minister's Italian puppets
fell, surrendering weakly to the will of a triumphant people, and Italy
could wave the flag "God and the People" everywhere save in the
Austrian provinces and their dependent duchies.

Mazzini returned to learn that he was regarded as the noble teacher of
the patriotism which inspired the peninsula. The years of loneliness
and sorrow receded from his memory in that glad and glorious moment
when he entered liberated Milan, borne in a victorious procession.
Armies were gathering for the final tussle which should conclude the
triumph of the first revolt. Class prejudices were forgotten in the
great crusade to free a nation. Charles Albert led them, having taken
his side at last; but he had no power to withstand the force of
Austria, and he was forced to his knees while Northern Italy endured
the humiliation of surrender.

Mazzini carried the flag for Garibaldi in the vain hope that the
victory of the people might atone for the conquest of the princes. He
went to Rome to witness her building of a new Republic. It had long
been in his mind that the Eternal City might become the centre of
united Italy. He felt a deep sense of awe as he received the honour of
being made a Triumvir. No party-spirit should guide the Republic while
he held power as a ruler, no war of classes should divide the city.
Long cherished ideals found him true, and inspired those who shared the
government. Priests were glad to be acquitted from the tyrannous power
{193} of a Pope who had now been driven from the city. Some of the
more zealous would have given up the observances of the Roman Catholic
religion, but Mazzini was in favour of continuing the services. He
would not have confessional-boxes burnt, since confession had relieved
the souls of believers.

In private life, the Triumvir clung to simplicity that he might set an
example in refusing to be separated from the working classes. He dined
very frugally, and chose the smallest room in the Quirinal for his
dwelling. He gave audience to any who sought him, and gave away
strength and energy with the same generous spirit that inspired him to
spend the modest salary attached to his office on his poorer brethren.
He was bent on showing the strength of a Republic to all European
cities that strove for the same freedom.

The Pope tried to regain his authority, and found an ally in Louis
Napoleon, a nephew of the great Emperor, who became president of the
Repub