g or even a dynasty, but
against the institutions of monarchy and feudalism; nor was Lutheranism
a revolt against any pope, but against the corruption that had invaded
the Roman Catholic Church. The Italian revolution was not directed
against foreign rule, which indeed was mild and generous in some parts
of the country, but it voiced an imperious demand for independence
indispensable to every people that desires to become truly civilised.

A revolution is therefore a slow, constant effort towards progress,
preceded by propaganda. In some instances, it may last for years; in
others, for centuries, until an entire nation, from the humblest citizen
to the most wealthy patrician, is convinced of the necessity of the
proposed change, and the habitual misoneism of the masses overcome, the
existing order of things being defended by only a few, whose personal
interests are bound up in the old system. The ultimate triumph is
inevitable, even when the leaders of the movement perish and the first
risings are suffocated in blood; nay, death and martyrdom serve only to
kindle greater enthusiasm for an ideal, if it be worthy to live. This
becomes apparent when we consider the impulse given to Christianity by
the crucifixion of its Leader, and to Italian independence by the death
of the two brothers, Emilio and Attilio Bandiera.

But bloody episodes are not always essential to the march of a
revolution. The triumph of Hungary over Austria was almost a bloodless
one, and that of Free Trade in England was effected practically without
violence.

Since a revolution implies a change in the ideas of the masses and not
of a minority, be this of the elect or merely of turbulent spirits,
revolutions are rare occurrences in history and their effects are
lasting. In fact, after the death of Cromwell, feudalism was extinct in
England.

Like the pear which falls in autumn when the process of ripening has
caused the gradual reabsorption of the juices in the stalk, revolution
triumphs and the ancient system perishes when an entire people is
persuaded of the necessity for a change. The fall of the pear, however,
is not always the result of a slow physiological process, but may be
caused by a gust of wind, which dashes it to the ground before the pulp
has developed the sweet juices that are the sign of its maturity. In the
same way, a revolt or an armed rising of men, whose demands are enforced
by threats, may result in the carrying into effect of