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Nothing indeed can be more unreaſonable and abſurd, than to require that a Monarch, diſtracted with Cares and ſurrounded with Enemies, ſhould involve himſelf in ſuperfluous Anxieties by an unneceſſary Concern about future Generations. Are not Pretenders, Mock-patriots, Maſquerades, Operas, Birth-nights, Treaties, Conventions, Reviews, Drawing-rooms, the Births of Heirs, and the Deaths of Queens, ſufficient to overwhelm any Capacity but that of a King? Surely he that acquits himſelf ſucceſsfully of ſuch Affairs, may content himſelf with the Glory he acquires, and leave Poſterity to his Succeſſors.
That this has been the Conduct of moſt Princes, is evident from the Accounts of all Ages and Nations, and therefore I hope it will not be thought that I have, without juſt Reaſons, deprived this Inſcription of the Veneration it might demand as the Work of a King.
