CHAPTER X.
1859-60 At this point in Mrs.Browning's correspondence we reach the first allusion to the political crisis which had now become acute, and of which the letters that follow are full, almost to excess.

On January 1 Napoleon had astounded Europe by his language to the Austrian ambassador at Paris, in which he spoke of the bad relations unfortunately subsisting between their States.

On the 10th Victor Emmanuel declared that he must listen to the cry of pain which came up to him from all Italy.

After this it was clear that there was nothing to do but to prepare for war.

It was in vain that England pressed for a European Congress, with the view of arranging a general disarmament.