“. . . . . You know what a rose-coloured politician I
was during the worst years of the war. My nature inclines me to hope and to
exertion; and in spite of the evil aspects on every side, and the indications
which are blackening wherever we look, I think that if we do not avert the
impending dangers we shall get through them victoriously, let them come thick
and threatening as they may. But it will not be without a heavy cost. The
murder of the Duc de Berri surprised me more
than a like tragedy would have done at home, where such crimes have
perseveringly been recommended in those infamous journals, most of which have
been suppressed by the late wholesome acts. The effect of such things (as it is
the end also of all revolutions), must be to strengthen the executive power. As
no man can abuse his fortune without injuring it, so no people can abuse their
liberty
| Ætat. 46. | OF ROBERT SOUTHEY. | 23 |
“Is it within the bounds of a reasonable hope that an improved state of public opinion, and an extended influence of religion, may prevent the degradation which, in the common course of things, would ensue, after one or two halcyon generations? How justly did the Romans congratulate themselves upon the security which they enjoyed under Augustus; but how sure was the tyranny, and corruption, and ruin which ensued? Our chance of escaping from the same process of decay depends upon the question, whether religion or infidelity are gaining ground: and if I am asked this question, I must comfort myself by the wise and good old saying; ‘Well masters, God’s above.’
“You have heard, no doubt, of the discovery of Cicero de Republica? This was brought to my mind at this moment by a thought whether we might not be verging towards a state of things, in which a general wreck of literature and destruction of libraries would make part of the plans of reform. The proposal of a new alphabet has been made by a German reformer, and approved by an English one, because one of its effects would be to render all existing books useless! It was said of old that there was nothing so foolish but some philosopher had said it. Alas there is nothing so mischievous or so atrocious, but that men are found in these days mad enough and malignant enough to recommend and to defend it.
