Social Morality.

possibly may not always be attainable ; hence probity may be differently understood by different individuals ; but , notwithstanding this , there exists a standard which appears to be tacitly accepted , and the approach or deviation therefrom is probably determined by instinctive perception ; but its test consists in the

existence , or otherwise , of a feeling of confidence mutually between individuals . It is moreover a somewhat peculiar fact that the idea of trust will not be influenced by personal feelings of liking or disliking , although , of course , if any one

is forced to censure one for whom he happens to possess some regard , he will naturally express himself in the mildest terms in speaking of the shortcomings of his friend , and may , perchance , although unintentionally , exaggerate those of his opponents ; yet an

upright character will command the respect of all , which is far more estimable than the mere connection of friendship , which in itself is usually of but a very evanescent character .

To enter upon the discussion of the various forms in which truth and morality are developed would occupy far more space than we have at present to devote to it , pervading as its influence does the whole range of intercommunication , political , commercial , and social , and comprising , not only true speaking

hut every form of virtue , honesty , and integrity . That the ancients thoroughly appreciated the benefits of rectitude in all transactions cannot be doubted

hy those who have the slightest acquaintance with the classics , for if they did not practise it , they at least professed it , and no more can be said for the moderns . But in the Craft we believe the feeling is universally in favour of a straight course , and that every brother will say with Achilles , " He who thinking one thing will another tell , My soul detests him as the gates of hell . "

Archæologic Items From Rome.

ARCH ? OLOGIC ITEMS FROM ROME .

The summer sultriness gives the signal of suspense to labourers of excavation , and almost of such as are carried on underground in or near Rome . We may , therefore , in the present interval , find space for some general observations as to what has been accomplished during the past

season by activities in this sphere . On the Palatine Hill , where works ordered by the Papal Government and by the Emperor of France have been progressing simultaneously , there is little to notice in addition to particulars noAV well knoAvn , save that the area of substructions ancl

foundation-Avails is gradually extending , more and more serving to throw light on the general plan , though not yet presenting to vieAV any imposing elevation of the imperial buildings . The most important result of the works ordered by the Emperor since the beginning of the last Avinter has been the discovery

of the very vaguely-marked but massive ruins of the Temple of Jupiter Victor , nearly central to the theatre over which these labours extend ; but no art-remains of much value have been brought to the light since the torso of a Fann ( distinguished by characteristics of the highestorder ) was exhumed

in the winter . The most interesting range of the Palatine antiquities , those ruins beneath the Church of St . Anastasia at the hill ' s north-western angle , consists of numerous vaulted chambers . and corridors , besides stupendous fortification-walls of considerable extent , that may class with the most

ancient of Rome ' s , monuments , and be referred to the earlier kingly period . These discoveries , Ave are sorry to report , have been fcr almost a year left in statu quo , without the prosecution of any labours on the site partially worked by Government order ; greatindeedbeing the contrast between the

, , energy manifest in the now metamorphosed Farnese Gardens , where French enterprise is concerned , and the languid efforts of the Roman authorities on the western and northern slopes of the same hill . The Signor Reghetti , Avho has purchased the Palazzo Pio , beloAV Avhich his

discovery of the bronze Hercules proved such a treasure-trove , has undertaken the complete rebuilding of that residence ; and other remains of

Pompey ' s theatre and temple to Venus , over a portion of which it stands , are being gradually uncovered in those works . We have just visited the spot , aud been obligingly conducted by a gentleman of that family over the subterraneans long indeed known and accessible beneath this mansion , though

now open to a somewhat greater extent . It is not what recent research has yet obtained , but rather Avhat the hitherto-discovered conveys promise of , that in fact renders a visit to the dark recesses under the Pio palace more interesting now than in years past ; and in the massive styleas Avell as

, compact condition of the great structures , arcades of the theatre partly in square-hewn peperino , partly in reticulated masonry and rubble-work , Ave may see the earnest of the existence of much more , long buried in darkness and oblivion , Avhich

probably escaped the despoilers of theMiddle Ages , owing to the accumulating of soil and alteration of the city-level around , though we may infer that much of the antique was remorselessly swept away to give place to the Pio palace itself . In a magazine on these premises Ave saAV the various and rich

fragments , architectonic ornaments , Corinthian capitals and cornices in Avhite marble , pavement in porta santa , besides one very valuable piece of sculpture , a finely-draped female statue Avanting the head and arms , and measuring two metres in this mutilated state—all objects found in or near

the same compartment Avith the magnificent bronze of Hercules , and supposed to pertain to the decorations of the Venus Temple . The Palazzo Pio on one side joins on to a crescent of paltry houses , in Avhose general plan is recognisable the form of the ancient theatre . And