Page:Montesquieu - The spirit of laws.djvu/39



''F amidst the infinite number of subjects contained in this book, there is any thing, which contrary to my expectation, my possibly offend, I can at least assure the public, that it was not inserted with an ill intention: For I am not naturally of a captious temper. Plato thanked the Gods, that he was born in same age with Socrates: and for my part, I give thanks to the Supreme, that I was born a subject of that government under which I live; and that it is his pleasure I should obey those, whom he has made me love.''

''I beg one favour of my readers, which I fear will not be granted me; this is, that they will not judge by a few hears reading, of the labour of twenty years; that they will approve or condemn the book entire, and not a few particular phrases. If they would search'' Rh