The plebeians of Rome are certain never to die of hunger; if they have no bread, they are allowed to help themselves from the baker's basket; the law allows it.
All that is required of them is to be good Christians, to prostrate themselves before the priests, to humble themselves before the rich, and to abstain from revolutions.

They are severely punished if they refuse to take the Sacrament at Easter, or if they talk disrespectfully of the Saints.

The tribunal of the Vicariates listens to no excuses on this head; but the police is enough as to everything else.

Crimes are forgiven them, they are encouraged in meanness; the only offences for which there is no pardon are the cry for liberty, revolt against an abuse, the assertion of manhood.
It is marvellous to me that with such an education there is any good left in them at all.

The worst half of the people is that which dwells in the Monti district.