Page:Margaret Fuller by Howe, Julia Ward, Ed. (1883).djvu/190

Rh were aroused to an unwonted degree of interest, the gentlemen subscribing funds for the materials of a flag, and the ladies meeting to make it. To accompany this banner, a magnificent spread eagle was procured. Everything was in the height of preparation, when some counter influence, brought to bear upon the Pope, brought forth an edict forbidding this happy concourse of flags of all nations, and allowing only that of Rome to be carried in honour of the occasion. Margaret saw in this the work of the Oscurantists, "ever on the watch to do mischief” to the popular cause.

Despite the disappointment of the citizens at this curtailment of their show, the streets were decorated, al filled with people in the best humour. Margaret was able to see nothing but this crowd, but found even that a great pleasure. A ball at the Argentine Theatro terminated the festivities of the day. Here were seen "Lord Minto; Prince Corsine, now senator; the Torlonias, in uniform of the Civic Guard, Princess Torlonia (the beautiful Colouna) in a sash of their colours, which she waved often in answer to their grcetings." The finest show of the evening, Margaret says, was the native Saltarello, danced by the Trasteverini in their gayest costumes. In this dance, which is at once very naïve and very natural, Margaret saw the embodiment of "the Italian wine, the Italian sun."

In the course of this winter it became evident that the Liberalism of Pio Nono would not stand the test of any extensive practical application. His position was, indeed, a very difficult one, the natural allies and supporters of the Papacy being, without exception, the natural enemies of the new ideas to which he had so incautiously opened the door.