Posilipo has brought no cessation of care to me.

I do not think I shall find any truce this side the grave; and beyond, who knows ?" This was the first time John had spoken in this strain, and he seemed stirred to an unusual activity, as though his own words had suddenly reminded him how frail was his state.

He called Raffaelle to him and despatched him on an errand to Naples.

The next morning he sent for me earlier than usual, and begged that a carriage might be ready by six in the evening, as he desired to drive into the city.

I tried at first to dissuade him from his project, urging him to consider his weak state of health.