indicates her rights, and I feel all Italy glowing
beneath the Saxon crust. This cannot last long; I shall burn
to ashes if all this smoulders here much longer. I must die if
I do not burst forth in genius or heroism.

'I meant to have translated the best passages of "Die
Gunderode,"--which I prefer to Bettine's correspondence with
Goethe. The two girls are equal natures, and both in earnest.
Goethe made a puppet-show, for his private entertainment,
of Bettine's life, and we wonder she did not feel he was not
worthy of her homage. Gunderode is to me dear and admirable,
Bettine only interesting. Gunderode is of religious grace,
Bettine the fulness of instinctive impulse; Gunderode is the
ideal, Bettine nature; Gunderode throws herself into the river
because the world is all too narrow, Bettine lives and
follows out every freakish fancy, till the enchanting child
degenerates into an eccentric and undignified old woman. There
is a medium somewhere. Philip Sidney found it; others had it
found for them by fate.'

* * * * *

'_March_ 29. 1841.--* * Others have looked at society with far
deeper consideration than I. I have felt so unrelated to this
sphere, that it has not been hard for me to be true. Also, I
do not believe in Society. I feel that every man must struggle
with these enormous ills, in some way, in every age; in that
of Moses, or Plato, or Angelo, as in our own. So it has not
moved me much to see my time so corrupt, but it would if I
were in a false position.

'---- went out to his farm yesterday, full of cheer, as
one who doeth a deed with sincere good will. He has shown
a steadfastness and earnestness of purpose most grateful to
behold. I do not know what their scheme will ripen to; at
present it does not deeply engage my hopes. It is thus far
only a little better way than others. I doubt if they will get
free from all they deprecate in society.'

* * * * *

'_Paradise Farm, Newport, July, 1841._--Here are no deep
forests, no stern mountains, nor narrow, sacred valleys; but
the little white farm-house looks down from its gentle
slope on the boundless sea, and beneath the moon, beyond the
glistening corn-fields, is heard the endless surge. All
around the house is most gentle and friendly, with