IX
Claude to Eustace
It is most curious to see what a power a few calm words (inMerely a brief proclamation) appear to possess on the people.Order is perfect, and peace; the city is utterly tranquil;And one cannot conceive that this easy and nonchalant crowd, thatFlows like a quiet stream through street and market-place, enteringShady recesses and bays of church, osteria, and caffe,Could in a moment be changed to a flood as of molten lava,Boil into deadly wrath and wild homicidal delusion.Ah, ’tis an excellent race,—and even in old degradation,Under a rule that enforces to flattery, lying, and cheating,E’en under Pope and Priest, a nice and natural people.Oh, could they but be allowed this chance of redemption!—but clearlyThat is not likely to be. Meantime, notwithstanding all journals,Honour for once to the tongue and the pen of the eloquent writer!Honour to speech! and all honour to thee, thou noble Mazzini!