Page:The deplorable history of the Catalans, from their first engaging in the war, to the time of their reduction. (1714).djvu/7



THE

Here cannot be a more proper TreatiseTreaties [sic] in Nature for the Genius of a Nation famed for LIBERTY; ''nor has a more memorable Instance ever happen'd of the glorious stand made in Defence of it; the Conquerors themselves may perhaps be the first that repent the dear Experience of it, and with greater Reason, than even those who were the Authors of their Ruin, who first drew them into a War, and after abandoned them to the Mercy of an enraged Prince, whose Person and Interest they had always opposed, and from whom not the least glimpse of Mercy could be hoped. Such an Example of asserting LIBERTY may be dangerous in Arbitrary Countries, by inspiring the Distressed to seek Redress by Arms, rather than live under the perpetual Slavery of Tirannical Princes.''

The very Resolution of the BARCELONIANS looked at first so Mad and Desperate, that People could not well believe they were in Earnest; and their Enemies flatter'd themselves, that the first Bomb thrown into the Town would frighten them into Submission, but have since been undecieved, and the World has a fresh Instance of the Influence of LIBERTY upon generous Minds.

Examples of this kind are necessary to preserve amongst Men the Love of that precious Jewel, and guard them against the wicked Designs of a numerous set of Men, who are perpetually busiebusy [sic] to enslave Mankind,