[The Ruins by C. F. Volney]@TWC D-Link bookThe Ruins CHAPTER XVII 2/2
Consider whether you can consent to so many sacrifices. Then, reflecting on the cupidity inherent in the heart of man, I thought that this people would renounce all ideas of amelioration. But, in a moment, a great number of men, advancing toward the pyramid, made a solemn abjuration of all their distinctions and all their riches. Establish for us, said they, the laws of equality and liberty; we will possess nothing in future but on the title of justice. Equality, liberty, justice,--these shall be our code, and shall be written on our standards. And the people immediately raised a great standard, inscribed with these three words, in three different colors.
They displayed it over the pyramid of the legislators, and for the first time the flag of universal justice floated on the face of the earth. And the people raised before the pyramid a new altar, on which they placed a golden balance, a sword, and a book with this inscription: TO EQUAL LAW, WHICH JUDGES AND PROTECTS. And having surrounded the pyramid and the altar with a vast amphitheatre, all the people took their seats to hear the publication of the law.
And millions of men, raising at once their hands to heaven, took the solemn oath to live equal, free, and just; to respect their reciprocal properties and rights; to obey the law and its regularly chosen representatives. A spectacle so impressive and sublime, so replete with generous emotions, moved me to tears; and addressing myself to the Genius, I exclaimed: Let me now live, for in future I have everything to hope..
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