Roman Tablets; Containing Facts, Anecdotes, and Observations, on the Manners, Customs, Ceremonies, and Government of Rome. to Which Is Added, the Author's Defence Before the Cour Royale at Paris. Transl (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1826. Excerpt: ... THE DEFENCE or M. DE SANTO-DOMINGO, AUTHOE OF THE ROMAN TABLETS, BEFORE THE COUR ROYALE, UPON SOLEMN HEARING. Ah quittans ce Paris, dont t'aspect m'importune; Ou Vhonncur a toujours guerre avec la fortune; Ou le vice orgueilleux s'erige en souverain, Et va, la mitre en tete, et la crosse a la main BoiLZAtr. THE DEFENCE OF M. DE SANTO-DOMINGO. Whence proceeds this secret emotion which I suffer in your presence? Ought not the being without reproach to suffice for appearing here without fear? Shall I attribute my agitation to the situation, as unusual as it is unexpected, in which I find myself? Accustomed to the cultivation of letters in silence and obscurity, I cannot, with indifference, see myself thus exposed to public view, and occupying your grave and important functions with my personal concerns. But why have I dared, notwithstanding the insufficiency of my talents, to undertake my own defence, surrounded, as I am, by a crowd of eloquent orators who adorn the bar of Paris? I have done so, that I may give you the most circumstantial details respecting my principles and conduct; that I may disclose to you my most intimate thoughts, which no interpreter could do. I would rather the goodness of my cause should be injured by a want of art and address, than my character by a want of sincerity. The author of the Roman Tablets was prosecuted (as is generally supposed) at the solicitation of the pope's nuncio at Paris. The work was suppressed, and the author of it fined and imprisoned: he pleaded his cause himself, and his able defence was received by the public with the most flattering marks of approbation. Besides, gentlemen, I trust that you will assist my inexperience. Deign to be at the same time my counsel and my judges. The r...