WHAT WAS STAKED AT ROME.
IT is remarkable that pebple of all countries hate instinctively jumped to the conclusion that Rome should be spared at what- ever sacrifice of military policy ; Rome as she stands being more precious to the world than any victory. A victory lost might be regained in other times or in other shapes. Even political in- stitutions may- wait for completion, and be developed at last. But if Rome were destroyed, no diligence, no zeal could restore what renders her precious. She holds the works of two great ages—the art of Greece and Italy. Generals have been produced in innumerable succeseion, from Joshua to Wellington ; but the world haseposselered only one Rome with its monumental history —has possessed but one RaPhael and one Michel Angelo, and they lived together. Austerlitz may be redressed by a Waterloo; Wellington can follow Clive, and Napier Wellington ; kingdoms diej and republics can make and unmake themselves; but wipe out,the Last Judgment or the Transfiguration, and not all the as- sembled wisdom and genius of living Europe could replace a single line. Let France try- it,- or Austen. You 'Would be abolish- ing for everthe high stJantlards of hum= excellence in one branch of man's greatness. •Already, it is reported, the Aurora of Guido Reni has been damaged, and there is It rumour that the Sistine Chapel has been touched. It was an act of noble modesty in the Roman leaders to forbear resistance when it would have led to farther destruction. The living men may pass away and be out- done by their sons; but those works, immortal in their genius, have no progeny.
Previous page
