292 
you will find it rather an apology than an eulogium, 
and cannot be understood to palliate any of his 
faults or mistakes. What I have said of the un- 
happy Queen of France in vol. i1. p. 217 and 218, 
is the most favourable apology that can be made 
consistent with truth and the sacred interests of 
virtue. The other expression* I regret, and will 
correct it.” 
Those who have not seen these passages may 
have a curiosity to peruse what at the present day 
would scarcely be considered hostile to religion 
and virtue, likely to produce alarm, or to be con- 
strued into disaffection. 
Extract from the Tour, vol. iti. p. 217. 
“Of her political faults during her prosperity, I 
presume not to form an idea; for who could dive 
into the intricacies of one of the most intriguing of 
all courts? Her subsequent conduct, her plots as 
they are called, her ¢reason against her oppressors, 
none that can put themselves into her situation will 
wonder at or blame. Her private faults I will not 
palliate. They were but too well known, when she 
was in a situation that might be supposed out of 
the reach of all justice, except the divine ; but they 
will not fail now to be blackened, no doubt, where 
that can be done. Let it however be remembered, 
that the state prisons revealed no secrets to the 
dishonour of this unfortunate Queen, no victims of 
her jealousy or resentment, though they were often 
filled with those of the worthless mistresses of for- 
* The epithet of Messalina applied to the Queen of France. 
