Page:Historical Essays and Studies.djvu/185

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RISE AND FALL OF MEXICAN EMPIRE
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we may pronounce the verdict of history upon his sad career—his worst crime was in accepting the treacherous gift of Empire, but his misfortune was greater than his fault. I think he was well-nigh the noblest of his race, and fulfilled the promise of his words: "The fame of my ancestors will not degenerate in me."