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INTRODUCTION.

reader will fandi an attempt at a new and more rational theory in the appendix (G).

My labour now draws to a conclusion; I assumed, in the cominencement, that Buonaparte invariably trod in the footstept of Machiavelli, and, I think, I: may venture to assume, that I have completelyt established the fact. Another object was to wipe off those foul stains which have so long been unjustly attached to the character of my author; my limits: did not permit me to enter largely into the subject, but I am persuaded the unprejudiced will at least venture to doubt the propriety of the common opinion, which I pledge myself completely to refute in my life of Machiavelli, now preparing for the press, which will form a sequel to the Lorenzo de Medicis, and Leo the 10th of Mr. Roscoe, and thus complete the history of that period.

Our author concludes with an address to the patron he selected to deliver Italy from foreign powers, a signal proof of the amor patrie which this unjustly calumni-