Among the very great number of men and women whom I have known during my life in Italy--some merely acquaintances, and many whom I knew to be, and a few, alas! a very few, whom I still know to be trusty friends--there were many of whom the world has heard, and some perhaps of whom it would not unwillingly hear something more.

But time and space are limited, and I must select as best I may.
I have a very pleasant recollection of "Garibaldi's Englishman," Colonel Peard.

Peard had many more qualities and capabilities than such as are essential to a soldier of fortune.

The phrase, however, is perhaps not exactly that which should be used to characterise him.

He had qualities which the true soldier of fortune should not possess.
His partisanship was with him in the highest degree a matter of conviction and conscientious opinion, and _nothing_ would have tempted him to change his colours or draw his sword on the other side.