April:--"The feeling is
strongest against England, in which the people expected to
see a support, and only found a strong determination to decide
_everything against them_ and at _their expense_. If there was
a great explosion in France, it would not be astonishing to
see the people here join it; it would rather be astonishing to
see it otherwise, after the kind treatment they received from
the Powers."]

[Footnote 25: The King was for a time without any Ministry,
and the meeting of the Chambers had to be postponed.]

[Pageheading: PRINCE ALBERT IN ITALY]

_Baron Stockmar to Queen Victoria._

NAPLES, _16th April 1839._

MADAM,--As it is some time that I had the honour to address your
Majesty, I hope that a further account of our crusades will meet with
a favourable reception.

It is now somewhat better than a month that we left Florence, I may
say with regret, for we were there very comfortably in every respect.
On our route to Rome we enjoyed the beautiful sight of the cataract at
Terni, the place where Queen Caroline sojourned for some time. We were
particularly fortunate that day, as the brightest sunshine heightened
its picturesque effects beyond description. We found old Rome very
full, and to see it and its ecclesiastic governors to advantage, the
Holy Week is certainly the properest time. From morning to noon the
Prince was at seeing sights, and he made so good a use of his time,
that I don't think that something really remarkable was left unseen.
Upon this very principle, we paid our respects to the Holy Father,[26]
of which interview the Prince made so admirable a sketch, so very
worthy of H.B.,[27] that I am very much tempted to send it for the
inspection of your Majesty. We assisted at the Church ceremonies of
the Holy Week from the beginning to the end. The music of the Sistine
Chapel, which is only vocal, may be well considered as unique, and has
not failed to make a lasting impression upon a mind so musical as the
Prince's....

I never think of your Majesty--and I take the liberty of thinking
very frequently of you--without praying for health, serenity of mind,
comfort and success for you, and I can well say that I am from my
heart, your Majesty's sincerely attached and devoted Servant,

STOCKMAR.

[Footnote 26: Gregory XVI.]

[Footnote 27: Initials adopted by Mr Doyle, father of Richard
Doyle, in his _Reform Caricatures_.]

[Pag