The Favor of Princes (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. 1899 Excerpt: ...with mould, its binding half wrenched asunder, yet still a book. I glanced at the title. It was the "Esprit des Lois." Now, up to that day, to the pages of Montesquieu I had been a stranger, and I am forced to admit that I have perused them but little since; but coming upon me as he did, I think that no writer ever so impressed me. He came as a friend to dissipate my loneliness, and to this day the name of Montesquieu invariably suggests a friend rather than a dead author whom I never saw. I ran, that day, upon a passage in which he declares that monarchs should rejoice to have subjects to whom honor is dearer than life. I thought upon the face of my sovereign as I had faced him in the little salon at Lansac's; small joy had radiated from his features at the knowledge that to one of his subjects honor was dearer than life. I smiled bitterly at the discrepancy between reality and philosophic ideals. I know not why I should chronicle these petty happenings. I would forget them if I could; alas I cannot. Even now, years afterward, I dream sometimes that I am shaving in the Bastille. On the evening of the fourth day I sat staring at the fire after my supper; the meal had not been a bad one. The soup was good, the capon tender, the vegetables succulent; a bottle of Bordeaux flanked the whole acceptably. The light was growing dim, and I began to wish that the servant would return for the dishes and bring me a taper. I have never relished sitting alone in the twilight, and the charms of a residence in the Bastille did not reconcile me to the growing shadows. My thoughts were becoming unbearable. Presently I heard the key turn in the lock, the servant enter, secure the door after him, as was his wont, and begin to rattle among the dishes. I asked for a l...