This is alone what
could move the Poet to set him in Competition with the Gods
themselves, and will transmit him down to latest Posterity with the
highest Veneration and Honour.
To come nearer to our own Times; 'Tis the extraordinary
Constancy of _Charles_ XII. of _Sweden_, which makes up the most
admirable and inimitable Part of his Character: His severe and
impartial Distribution of Justice in his Army, and that fierce and
resolute Speech with which he broke up his Council, _Gentlemen, I
have resolved never to engage in an unjust War, but never to finish
one that is founded upon Justice and Right, but by the Destruction of
my Enemies:_ these and such like Instances of his Steadiness and
Perseverance in the Pursuit of Justice, have deservedly made him
esteem'd the Wonder of his Age.
King _Charles_ II. of _England_, was doubtless a Man of great
Understanding: His acquir'd Qualities far surpass'd those of
_Cromwell_, and his natural Talents at least equal'd them: He came to
rule over a People, formidable to all _Europe_ for their Bravery, and
exceedingly prepossessed in his Favour; he had learn'd to bear
Misfortune by many Years Exile, and numerous Hazards and
Difficulties: With these Advantages how great and glorious might he
have made his Reign, by the Happiness, Content and Security of his
People! 'Tis however undeniable, that the _English_ never were less
happy, or less regarded by their Neighbours, than during his Reign.
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