schools. Go into any church in England, or out of England, and you
hear men preaching 'in pattens,' walking gingerly, lest a speck of
natural moisture touch a stocking; seeking what's 'sound,' not what's
'true.' Now if only on theology they must not think, there will be soon
a close for theologians. Educated men disbelieve to a degree quite
unsuspected. That, I know of knowledge.

No! Swedenborg does not hold the existence of _devils_ in the ordinary
meaning. Spiritual temptation comes, he says, through disembodied
corrupt spirits, out of this or _other earths_. The word Satan,
remember, he conceives to represent a company of such evil spirits.

Now in what spirit have I written all this? Gently, this time, I do
hope. If you knew in what an agonised state of humiliation I am
sometimes, you would not suspect me of 'despising' you? Oh no, indeed.
But I am much in earnest, and can't 'prophesy smooth things,' at moments
of strong conviction. Who can?

Indeed, indeed, yes. I am very anxious about what passes in Paris. Do
you know that Keller's infamous discourse was _corrected by Guizot's own
hand_? Mr. Pentland (who was with the Prince of Wales) knows G. and
this. He (P.) has just come from Paris. He knows the 'sommites' there,
and considers that, though there is danger, yet on the whole the Emperor
dominates the situation. Prince N.'s speech, in its general outline, was
submitted to the E. and had his full sympathy, _Persigny said to_ P. or
in his presence. Let no one ever speak ill of Prince N. before me; I
read all the seventeen columns in the 'Moniteur,' and most magnificent
was the discourse. Rome is greatly excited, but hopeful. There may be
delay, however.

Surely you don't think the large head of Robert bad. Why, it is
exquisite.... I can't read over, and send this scratch that you may
pardon me before you go (not to lose the post).

Sarianna says that Squires carries about his own table. In which case, I
give him up. Don't _you_ write.

* * * * *

_To Miss I. Blagden_

126 Via Felice, [Rome: early in 1861].

Dearest dear Isa,--We don't get the paper. Will you ask why? Here's a
special address enclosed.

I have just heard from what seems excellent authority (_F.P._ Zanetti
has been here) that a French company is to be withdrawn from Rome
to-day, and that _all_ the troops will be immediately withdrawn from the
R.S., except Rome and Civita Vecchia. The French generals, howe