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SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.


THE ROBBER SPATOLINO.


The history of Spatolino exhibits rather the character of a man bred
where men are in a state of nature, than of one born in the midst of an
old European state. This extraordinary character, furiously irritated
against the French, who had invaded Italy, desperately bent himself upon
revenge, and directed his attacks unceasingly upon their battalions. He
might perhaps have become a great general, had he entered the military
profession: had he received a competent education, he might have been a
virtuous and eminent citizen. His first crime was an act of vengeance,
and all his following delinquencies flowed from the same source. An
enthusiastic feeling placed the blade in his hand against the invaders
of the Roman States, and a superior sagacity aided his terrible
energies. He died stigmatised with the titles of brigand and assassin;
but the French, on whom he had exercised the most striking acts of
revenge, were his judges, his accusers, and executioners. In all his
acts the man of courage could be distinguished, finding resources, in
whatever dangers, in his own genius. He never was a traitor himself,
although often betrayed by his most intimate friends. His vindictive
exploits were prompt and terrible. The French greatly dreaded him. His
life presents traits truly romantic; sometimes they may appear