[26] We pay them ten thousand francs for doing nothing. I am astonished Bonaparte does not get rid of these fellows.
[27] I believe that your ambassador has an income of his own, larger than that of all these fellows together. Without their salary of legislators, they would die of hunger.
[28] The sovereign people.
[29] The abbé Sicard, in the course of this lecture, took occasion to remark, that of all languages, the english was the most simple, the most reasonable, and the most natural, in its instruction. As a proof of the truth of his assertion, he informed us, that his pupils, as they began to learn the means of conveying their thoughts by writing, were constantly guilty of anglicisms. He added, that it was difficult to make them lay aside idioms purely english, and still more so, to teach them those which are peculiar to the french language.
[30] I hear only silence and see only night.
[31] Your droll Shakspeare.
[32] By way of an unanswerable argument, said, “It is Mr. Pitt who understands reasoning; but as to Mr. Fox, he can declaim prettily: all his talent consists in this. You will allow me to know, for it was I,” assuming a look of great dignity, “who translated his speeches.”
[33] General Dessaix, by whose valour the battle of Marengo, in which he fell, was principally gained.
[34] To take advantage of the discoveries of the present age, but not to run before them.
[35] To love the world at large, it may be truly said, that we ought first to love our own country; but he who begins with loving the world at large, will probably end in not loving any country whatever. Philosophy has done its duty; it is for you, citizen legislators, to discharge yours. Philosophy begins the happiness of men; but it is legislation which completes it, &c.