mild and conciliating virtues than by the display of extraordinary abilities; we accordingly find him esteemed and beloved by all parties, and respected even by the French generals, and by Bonaparte in particular.

When the late Pope was torn from his Capital by the orders of the French Directory, and dragged prisoner into France, the cardinals were banished or deported with circumstances of peculiar cruelty, and the cardinal Chiaramonte of course shared in common with his brethren the hardships and the dangers of this persecution.

On the death of Pius VI. the cardinals assembled in conclave at Venice, and in a short time unanimously proclaimed cardinal Chiaramonte Pope. This election took place in the month of March 1800. The French were obliged to evacuate Rome about the same period, and the Pope embarked for Ancona, and made his public. entry into Rome in the following April.

We may easily conceive the joy both of the Pontiff and of the people on this happy occasion. The scene was unusually splendid, but it owed its splendor not to the opulence of the sovereign, but to the zeal of the subject. The guard that lined the streets, and escorted the Pontiff, consisted of a numerous body of young patricians; the triumphal arches and decorations were supplied by the Roman people, and the equipage of the Pontiff himself was the voluntary homage of the generous Colonna, a prince truly worthy of the name of a Roman. In fact, the Pope was personally as poor as the Apostle whom

he succeeds, and like him, brought to his Flock nothing but the piety of the Pastor, and the affection of the Father. As the procession moved towards the Vatican, tears were observed more than once streaming down his cheeks, and the details which he afterwards received of the distress occasioned by the rapacity of the late invaders, could only increase his anguish.

To relieve the sufferings of his people, and to restore the finances of the country, was his first object, and to attain it he began by establishing a system of the strictest economy in his own household and around his own person. He next suppressed all immunities or exemptions, and subjected the nobility and the clergy to the same or to greater burthens than the lower orders; this regulation, so simple in itself, and so just, is yet little practised on the continent, where in general the weight of taxation falls upon those who are least capable of bearing it. The French republic affects indeed to adopt it, but in fact uses it only as a convenient method of plundering the rich without relieving the poor. Such are the beneficial effects of this regulation, that though some oppressive and unpopular duties have, I believe, been removed, and the sum imposed on each individual diminished, yet the general amount of the taxes is considerably increased. Other salutary arrangements are, it is said, in contemplation, and the good intentions, the sense, and the virtuous feelings of Pius VII. encourage the hope, that his reign, if he be not thwarted in his designs, will be the commencement of an era of reform and of prosperity.

The Pope is of a middle stature; his eyes are dark, and

his hair is black and curly; his countenance is mild and benevolent, expressing rather the tranquil virtues of his first profession, than the sentiments congenial to his latter elevation. However, it is whispered by those who are more intimately acquainted with his character, that he can on occasions display great firmness and decision; that he is influenced much more by his own judgment than by the opinions of his ministers, and that he adheres irrevocably to his determination. At the present crisis, when the temporal possessions of the Roman Church are at the mercy of the strongest, a spirit of conciliation is perhaps the best calculated to preserve their integrity; and even in the spiritual concerns of the Apostolic See, the interests of religion may doubtless be best consulted by such concessions and changes in discipline as the reason or even the prejudices of the age may seem to demand. In both these respects, and particularly in the latter, the lenient and judicious Pontiff is likely to employ his authority in a manner highly conducive to public utility.

I have said above, if not thwarted in his designs, for the exception is necessary. The power of the French Republic still alarms the Roman court; and the darkness of its designs and the known malignity of its leaders, are sufficient to justify every suspicion. Even at present their conduct is treacherous and insolent. Though obliged by the articles of the late peace to evacuate the Roman territory, they still continue to occupy its sea-ports, and they compel the papal government to provide for the maintenance and pay of the troops employed for that purpose. To which I may add, that they still encourage spies and intriguers of

various descriptions in the Capital, and what is perhaps less dangerous but more expensive, send generals to Rome under various pretexts, but in fact to extort money under the appellation of presents. Such is the occupation of Murat, at the moment I am now writing, and such the silent warfare carried on by the French since the last treaty.

Cauponantes bellum, non belligerantes.

The attention paid to this brother-in-law of the First Consul is great, and borders rather upon homage than civility; but it is the worship paid to the genius of mischief, and springs from suspicion and fear unqualified by one single spark of esteem or affection *.

The fatal experience of French power and malignity, and the fearful obscurity in which the intentions of that infernal government are enveloped, must of course act as a drawback upon the benevolent plans of the Pontiff, and keep the resources of the

* One evening at a conversazione given by Turlonia, a celebrated Roman banker, in honour of the peace lately concluded, to which Murat, the French general, and all the English and French at Rome were invited, Murat paid particular attention to the English, and among them to Captain P—— of the Guards. Walking with him and others about the Faro table, and observing that the English took no part in the gambling there carried on, he took occasion to make them a compliment on their forbearance, and passing thence to some sarcastic observations on the master of the house and his countrymen, concluded by a declaration that there are but two nations in the world, the French and the English—" You," says he, "are the first by sea, we by land." To this deci

country almost in a state of stagnation. If an excavation is to be made, a question naturally occurs-May not the French make us another visit, and carry away the fruits of our discoveries? If a project of cleansing the bed of the Tiber is proposed, and about to be adopted, for whom, it is asked, shall we draw up these long neglected treasures? for our greatest enemies. Is a palace to be repaired or new furnished; what! they exclaim, shall we spend our fortunes to prepare lodgings for a French general? Thus the influence of the French, whether absent or present, is always felt and always active in the production and in the extension of misery, of devastation, and of barbarism.

INCOME OF THE POPE.

Of the income of the Roman court some account may perhaps be expected, though the many alterations which have lately occurred may be supposed, not only to have reduced its amount, but to have rendered that amount very irregular and uncertain. Several years ago, when in full possession of its territory, both in Italy and in France, it was not calculated at more than six hundred thousand pounds. Contrary to a very general opinion I must here observe, that this income arose principally from internal taxation, and that a very small part of it was derived from Catholic countries. The sums remitted by Catholic

sion, which however flattering to the navy is no compliment to the army of Great Britain, the Captain replied dryly, "Sir, we are just arrived from Egypt." This short answer, uttered with the modesty peculiar to the man, reminded the French General of the recent glory of the British arms, and extorted from him some awkward and reluctant explanations.