Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/607

 Unification of Germany and Italy 569 step with slaughter and plunder. Our citizens have made heroic efforts, and with very few resources they have repulsed the pride of an enemy confident in his strength. . . . Although the city is now free, the speedy and potent aid of your Majesty is none the less important. The provisional government therefore implores your Majesty to hasten to assist us by every means. Your Majesty will thus be a benefactor to the sacred cause of Italian independence and brotherhood, and will surely receive the applause and grati- tude of this people. We would willingly add more, but our position as a provisional government does not allow us to anticipate the wishes of the nation, which are, without doubt, all directed toward the furtherance of the cause of Italian unity. 475. Milan, after revolt- ing from Austria, appeals to the king of Sardinia for aid (March 23, 1848). The Austrian government was able, as we have seen, to put down, in October, 1848, the revolt in Vienna, and then had a free hand to reconquer its Italian provinces. The intervention of Charles Albert was unsuccessful, and after his final defeat at Novara, March 23, 1849, his abdication was proclaimed in the following manner. Proclamation of Eugene, pri?ice of Savoy- Carignan, lieutenant general of his Majesty : I have a sad message to communicate to you. The king, 476. Procla Charles Albert, after having faced with intrepidity the balls mation oi of the enemy, would not consent, in view of the reverses of Albert's our armies, to bow to ill fortune. He has preferred to crown abdication his life by a new sacrifice. On March 23 he abdicated in favor of the duke of Savoy. The gratitude of his people toward him will know no end, nor our respectful attachment. Let us rally around our new king, in battle a worthy rival of the paternal virtues, and the stanch guardian of the constitu- tional liberties granted by his august father. Long live the king, Victor Emmanuel ! (March 26, 1849). Turin, March 26.