Page:Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds Vol 1.djvu/56

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EXTRAORDINARY POPULAR DELUSIONS.

committed many faults. I committed them because I am a man, and all men are liable to error; but I declare to you most solemnly that none of them proceeded from wicked or dishonest motives, and that nothing of the kind will be found in the whole course of my conduct."


LAW IN A CAR DRAWN BY COCKS.[1]

Two or three days after his departure the regent sent him a very kind letter, permitting him to leave the kingdom whenever he pleased, and stating that he had ordered his passports to be made ready. He at the same time offered him any sum of money he might require. Law respectfully declined the money, and set out for Brussels in a post-chaise belonging to Madame de Prie, the mistress of the Duke of Bourbon, escorted by six horse-guards. From thence he proceeded to Venice, where he remained for some months, the object of the greatest curiosity to the people, who believed him to be the possessor

  1. Law in car drawn by cocks; from Het groote Tafereel der Dwaasheid.