AIX-LA- CHAPE LLE. 



147 



its completion. But time, and theft, and treason 

 united, have cruelly done almost irreparable injuries 

 to this mighty pile of human skill and pious 

 generosity. The first time I beheld it, about 

 thirty years ago, it appeared in woeful dilapidation 

 and distress. But now it rises nobly from its 

 sorrows. 



The chief enemy after time, who brought so 

 much grief and unsightliness upon it, was a neigh- 

 bouring power. The general approached it, with 

 the enticing words — Liberty, Equality, and 

 Fraternity emblazoned on his banners. This trick 

 succeeded to admiration, and he found no difficulty 

 in getting possession of the town. 



Let our modern Piedmontese people take 

 warning, lest royal rapacity at home, in imitation 

 of our own Saint Harry the Eighth, and diplomacy 

 from abroad, turn all upside down, and make them 

 believe, that the moon is made of cream cheese. 



The funds of this fine old temple, were plundered 

 under the plea, that the audacious invaders were 

 in want of money. Its finest and most costly 

 ornaments were pronounced to be too good for it. 

 They were taken down and sent off, to decorate 

 a foreign capital ; whilst, pro pudor ! the invaders 

 and invaded, were observed to embrace each other 

 with fraternal hug. 



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