The favorite knows that the regard of a tyrant is as unconstant and capricious as that of a woman; and concluding his time to be short, he makes haste to fill up the measure of his iniquity, in rapine, in luxury, and in revenge.

Every avenue to the throne is shut up.

He oppresses and ruins the people, whilst he persuades the prince that those murmurs raised by his own oppression are the effects of disaffection to the prince's government.
Then is the natural violence of despotism inflamed and aggravated by hatred and revenge.

To deserve well of the state is a crime against the prince.

To be popular, and to be a traitor, are considered as synonymous terms.