Mazzini poured out upon Europe a new mysticism of humanity and liberty, and was willing, like some passionate Jesuit of the sixteenth century, to become in its cause either a philosopher or a criminal.

Cavour arose with a diplomacy which was more thrilling and picturesque than war itself.

These men had nothing to do with an age of the impossible.

They have passed, their theories along with them, as all things pass; but since then we have had no men of their type precisely, at once large and real and romantic and successful.

Gordon was a possible exception.