de Luxembourg and the favor of the ministry, I was satisfied with
myself for the resolution I had taken to retire in the midst of my
triumphs, and at my return to crush those by whom was envied.
One thing in the publication of the work alarmed me, less on account
of my safety than for the unburdening of my mind. At the Hermitage and
at Montmorency I had seen with indignation the vexations which the
jealous care of the pleasures of princes causes to be exercised upon
wretched peasants, forced to suffer the havoc made by game in their
fields, without daring to take any other measure to prevent this
devastation than that of making a noise, passing the night amongst the
beans and peas, with drums, kettles and bells, to keep off the wild
boars. As I had been a witness to the barbarous cruelty with which the
Comte de Charolois treated these poor people, I had towards the end of
Emile exclaimed against it. This was another infraction of my
maxims, which has not remained unpunished. I was informed that the
people of the Prince of Conti were but little less severe upon his
estates; I trembled lest that prince, for whom I was penetrated with
respect and gratitude, should take to his own account what shocked
humanity had made me say on that of others, and feel himself offended.
Yet, as my conscience fully acquitted me upon this article, I made
myself easy, and by so doing acted wisely: at least I have not heard
that this great prince took notice of the passage, which, besides, was
written long before I had the honor of being known to him.
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