for eight horses. I shall bring Allegra with me. Could you
assist me or Hentsch in his researches? The Gambas are at Florence,
but have authorised me to treat for them. You know, or do not know,
that they are great patriots--and both--but the son in
particular--very fine fellows. _This_ I know, for I have seen them
lately in very awkward situations--_not_ pecuniary, but
personal--and they behaved like heroes, neither yielding nor
retracting.

"You have no idea what a state of oppression this country is
in--they arrested above a thousand of high and low throughout
Romagna--banished some and confined others, without _trial_,
_process_, or even _accusation_!! Every body says they would have
done the same by me if they dared proceed openly. My motive,
however, for remaining, is because _every one_ of my acquaintance,
to the amount of hundreds almost, have been exiled.

"Will you do what you can in looking out for a couple of houses
_furnished_, and conferring with Hentsch for us? We care nothing
about society, and are only anxious for a temporary and tranquil
asylum and individual freedom.

"Believe me, &c.

"P.S. Can you give me an idea of the comparative expenses of
Switzerland and Italy? which I have forgotten. I speak merely of
those of decent _living, horses_, &c. and not of luxuries or high
living. Do _not_, however, decide any thing positively till I have
your answer, as I can then know how to think upon these topics of
transmigration, &c. &c. &c."

* * * * *

LETTER 441. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Ravenna, July 30. 1821.

"Enclosed is the best account of the Doge Faliero, which was only
sent to me from an old MS. the other day. Get it translated, and
append it as a note to the next edition. You will perhaps be
pleased to see that my conceptions of his character were correct,
though I regret not having met with this extract before. You will
perceive that he himself said exactly what he is made to say about
the Bishop of Treviso. You will see also that' he spoke very
little, and those only words of rage and disdain,' _after_ his
arrest, which is the case in the play, except when he breaks out at
the close of Act Fifth. But his speech to the conspirators is
better in the MS. than in the play. I wish that I