Page:The works of Monsieur de St. Evremond (1728) Vol. 1.pdf/419

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A LETTER

TO

The Marquis DE CREQUI[1].

After having lived in the constraint of Courts, I take up with the comfort of ending my days in the freedom of a Commonwealth, where if nothing is to be hoped for, there's at least nothing to be fear'd. It would be scandalous for a young man not to enter the world, with a design to make his fortune. But when we are upon the decline, Nature calls us back to our selves; and the sentiments of Ambition yielding to the love of our Repose, we find it a blessing to live in a Country, where the Laws guard us against the wills of men; and where, to be secure of all, we need only be secure of our selves.

To this blessing we may add, That the Magistrates have a great sway in their Offices for the interest of the Publick; but are little distinguish'd in their Persons, by private advantages; so that there are no odious Distinctions offensive to men of breeding; no needless Dignities; no cumbersom Greatness, which cramps Liberty, without enlarging one's Fortune. Here men in authority procure our Repose, without expecting any acknowledgment, or even any respect for the services they

  1. M. de St. Evremond wrote this Letter in the Year 1665, after he was gone back from England to Holland.