Here must come the break.
May God bless you both! Pen's love with mine to the dear nonno and yourself.
BA.
* * * * * _To Mr.Ruskin_ Rome, 43 Bocca di Leone: January 1, 1859.
My dear Mr.Ruskin,--There is an impulse upon me to write to you, and as it ought to have come long ago, I yield to it, and am glad that it comes on this first day of a new year to inaugurate the time.

It may be a good omen for _me_.

Who knows?
We received your letter at Florence and very much did it touch me--us, I should say--and then I would have written if you hadn't bade us wait for another letter, which has not come to this day.

Shall I say one thing?
The sadness of that letter struck me like the languor after victory, for you who have fought many good fights and never for a moment seemed to despond before, write this word and this.

After treading the world down in various senses, you are tired.