The French head of police, who was present, whispered to acquaintances of ours, 'Comme il enrage le saint pere!' In fact, all dignity has been repeatedly forgotten in simple _rage_.

Affairs of Italy generally are going on to the goal, and we look for the best and glorious results, perhaps _not without more fighting_.

Certainly we can't leave Venetia in the mouth of Austria by a second Villafranca.

We cannot and will not.
And, sooner or later, the Emperor is prepared, I think, to carry us through.

Odo Russell told me (without my putting any question to him) that everything, as it came out, proved how true he had been to Italy--that, in fact, he had 'rather acted as an Italian than as a Frenchman.' And Mr.Russell, while liberal, is himself very English, and free from Buonaparte tendencies from hair to heel.
We often have letters from dear Isa Blagden, who sends me the Florence news, more shining from day to day.