Page:A Vindication of Natural Society - Burke (1756).djvu/32

 by Tumults, Rebellions, Massacres, Assassinations, Proscriptions, and a Series of Horror beyond the Histories perhaps of any other Nation in the World; though the Histories of all Nations are made up of similar Matter. I once more excuse myself in point of Exactness for want of Books. But I shall estimate the Slaughters in this Island but at two Millions; which your Lordship will find much short of the Reality.

Let us pass by the Wars, and the Consequences of them, which wasted Grecia-Magna, before the Roman Power prevailed in that Part of Italy. They are perhaps exaggerated; therefore I shall only rate them at one Million. Let us hasten to open that great Scene which establishes the Roman Empire, and forms the grand Catastrophe of the antient Drama. This Empire, whilst in it's Infancy, began by an Effusion of human Blood scarcely credible. The neighbouring little States