"I will tell your majesty how it arose; you will then understand what it is, and what it can do. After those great battles in which the Austrian armies in Italy were crushed, the flood of revolution, urged on by the ambitious house of Savoy, spread all over Italy, placing firmly on the head of Victor Emanuel the crown created by red republicanism; whilst all who had in their hearts a love of right and religion, and a desire to fight for Holy Church, were surprised and dispersed--incapable of united and energetic resistance. The work of wickedness was accomplished in hot haste, and even the Emperor Napoleon, who had thought out a very different Italy, could not check the evil spirits he had himself unchained. After fever came exhaustion. Even in the Vatican there was no safety. But exhaustion was followed by reaction. In Rome, in the palace of King Francis, that single-minded but in his simplicity truly great and royal hero (who, with the cannon of Gaëta, had made his protest against sinful Wrong resound through Europe), the men first assembled, who said, 'Wrong conquered because a few wicked men willed it so, and worked together with united strength; why then should Right not again arise, for God is on our side, if men of courage and decision combine in the common work, assembling weaker spirits and filling them with zeal and activity?' This proposal was followed by decision, and decision by action. King Francis drew up the plan and the way to carry it out; and your majesty's heroic royal sister-in-law fanned the pure flame of good and noble resolutions into a bright blaze of burning enthusiasm. Throughout Italy committees were formed, and men and women of well-known opinions joined the League, whose numbers could soon be counted by thousands. Men devoted to the king work at all the European courts; the talented, accomplished, and prudent Canofari remains in Paris, Count Citto travels through Europe; we are well informed of all that takes place; Golotti organizes Naples and Sicily. The influence which the members of the League have over the masses is great; arms and ammunition lie in places of safety, and we stand at the head of a power, to which we have but to apply the electric spark, and Italy will be in flames, from the Alps to the further point of Sicily. Does your majesty desire further information upon the extent, the organization, and the power of the League?"
"Not at this moment," said the emperor, with some excitement; "at a future time I shall beg for these particulars, as they interest me greatly. In what relation does the Holy See stand to your cause?" he then asked.
"The Holy Father, your imperial majesty, is the high priest of the church," replied Count Rivero. "His weapons are spiritual, and he can take no direct part in a work carried on by secular means; but this work can only be well-pleasing to him, and the apostolic blessing must rest on those who labour to restore both spiritual and temporal right. All faithful priests support the League in every way permitted by their holy office."
"And how does this League intend to act; what does it hope to obtain?" asked the emperor.
"Your majesty," returned the count, "we await the breaking out of the great war for the re-establishment of Austria's former power and greatness. Whatever may be the result on the northern side, success is certain for Austria in Italy. We can undertake nothing alone, for we are unable to oppose well-organized armies. As soon as these armies are engaged, and held fast by the Austrian forces, we shall give the signal; and behind the crumbling armies of Victor Emanuel, Italy will arise; the free troops of Right and of the Church will appear everywhere, to cast out the Sardinian rule, and to bring back to their inheritance their lawful princes. Your majesty only desires to rule Lombardy, and that will again belong to you."
"And Napoleon?" asked the emperor.
"I have reason to think he will not dislike to see the Sardinian government overthrown by Italy; he trembles at his own work--besides his intervention will come too late."
"And you believe," said the emperor, "that Italy herself will restore Lombardy to my house?"
"Yes, your majesty," replied the count, "under conditions."
"Ah! conditions!" exclaimed the emperor.