e
inseparably confounded, and the cause of liberty was made to seem the
denial of all religion. It would take us too far away from the humble
track of our tale were we to dwell on this theme, or stop to adduce the
various evidences of the truth of our assumption. We pass on, therefore,
and leave D'Esmonde the task of chronicling some of the results of that
memorable period.

The letter, from which we propose to make some extracts was addressed,
like his former one, to his Irish correspondent, and opened with a kind
of thanksgiving over the glorious events of the preceding few weeks,
wherein victory succeeded victory, and the Austrians once again became
the masters of haughty Milan. We pass over the exulting description
the Abbe gave of the discord and dissension in the Patriotic ranks; the
reckless charges of treachery made against Carlo Alberto himself, for
not undertaking the defence of a city destitute of everything; and the
violent insubordination of the Lombards as the terrible hour of their
retribution drew nigh. We have not space for his graphic narrative of
the King's escape from Milan, protected by an Austrian escort, against
the murderous assaults of fellow-patriots. These facts are all before
the world; nor would it contribute to their better understanding were we
to adduce the partisan zeal with which the priest detailed them.

"The struggle, you will thus see," wrote he, "is over. The
blasphemer and the democrat have fallen together, and it
will take full a century to rally from the humiliation of
such a defeat. Bethink you, my dear Michel, what that same
century may make the Church, and how, if we be but vigorous
and watchful, every breach in the glorious fortress may be
repaired, every outwork strengthened, every bastion newly
mounted, and her whole garrison refreshed and invigorated.
Without a great convulsion like this we were lost! The
torpor of peace brought with it those habits of thought and
reflection--the sworn enemies of all faith! As governments
grew more popular they learned to rely less on _our_ aid.
The glorious sway of Belief was superseded by direct appeals
to what they called common sense, and imperceptibly, but
irrevocably, the world was being Protestantized. Do not
fancy that my fears have exaggerated this evil. I speak of
what I know thoroughly and well. Above all, do not mistake
me, as though