would have wished. Albert told you all about the
Montpensiers' journey. It would do the King irreparable mischief if
they went now to Spain; the feeling of anger would all return. Poor
people! they are all in a sad state of _want_ at present.

I must conclude. Hoping to hear from you, and to have your opinion.

Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S SYMPATHY]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th March 1848._

The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering Lord Melbourne
hers and the Prince's best wishes for many happy returns of it in
health and strength.

Lord Melbourne will agree with the Queen that the last three weeks
have brought back the times of the last century, and we are in the
midst of troubles abroad. The Revolution in France is a sad and
alarming thing.... The poor King and his Government made many mistakes
within the last two years, and were obstinate and totally blind at
the last till flight was inevitable. But for _sixteen_ years he did a
great deal to maintain peace, and made France prosperous, which should
_not_ be forgotten.... Lord Melbourne's kind heart will grieve
to think of the _real want_ the poor King and Queen are in, their
dinner-table containing barely enough to eat. And the poor Nemours
hardly know which way to turn. If the private property be not restored
God only knows what is to become of these distinguished young Princes
and their little children. What will be their _avenir_? It breaks
one's heart to think of it, and the Queen, being so nearly related
to them and knowing them all, feels it very much. Surely the poor
old King is sufficiently punished for his faults. Lord Beauvale will
surely be shocked at the complete ruin of the family. Has he seen or
heard from his old friend Madame de Montjoye, who is here with the
Queen of the French? The poor dear Queen of the Belgians is quite
broken-hearted, but, thank God, Belgium goes on admirably. In Germany
also there are everywhere disturbances, but the good Germans are at
bottom very loyal....

The state of Paris is very gloomy; the rabble armed--keeping the
Government in awe--failures in all directions, and nothing but ruin
and misery. This is too gloomy a letter for a birthday, and the Queen
must apologise for it. The Prince wishes to be kindly remembered to
Lord Melbourne.

[Pageheading: THE CZAR'S VIEW]

_The Emperor of Russia to Queen Victoria._