This letter, which you will receive only in case that I should fall
in this battle, I am writing in an advanced trench, where I have been
since last night, with my soldiers, in expectation of the order to
cross the river and move to the attack.
I am calm, perfectly serene, and firmly resolved to do my duty in full
and to the last, like a brave and good soldier, confident to the utmost
of our final unfailing victory; although I am not equally sure that I
will live to see it. But this uncertainty does not trouble me in the
least, nor has it any terror for me. I am happy in offering my life to
my country; I am proud to spend it for so noble a purpose, and I know
not how to thank Divine Providence for the opportunity--which I deem
an honor--afforded me, on this fulgent autumnal day, in the midst of
this enchanting valley of our Julian Venetia, while I am in the prime
of life, in the fulness of my physical and mental powers, to fight in
this holy war for liberty and justice. All is propitious to me, all
is favorable to die a beautiful and glorious death; the weather, the
place, the season, the opportunity, the age. A better end could not
have crowned my life, and I feel the pleasure to have made a good and
generous use of it. Do not grieve over my death, mother, or else you
will offend my good fortune. Do not weep, mother, for it was written
in Heaven that I should die. Do not mourn, mother, or else you would
regret my happiness. I am not to be mourned but envied.
You know the ineffable hopes that give me comfort because they are the
very same hopes in which you also have placed all that is dear to you.
When you read these words of mine, I will be free, unfettered and in a
safe place, far from the miseries of this world. My struggle will be
finished and I shall be peaceful; my daily death shall have come to an
end, and I shall have reached the place on high, to the life without
end. I shall be face to face with the Judge whom I have greatly feared,
to the Lord whom I have greatly loved.
Think of it, mother dear, when you read these words. I shall view you
from heaven, side by side with our dear ones, with father, with my dear
Laura, with Dino, our Guardian Angel. We shall be in the regions above,
all united to celebrate your arrival, to watch over you and over Gino,
to prepare for you, with our prayers, the place of your everlasting
glory. Should not this thought alone be sufficient to dry your tears
and to fill you with unspeakable joy?