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Believe me, war is not a trade for you. It needs men expressly

trained to the business."

At other times Renzo thought of returning home in disguise, under

a false name, but Bortolo dissuaded him from this project also.

The plague afterwards spreading over all the Milanese, and

advancing to the Bergamascan territory--don't be alarmed, reader,

our design is not to relate its history; all that we would say

is, that Renzo was attacked with it, and recovered. He was at

death's door; but his strong constitution repelling the disease,

in a few days he was out of danger. With life, the hopes and

recollections and projects of life returned with greater vigour

than ever; more than ever were his thoughts occupied with his

Lucy: what had become of her in these disastrous times? "To be at

so short distance from her, and to know nothing concerning her,

and to remain, God knows how long, in this uncertainty! and then

her vow! I will go myself, I will go and relieve these terrible

doubts," said he.