CHAPTER XI.
1859.
CARDINAL ANTONELLI DECLARES THE ABDUCTION OF THE CHILD MORTARA "A CLOSED QUESTION"—THE DELUSION ABOUT THE PASSOVER CAKES SPREADS TO ROME—UNEASY FEELING AMONG THE JEWS IN THAT CITY—SHAMEFUL ATTEMPTS TO GET UP TESTIMONY AGAINST THEM—INTERVIEW WITH CARDINAL ANTONELLI—SIR MOSES LEAVES ROME.
MR RUSSELL, in a private note, wrote to him:—
"It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that all my exertions in the interest of your cause have failed. Cardinal Antonelli declined to enter upon the subject, saying, 'It was a closed question,' and His Eminence referred me to Monsignor Pacca, the papal chamberlain, or to Monsignor Talbot, to obtain an audience for you of His Holiness, but His Eminence added that he thought it would be difficult at this moment. I next applied to Monsignor Talbot, who assured me that the only possible course was that you should apply yourself, in writing to, or personally call on, Monsignor Pacca, who lives in the Vatican. Monsignor Talbot thought the Pope would see you, but he also considered the question closed.
"I fear you were but too right in saying our only hope now rests with that great God whose holy laws have in this melancholy case been violated by the hand of man.
"I need not assure you that if there is anything in which I can serve you, I beg you will command my services at all times."
Sir Moses immediately went to thank Mr Russell for his kind and zealous exertions for the cause he had so much at heart, and said that he deemed it his duty to follow up the suggestions made in his letter.
On his return home he wrote his application, and took it himself to Monsignor Pacca at the Vatican. As he was out, Sir Moses left it with his servant, with but faint hopes of a favourable answer.
He and Lady Montefiore then left cards on Lady de Redcliffe. Sir Moses saw his Lordship, who appeared to think he should apply for an audience without naming the object he had in view; but Sir Moses' opinion did not coincide with those of Lord Redcliffe ("perhaps a wrong one," Sir Moses remarks). "It would not be becoming in me," he said, "to gain an audience but as the representative of the Board of Deputies of British Jews."
April 14th.—In accordance with an invitation which Sir Moses had the privilege of receiving, he rode to the Hôtel des Isles Britaniques at seven o'clock, and had the honour of dining with the Prince of Wales. I quote Sir Moses' own words on the subject from the Diary:—
"His Royal Highness," he writes, "received me most cordially, and said he had seen me at Windsor Castle. Within three minutes after my arrival the Prince handed down the Hon. Mrs Bruce, the only lady present at the dinner, but she did not sit next to His Royal Highness. He had Prince Torlonia on his right, Mrs Bruce was next to Prince Torlonia, and I sat exactly opposite His Royal Highness. On my right, the Rev. G. F. Tarver, the Prince's chaplain, and Major Teesdale, R.A.