Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/438

454 influence upon the later fate of Piedmont and Italy,—the former by his writings,—the latter by his deeds,—and both by their character and disposition.

I will first speak of Carlo Alberto, because I have inquired much, and carefully examined into the life and disposition of this prince. I believe myself to have found in these the key to Piedmont's happy issue from the ill-starred Italian struggle for freedom, in the years 1848 and 1849. I have also heard much regarding him, both here and in Switzerland, from persons who knew him intimately. But the explanation which I sought, I found less in him, than in the circumstances and the persons whose work-tool he became.

His sympathies were, in the year 1821, entirely sincere, but indistinct, obscure, rather the inspirations of a warm and not ungenerous heart, than the result of insight and conviction. He had passed the greater part of his youth in Paris, Geneva, and many of the larger European cities: the rallying places of liberal opinions, and of their most gifted representatives. He loved the society of artists and literary men. When he returned to Turin, he attached himself to the young men who were enthusiastic for liberal opinions. He was himself young, ambitious, vain, open to influence. The prospect of his succeeding to the throne of Sardinia was at that time uncertain. He allowed himself to be easily persuaded to endeavor to become the prince of a large realm, of freedom, and Italy. The attempt was quashed in the beginning, and Carlo Alberto saved himself, by abandoning and renouncing his friends, and attaching himself to Carlo