This is the source of our calamities.
Carried away by the admiration of strange things, despising, I know not why, the good things which we find in our own climate, we sacrifice sound Italian faith to barbarian perfidy.

Madmen that we are, we seek among venal souls that which we could find among our own brethren.
"Nature has given us for barriers the Alps and the two seas.

Avarice, envy, and pride, have opened these natural defences to the Cimbri, the Huns, the Goths, the Gauls, and the Spaniards.

How often have we recited the words of Virgil:-- "'Impius haec tam culta novalia miles habebit, Barbarus has segetes.' "Athens and Lacedemon had between them a species of rivalship similar to yours: but their forces were not by any means so nearly balanced.
Lacedemon had an advantage over Athens, which put it in the power of the former to destroy her rival, if she had wished it; but she replied, 'God forbid that I should pull out one of the eyes of Greece!' If this beautiful sentiment came from a people whom Plato reproaches with their avidity for conquest and dominion, what still softer reply ought we not to expect from the most modest of nations! "Amidst the movements which agitate you, it is impossible for me to be tranquil.

When I see one party cutting down trees to construct vessels, and others sharpening their swords and darts, I should think myself guilty if I did not seize my pen, which is my only weapon, to counsel peace.