Siena: [July-August 1859].

Dearest Sarianna,--This to certify that I am alive after all; yes, and
getting stronger, and intending to be strong before long, though the
sense left to me is of a peculiar frailty of being; no very marked
opinion upon my hold of life. But life will last as long as God finds it
useful for myself and others--which is enough, both for them and me.

So well I was with all the advantages of Rome in me looking so well,
that I was tired of hearing people say so. But, though it may sound
absurd to you, it was the blow on the _heart_ about the peace after all
that excitement and exultation, that walking on the clouds for weeks and
months, and then the sudden stroke and fall, and the impotent rage
against all the nations of the earth--selfish, inhuman, wicked--who
forced the hand of Napoleon, and truncated his great intentions. Many
young men of Florence were confined to their beds by the emotion of the
news. As for me, I was struck, couldn't sleep, talked too much, and (the
intense heat rendering one more susceptible, perhaps) at last this bad
attack came on. Robert has been perfect to me. For more than a fortnight
he gave up all his nights' rest to me, and even now he teaches Pen. They
are well, I thank God. We stay till the end of September. Our Italians
have behaved magnificently, steadfast, confident, never forgetting
(except in the case of individuals, of course) their gratitude to France
nor their own sense of dignity. Things must end well with such a people.
Few would have expected it of the Italians. I hear the French ambassador
was present at the opening of the Chambers the other day at Florence,
which was highly significant.

I suppose you are by the sea, and I hope you and the dearest nonno are
receiving as much good from air and water as you desired. May God bless
you both.

Your ever affectionate Sister,
BA.