ted to the new
order of things; to crown all, absolutism triumphant all over Italy,
and the certainty that Austria was only watching for a pretext for a
fresh invasion. It needed but for him to have annulled his father's
concessions, to propitiate a large number of his subjects, disarm the
hostility of his powerful neighbour and her satellites, and possess
himself of those privileges of which his predecessor had stripped the
crown. It will be registered in the grateful hearts of millions yet
unborn, that Victor Emmanuel was proof alike to warnings, entreaties,
and blandishments. Through evil and good report, kinglike and manfully
did he uphold the constitution to which he had sworn, till he met his
reward in the wondrous confidence and enthusiasm of which he is now the
object.

It is not a sudden impulse, this love of the Italians for Victor
Emmanuel. On the contrary, when he mounted the throne, so great was
the universal hatred for kings, generated by the perfidy of their own
princes, that few reposed belief in his assurances. It was only when
he was seen firmly contending with Rome against her encroachments
and intolerance; throwing open his States to the political refugee
without regard to his opinions, equally sheltering constitutionalist or
republican; unflinching in maintaining the liberty of the press and the
dignity of the country, despite the menaces of Austria, and ever eager
in promoting national prosperity and enterprise; that the prejudice
against monarchy was overcome, and the Italians, from Venice to Etna,
bestowed upon him the surname of the “_Rè galantuomo_.”

To the influence of Azeglio and Cavour, one or other of whom has rarely
been absent from his councils since his accession, much is no doubt
due; but while fully acknowledging their obligations to the patriotism,
courage, and intrepidity of these ministers, as well as to the host
of eminent men they have gathered round them from all parts of the
peninsula, the Italians never forget to give the chief glory to Victor
Emmanuel. Without his