Private correspondence of David Hume Author:David Hume Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: (translation.) Yverdun, July 4, 1762. Penetrated with the interest which you take in my destiny, I have long wished to write to you, Madam, and I wish it n... more »ow more than ever; but my situation, daily more deplorable, scarcely leaves me a single moment, which I can spare from cares of the most indispensable nature. Perhaps, in the course of two days, I shall be compelled to depart from this place; and whilst I remain here, I assure you that my enemies da not leave me without occupation; I must wait till I can breathe freely, before I can give you an account of myself. Mademoiselle Le Vasseur has already informed me of your kindness towards her, as well as of that of the Prince of Conti. I treasure up in my heart every sentiment which such goodness has inspired:—Would to Heaven that less tempestuous days would permit me to enjoy the same more at my ease! You astonish me, Madam, when you reproach me with my indignation against the Parliament of Paris. I regard this assembly as a troop of hair-brained children, who in their sports do, without intending it, much mischief to their fellow-creatures.However, when I only accuse them of injustice towards myself, I use the mildest term which it was possible for me to do. Since you have read the book, you must be aware, Madam, that the statement of the Attorney-General is one unvaried tissue of calumnies, the stupidity of which alone could save their author from chastisement, were he a mere private individual. What then ought to be the punishment of a man, who dares pervert the sacred character of a magistrate, in order himself to carry on the practice which it is his duty to punish ? It is nevertheless on this libel that all Europe hastens to judge me, before my book shall have reached it. It is upon this libel that, without citing...« less