before answering the friendly letter which you wrote me on your return to Paris, to wait until I \ 80 GAVOUB'S LETTERS. was in a position to let you know my plans for next winter. Certain as I am of the interest whicli you are good enough to take in me, I had no doubt as to your learning with pleasure what I proposed doing. I thought that the Treaty of Zurich, by allowing me to emerge from my solitude, would leave me free to make up my mind. Unluckily, it does nothing of" the sort. I am more undecided now than I was a week ago. Accordingly, I will delay not a moment longer, thanking you for all the kind messages you send me. You will, perhaps, be surprised to see me in a state of .utter uncertainty, for as a rule I do not hesitate at all. But your surprise will cease if you reflect on the position in which I find myself. ) My presence at Turin is of no use to any one, and it is troublesome to many people. Although I am much inclined to support the Ministry, composed as it is of loyal men, animated with the best intentions, I cannot make a movement without shaking it. On the other hand, I shall do it harm if I persist in remaining hidden in my rice -fields. People might say that I was sulking ; and that would render me ridiculous. My only remaining resource is to travel. But where am I to go ? Italy is barred by politics, France and England by decency. I have not the courage to face the chill and heavy atmosphere of the German capitals; and I sufier too much from sea- COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME BE GIBCOUBT. 81 sickness to be tempted by a Transatlantic voyage. I am, therefore, reduced to looking about for what I can do, without being able to find a suitable solutionH It is probable that in default of some good course to take I shall not take any, and shall let myself be guided by chance. If the Congress gets to business quickly, I shall, before the end of the winter, make an excursion to Paris, whither I feel drawn by the desire of seeing you, and of peaceably enjoying the delights of the social oasis which is to be found in your house amid the deserts of luxury and vanity. For some months I have been leading a perfectly rustic life. I am diligently occupied with my fields and my cows. Thank heaven, politics have not made me too rusty. I am still a very tolerable agriculturist ; one who does not ruin himself in improving his pro- perty. I find my old occupation so agreeable that if the Italian question had received a solution which would permit me honourably to drop politics, I should consecrate the remainder of my days to it. The Marquis of Yillamarina has been recalled. In his place they are sending M. Desambrois, a former Minister of Charles Albert ; one of those who, by dis- creetly liberal administration, prepared our country for constitutional government. He is a most deserving man, and I hope that he will succeed ; especially if he contrives to overcome his shyness and taciturnity. G 82 CAVOUR'S LETTERS. I have sent M. Beule two letters for Sardinia. He must have received them long ago. Believe me, dear Countess, yours with unchanging attachment, C. Cavour. XXYI. Turin, January 9, [I860]. Deak Countess, — I had hoped to come and thank you in person for your kind letter of the 1st inst., but the adjournment of the Congress compels me to take up my pen in order to tell you how sensible I am of all the interest which you do not cease to take in the affairs to which I have been, am, and am called to be a more or less important party. The only fault with which I have to charge the famous pamphlet,^ is that it has prevented me from coming to shake hands with you;^ other respects, I think it has rendered a great service, not only to Italy, but to the whole world, by bringing out a fact which every one knows here, although they seem to be ignorant of it elsewhere, namely, that the Temporal Power, whatever be its advantages or its merits, has the immense drawback of being no longer alive — of being in very truth a corpse. There is no longer any question of knowing whether the Pope is to be sovereign 1 Le Pape et le Congres. Paris, 1359. COUNT CAVOUR TO MADAME BE CIRGOUBT 83 of Eomagna, the Marches, and Umbria; but whether those provinces are to be independent or governed in the name of the Pope by Austrian, French, or Spanish generals. Put thus, the question can admit of no doubt even for an ardent Catholic, if he be honest. 1 The singular expedient to which Antonelli has resorted, of hiring the biggest scamps in Europe at the dirtiest street corners of Switzerland and Germany,^ in order to prop the throne of St. Peter's successor, even if it might have succeeded in the fourteenth century after the Popes had left Avignon, is no longer presentable at this date. Even if, thanks to these new Landsknechts, the Cardinal were to succeed in looting ten Perugias, he would not add any solidity to the edifice, which is crumbling on all sides. /Besides, if we wish to convince honourable and religious men of the effect which the limiting of the Temporal Power will produce on religion, there is a very simple method. It needs only to ascertain the actual state of the Legations, and it will be recognised that, strange to say, since the overthrow of clerical government, priests are infinitely more respected, churches better filled, the precepts of the Church better kepfTI If by chance any of your friends wishes ^ Pope Pius IX.'s army, of which General Lamoriciere took the command in this year 1860, was composed in great part of men recruited abroad — Swiss, G-ermans, Frenchmen, Spaniards, Irish. g2 84 GAVOUE'S LETTERS. to establish the truth of this fact, I will furnish him with the means of doing so, by giving him a letter to my cousin Eork, who is now Exarch of Eavenna ; and who fasts on Fridays, goes publicly to Mass, and in spite of that is the most popular governor in Europe. If the most Catholic of your friends does not return from a journey to Eavenna converted to the cause of the abolition of the Temporal Power, I will vote in Congress for its maintenance. Ju revoir, dear Countess. Keep me a little place at your chimney-corner where I may tell you once more how lively and sincere is my afEection for you. C. Cavour. P.S. — I may inform you that the Town Council, the officers of the National Gruard, without exception all the authorities of Faenza, came in a body to show kindness to Eora. The reverend Prelate^ was so much moved that he fell into my cousin's arms. I doubt if the like will happen to Mgr Dupanloup. XXVII. {Turin, February 7, I860]. My dear Countess, — M. Desambrois having failed to recover on the banks of the Seine the use of his ^ Mgr Folicaldi of Baguacavallo, Bishop of Faenza. COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME DE GIBCOUBT. 85 tongue which he had for some time lost, I have had to recall him to the Presidency of the Council of State, a post which he fills with the utmost distinction. I have placed provisionally at the head of the Legation Signor Nigra, a young man of much talent, in whom I have unbounded confidence. I commend him to you in the most emphatic way. When you know him, he will commend himself; meanwhile, please welcome him as one of my best friends. The turn which political events have taken makes a journey to Paris very unlikely on my part, [jn Italy matters will for the moment arrange themselves without a Congress. Sooner or later, the supreme tribunal of Europe will give a definite sanction to what is going to happen ; but from that moment we are still very far. The blindness of Austria and the obstinacy of the Holy Father make me dread many a crisis before diplomatists round a green table-cloth will be able to regulate the destinies of Italy in a stable fashion. You have not answered my last letter, in which I begged you to send to Eomagna some honest Catholic from among your friends. Rora is still awaiting him at Ravenna. I should be tempted to call in the im- partial judgment of the new Academician, Father Lacordaire. See how accommodating I am. Believe me, my dear Countess, your sincere friend, C. Cavour. 86 CAVOUR'S LETTERS. XXVIII. [Turin], July 16, [I860]. My dear Countess, — I send you the first number of a series of biographies which is being published at Turin. Among others, you will find one of me. The author of it is one of my political friends, so he has not done badly with the flattery. At any rate, if he has beautified some features in my physiognomy, he has not distorted them; so that what he relates is correct enough. I think that these little books may have a momentary interest for you. I say nothing to you of politics. It would take a volume to sum up the perplexities among which I am placed. Nigra might be able to do it, if he has time to seek you in your hermitage; which I doubt, con- sidering the innumerable quantity of letters and dis- patches which I fire off at him every day. If I pull through this time, I shall try to manage it so as not to be caught again. I am like a sailor who, in the midst of the sea which the storms have raised, swears and vows never again to expose himseK to the perils of the deep. One of my friends, newly arrived from Paris, assures me that Legitimist and Orleanist opinion is not much improved in regard to us. He told me that he had heard some pretty little mouths exclaim, " Why does not some one hang that blackguard, M. de Cavour ? " COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIECOURT. 87 It is terrible to have aroused so much hatred. I hope that it will not make its way into your salon, or that, at any rate, your friendship will neutralise it. Even if I am wrong, I declare that I would rather brave all the hatred than renounce the pleasure of seeing you. If ever I can get away to Paris, I shall descend in the middle of your drawing-room, even though I have to run the risk of getting my eyes scratched out by the old Marchioness with whom I quarrelled so in 1856. My brother and my niece started this morning for Ostend. They will, perhaps, return by Paris. I envy them ! I hope that the fine weather, and the quiet of your beloved hermitage, have done you good. I fervently desire it may be so. Pray believe me, my dear Countess, though a bad correspondent, none the less your sincere and devoted friend, C. Cavour. XXIX. [Turin, September 23, I860]. I AM very sorry that I was unable to carry out your request by seeing that Mme de Pimodan met with nothing but attention and care upon her arrival in Italy. Unhappily, as the newspapers will have told you, her husband's wound was mortal; and he only M88^ CAVOUR'S LETTERS. survived the action in which he fought so bravely a few hours. ^ Our army paid its homage to his valour. The regiments which had suffered most in the bloody conflict of the previous day, those, namely, which compose the Queen's Brigade, rendered the same funeral honours to him as we do to our own generals. Cialdini, knowing that he expressed a wish, to be buried at Eome in the Church of St. Louis, ordered his body to be placed in a leaden coffin, and put into the charge of his aides-de-canip who were taken prisoners with, him, MM. de Ligne and de Eenneville, bidding them accompany it to its last resting-place. All the French prisoners are treated as we treat our own soldiers. They are sent to Leghorn and Genoa, and thence back to France. Whatever be the cause which has led them to take up arms against us, we cannot forget that they belong to the nation which came to fight for our deliverance. I Italy is in a very critical position. On the one side difTomacy, on the other. Garibaldi — that is not exactly comfortable. I still hope that we shall pull through, and succeed in establishing our country on solid prin- ciples of order and liberty, in spite of the suspicions of 1 Auguste Marie Elie Georges de Rarecourt de la Vallee, Marquis de Pimodan, was born in 1822. He had been a colonel in the Austrian army, and served under General Lamorici^re at the battle of Castelfidardo, September 18, 1860, where he was mortally wounded. In 1855 he married Emma Charlotte Cecile, daughter of the Marquis Raoul de Couronnel, who is here referred to. COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE CIRGOUBT. 89 the Absolutists and the insanities of the EepublicansV^ I doubt not that you follow with keen interest the ^ various phases of the struggle which is about to open. Your wishes will help us to issue from it with honour. Believe me, my dear Countess, your devoted C. Cavour. XXX. [Turin], October 24, [I860]. My dear Countess, — Thanks for your kind letter. I understand from what you say that you have had to undergo many conflicts on behalf of Italy and the friends whom you number in this country. T fear that the opponents whom we have at Paris are harder to convince than Garibaldi's partisans, who have been so easily reduced to silence. In any case, if I am not much mistaken, the French people is for us. The surface of society has been crystallised by passions good and bad, and rendered ill-adapted to feel generous emotions ; but the masses are generous as in the past, and they sympathise with us. If it were otherwise, how could it happen that all the newspapers which are addressed to the masses are Italianissimi ? The divergence between the upper and lower classes is distressing, especially when it is the lower that is noble and disinterested, and the upper 90 GAVOUWS LETTERS. that is selfish and ill-natured. But I do not want to speak evil of French society. I owe too much to it. I resign myself to seeing Italy regenerated in spite of the Paris drawing-rooms. We are, perhaps, about to be put to a rough trial. Austria, it would appear, thinks of profiting by the absence of the King and of our best divisions to attack us. We are getting ready to offer her a desperate resistance. If Cialdini and Fanti are at Naples, we have here La Marmora and Sonnaz, who are not going to be frightened by Benedek and the Archduke Albert. We are ready to stake all for all. The country is as calm as if the sky was cloud- less. It knows the danger which threatens it ; but it is in no way frightened, for it knows that the cause at issue is great enough to justify the greatest sacrifices. I have expressed to you my regret at having been unable to do anything of what you asked me to do for Mme de Pimodan. Now an opportunity offers for showing that her misfortune kindles deep sympathy in us, and that we respect valour even in our enemies. Greneral Brignone has captured Greneral Pimodan's sword and decorations on a fugitive from Castelfidardo. He has sent them to me as a sort of trophy. I have taken the King's instructions, and his Majesty has decided that instead of being placed in his magnificent armoury, I am to transmit them in his name to Mme de Pimodan, as his tribute to her grief and to her COUNT GAVOUR TO MADAME BE GIRCOUBT. 91 husband's bravery. As I do not know where Mme de Pimodan is, I take the liberty of sending them to you, with a letter for her ; begging you to see that they reach their destination. Believe me, my dear Countess, your sincere friend, C. Cavour. XXXI. [Tunn], December 29, [I860]. I RECEIVED this morning in bed the kind note which you wrote me, imparting the interesting letter which General Filangieri addressed to you from Marseilles. Many thanks for it, dear Countess; the pleasant reminder of you came to charm away the tedium of my convalescence from a little ailment of which, thanks to two bleedings, I got rid in forty-eight hours. I am much flattered by the opinion which your illustrious friend expresses in regard to me; but I cannot share it. He is too distrustful of liberty, and he counts far too much upon the influence which I possess. <- For my own part I have no confidence in dictator- ships, and least of all in civil dictatorships. I believe that with a Parliament one can do many things which would be impossible to absolute power. Thirteen years' 92 CAVOUR'S LETTERS. experience has convinced me that an upright and ener- getic Ministry which has nothing to fear from revela- tions in the tribune, and which has no disposition to let itself be intimidated by party violence, has every- thing to gain by Parliamentary contests. I have never felt weak except when the Chambers were not sitting. Besides, I cannot be a traitor to my bringing-up, nor renounce the principles of my whole life. I am a son of Liberty, and to her I owe all that I am. If it were necessary to throw a veil over her statue, it would be no business of mine to do it. If anyone were to succeed in persuading the Italians that they wanted a dictator, they would choose Garibaldi, not me ; and they would be right. I , [The Parliamentary road is longer, but surer. The elections at Naples and in Sicily do not alarm me. People assure us that they will be the wrong way ; let them be. The Mazzinians are less to be dreaded in the Chamber than in the clubs. The experience of Lom- bardy reassures me. Last year it was in a bad temper at the time of the elections, and the results were detestable. Cattaneo, Ferrari, and Bertani were elected by enormous majorities. These gentlemen came to the Chamber with a menacing demeanour, with insults in their mouths, almost with their lists up. Well, what did they do ? Beaten hollow on two or three points, they ended by becoming so harmless that in the last COUNT GAVOUB TO MADAME BE CIRGOUBT 93 big debate they voted with the majority. Do not be afraid, the same thing will happen with regard to the men from the South. The calm, I may say heavy, atmosphere of Turin will soothe them, and they will go back tamedj.^ Great mistakes have been made at Naples. Farini had not enough authority at the outset. Then he fell ill ; lastly, a horrible drama took place under his eyes.^ Farini, a large-hearted man, could not bear up against this succession of shocks ; he broke down, and is in no state to continue the rough task which he accepted with the devotion that he bears into all matters. He is begging with all the strength of his voice to be super- seded. The day that an energetic man, not exhausted, resumes power at Naples, everything will return to a state of order. \_The bulk of the nation is monarchical, the army is free from any Garibaldian taint, the capital is ultra- Conservative. If with these elements we cannot pull through, we should be a very poor loTl I am very sorry to learn that M. de Circourt is unwell. Some time ago he wrote me a most interesting letter ; please thank him on my account. This letter will reach you on New Year's Eve. It * Signor Farini had just then lost his son-in-law, a very promising young man, who had been cut off in a few days by an attack of typhoid fever. 94 CAVOUE'S LETTERS. brings very sincere wishes for the relief of your sufferings and for the return of that health of which you make so good use on your friends' behalf. Among them I beg you to place me in the front rank. C. Cavour. LETTERS OF COUNT CAVOUR TO COUNT ADOLPHE DE CIRCOURT, 1850-1861. LETTERS OF COUNT CAVOUR TO COUNT ADOLPHE DE CIRCOURT, 1850—1861. To Count de Circourt, Paris. I. [Turin, October, 1850]. My dear Sir, — I have read with extreme interest the letter which you did me the honour to write to me on the 18th instant. Your reflections on the state of Piedmont, and especially on the possible consequences of its disagreement with Eome, are certainly worthy to be taken most seriously into consideration by the states- men of our country.^ I do not deceive m3^self as to the gravity of our position, and I feel deeply how much it is complicated by our relations with Eome. My most ardent desire, therefore, is to be able to conclude, if not a peace, at least a truce with the Holy See^ In spite of this admission on my part, I ought to tell you frankly that in my judgment you seem to exaggerate the dangers which threaten us. You think that we are reduced to a choice between the example of Henry VIII. and that of Louis XIY. after he fell H 98 CAVOUR'8 LETTERS. under the yoke of Mme de Maintenon. The judg- ment which you express is founded on an assumption that CathoHcism in Piedmont is in an analogous position to that which it occupies in France. It is, however, hy no means so.S With us the court of Eome has lost every sort of moral authority ; it might launch against us all the thunderholts which it keeps in reserve in the cellars of the Vatican and would fail to produce any great agitation in these parts. I have lived much in the country and know our peasantry to the very bottom, better, indeed, than the inhabitants of our towns. Well, I can assure you that, even if, which is by no means probable, the Pope were to immediately excommunicate us, not the slightest disturbance would follow. The masses are religious, I may say, very religious, but they no longer place any trust in the Pope. The majority of the inferior clergy partake these feelings, and the bishops are so thoroughly aware of it that the greater part of them are doing all they can to induce the Court of Eome to yield. The conduct of Pius IX. has wounded national sentiment so deeply that his wrath is no longer to be feared. Besides this, the Siccardi laws are a bad ground for the Court of Eome to fight upon. The meanest of our peasants understands amazingly well that those laws in no way touch dogma and discipline, and that their only object is to suppress civil privileges COUNT CAVOUB TO COUNT ADOLPHE BE CIBGOUET. 99 which the clergy have strangely abused. I am certain that if the people were put in a position to choose between the preservation of the constitution and the re-establishment of clerical privileges, they would re- nounce their political liberties sooner than see the ecclesiastical tribunals revive^. I The behaviour of the people of Turin proves the truth of what I have said. Never have the churches been fuller, never have there been more communicants, and, nevertheless, upon no question has there been more perfect agreement than upon the dismissal of the Archbishop.^ My parish is served by Franciscan friars ; it numbers nearly 16,000 souls. Well, my parson, who has just left me, assures me that he has never been more surrounded with respect and sympathy, but that religion would be lost if a hand was laid upon the laws carried by Siccardi, whom he regards as the greatest man in Italy. We know very well that our conduct does not meet with approval in France, and that your Eepublican statesmen sympathise much more with Eome than with us. But I confess to you that, up till now, we have not come to the point of believing that they are disposed to lend the Church the support of the secular arm. The idea of seeing Frenchmen put into execution a Papal decree of excommunication, inter- fering in Piedmont to re-establish the privileges of 1 Mgr Fransoni, Archbishop of Turin. ^^y^rs'^f.C' H 2 I ^^ "^'^- UNIVERSITV OF 100 GAVOUR'8 LETTERS. which the clergy have been stripped in all European countries, is one that has never come into my head. I do not know if Austria will be more Roman than France, and I doubt it very much, for in spite of the apparent, and, in fact, very reasonable concessions which she has made to the Holy See, she continues to keep her clergy in a regular condition of servitude to which they will never be reduced in Piedmont. It is impossible to foresee the future of Europe. Almost everywhere the extreme men are face to face, and the moderate party has almost disappeared from the theatre of events, which is by no means of good omen for the destiny of nations. In Piedmont, on the contrary, that poor party still holds the balance be- tween the extremists of all shades. Will it succeed for long in maintaining equilibrium while causing the country to advance in the regular paths of progress? This is, I confess, very doubtful; but even if it suc- cumb in consequence of the movement which is sweep- ing Europe along, it will succumb with honour, and will carry with it in its fall the sympathy of all feeling and good men. For this reason I venture to look for such a feeling on your part, whatever be the issue of the thorny career to which I have committed myself. Please give my respects to Mme de Circourt, and believe me sincerely yours, C. DE Cavour. COUNT GAVOUB TO COUNT ADOLPHE BE GIBCOUBT. 101 II. [Turin], 18th January, [1851]. My dear Count, — Many thanks for the interesting information about the Due de Guiche ^ contained in your letter of the 12th. Considering all things, the French Grovernment could not have made a choice more agree- able to us. The Due de Guiche will find himself at home here. A cousin of his is married to one of my oldest friends at Turin, M. de Salmour,^ and many of the club friends of his youth are settled there. I hope that we shall have none but good relations with him, and this will certainly be the case so long as he does not get mixed up with the religious question, upon which we can have no compromise. ^^ur internal position is much improved. The ex- treme parties are keeping quiet for the moment, while the great mass of the country frankly supports the Government. Even the clerical party is not agitating openly, having been compelled to recognise its weak- ness. If difficulties do not come upon us from abroad, we have nothing to fear from within. There is in our country a great reserve of upright feeling which makes 1 Agenor, Duke de Guiche, afterwards de Gramont, was French Envoy at Turin in 1853, Ambassador to the Holy See in 1857, to Vienna in 1861, Minister of Foreign Affairs, from May 15 to August 10, 1870 (in which capacity his share in bringing about the war of that year will be remembered), and died in 1880. 2 Count Ruggiero Gabaleone di Salmour, Senator, died in 1878. 102 . GAVOUWS LETTERS. government easy. In the Chambers there is hardly any opposition. The Eight does not love the Ministry, but its real head, Count Eevel, having declared that as he is not in a position to form a Ministry he deemed him- self bound to support the one which is in power, the Eight votes with us. As for the Left, it is divided ; two-thirds of it have declared frankly for the Grovern- ment, the remainder opposes, but without violence, j^ The only real difficulty with which we have to con- tend is the Eoman question. Thank Heaven, the vio- lence and the bad faith of our adversaries make our game a pretty good one. If the Pope regales us with an encyclical of the same sort as that which he has launched at the head of the Eepublic of New Grenada, he will do us an immense service. I should very much like you to come and study our country on the spot. You would see that I am under no delusion, and that in spite of all the stories retailed against our poor parliamentary system, it does not work badly so long as those who are called upon to set it going, instead of intriguing and finessing, employ no means of government but firmness, good faith, and perfect honesty. I shall be much obliged to you whenever you will kindly keep me informed of what is going on at Paris. Please remember me to Madame de Circourt, and COUNT OAVOUB TO COUNT ADOLPHE BE GIRCOUET. 103 entreat her pardon if I have not yet had time to answer the letter which she was good enough to write me. Believe me most sincerely yours, C. DE Cavour. III. [Paris, February, 1856 {Hotel de Londres, Rue Castiglione).~\ My dear Count, — If you had not informed me of Mme de Circourt's speedy arrival in Paris I should have taken advantage of my first free day to go and see her at Bougival. Please express to her, in antici- pation of the time when I can do it myself, all my sympathy with her in regard to the accident which has detained her so long out of Paris. I greatly desire to have a talk with you ; and I shall be better able to do so at your house than at mine, where someone disturbs me every moment. Please tell me, therefore, up to what o'clock one is safe to find you in. Believe me yours most sincerely, C. Cavour. IV. [Received from Turin, on May 5, 1859.] My dear Count, — In view of the great number of 104 CAVOUE'S LETTERS. officers from other parts of Italy who have been attached to the staffs of our army, the King has decided not to accept any offers of service from foreign officers. I am sorry that this decision forbids me to comply with the recommendation which you address to me in your letter of the 24th inst. It has been a long time on the road, for it only reached me yesterday evening. I doubt not that you give me your good wishes. The final y&sue of the struggle does not seem to me doubtful ;'^but we shall have some rough times to go through, for the Austrians are better prepared than we^ My affectionate regards to Mme de Circourt. C. Cavour. V. [Turin, February 12, 1861.] My dear Count, — In reply to yours of the 7th inst., I hasten to inform you that the Viscount de Noe^ and his two accomplices were on board the steamer which takes the Sicilian deputies and senators to Genoa. Their entire punishment will consist in being condemned to travel with members of the Parlia- ' The Yiscount de Noe, MM. de la Pierre, de St. Martin, and a Colonel de Lagrange, were taken m flagrante delicto conspiring on behalf of the Bourbons at Messina. They were arrested and sent on board the Plehiscito to Genoa, where they were set at liberty and sent home. At Messina the National Guard had to defend them vigorously against a threatening mob. COUNT GAVOUR TO COUNT ADOLPHE DE CIRGOUBT. 105 ment which they had sworn to overthrow. " What an infamy ! What an abominable man is M. de Cavour ! " the dowagers of the noble faiibourg will exclaim. I leave to you the task of justifying me. Yours devotedly, C. Cavour. YI. {Received April 4, 1861, from Turin.'] My dear Count, yJ^6ii<1 J^^ ^Y speeches on the Eoman Question. I have spoken without reticence and keeping nothing back. The Temporal Power is dead; no one can revive it. The Pope needs other guarantees than foreign bayonets. Liberty alone can give him these ; and that liberty we are ready to grant him. Sincere Catholics must recognise that he will be the gainer by the change^ Please make the disciples of Father Lacordaire and M. de Montalembert read my speeches ; adding that in Italy we wish for nothing better than to throw, all Concordats into the fire, to repeal Leopoldine, Tannuccian, and all similar laws, to condemn the Fabbronian doctrines ; in one word, to put in practice the separation of Church and State. This plan will raise immense difficulties for us; but we accept them beforehand, convinced as we are that, once the antagonism which has existed for 106 GAVOUR'S LETTERS. centuries between the Temporal Power and the national spirit is at an end, the Pope and the Cardinals will gradually come under the influence of the liberal prin- ciples which prevail in Italy. Please remember me to Mme de Circourt, and believe me yours most sincerely, C. Cavour. APPENDIX. APPENDIX. LETTERS OF THE COUNTESS DE CIRCOUET TO COUNT NIGEA, 1860 to 1863. I. [Paris\ 11, J2ite des Saussayes, March 7, [I860]. SiRj — I venture to entrust this letter to you. When you have read — if you have time to do so — Le Siecle, containing- the article by Daniel Stern on M. de Cavour, kindly return it to me ; I have to send it to London, where it will be trans- lated. Certain of our friends^ features are caught with a truly feminine cleverness.^ But you must be overwhelmed with business, and we should so much like to have the honour of seeing you. If you take in the Norcly do not omit to read the first article in the number of March 4 ; I am assured on good authority that it comes from the chancery of the Emperor Alexander II. Pray accept my warmest thanks. K. C®®^ DE CmcouRT. II. 11, Rue des Saussayes, March 23rd, 1860. SlE,, — You must be well satisfied and very busy withal. How much I should like to have a little talk with you for ^ Maria de Flavigny, Comtesse d'Agoult, who wrote under the name of Daniel Stern, was bom at Frankfort in 1805, and died 1876. 110 APPENDIX, a few minutes about it. As I do not suppose that you are dining to-morrow with the deputation from Savoy^ I venture to ask if you will give us, if possible, a few minutes at the beginning of your evening : I should like to introduce to you Mr. Oliphant, an Englishman of very great mark;^ he is only staying one day here. He has been with Lord Elgin on all his expeditions, and has compiled the account of that remarkable journey. He is going to Italy — we must no longer, it appears, say ^^ to Piedmont '' ; he will halt at Turin and Milan. My husband has been confined to the house by a horrible ^npj)e ; that is why he has not even tried to find you at home, if, indeed, such a thing is ever possible. I have just been reading the last Parliamentary publication upon Italian affairs. The manner in which M. de Cavour^s return to office was announced is a tribute seldom seen. I might say a thousand things to him upon all that I learn, but during such important events the most devoted friendships must keep themselves in reserve for less serious moments. To-morrow, then, if you can. You can guess that I under- stand all the difficulties in your way. K. C^^^ DE CiRCOURT. III. 11, Bue des Saussayes, April 2, [I860]. Sir, — You have no idea of the pleasure which your new title 1 Mr. Laurence Oliphant, the well-known Scotch visionary, the disciple of Harris and the correspondent of the Times, who died in 1888, had served as secretary under Lord Elgin in his missions to the United States, 1854, to Canada, and afterwards to China and Japan, 1857-59. Mme de Circourt here alludes to the book which Mr. Oliphant had published some months before the date of this letter under the title of A Narrative of the Earl of Elgin's Mission to China in 1857-59. (Edinburgh and London, 1860). APPENDIX. Ill has caused me, for it has made no change in the importance of your post and in the high confidence which is reposed in you.^ During this week you will perhaps have more leisure, not for the important affairs with which you deal, but for your social duties. You will find me at the chimney corner as usual, except on Good Friday and Easter Eve. I venture to entrust the enclosed letter to your kindness. The first time that I have the great pleasure of seeing you again I will tell you of the request which the most select part of the Faubourg St. Germain bids me make of our friend. He is generous and will grant this favour to a young lieutenant connected with all those among us who are most worthy of con- sideration. My dread of importuning him has had a regular struggle to undergo. But you must know the fashionable society of Paris well enough to have learnt that nothing in the world is so intrepid, so audacious, as a fair lady. You can judge then what it is when all my family takes a hand. Au revoir, then. The fever has left me, and I have resumed my regular habits. I venture to repeat my desire of telling you the same viva voce. Klustine C^®^ de Cikcouet, If my letter can go this evening I shall be grateful to you. IV. 11, Bue des Saussayes, May 3, [I860]. Sir, — I am going to the country in a week's time ; I should much like to see you before those long months of farewell. I want to commend myself to your friendly recollection, and to tell you with what sympathy I shall follow your important conflicts * I had just been appointed Minister Resident, March 25, 18^0. 112 APPENDIX. in my retirement, and offer my vows that you may not be too much invaded. Please grant me a few moments before the lOtb of this month, and believe that I shall be very grateful for it. K. C®^^ DE CmcouRT. V. Rue des Saussayes, May 12, 1860. Sir, — At the moment of my departure for the country I must tell you what a grateful remembrance I take with me for all the moments which you have been good enough to grant me, and I am very grateful to our common friend for having prepared you to be charitable and indulgent towards my se- cluded state. The discussions of your Parliament are going to be of the most interesting kind, and you know what an inaccurate and curtailed account our newspapers give of them. I venture therefore to beg you whenever the Italian papers publish any remarkable speech to be so extremely kind as to put them in the post, addressed Les BruyereSy near Bougivaly Seine-et-Olse. M. de Cavour and his brother also came several times to visit our rustic cottage, and I should be proud to receive you there whenever your numerous occupations allow you a few hours of leisure. Up till June 13 I am, by the doctor's orders, going to try silence and complete repose. After that you will find us in our quarters every day except Friday and Saturday. Our hermit-like repasts at eleven and six are a necessary part of this long excursion. Please keep a little place for me in your friendly recollection. K. C^^^ DE CiRCOUllT. I have several times seen Mr. Cobden, who interests me keenly. He understands liberty in all its forms. / OP THE ^ / UNIVERSITY j APPENDIX. 113 VI. Les Bruyeres, near Bougival, May 30, 1860. Sir, — The Moniteur gives very incompletely M. de Cavour's speech of May 26.^ I cari divine, nevertheless, that strong internal conviction, that logic based upon the sentiment o£ patriotism and honour. I shall be very grateful to you if you can forward to me the Opinione of May 27. Please send it to the Hue des Saussayes ; my husband is still there, and he will see that it reaches me. It seems to me that you must be much worried, and indeed overdone, with the questions which all Paris will be addressing to you about Garibaldi. It needs your perfect tact, your ex- quisite circumspection to prevent this subject of conversation from being unendurable. It seems to me now that in regard to the great question of the Treaty the triumph of our friend is complete, and his place in history marked yet once more. Messrs. Guerrazzi and Fantoni may comfort themselves therewith. Here I am, in an abode encumbered with workmen, in the most noisy solitude. My husband is staying at Paris so long as our hermitage, usually so peaceful, remains inaccessible. In a fortnight I venture to flatter myself that it will not show, and that our friends will resume their habits of many years. Fever is added to my miseries, and I scarcely leave my bed, which does not prevent me from following the outside movements with an intentness which continual suffering renders more lively and more penetrating. Please do not forget a poor invalid who has every sympathy for you and with you. K. C^^® DE CiRCOURT. If the report of the debate on the Treaty in the Italian Parliament is separately printed, I venture to ask you to think 1 The speech delivered by Count Cavour on the treaty ceding Savoy and Nice to France, at the sitting of the Chamber of Deputies at Turin of May 26, 1860. 114 APPENDIX. of me. M. de Cavour gave me one such of the Congress at Paris. It is already bounds and this sequel would be of im- mense value to me ; my name is written on the first page. At this moment my old standing and deep friendship dares not write directly to him, and you, I feel certain, will approve. VII. Les Bruyeres, near Bougival, June 15, 1860. My husband dined yesterday with Mme Pescatore, and met Count Pollone.^ He has often the honour of seeing you, and has almost promised to come and visit the poor invalid here. If you could undertake with him so long an excursion, and allow yourself a few hours' rest, how kind it would be of you not to shrink from our hermit's dinner at six o'clock. One word posted the day before would make it easy for us to postpone it to seven. Very many thanks for the speeches in the original ; it is quite a different thing from the French translation ; that in the Times, indeed, is a good deal better. I have been asked for Count Cavour's speech by Mme de Goyon,^ she has lent it to her brother-in-law, Flavigny, and it has not yet come back to me. I can see it passing from hand to hand at the Corps Legislatif. Doubtless that was what M. de Cavour intended; but I am in a hurry to get back what belongs to me and comes from you. However, I await a separately printed report of that 1 Count Antonio Nomis di PoUone, an ItaUan senator, had been sent to Paris charged with the duty of settling certain questions reserved by the Treaty of March 24, 1860, ceding Savoy and Nice. He died 1866. 2 Oriane Henriette de Montesquiou-Fezensac, Countess de Goyou, wife of the general who was aide-de-camp to the Emperor Napoleon III., and commanded the French garrison at Rome in 1860, was, like the Countess de Flavigny, daughter of the Due de Fezensac. Count de Flavigny had been colleague of Count Adolphe de Circourt iu the Foreign Office when Prince Polignac was Minister in 1829. APPENDIX, 115 remarkable discussion. M. de Cavour is master o£ the situation there by virtue of all the authority which forms the statesman for the present and the future of Italy. His eloquence is business- like, quite different from the elegant oratorical phrases of his opponents. If I am not mistaken, Rattazzi is a very dangerous enemy. My hermitage has beheld M. de Cavour more than once, and I have been near to hoping to have him here many other times ; even in the heart of winter, during the Congress, he would come here from Paris. He found here installed after years of absence several friends whom he had left at my chimney corner in Paris. This poor little abode has become a common fatherland for my friends of all times and of all countries. Yesterday I saw the Archbishop of Rouen,^ one of our most distinguished prelates. He seemed to me much less bitter than formerly against Italy. M. de Butenval announces himself to dinner here on Monday with MM. de Boislecomte and Vieil- •castel.^ He makes a great merit of leaving the Council of State for me. I am grateful for every token of remembrance. If I could hope for you one day I will let the charming Mar- quise de Saint Vallier — the sister of the Marquise Biscaretti ^ — know beforehand. She will be delighted to see you again. Forgive me if I venture to recall all the delightful charm in the recollection of the moments which you kindly granted to my seclusion. K. C^®^ DE ClECOURT. 1 Mgr de Bonnechose, Cardinal A.rdibishop of Rouen, had been with M. de Circourt at the School of Law in Paris, and remained on friendly terms with him throughout his life. 2 These gentlemen were also former colleagues of M. de Circourt at the Foreign Office. 3 Elizabeth Le Tonnellier de Breteuil, daughter of Count ^mile de Breteuil, a former peer of France and senator, had married as her second husband, in 1849, Paul Gabriel de la Croix-Chevrieres, Marquis de Saint Yallier. Her sister Laure married in Piedmont Count Charles Biscaretti, afterwards lieutenant-general in the Italian army, who died in 1889. I 2 lie APPENDIX. YIII. Les Bruyeres, July 9, 1860. Sir, — Michel Chevalier has just been spending a Sunday with us ; he told me that he would dine here on Tuesday week, 17th. I venture to let you know in order that if you can give us a few moments you may come to us at six o'clock. You will be perfectly free to leave us directly after our friendly dinner. If M. Albert Blanc were good enough to accompany you he would show you the way to our rustic hermitage. We have never seen him again in spite of this fine weather, which makes our wooded horizon so fresh and green. For you rest is a chim^era, but you will forgive me for telling you once more how charmed we shall be to see you again, and to chat about the thousand subjects of sympathy of which I think every day afresh in regard to you. K. C^^^ DE CiRCOURT. IX. Les Bruyeres, July 14, 1860. Sir, — A violent fever has seized me, and here I am obeying the doctor, who requires a whole week of absolute quiet in bed in order to calm the renewal of acute pain. Judge of my profound regret at not seeing my friends, which has become my sole enjoyment. I hope that my obedience will bring me a little relief, and that in spite of all your engagements my hermitage will have the great pleasure of seeing you later. K. C^^^ DE CiRCOURT. X. Les Bruyeres, July 26, 1860. Sir, — I venture to ask you to transmit my reply to the precious missive which you have been good enough to send me. APPENDIX. 117 Surrounded by the weight of business M. de Cavour remains a most faithful and devoted friend. His biographers, perhaps, do not know this most rare quaUty. He tells me that he keeps you loaded with business, and that you alone can give me information of what I should wish to know fully about him. He quite divines my regret at not having the great pleasure of seeing you. The Marquis de Cavour is just now going with his daughter to Ostend, and assuredly if Paris is on his route I shall see him here ; then, perhaps, as a great exception he will draw you as far as our wild retreat. I thank you very much for thinking of my wretchedness. The fever has left me, and here I am restored to my regular habits and happy to see my indulgent friends again. M. de Pourtales and Mme de Seebach^ came the other day when I was at my worst, and I was very much put out. M. de Pourtales' leave will, perhaps, not be for two months as he flattered himself. Au revoivj I follow you in thought and wish you all success. Great firmness of soul amid such complicated circumstances is the sole stay. The rain has prematurely spoiled the beautiful rose called Le Comte de Cavour ; I wanted to have sent it you and made you admire it. K. C^^ DE CiRCOURT. Michel Chevalier, whom I have seen twice this week, bids me tell you that it is through discretion that he does not go to call on you. He comes back to us on Sunday to dinner. XI. Les Bruyeres, August 5, 1860. SiE, — Nothing but my consciousness of all the importance of your occupation at the present moment could have prevented 1 Count Albert de Pourtales, born 1812, died at Paris 1861, was Prussian Envoy to the Emperor Napoleon III. Marie de Nesselrode, wife of Baron, afterwards Count, Seebach, Saxon Envoy, was daughter of the former Russian Chancellor, Count Nesselrode. 118 APPENDIX. me from askiug you to be of our party at dinner to-day Michel Chevalier and Mr. Cobden will be here, and they would have been so glad to see you. M. Auguste de la Rive, the cousin and friend of M. de Cavour, writes from London that he will be in Paris at the Hotel Mirabeau on Monday evening, to-morrow that is. He will only stay Tuesday and Wednesday, and is extremely desirous to have the honour of speaking to you on important matters as soon as possible. He comes to dinner with us the day after to-morrow, which I tell you without any hope of bringing you. Kindly leave word for him, therefore, at the Hotel Mirabeau at what hour on Tuesday or Wednesday you can see him. He has a very short leave of absence, and lias just had a long interview with Lord Palmerston. I have had a real piece of bad luck with M. de Cavour. A young friend of mine, Herr Geffcken,^ Minister for Hamburg at Berlin, a person full of talents and wit and intelligence, and perfectly familiar with German politics, is travelling, and asked me to send him to Poste Restante, Genoa, a letter of introduc- tion to M. de Cavour. I did so with all possible willingness, and the letter was lost. Herr Geffcken presented himself to M. de Cavour in my name, and was most kindly received. To-morrow evening he arrives here to stay a fortnight. Every year he asks leave of absence in order to rest under our roof* He is bringing his young wife, married only a fortnight ago. All the enchantment of the honeymoon will be necessary ta make them tolerate me in my present state of infirmity. Au revoir ; I dare not say till Tuesday at six o'clock. Please be grateful to me, therefore, and imagine in your turn how much I regret it. Klustine QP'^^ de Ciecourt. It was on August 2 that M. de Cavour was good enough ^ Dr. Heinricli Geffcken, the Tvell-known publicist, represented the Hanse Towns at Berlin in 1860. APPENDIX. 119 to receive my diplomat, so to-morrow I shall have very recent news of him. XII. Les Bruyeres, August 9, 1860. SiK, — ^You have quite captivated M. de la Kive, which seems to me quite natural. He dined with us yesterday and interested us keenly by what he said of opinion m England. What storms there are in every quarter of the political horizon ! Our friend, M. de Cavour, has need of all his energy to make head against the tempest in which Europe looks upon him as the sole pilot. I understand how busy you are, and I regret so much that you cannot come here to take a little rest. Nevertheless, I venture to ask a favour of you. Our young friend, Herr Geffcken, has the greatest desire for the honour of seeing you. He remains here another fortnight, and does not go at all to Paris. He asks what are the days and the hours when he could hope to find you and be able to have some talk with you. He would go to Paris expressly for that. He saw M. de Cavour a week ago. From here he will return to Berlin, and he gives us all his leave of absence. He will interest you, I am sure, and therefore I shall be very grateful to you if you will allow him, when you can, to come and call upon you. All revoir. I hope to see the Marquis de Cavour when he is passing through Paris, and I am delighting in the prospect. Pray do not forget the poor invalid. K, DE ClRCOURT. XIII. Lea Bruyeres, August 22, 1860. Sir, — Let me venture to entrust to your kindness this little word for the Marquis de Cavour. M. de la Rive is expecting 120 4PPENBIX. him at Presinge on the 26th of this month, and I hope, from the message which our common friend has sent me, that Paris is on the way from Ostend to Geneva. I feel certain of the old friendship of the Marquis de Cavour, and I much wish to see him again. I am sure that he will come here, and that you will do the like if you can leave your business, which becomes every day more entangled. Last Sunday Michel Chevalier came to tell me about a long conversation which he had had with Signer Manna.^ The wish of Naples to be allied with Pied- mont is a great gain for the Italian cause, but I understand all the obstacles, and I wait with anxiety the issue of this new crisis. Believe that my thoughts go with you. Our young German couple leave us on September 1, and if between now and then the political sky has a gleam of serenity, we shall be happy to see you. Herr Geffcken wishes to do so, and M. de la E/ive has increased his wish. A thousand apologies made from my heart. K. C^^^ DE CiRCOURT. XIV. Les Bruyeres, September 1, [I860]. Sir, — Allow me to introduce to you, although from a distance, our young friend, Herr Geffcken. He has just spent several weeks with us, and is returning to his post at Berlin. He is thoroughly acquainted with politics, and intimate with the most eminent men in Germany. He will be most happy to make your acquaintance, and I venture to ask you to grant him a few moments. I shall be for my part very grateful to you. Very many thanks to you for having forwarded my little note to the Marquis de^Cavour. He gave us a good day^s visit, which passed too quickly after five years' separation. He ^ Signer Giovanni Manna, of Naples, Italian deputy minister, and senator. He died in 1865. APPENDIX. 121 will tell his brother how many old friendships know nothing of absence. Please believe me most sincerely yours, K. DE CiRCOURT* XV. Les Bruyeres, September 20, 1860. SiRj — Allow me to beg you to forward this letter as quickly as you possibly can. It relates to a very important matter, of which I will tell you when these serious events permit you to spare us a few moments. Every day brings news always of such important events. May Italy come out of them triumphantly ! Please accept my best thanks in advance. Klustine C®^^ de Circourt. Mr. Cobden said to me yesterday, speaking of M. de Cavour : '' When I saw him in 1847 I thought him the ablest man I ever knew, and he proved it.'^ Mr. Senior was also of our party. J XVI. Les Bruyeres, September 29, [I860]. Sir, — We are very grateful for a token of your friendly remembrance at a moment when the preparations for your de- parture must be taking up all your time. Believe me, that we hope for your speedy return, and fully reckon on it. You alone can worthily represent the policy of the new Italy, you will bring back to us news of M. de Cavour more recent and more detailed than his brother had. I hope that it may be as soon as possible. How much I thank you for having so faithfully forwarded my letter. Alas ! it contained an urgent recommendation of M. and still more of Mme de Pimodan, 122 APPENDIX, whom I believed to be in Italy. Will you believe that in the midst of such a serious state of things M. de Cavour answered me immediately ? If anything in the world could increase my admiration for his grand character, it would be this new proof of friendship. Mme de Pimodan is full of determination and of remarkable beauty ; she is twenty-six years old. It was she and those about her who urged that young and brilliant soldier to go upon this absurd expedition. I have a right to concern myself specially with the wounded ; I have passed all my summer in awaiting a very painful and very long operation which my shoulder was to undergo next month. Only yesterday, the celebrated surgeon who attends me. Doctor Maisonneuve, declared that it was better to put it off yet longer, for the mischief has not yet reached its height. In November we shall return to Paris, and it will be seen what the final verdict of the faculty will be. No effort, no torture will be too dear if I have at the end of it the hope of even a partial relief. May I venture to ask you to allow me to send my letters for M. de Cavour to your charge (V affaires ? A recom- mendation on your part will spare me the uncertainties of the post. You know that I shall not make an improper use of such a valuable permission. A most painful thing in the middle of the very serious events which are developing is the having to experience cruel deceptions. M. de la Rive, the friend and cousin of M. de Cavour, has been quite carried away by his ultra-Genevese patriotism, and he writes to me, his friend of thirty years, that he cannot in the least understand any longer my persistent fanaticism for M. de Cavour, and that his own ardent sympathies are for Garibaldi.^ Michel Chevalier was saying 1 Everybody knows with what vehemence Garibaldi opposed the treaty of cession of the 24th of March, 1860. On the other side the annexation of Savoy to France called forth a protest from Switzerland, of APPENDIX. 123 here the other day that M. de Cavour would have been the greatest man of his time if he had had Garibaldi shot before the Sicilian expedition. Mr. Cobden replied to him with an amount of good sense and authority which delighted me. That mind, so determined, so lofty, is a solid and true ally to M. de Cavour. An revoir, I will beg you to send me a photograph of M. de Cavour which is like him, selected by yourself, to have bound in his biography. A second part to that will be required, and it will not be the least remarkable. Herr Geffcken was very grateful for your reception of him, and he deserved it in all respects. May God guide you and bring you back to us. K. C^^^ DE CiRCOURT. Please take the last Corresponclant to the Marquis de Cavour ; he will see there a piece by M. de Falloux which is very likely to be seized. XVII. Les Bruyeres, July 24, 1861. Sir, — How much I thank you for this precious portrait. It is an excellent likeness, but I can look at it only through my tears. It will be on the same page with yours — for ever united in my thoughts. I am glad to have from your hand the report for which I ventured to ask.^ We have read it with the greatest interest in consideration of yourself no less which M. de la Rive was the convinced interpreter to the St. James's Cabinet. On this question, but on this only, the opinions of M. de la Rive were found to be momentarily in accordance with the feelings of Garibaldi. 1 The report of May 20, 1861, in which I gave Cavour an account of the administration of the Neapolitan provinces during the government of H.R.H. the Prince of Carignan. 124 APPENDIX. than of him who then was at the head of King Victor EmmanueFs Government, and who will be the abiding and eternal honour of Italy. I doubt not that this piece of work earned for you the approbation which was most flattering to your deserts and dearest to your heart; a reward which for you no other can replace, not even the brilliant meed of justice which has been rendered to you, even outside of Italy, by people of an upright spirit and generous intention. The report gives a complete idea of the prodigious efforts which the reorganisa- tion of Southern Italy must cost, of the difficulties which you had to overcome, and of the wholesome precedents which you have bequeathed to your successors. Our congratulations on your return to Paris are mingled with so much bitterness that it has cost me both time and trouble to find the courage I needed to write to you to-day. Still, I cannot deny myself the consolation of recurring with you to this irreparable loss, and of assuring you of the profound sympathy with which those who have been worthy to share M. de Cavour^s friendship, not limiting themselves to participa- tion in your regret, will continue to stand by you with their good wishes in the great task which has been laid upon you. Amid the licence of party spirit and the blindness of prejudices, you will find out at Paris some minds in unison with your own ; they will remind you every instant how sacred a duty is yours, with- out flinching under so rude a trial, to continue the work with which, at so early a stage, when its realisation seemed more a dazzling dream than an historical possibility, you so persever- ingly and so energetically associated yourself. I hope that you noticed the appropriateness and precision of the terms employed quite recently by one of my London friends on an important occasion respecting the recognition of Italy. Before you are wholly swept away in the whirlwind of business, I should really very much enjoy seeing you a-t our yNlVERSi Of APPENDIX. modest hermitage, near as it is to Paris. For me, and I hope for you, it would be a solace of our common sorrow, rather than an aggravation of it, to express it to each other, and to repeat that Count Cavour is not entirely lost to Italy since his spirit survives him, and tried friends are devoting their existence to the completion of his work. Up to the present Signor Ricasoli^s actions and words are such as to make one think that he will worthily take up, so far as it can be taken up, an inheritance of such magnanimity. My husband unites with me in saying that our little dinner- table will be happy to claim you at six o^clock precisely. Believe me yours most sincerely, Klustine C®^^ de Ciecourt. XVIII. (Two sprigs of heath stuck at the head of the page.) Par Bougivalj August 28, 1861. Sir, — Your loyal remembrance in the midst of your business has made me very grateful. I understand how you are invaded every hour, and my regret at not seeing you increases every day. My husband nev er goes to Paris without trying to snatch a few moments of you ; but he seldom goes there, for our friends succeed each other here even when our Paris is deserted. We enjoy them as they pass on their way back from watering-places, and these interesting appearances charm my seclusion. We have a neighbour who is an implacable enemy of Italy, although he was a friend of M. de Cavour, I mean M. Thiers. All the inexhaustible raciness of his charming wit becomes mere twaddle when he talks about that great resurrection and disputes the scope of it. You will permit me in two words to introduce to you 126 APPENDIX. M. Tchihatclieff, who has been recently elected to the Academy of Sciences. He is a man full of talent, a publicist, an intrepid traveller, a diligent explorer of Asia Minor. He has written some remarkable political tracts, " The Peace of Zurich '^ among others. He is going to pass the winter in Italy in order to observe her in her regenerate state, and much desires to have the honour of seeing you in the short time before his departure. He is truly on the side of that which we admire. Au revoir, sir. Do not forget us, and doubt not of the value which we shall attach to those deep-seated memories which bind us in one with yours. K. DE CiRCOURT. P.S. — You will have read Michel Chevalier's speech at Dublin. When he pronounced the name of Cavour frantic applause filled the hall. He bid me tell you this. XIX. Les Bruyeres, August 31, 1861. Sir, — From my heart a thousand thanks for these precious lines, which increase still further, if possible, my desire to see you again. I have so much to tell you about M. Thiers. He is not to be reconciled to the noble cause which you serve, and on this point only I fail to find in him the moderation which to me appears the special charm of that vast and comprehensive intelligence, actively enlightened as it is. He recognises in our friend all that for which Europe has done him honour, but he talks nonsense about the possibility of' an Italy such as you understand her, and such as we, I firmly hope, shall see her. I understand your excess of reserve towards friends and enemies, and it is only with the utmost discretion that I shall venture to introduce an unknown person to you, you may be quite assured. Nevertheless, there is a manner of serving Italy APPENDIX. 127 in action which is to animate and enlighten the zeal of those who can by various means co-operate in that grand work, and the least are not to be disdained. If you could, if it were possible, you would make me really grateful if you could come and dine with us at six o'clock precisely on Monday, the day after to-morrow. You will find here M. Poujade, who is going to start shortly for Florence, quite radiant with that post which suits him to perfection. You can guess that the title of consul, general does not prevent it from being a diplomatic position, and M. Poujade will be highly flattered by being introduced to you. He is very intelligent, very hard working, courageous, capable of understanding everything, and of making himself useful. We shall not venture to wait for you, but you know how much easier it is to carry on a conversation here in the shade than through all the interruptions of Paris. The Marquis Incoutri will be of our party. I shall never forget the * kindnesses which his grandfather ^ heaped upon us. Count Cavour had a high appreciation for M. de Poujade, whom he often saw at Lady Holland's.^ What bonds all these recollections become ! Till Monday then. A few hours of peaceful chat would do you so much good. After certain trials, the heart does not recover its full strength. The loss which we mourn is one of those which each day seems to increase and render more irrepar- able. M. Thiers was relating to me the other day a conversation which he had had with M. Cousin. It is a revelation. ^ The Marquis Gino Capponi. 2 Lady Mary Augusta, daughter of tlie eighth Earl of Coventry, had married, in 1833, the last Lord Holland. Lady Holland became a widow in 1859, and thenceforward was accustomed to distribute her time between Holland House, in Kensington, St. Ann's Hill, in Surrey, and Naples. She was an old friend of Count Cavour's. Her residence, Holland House, where I last saw her in 1885, was for a long time the meeting place of the eminent men of the time both of England and of the Continent. She died at St. Ann's Hill, September 21, 1889. 128 APPENDIX. Many thanks for your remembrance of me, you know how I value it from my heart. K. DE CiRCOURT. XX. Les Bruyeres, September 22, 1861. Sir, — May T hope that you have been kind enough to keep me one of those photographs, of which the Ilhistratioii offers me a doubtless imperfect reproduction ? In exchange, I venture to offer you a book-marker; it is thoroughly rustic, and will make you think of a place which desires and hopes to see you. All these days your name has been mentioned. M. Thiers, in bidding me farewell, regretted much that he had not met you, and I fancy that his chances of doing so are not easy, considering the irreconcilable hostility of his present opinions. M. Cousin was staying with him, whom I have seen every day. His admiration for our illustrious friend is profound, but his obstinacy on other points relating to that great memory has always been no less fanatical. Herr Ranke asked me for news of you. He was here lately with his translator, Mrs. Austin.^ She has just given us a week on her way to M. Guizot. Under my humble roof she was able to enjoy the neighbourhood of two of her most intimate friends — M. Cousin and M. Barthelemy St. Hilaire. I strongly advised the famous historian to go and see you, but so long as Prussia does not recognise the kingdom of Italy, German susceptibilities will not allow him to take so bold a step in spite of all the desire that he has for talk with you. This morning I got a letter from the Marquis de Cavour. He has been vainly awaiting Mgr de Bonnechose, the Arch- 1 Mrs. Sarah Austin, bom Taylor, of Norwich, published among other things English translations of E-anke's History of the Reformation in Germany, and History of the Popes. C APPENDIX. -i^CaufO^^ ^29 bishop of Rouen. When the Archbishop came to bid me fare- well on going to Rome, I urged and persuaded him to go by way of Turin. At his request I informed the Marquis de Cavour, but it is clear that the prelate changed his mind on the way, I am very sorry for it, for he would thus have found a unique opportunity of enlightening himself. He is by nature conciliatory and highly politic, and therefore moderate and prudent. Have you read Layard's very interesting article in the (Quarterly Review ? * The portrait to be found in it is much more life-like than usual, and the letters and conversations have an immense interest. Au revoir. Forgive me for breaking in upon your thousand occupations, and believe me yours very sincerely, K. DE CmcouRT. My husband has just lost his cousin, Admiral de Suin.^ It is a real grief for us, and one noble nature the less. XXI. Xes Bruyeres, October 12, 1861. Sir, — Although I have only a small portion of my corre- spondence here, I confide to you certain precious letters of our friend's. They will make you acquainted with him at a time when you were still a child, and did not foresee that your name and your affection would be so intimately bound up with that great memory. How grateful I shall ever be to him for having given me the advantage of knowing you, and of estimating for myself the charm and the remarkable talents of which he so often spoke to me ! Without that direct intervention, a poor ^ Sir Henry Layard's article appeared in the Quarterly Review for October, 1861, nnder the title of " Count de Cavour.'* 2 Yice- Admiral Marie Alfred de Suin, born 1796, died 1861. He was a member of the Board of Admiralty. J 130 APPENDIX. invalid shut up for so many years would never have been able to meet so brilliant a young diplomatist with so crowded a future unfolding itself before his eyes. As you read these pages, written so long ago, you will be struck with that mature reflection which was but awaiting the hour for action. I send you some lines from Count A. de Pourtales^ to whom I had lent ten letters belonging to the most divers epochs, but no one in the world will understand like you the value which I attach to them. It seems to me that you will take more pleasure in them at the present season than when the whirl of the winter has multiplied your engagements. How much I thank you for having been able to grant me a few moments ! You sat in the very same place where, in 1852 I had some long conversations with the friend whom we are mourning. Alas ! my little abode, which was then full to its smallest corner, was not able to offer him the hospitality of which I should to-day have been so proud. May I hope that you will preserve a little sympathy for me in return for my sincere friendship ? Klustine C^^^ de Circourt. XXII. [Les Bruyeres]j October 25, 1861. Sir, — It was only yesterday that the precious packet, with which I could not have parted save to feel that it was in your bands, reached me. A thousand thanks for having let me see that admirable letter.^ It is the living portrait of the friend whom we shall always regret. It seems to me that it makes it your duty some day to write that noble life which no one knew better than * The letter addressed to me at Zurich from Count Cavour at Geneva, August 21, 1859. See Cbiala, " Lettere del Conte di Cavour," iii., 123. APPENDIX. 131 you^ and into which you entered with quite particular intimacy. His nephew must require it of you with the most urgent insist- ance. How many letters I still possess at Paris extending over whole years ! My husband, too, preserved several that are very remarkable, but as they are all political I thought that you would care less for them than for those which came from the /ne?id. Do you not think that a collection of Count Cavour's letters would have a great success, and would throw light upon that mighty intellect which only revealed itself to the world amid strife and fierce conflict ? The success of M. de Tocqueville^s correspondence has often made me think of it. It was at my fireside that those two friends of my life met, and they never saw each other but that one and only time. A thousand thanks again for those two photographs, which we shall keep as precious things, and once more do not forget that I shall hope for yours. You will have read M. Guizot^s book.^ It will do no wrong to the noble cause which you serve and defend. It is addressed to a public which has formed its opinions and does not wish to be enlightened, having taken its side beforehand. A Protestant asserting in the name of liberty the necessity for the temporal power of the Papacy does not seem to me very dangerous. Mffr de Bonnechose has returned from Rome convinced that the troops will stay there all the winter. It seems that Cardinal Ant [onelli] has a formal promise to that efPect. We shall see General de Goyon soon. I am very intimate with his wife, but not at all with him. He expects to go back shortly. During the first days of next month the surgeon's orders condemn me to return to Paris. I shall regret our clear sky and these horizons, admirable at all seasons ; but it will be easier for my friends to reach me, and I shall be glad to spare them a long journey. ^ L'jSglise et la Societe Chretienne, published at Paris in 1861. J 2 132 APPENDIX. I hope that you will be able to grant me a few moments, and that you know how profoundly I sympathise with you. Klustine C*^*^^ de Circouet. Could you give me a copy of the official letter announcing the death of Count Cavour ? I am keeping every announcement of it in all countries which I can collect. What prince is that whose letter the Count mentions at the end of his own ? ^ XXIII. (A sprig of heath stuck at the top.) November 1, 1861. Yesterday an Englishman called upon me ; he told me that his name was J. Devey, that he was a graduate of Cambridge and a member of the English bar. He added that he had had the honour of seeing you and of handing you a letter from Sir J. Hudson.^ He said further that he had been directed to me by M. Le Play, Councillor of State. He said that, being engaged upon a work on the career and political history of Count Cavour, he is collecting authentic documents from all quarters, that Lord Clarendon had allowed him to see some very valuable letters, and had even accepted the dedication of the forthcoming work. He further asked if he might glance at the letters which I have from Count Cavour. . . The first volume of this work is to appear early in next month, and it is about the years which preceded the political life of our friend that the biographer asked me for precise information. Forgive me for putting you to the trouble of writing me a couple of lines ; you will understand my scruples, Mr. Devey stayed to dinner here, and seemed quite a gentleman.^ * Prince Napoleon. - Sir James Hudson, British Envoy at Turin. ' Mr. J. Devey's work was never published. APPENDIX, 133 I am returning to Paris in a few days, and hope to have your answer here. I am afraid that this damp weather will have brought back your throat trouble. Yours most sincerely, Klustine C^^® de Circourt. XXIV. 11, Bue des SaussayeSj November, 1861. Sir, — You have imagined the emotions with which I re- turned to this abode, where I first knew our friend, where he came so often, where his thoughts met the return of cordial intimacy. Who could have told me last spring the grief with which this year would be filled for me ? A thousand thanks for that portrait; it is not at all flattered. On that noble brow there is a look of care and preoccupation which I never knew in him. The majestic serenity of the features struck me in March, 1859, and I find no trace of it. I am very grateful to you. All the portraits are put together, and will be placed at the head of the publication which you know, Raccolta dei migliori scritti e documentiy etc., but all that past, alas ! so living, so cruelly cut short, is veiled to me by tears. In ex- change I venture, without fear of wearying you, to let you see the pages which my husband has written for me. I am certain that you will read them with interest, and will divine that you are the only person to whom I entrust them. To publish them would be impossible. Read them at your leisure, and be assured that I like to feel they are near you. Your portrait, which I shall carefully preserve, lacks the essential characteristic of likeness ; it does not give your age. What is remarkable in you is the complete harmony of youth with the eye of maturer age. Mr. Devey said to us that you had 134 APPENDIX. a profile which recalled the Greek marbles; it is perfectly true. He is persecuting me with requests on behalf of his book^ which he is carryiDg on passionately. I sent lately to M. de Falloux a copy from a letter to M. de Cavourin 1838, asking- me to introduce him to Mme SwetcKine, making all due reserves. M. de Falloux was delighted with these lines, and will publish them, I believe, in the two volumes of correspondence which are about to appear, and which will still further increase the admiration which Mme Swetchine inspires. The journey has tried me cruelly ; I cannot stir from my bed. I am going to begin a new treatment which will last all this month, and will make me invisible. As soon as I am able to see my friends again you will allow me to let you know, so certain am I that, in spite of your engagements and your duties, you keep a few moments for me. Yours most sincerely, K. DE ClECOUET. This little seal was given me by M. de Cavour in 1841, engraved as you see. XXV. [Paris'], Nov. 27, 1861. Sir, — You cannot doubt the readiness with which I shall attend to the person whom Prince Carignan so cordially com- mends to you j but Paris is the worst possible centre for such inquiries. External luxury has broken in upon all traditions. Can you believe tha;t in the most ancient mansions which sur- round you they have daily governesses and ladies to read by the hour ? Many times have I attempted similar inquiries, and it is in Italy that I have got places for people who could not find any place here. Next Sunday I hope to resume my usual habits, and. to APPENDIX. 135 receive on Thursday and Sunday from three to fivej all the other days in the early evening from half -past eight to ten. If you come to see me towards five o^clock, whenever your numerous engagements allow you, you will be almost sure to find me free from visitors, and we shall be able to talk. I should be so glad if my fireside could be to you a place of repose, for you must feel the need of one, and in so important a situation the relaxa- tions natural to your age are not possible. I feel all that, and I should be glad if a deep and inexhaustible sympathy could be something of a resource to you. Since you occupied yourself with popular ballads before you took to the higher politics, I venture to offer you the only copy of those which I still have,^ and a sonnet by my friend. Professor Rossini.^ You will thus see that when I was still quite young I had some friendships in Italy. In return I ask for your out-of-print volume whenever you can have it reprinted. I have just been scolding M. de Falloux. I cannot allow that a certain absurd note upon Italy should again strike my eye in the second edition of Mme Swetchine^'s correspondence, which is again being printed, and I shall have full satisfaction Otherwise the book has an interest which will reach beyond the circle of intimate friends.^ Aic revoir. I shall be glad when the time comes. Yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. 1 A collection of Roman popular songs {Saggio di Canti j^opolari della provincia di Marittima e Camjxigna) published at Rome, 1830, by P. E. Visconti, and dedicated to Mile Klustine. 2 A piece of Italian verse of three stanzas composed by Professor Rossini for the wedding of Mile Klustine to Count de Circourt in 1830. 3 The correspondence here referred to of Mme Swetchine, born Soymonoff, Mme de Circourt's compatriot and friend, was brought out by M. de Falloux in 1862. 136 APPENDIX. XXVI. [Paris], November 28, 1861. Sm, — M. de Falloux has this moment sent me these two volumes for M. Albert Blanc, and I venture to beg you to be so extremely kind as to forward them to him. According to what you tell me, it will be an exchange, and thanks to these two editors we shall be able to continue feeding our thoughts with that which cannot die. It is with the keenest impatience that I await the publication of these speeches.^ They will, I believe, be the most useful monument that has been raised to that memory, which will grow ever greater. I shall try to obtain them as soon as possible. I have had each of our friend's speeches separately bound, and these copies will remain the most valuable to me. I am charmed to learn that you are reading Mme Swetchine's letters with interest. She was for twenty-six years my most intimate friend, and I never noticed the difference of age. The youth of her heart, the keenness of her tastes, the exquisite sincerity of her impressions made intercourse with her an in- exhaustible mine of enjoyments. The finest pages in her treatise on resignation are taken from her letters to me. They were too intimate to be published, and those you know are the most precious. She came to Les Bruyeres, and had a great fondness for our distant views, and every week I sent her flowers. The first time that I introduced M. de Cavour to her he made a remarkable impression on her, and a most lively dis- cussion arose between them about Count de Maistre, both maintaining their points of view with a mastery which charmed me. That was in 1838. For a year and a half before her death we were not able to meet again, but our intimacy did not 1 The publication here mentioned took place in 1862 under the title, (Euvre Parlementaire du Comte de Cavour traduite et annotee 'par MM. I. Artom et Albert Blanc. Paris^ 1862. APPENDIX. 137 suffer. She bequeathed me a vase which always stood near her. M. de Falloux brought it to me at my hermitage the day after her death. Her correspondence with Father Lacordaire may perhaps appear, and it will be most interesting, for we shall have the letters of both correspondents. She lent me, as she received them, the letters of the Dominican father, to whom she was devoted. Alt' revoir. You know how glad I shall be to see you again. K. DE ClllCOUET. XXVII. [Paris], December 28, 1861. ] Sir, — M. Solvyns^ comes to-morrow (Sunday) at three o^clock to bid me farewell, and if you were by chance in my part of the town at that hour you can guess how happy I should be to see you again. He starts for Turin on Monday. Mind you read in the last Correspondant Montalembert's article on Father Lacordaire. I have sent M. de Falloux a very remarkable letter from A, Blanc. If the party spirit of his set allowed him to be free, M. de Falloux would be on our side, just as Mme Swetchine would have been, I am certain — she who was superior to all prejudices. You will have noticed her beautiful letters to Mme Craven,^ and the touching fragment of that lady^s journal. Hoping to see you soon, and to-morrow, if possible, K. DE CiRCOURT. Allow me to devote to you a seal which M. de Cavour gave me in 1840,^ at the end of a ruby pen which is worn out. ^ Baron Solvyns, Belgian Envoy at Turin. 2 Mme Pauline Craven, horn de la Ferronays, author of the Recit d' une Sceur, and of many other works in literature, morals, and history. 3 It should he 1841. See Count Cavour's letter of December 24 in that year. OF THE UNIVERSITY OF 138 APPENDIX. He saw everything, and had noticed this letter on the handker- chiefs which I generally use. XXVIII. 11, Bue des SaussayeSj January 11, 1862. Sir, — M. Thiers is coming to see me to-morrow (Sunday) at four o'clock. I tell you of it thinking that if you were free at that hour you would like to meet him. Without sharing any of his ideas^ I find myself under the spell of that incomparable talker. Mr. Devey is here more absorbed than ever in his work, but it grows so much under his hand that the first volume cannot possibly appear till February. I have just lent him the two very remarkable articles by Daniel Stern ; you probably know them. Farewell for a short time. I hope that you have not, like me, an abominable cold. Yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. XXIX. 11, Bue des SaussayeSj Jan. 25, 1862. Sir, — It has been many days since I have had the pleasure of seeing you. I know that you have been unwell, and I have keenly shared the disappointment of Michel Chevalier, and the regret of my friend, M. de Kergorlay, who would have been so happy to have had the honour of receiving you next Monday. My faithful friends are kind enough to keep my place for me, even when it is impossible for me to occupy it. You do not guess that I want to importune you, and that I APPENDIX. 139 am really quite confused at the thought o£ it. Overwhelmed as you are with important business, I must be under strong com- pulsion to give you one minute of annoyance ; but I used to behave in the same way to Count Cavour^ so forgive me as he used to doj knowing as he did the horror I felt for all indiscreet requests. M. Barrot, French Ambassador at Madrid, has received the Grand Cross of St. Maurice over the question of the Neapolitan archives. Very proud as he is of this great riband, his dis- cretion does not allow him to ask for anything on behalf of his staff ; but he has let it be known semi-officially that those who made overtures at Turin would have a good chance of obtaining the Knight's Cross. Now there is on his staff a young attache of considerable ability, who entered the diplomatic career upon a brilliant examination. His name is the Viscount de Grouchy, and he is the son of my intimate friend.^ She has lost her husband, who was French charge cV affaires at Turin during the Coalition. M. de Cavour showed him the greatest attention, and he always remained his devoted friend. You see then the cause of my solicitation. If you can and will support young de Grouchy's request, you will probably be doing what M. de Cavour would have done in the like case. He took a real interest in the young man, and dissuaded his mother from sending him to St. Cyr, saying that he ought to be a diplo- matist. That charming mother has every ambition for her son, and that will be my excuse with you. Pity me for having to trouble you, and believe that whatever you may do I shall be a thousand times grateful. Hoping for an early meeting, I am yours, Klustine C^^^ de Circourt. ^ Augusta Yirginie Serre, Yiscountess de Grouchy, died in 1889. Her son Emmanuel was French Secretary of Legation at Madrid during the last three months of 1861, and was then transferred to the legation at Turin in January, 1862. 140 APPENDIX. P.S. — Do not forget that I am very desirous of knowing Signor Scialoja.^ You know that I cannot meet him anywhere. XXX. [ II, Rue des Saussayes, Feb. 7, 1862. Sir, — You will have received directly from Geneva W. de la Rivers remarkable article on M. de Cavour/ so I did not send you a copy immediately. It is going the round of Paris, and gains unanimous approval. Your opinion, however, is that to which I attach most value. The author stayed here two days, and I should have liked to introduce him to you. (Unsigned, on a visiting card.) XXXI. [Paris], February 22, 1862. Dear Sir, — It seems to me that these lines about Count Cavour's correspondence will interest you. They reach me from London, and have been much read ; but I maintain that it was unpardonable of Rattazzi to print those letters which were really confidential.3 William de la Rivers work has had no success at ^ Bignor Antonio Scialoja, of Naples, economist and statesman, who was Professor of Political Economy at the University of Turin, deputy, minister and senator, had been attached to me as second plenipotentiary to negotiate the navigation convention and the treaty of commerce between Italy and France, which were signed at Paris, the first June 15, 1862, the second January 17, 1863. He died in 1877. ^ The first part of M. William de la Rive's work, Le Comte de Cavour, recits et souvenirs (Paris, 1862). ^ Mme de Circourt here alludes to some letters of Count Cavour to Signor Rattazzi, published by Signor Berti in January, 1862, in the JRivista Contemporanea of Turin. These letters, being reproduced by the English press, gave rise to certain declarations on the part of Lord Clarendon at the sitting of the House of Lords on February 17, 1862, APPENDIX. 141 Geneva ; hardly anyone will read it outside of the circle of our friend's closest intimates. The young author writes to me in great discouragement, and I answer him that its success here is such as to oblige him to continue it, and without delay. lie alone can give us the minute portrait formed of the recollections of family and friends. I have already been asking permission to translate into German and English those pages which I should like to make generally known. When you learnt the recognition by Prussia of the kingdom of Italy, you will have thought like me of Count Pourtal^s, who so strongly advised it. But is not that a tribute worthy of his memory ? Michel Chevalier was telling me yesterday, after dining with Prince Napoleon, that your treaty progresses. You know how impatient I am to see its negotiator once more. Signor Scialoja perhaps has not the patience to bear with a poor invalid. Please tell him so from me with my compliments. Hoping for an early meeting, I am, yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. XXXII. \_PaYis\ March 21, 1862. Dear Sir, — It seems very melancholy to me to pass so many days and weeks without having the consolation of seeing you again. I cannot meet you anywhere, and it will need a direct act of friendly recollection on your part to enable me to shake your hand. Accordingly, the account of the popular songs which you have published has been delightful to my heart. I admire that truly poetical disposition which attracted you to which were afterwards replied to by Signer Berti at the sitting of the Italian Chamber of Deputies on the following July 8, by the Marquis Aynard de Cavour in a letter to the Journal des Dehats of October 20, and by M. William de la Rive in his book on Cavour. 142 APPENDIX. these expressions of simple feeling before the serious duties of so noble a political career had filled your life and inspired your intelligence with the desire of carrying on to a triumphant issue the grand cause which cost our friend his life. I am expecting from Turin a little work disclosing the nego- tiations with Cardinal Antonelli/ and I am, above all, awaiting the volume upon which M. Artom is at work.^ I much regret that he has left the ministry. If ever he comes to Paris I beg you to make me acquainted with him, for Count Cavour often spoke to me of him in the days when he used to speak of you, and promise that I should understand you some day. At the end of next month I hope to be able to return to Les Bruyeres. A horribly painful treatment has so far done nothing but cause fever and redouble my pain. I shall want much repose to recover from it, and I ask you for a few moments whenever your numerous interruptions will let you grant them to my solitude. I lately defended Italian unity for two hours long against M. Thiers so warmly that he came and said to me some days afterwards, "Nobody deserves the Grand Cross of St. Maurice so much as you.'^ However, he seems to me to be a little shaken in his prejudices. I hope we shall meet soon. K. DE CiRCOURT. XXXIII. \_Fari8, March, 1862], Sunday. Dear Sir, — You may perhaps be interested to hear, from a witness who is worthy of all confidence, what is going on in Greece at the present moment. A young friend of ours has just ^ The work in question was published at Turin in 1862 with the title Negoziato tra il Conte di Cavour e it Cardinale AntonelU conchiuso per la cessione del potere temporale del Papa : di D. Antonino Isaia. 2 This is the work already mentioned by MM. Artom and Blanc (Euvre parlementaire du Comte de Cavour. APPENDIX. 143 come thence, and, with your permission, I should be glad to hear from you if you would be kind enough to have a talk with him. M. Baltazzi, whom we have known for some years, is able, young as he is, to observe, understand, hope. He has a nice fortune, and relations of the most honourable kind in his own country. The national awakening brings Greece naturally near to Italy. M. Baltazzi thinks that he cannot protract his stay here very long, and therefore I venture to let you know of the very great wish which he attaches to the honour of seeing you. Many thanks for the pleasant moment, which I was unable to enjoy as I should have liked. You can believe that it is not every evening that I am favoured by the marquises from your part of the town. Yesterday you would have found me with everything young and sympathetic. The little book^ has been devoured, and this morning my husband is going to read it to the chancellor.^ You will have read in the Times of the 18th Lord John Russell's reply to Lord Normanby. Aic revoir, as I hope. K. DE ClECOURT. XXXIV. [Paris], March 28, 1862. Sir, — Several copies of newspapers which I do not take in have reached me through my friends, for there is talk of your entry into the ministry, and you can guess how much we are concerned with it. And yet it seems to me that no post in Italy can be so influential as that which you occupy here, or so important for the future of Italy. Those who are most opposed to the triumph of your cause agree in saying that you represent 1 The first part, already mentioned, of M. W. de la Rive's book. 2 Chancellor Pasquier. 144 APPENDIX. it with all the best qualities of a negotiator, and with that personal charm which is an addition to everything-. Your ambition is too high not to be enlightened, but you must allow me a certain uneasiness. You must stay here; later on you will not fail to be the guiding minister of your country. Forgive me this anxiety, due to a sympathy which is well known to you, and which you give me leave to believe not indiscreet. Yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. Mr. Ffrench ^ has come back from Baden with keen regret at not having seen you again. What a charming nature is his ! He has had some battles in my house which he will not forget. His ferocious adversaries are the ladies who live nearest to you.2 M. de la Prade ^ threatens to address an epistle to him. I hope he will do nothing of the sort. Everything has been said on that sad subject. XXXV. [Paris], April 3, 1862. Sir, — It seems to me that this third article,* after you have read it, will particularly interest Signor Scialoja. If so, please lend it to him, at all events, if he can read any other matter than tariffs. How I find all my own advice in these living pages. Observe that the author is discouraged, for he has no success at Geneva, and I count on your approval to reanimate him. (Unsigned, on a visiting card.) 1 Robert Percy Ffrench, from the county of Galway, in Ireland, H.B.M. Secretary of Legation. 2 That is, the dowagers of the Faubourg Saint-Germain. 3 Poet, and Member of the French Academy. * The continuation of M, de la Rive's work. APPENDIX, 145 XXXVI. 11, Bv£ des Saussayes, April 11, 1862. Deae Sir, — I think you will read with interest this pamphlet of Herr von Thielau,^ a young publicist whom Count A. de Pourtales had about him towards the end of his life. This little piece is written with very remarkable talent, but with a meta- physical obscurity which makes the reading of it laborious. This difficulty must be got over, for few recent publications give so just an idea of the present state of enlightened and even moderate minds in Germany on questions of external and even internal policy. The latter pages contain some attacks upon Count Cavour and upon the political morality of certain actions which have distressed more than they have surprised me. A good deal of allowance must be made for the rooted prejudices of the Germans. I made a point of imparting your opinion to William de la Rive ; it will flatter and encourage him. He is preparing two more articles, and will publish them in a single volume. I hope by the end of this month to get back to Les Bruyeres, and to see you many times before the long months which will separate me from my busy friends. The idle ones know the road which leads to our wild retreat. Yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. XXXVII. [Paris], April 21, 1862. Dear Sir, — Do not forget me during my last week here. Till Sunday next inclusive, I retain the hope of seeing my 1 Essay on Count Albert de Pourtales, published at Berlin by Herr von Tliielau in 1862 under the title Graf Albert Pourtales. Politischer Essay. 146 APPENDIX. friends. Signor Scialoja and his wife left me yesterday a moment before M. Thiers came in ; he was more amusing and more brilliant than I have ever seen him. Mr. Stanley has given me his book of Moldavian and Wallachian popular songs ; would you like to have it ? I hope we may meet soon. (Unsigned, on a visiting card.) XXXVIII. [Paris], May 5, 1862. SiRj — You have procured me a great enjoyment, inseparably linked with deep emotion. I have twice read over these pages, which seem to contain a living and vibrating echo.* It is seldom that one finds so many of the touches which depict a character brought together without an imprudence or indis- cretion being committed. The page about Rome is very remark- able ; it seems to me that revelations of this kind become a light to the most prejudiced minds. I could not finish the reading without tears. M. de Kergorlay, finding these pages by me yesterday, took possession of them, and left M. Thiers, M. Beule, M. Vitet, M. Merimee, Prevost-Paradol, and — the Duchess Colonna, to go and read them in a corner. He was charmed with them. I did not venture to impart them to M. Thiers without your permission, although I should much like to do so. I shall send him the volume when it has appeared. William de la Rive is passing through Paris, and I have promised that you will see him if he calls on you. He will publish in a volume the articles which he has just completed, and will add many letters which have been forwarded to him since his work came out. ^ Signor I. Artom's introduction to his CEuvre parlementaire du Comte de Cavour. APPENDIX. 147 Ranke has bidden me tell you that he had the greatest wish to talk to you about the Papacy. He is so taken up with the despatches of the reign of Louis XIV., which he is copying, and which reveal mysteries to him, that he does not even go to the meetings of the Institute. He is only free in the evening, and he does not venture to go and look for you in the gloaming. Yesterday he was at the breakfast party which Madame MohP gave for the 'Queen of Holland; and I have heard from him several amusing stories of it. This heat torments me cruelly. I shall start for the country next week ; please tell Signor Artom that I am venturing to hope he will come and rest there when rest is possible for him. How curious I shall be to ransack his recollections. Duchess Colonna has been bringing me a Venetian, Signor Pasini,^ who is enthusiastic about our friend. Do not you think that his memory grows greater every day ? Let us meet soon; and from my heart a thousand thanks. K. DE CiRCOURT. (Note to the last letter.) Donna Adele Colonna, Duchess of Castiglione, bom Countess d'Affry, was snatched away from the affection of her mother and her friends, and from the art which she loved, by an untimely death in 1879. Count Adolphe de Circourt, who with her mother had tended her up to the last, communicated this sad news to me in the following letter : — Freiburg in Switzerland, Aug. 4, 1879. I have to discharge the saddest of commissions in aimomicing to you the death of our illustrious and still more excellent friend, the Duchess of Castiglione-Colonna. On July 16 she sank, at Castellamare, under the attack of an old-standing chest ailment, which neither skill, nor the > Mme Mohl, born Clark, of Scottish family, was wife of Julius Mohl, the translator of the Shah-Nameh, who was Professor of Persian at the College de France, and member of the Institute. The memoir of her by Mrs. Simpson, daughter of Nassau Senior, is well known iu England. 2 Signor Ludovico Pasini, of Schio, Italian deputy, and afterwards senator, died in 1870. K 2 148 APPENDIX. climate, nor the assiduous care of the best of mothers, could overcome. By her simple courage, her frank resignation, the persistency of her affection, her death was rendered worthy of so beautiful and so short a life. I was present at her last moments, the picture of which will not leave me for an instant so long as I remain on this earth, the chief charm of which, for her mother and for more than one friend, has vanished with her. In Italy the Countess d'Affry received from her daughter's relations and friends all the help which she could have hoped for, besides the most touching evidences of sympathy. God is supporting this devoted mother in a trial as unexpected as it is cruel, and you would admire the valiant manner in which she is setting herself to the duties which she has yet to fulfil. I hope her health will soon be restored. We returned slowly from Castellamare to Freiburg, gathering up at each stage the scattered relics of the Duchess ; and it was but yesterday the Countess re-entered the desolate house. Her remaining daughter, her excellent son-in-law, Ottenfels, and their little children alleviate her grief, and give her new inducements to begin life again. She bids me tell you of her sorrow, and to assure you that the Duchess retained till the last moment the most delightful remembrance of your friendship, and counted on your remembrance, as to-day her mother asks your faithful remem- brance of her daughter. You know how she always loved Italy. " In fine dilexit eam " ; her last looks were fixed on the incomparable beauty of the land and sea of Campania, and one of her last prayers was for the prosperity of your country. A.. DE ClBCOURT. XXXIX. Les Bruyeres, June 5, 1862. Dear Sie, — I venture to think that in spite of your many engagements you will find a few moments for me to-morrow, and that our deep regrets may be mingled. So a year has almost passed since the world lost him, the recollection of whom is for ever an imperishable bond between us. As one returns in thought to the time which followed that cruel blow, as one compares the condition into which that catastrophe brought Italy and France with the present state of affairs, one discovers that the most extraordinary, the most decisive successes which M. de Cavour gained are the work of his genius surviving his life on earth. It is by this sole standard that one can realise the APPENDIX. 149 dimensions of that grand historic figure. The work of common- place men does not last so long as the}'" do ; a clever combina- tion gives them a momentary triumph, while unfavourable circumstances leave them in ruins. Count Cavour continues to guide the destinies of the country which he recalled almost miraculously into political existence. The impulse to political movement given and maintained so vigorously and so appositely still retains all its force. The nation draws inspiration from his thought, and whenever its resolution falters, has recourse, as to an oracle, to that lofty and steadfast mind which made itself obeyed by all kinds of selfishness because disinterested ; by all prejudices, because it was enlightened ; by all violence, because it was just. The latest gains which that imperturbable and patient policy has carried in Italy are at this moment solemnly recognised, and what is more, are solidly united. The com- promise which, after honestly weighing all rights and comparing all duties, M. de Cavour suggested in order to put an end to the antagonism which is rending Italy and alarming the world, remains in all its essential features the only well- grounded hope of permanency without abasement for one party, of victory without remorse for the other. One year more, probably, and the coping-stone of the building will be laid. Cavour's work will take rank in the world as one of the con- trolling powers of Europe, one of the highest organs of civilisation. For our friend's memory it is the worthiest and most enduring glory. For those who have seen him disappear so prematurely it will be a high consolation ; the only one we •can hope for when, after having shared the confidence and the affection of such a man, we are condemned to a regret which will only end with our lives. I find a certain comfort in exchanging these thoughts with you. I can impart them to but few people ; the time for justice and reparation has not yet arrived. Even for minds of high distinction it will probably be 150 APPENDIX. long in coming ; but it is, I venture to say, a bond that I like to think indissoluble to have met in so rare an intimacy, and to have forestalled the verdict of posterity by associating ourselves, each according to his ability, with so lofty and so misunder- stood a work. No one is more worthy than you to recall bygone days with emotion, and to face with confidence those which Providence has in store for your land. My husband is all the better for his treatment in Germany. I am in a very poor way, but I hope next month to be better, and to have the great joy of seeing you again. Do not forget me, and speak of me to Signor Artom, whom I shall be happy to meet once more. K. DE CiRCOUET. I venture to ask Signor Artom to send me his book by post as soon as it appears. I shall read it again in my complete solitude. XL. Les Bruyeres, June 11, 1862. Deau Sir, — I have this morning received my young friend's last bit ; ^ and I lose no time in sending it to you. I am sorry that he has recurred to the letter which gave rise to Lord Clarendon's contradiction, for this detail, unimportant for the entire work, will damage the volume which is about to appear. It seems to me that if those touching pages of Countess Alfieri's had been read by the Archbisho'p of Paris, the authorisation for prayers on June 6 would not have been withheld. I know, and like well, the pai-son of the Madeleine, and I am sure that he would have used all the persuasion of his speech to hinder so strange a prohibition. Make Signor Artom read these pages, and send them back * The last portion of M. de la Rive's work on Count Cavour. APPENDIX. 151 to me. I do not want to lend 'them again to the charming Mme Colonna, for she would keep them too long, and I wish to read them once more. Do not you think that a literary censorship would have forbidden them? M. Scherer corrects the proofs ; and as he has received the author^s permission to curtail, he makes no use of the right. Thanks for the Opinionej which I shall keep and value, as coming from you. My husband has been since yesterday at Baden with Countess Flemming,^ daughter of Bettina and wife of the Prussian Minister. She stayed four months here the year before last. I am provisionally established in my dining-room, while the workmen are busy everywhere. It is now two years since I have been able to sit at table. Last time I dined here, that delightful Count Pourtales and his wife remained at our rustic board till the last stroke of the bell. M. de Pourtales said : '' I hope I shall find you here again some day with Count Cavour. But look out for M. de Butenval : he would make a fine face at you.'^ Alas! those two friends of my youth are no more ; and Mme de Pourtales writes to me that she has accepted the post of Grand Mistress with the future Queen of Prussia. Your new colleague,^ in whom you find both talent and ambition, is said to be the Queen^s man. My husband will probably see her; and as soon as he comes back, he will be eager to go and shake hands with you. William de la Rive ventures to call on you during the only day which he will pass at Paris on his way back from London ; please receive him. It will be a just recompense for him. M. Chevalier seems dissatisfied with the position which the ^ Ennengarde, Countess von Flemming, who died in 1880, was the daughter of Ludwig Achim von Arnim and Bettina Brentano, the friend of Goethe. In 1862, Count von Flemming was Prussian Envoy to Baden. He died at Florence 1884. 2 Count von Goltz, Prussian Ambassador at Paris. 152 APPENDIX. world assigns in England to the presidents of the jury.^ In- dustry is one of the forces of the country; but it does not reckon among the elections of the aristocracy. My friend Cobden is much amused at these little disappointments. An revoir — but when ? I am in such a poor way that it is impossible for me to stir from my bed. Let your memory keep faithful to me ; it has, I think, a bond of no common kind. Yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. XLI. Les Bruyeres, Oct. 4, 1862. Sir, — Your card is forwarded to me from Paris, and I must thank you for this sign of your friendly remembrance. You know how our thoughts have gone with you during these last weeks of agitation, which seemed to have brought nearer a definitive solution. What strength of soul you must need to remain calm and serene amid so many perplexities ! The friend to whom I owe your friendship for me was an example to follow and admire. You will have been pleased with M. d^Haussonville's article.^ It is very surprising — and the author in sending me a copy speaks of a long illness during which M. de Cavour tended him at Turin like a brother. Persons who are well informed assure me that this article is a manifesto of the Orleanist party in the matter of Italy, and that it was laid before the Duke of Aumale previous to its appearance. William de la Rive's book is truly successful. It astonishes the enemy, and they are, above all, the people who need to be enlightened. I have given it freely to persons who had not read it; and I am sending my young friend a collection of ^ At the International Exhibition. 2 An article by Count O. d'Haussonville in the Bevue des Deux Mondes, of September 15, 1862, under the title, M. de Cavour et la Crise italienne. APPENDIX. 153 opinions which are well-deserved thanks. In this way one ought to fix those impressions which still are the breath of life. We shall spend the whole of November here. By this time it is gloomy winter in Paris, and a splendid autumn here. The sun rises facing my bed, and sets facing the drawing-room : I am never tired of watching the horizon which for seven years I have never been able to reach — and my eyes are better for it than for the darkness of the city. To-day M. Beul6 makes his first speech in public. I am sorry not to be there to applaud ; he has sent me the proof of it. His eulogy of Halevy is not an academic piece ; but it is the tale of a life devoted to art and nobly judged. M. Beule cherishes with care the letters of introduction in Sardinia given him by our friend. Au revoir. Do not forget us ; we shall be glad to see you again. Klustine C^^^ de Circourt. XLII. Les Bruyeres, Oct 17, 1862. SiE, — You will have guessed with what anxiety we thought of you and your dear Italy, when we heard of these Ministerial variations. I am very anxious to learn your impressions of the new Minister;^ he used often to talk much of you to me. He came and spent here the whole of the day after his journey to Chalons in the Imperial carriage ; and by some mistake could find no place save on the top {imperial e) of the omnibus. This incog- nito much amused the President of a Company. We profited by the hours which he granted us in such friendly fashion to talk to him about all those great questions which had passed into a * M. Drouyn de Lhuys Lad for the fourth time resumed the portfolio of Foreign Affairs on October 15. 154 APPENDIX. new phase. He seems to us to be possessed by an unconquerable antipathy towards England and a decided partiality for Austria. You will find in him pleasant manners, ceremonious courtesy, the love of detail, and all the prejudices of the old routine. His *' Excellency '' only knows and loves thoroughly one land, namely, Spain. You will, therefore, have to conquer and take captive his sympathy for your country ; and no one can do it better than you — for the personal charm is already felt. I understand all the addition to your cares which this new state of things makes; and I venture to believe that you will not think I am expressing it unseasonably. Do you know that M. d^Hausonville's article has appeared in pamphlet form ? You ought to send copies of it to Italy ; it is unmistakably a party manifesto. The pages on the American war seemed to us very solid and coming just at the right moment. In this last Revue I was expecting an article by Michel Chevalier, but the publication of the jury's report, which he is carefully looking after, has delayed it. Azc revoir. I am delighted to hear that you have been able to breathe your native air and see your people again. I had feared that new complications were hindering you. My husband greets you. We have the sad occupation of a friend ill under our roof, and grave anxiety on his account. Yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. XLIII. 11, BAie des Saussayes, Dec. 16, 1862. Dear Sir, — A thousand thanks for these precious pages, which I am going to relish at leisure.^ Do you know that I ^ Mme de Circourt is speaking of a little collection of Piedmontese popular songs which I published at this time, and among which was one on Princess Caroline of Savoy, first wife of King Anthony of Saxony. APPENDIX. 155 have twice danced with Kiug Anthony, who married a princess o£ Sardinia ? His cold and trembHng hand was in those days a great terror of my youth. I lived on intimate terms with that little Saxon Court, and it was through my own fault that a correspondence with the present king ^ dropped. He gave me his Dante, and quite lately sent his portrait for Les Bruyeres. What an evidence these poetical works are of your temper of mind in the midst of these successive storms which go on about you ! I am very impatient to see you again. A bad cold has combined with the inevitable jolting of the carriage ; yet I have been up since yesterday, and you will find me at the fireside Thursdays and Sundays after three. All other days from eight till ten. Our dear Duchess Colonna does not come back for two months. I have already seen her most afflicted admirers, and I unite with them in keenly desiring her return. In her you have a charming advocate of all that you hold dear. May we soon meet, and often. With whom will you replace Signer Artom, who is going to fail us ? It seems to me that the selection is very important for you. Your sincere friend, K. DE CiRCOUET. XLIV. [Paris], Jan. 30, 1863. Sir, — Every time that you are so kind as to receive my friends, I am certain of two results which cannot fail. You win sympathy for yourself, and you earn true gratitude for us. M. de la Villemarque ^ and M. Jules Bonnet have, like so many others, experienced your charm, and I am happy to be able to 1 King John of Saxony. 2 Viscount Hersart de la Villemarque, author of " Barzaz Breiz.^' 156 APPENDIX. thank you for it. To hear your name spoken by my fireside is a real enjoyment. If you have any parcel to send to Turin outside of your regular despatches, please entrust it to me. Emmanuel de Grouchy has been appointed attache at Turin, and starts to- morrow. He will be delighted to undertake anything which you may have for the same destination. His father died charge (V affaires at Turin during the coalition, watched and tended by our illustrious friend. I am giving him introductions to Signor Artom and Countess Alfieri ; he deserves a good welcome. M. Drouyn de Lhuys gave me lately a proof of friendship, which I will relate to you some day at Les Bruyeres. I am overwhelming him with requests for invitations to the ball, and I admire the way in which he does not refuse me ; still it is a great loss to me never to see him now. Do not forget that I make a pleasure of every moment that you grant me. Your hours are too much filled up to allow me much hope ; but remembrance has not these obstacles which paralyse the best intentions. Yours most sincerely, K. DE CiRCOURT. Twenty days more and we shall have our fair Duchess Colonna. XLV. [Paris], Jan. 27 [26], 1863. Sir, — Would you have any curiosity to be present at the meeting of the Academy which is arousing more curiosity than ever?^ Here is a ticket. If you cannot use it, kindly send it back to me, for I cannot resist the temptation of sending it to you ; but it must be handed in before noon, which appears to me incompatible with your engagements. 1 The reception of Prince Albert de Broglie. APPENDIX. 157 I am most impatient to see you again. The events in Poland cause me great uneasiness. May we soon meet. K. DE CiRCOUET. Written out hy the Countess de Circourt, Some thoughts of Vinet's which specially apply to Count Cavour. " Everybody believes in the man who believes in himself ; and his hopeful daring is often the best resource in a time of general anxiety.^^ " The memory of great men is the treasure of the nation which has brought them forth.'' '' Eminent men do one w^ork, and the memory of them does another. Often indeed the remembrance of them is the best and most lasting part of their work/' '^ Freedom is perhaps less easy to organise than victory ; to moralise it is yet more difficult." " Tyranny is the supreme disorder." *' Judgment without law is persecution." ^' The protection of inoffensive minorities is the noblest attribute and the mission of governments." THE END. 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