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An author whether good or bad, or between both, is an animal whom every body is privileged to attack; for though all are not able to write books—all conceive themselves able to judge them. Lewis.
Let us never speak to deceive, or listen to betray.
On Mr. Canning's being accused of using exasperating language in respect to Bonaparte. In the House of Commons, July 18, 1800, he thus replied:
For my own part,having taken some share on former occasions, in that which is called abuse of Bonaparte, I am not sorry to have an opportunity of saying a very few words on this subject, especially as I understand that much has been said in this place of the unmanliness of the attacks which were made on the character of the first consul, and the anxiety which it is apprehended some persons must feel to retract and disavow all that they then so illiberally uttered. Now, Sir, as I feel no sort of shame, and entertain not the smallest disposition to retract any thing that was then said, I wish to explain the principles upon which I spoke, and upon which I now maintain whatever I did then say. My principle, Sir, is simply this; there is but one thing which I never wish to forbear speaking when called upon, and which, having spoken, I can at no time feel ashamed of, nor consent to retract, disavow, or qualify, and that is the truth. If what was said of Bonaparte was untrue, that is an accusation of which I know the