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