Page:Armatafragment00ersk.djvu/106

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suffering people of Capetia, which I shall die in the opinion of having been at the period before related the interest and the duty of the whole civilized world.

"I take no delight in these observations.—Posthumous reputation is often held too lightly.—We consider that the dead can gain nothing by our applauses, nor surfer from our censures: but supposing a man whilst living to have stood alone like a rock in the ocean, without children or kindred to represent him, I should still remember that this life was but a portion of an immortal existence, and fame being the highest inheritance, I should feel like a felon if I robbed him of what I believed to be his own.—I knew, then, this great minister in his youth, and foresaw his future destination.—His understanding was vigorous and comprehensive—his reasoning clear and energetic—his eloquence powerful and commanding—and as he was supported throughout his eventful career by immense numbers of disinterested and independent

men,