On our own experience I am not permitted to dwell, convinced that the feelings of this assembly render every illustration unnecessary.[1]
Of the universal energy of literature many other proofs might be adduced. Authors might be mentioned, who are perused with fresh delight by every nation. From most of the branches of elegant learning examples and illustrations might be adduced, were I not confined to the most
- ↑ It has been observed, in a miscellany entitled Melanges de Litterature Suédoise, published
at Paris in 1788, that the first Swedish poets have ever been found among the first order
of the State; and we may also remark, that since the accession of the house of Vasa,
eloquence has been inseparable from the name of Gustavus.
It was eloquence, which, raising Gustavus-Ericson from the rank of a private gentleman, placed him on the throne; it was the eloquence of Vasa which rescued Sweden from foreign tyranny, and which, since that propitious period, has not ceased to be the tutelary genius of that kingdom. Of this Gustavus III. has afforded more than one striking proof, especially when at the Revolution, which he effected in 1772, he declared with energy, that he aspired only to be the first citizen of a free nation:—Gustavus, for whom the secret and insidious attempts of an ambitious neighbouring Court, by endeavouring to revive the hydra which he defeated in 1772, have served only to prepare materials for new triumphs.
His illustrious brother, Charles, Duke of Sudermannia, crowned with the youthful glory of a victory obtained over the valour of the veteran Greigh, returned from the boisterous fields of martial renown, to restore tranquillity to a no less stormy ocean at home. After having given his fellow-citizens proofs of valour, he gave them also an example of loyalty. By a speech distinguished for its nervous simplicity, he infused into the bosom of his audience the patriotic flame that burns in his own. He exemplified Quintilian's observation, that the heart is the only source of true eloquence.†
- † Pectus est quod disertos facit.
- Remark of the Translator.
- † Pectus est quod disertos facit.
