THE VIGIL OF HOPE.
A new prospect now opens before us. The rough paths through which we
have hitherto threaded our way grow smoother as we approach their close.
Rome, so long dark and gloomy to our view, brightens at length like a
landscape when the rain is past and the first rays of returning sunlight
stream through the parting clouds. Some days have elapsed, and in those
days the temples have yielded all their wealth; the conquered Romans
have bribed the triumphant barbarians to mercy; the ransom of the fallen
city has been paid.
The Gothic army is still encamped round the walls, but the gates are
opened, markets for food are established in the suburbs, boats appear on
the river and waggons on the highroads, laden with provisions, and
proceeding towards Rome. All the hidden treasure kept back by the
citizens is now bartered for food; the merchants who hold the market
reap a rich harvest of spoil, but the hungry are filled, the weak are
revived, every one is content.
It is the end of the second day since the free sale of provisions and
the liberty of egress from the city have been permitted by the Goths.
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