2. That it is necessary People's Minds should be prepared for the
Reception of the best Laws. The Spirit of the Laws | ||
Nothing could appear more insupportable to the Germans than the tribunal of Varus. [1] That which Justinian [2] erected amongst the Lazi, to proceed against the murderers of their king, appeared to them as an affair most horrid and barbarous. Mithridates, [3] haranguing against the Romans, reproached them more particularly for their law proceedings. [4] The Parthians could not bear with one of their kings who, having been educated at Rome, rendered himself affable and easy of access to all. [5] Liberty itself has appeared intolerable to those nations who have not been accustomed to enjoy it. Thus pure air is sometimes disagreeable to such as have lived in a fenny country.
Baibi, a Venetian, being at Pegu, was introduced to the king. [6] When the monarch was informed that they had no king at Venice, he burst into such a fit of laughter that he was seized with a cough, and with difficulty could speak to his courtiers. What legislator could propose a popular government to a people like this?
2. That it is necessary People's Minds should be prepared for the
Reception of the best Laws. The Spirit of the Laws | ||