t of the civilized world?

The great body of the Austrian empire is falling asunder, and all its
limbs standing up, separate national bodies. Hungary, Bohemia, Poland
will again have individual existence, and the King of Prussia will be
undoubtedly hereafter the head of a huge German Confederacy.

In the mean time, I am sure you will rejoice that Metternich was
mistaken, and that "it," as he was pleased to designate the existing
state of Europe, did not even, as he said it would, "last his time."

Our country is wonderful; I mean this, my blessed England receiving into
her bosom the exiled minister and dethroned King of France, and the
detested Crown Prince of Prussia, with the dispassionate hospitality of
a general house of refuge for ruined royalties.

The spirit and temper of this English people is noble in its
steadfastness: with much of national grievance to redress and burdens to
throw off, the long habit of comparative freedom, and the innately loyal
and conservative character of the nation, have produced a popular
feeling that at this time of universal disturbance is most striking in
its deliberate adherence to established right and good order. Alone of
all the thrones in Europe, that of our excellent queen and her admirable
consort stands unshaken; alone of all the political constitutions, that
of the country they govern is threatened with no fatal convulsion: in
the midst of the failing credit and disturbed financial interests of the
Continent, our funds have been gradually advancing in value, and our
public credit rises as the aspect of affairs becomes more and more
involved and threatening abroad.

Ireland is our weak point, and, as we have to _atone_ there for cruelty,
and injustice, and neglect, too long persisted in, that will be the
quarter from which we shall receive our share of the national judgments
which are being executed all over the world.

A short time ago I saw an admirable letter of Lord Clarendon's, who is
now Lord Lieutenant; but though he has hitherto conducted his most
difficult government with great ability, there is so much real evil in
the condition of the Irish that, combined with their folly, their
ignorance, and the wickedness of their instigators, I do not think it
possible that the summer will pass over without that wretched country
again becoming the theatre of anarchy and turbulent resistance to
authority.

My brother-in-law has returned from Rome, and my sister will follo