There was talk of draining and planting it; much futile discussion on the question whether it had been fertile in the days of the old Romans; and even a few experiments were made; but, all the same, Rome remained in the midst of a vast cemetery like a city of other times, for ever separated from the modern world by that _lande_ or moor where the dust of centuries had accumulated.

The geographical considerations which once gave the city the empire of the world no longer exist.

The centre of civilisation has been displaced.

The basin of the Mediterranean has been divided among powerful nations.

In Italy all roads now lead to Milan, the city of industry and commerce, and Rome is but a town of passage.