In Mary Howitt’s “Life” there is among her Roman experiences an interesting account of a visit from “charming Anna Hierta, a beautiful specimen of a Swedish woman.” She was one of the girls deeply influenced by Frederika Bremer’s “Hertha,” the book that emancipated woman in Sweden, and seemed to me to have in her all the splendid force of the fair, strong women of the North.
The first visit Miss Buss made to Rome was in 1875–76, with her brother, the Rev. Septimus Buss. Here on a post-card are her first impressions—
“51, Piazza de Spagna Roma,
“Dec. 26, 1875.
“We are having a delightful time; beyond all expression enjoyable. To-morrow evening we visit Mr. and Mrs. Howitt, and afterwards I will write to you. But we are out all day; have a late dinner, and a crowded salon afterwards, so that I can find no time for writing. We have had no rain, but the most marvellous sunsets! Such as Turner only painted. This lovely city realizes all my anticipations. In nothing have we been disappointed.”
And later, this letter—
“51, Piazza de Spagna, Jan. 2, 1876.
“My dear Carry,
“Rome is perfectly lovely! No word can describe it, nor the thrilling emotions which it causes. Think of the overpowering sensations I felt yesterday in driving along the Appian Way by the place where Horatius murdered his sister because of her grief for her lover Curiatius, and then under the magnificent arch of Drusus, through several miles of tombs. We passed the church of ‘Domine, quo vadis,’ the place where St. Peter, whose heart failed him, and who was fleeing from Rome, met the Lord, and in utter surprise fell on his knees, saying, ‘Domine, quo vadis’ (Lord, whither goest Thou)? To which the risen Saviour answered, ‘I go to Rome, to be again crucified,’ whereon St. Peter, regaining his courage, retraced his steps to Rome, and suffered martyrdom. We then visited some ancient columbaria, or tombs, containing ashes of the dead. Then we entered a great catacomb! As I write, my whole body seems to quiver at the remembrance. We walked about three quarters of a mile through the galleries containing the burial places of many a holy martyr, especially of the early bishops of Rome, most of whom gave their lives for their faith. Nothing but coming here will enable a person to understand this marvellous city!
“Always your loving,