Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/30

40 This is the principal theme of Catharina Ferucci, often reiterated, always strongly and warmly expressed. But in order to acquire this national independence she looks rather back to the ancient, honorable times, and toward a religious concentration, than to the ideals of political independence and civil freedom, which Gioberti and Balbo uphold as the banner of young Italy, and which, most assuredly, at the present time, constitute its highest wish and requirements.

The writings on education are of a beneficial character, especially from the influence which they ascribe to woman, and the demand which they make for a more thorough and a stronger education than hitherto, a full development of her mind and intelligence. “Such an education,” says she, as says also Louise Appia in the Waldenses valleys, “far from fostering the innate vanity of woman, will tend to destroy it. Vanity is nourished by the outward in life; it is the tendency of the egotistical soul. Intercourse with noble spirits, and the pursuit of lofty aims, will destroy this false fire and kindle one of an imperishable nature. ”

A “Typographical Publishing Society,” of Turin, has included her books for La donna Italiana, in its nuova Bibliotica Populare, and a new edition is now being published; the best proof of its popularity.

It has been a great pleasure to me to make the acquaintance of this noble woman, who, with her heart bleeding from the misfortunes of her country, has raised her head so courageously above these to labor for its more beautiful future. It was a pleasure to me