I was reproached with having
put my name to Emilius, as if I had not put it to all my other works
of which nothing was said. Government seemed to fear it should be
obliged to take some steps which circumstances rendered necessary on
account of my imprudence. Rumors to this effect reached my ears, but
gave me not much uneasiness: it never even came into my head, that
there could be the least thing in the whole affair which related to me
personally, so perfectly irreproachable and well supported did I think
myself; having besides conformed to every ministerial regulation, I
did not apprehend Madam de Luxembourg would leave me in difficulties
for an error, which, if it existed, proceeded entirely from herself.
But knowing the manner of proceeding in like cases, and that it was
customary to punish booksellers while authors were favored, I had some
uneasiness on the account of poor Duchesne, whom I saw exposed to
danger, should M. de Malesherbes abandon him.
My tranquillity still continued. Rumors increased and soon changed
their nature. The public and especially the parliament, seemed
irritated by my composure. In a few days the fermentation became
terrible, and the object of the menaces being changed, these were
immediately addressed to me. The parliamentarians were heard to
declare that burning books was of. no effect, the authors also
should be burned with them; not a word was said of the booksellers.
The first time these expressions, more worthy of an inquisitor of
Goa than a senator, were related to me, I had no doubt of their coming
from the Holbachiques with an intention to alarm me and drive me
from France.
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