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X PREFACE.
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most striking. The prohibition against touching upon modern politics, which it was subsequently found necessary to enforce, had not yet been introduced ; and Emmet, who took of course ardently the side of democracy in the debate, after a brief review "of the republics of antiquity, showing how much they had all done for the advancement of science and the arts, proceeded lastly to the grand and perilous example, then passing before all eyes, the young Republic of France. Referring to the circumstance told of Cresar, that, in swimming across the Rubicon, he contrived to carry with him his Commentaries and his sword, the young orator said, " Thus France wades through a sea of storm and blood; but while, in one hand, she wields the sword against her aggressors, with the other she upholds the glories of science and literature, unsullied by the ensanguined tide through which she struggles." In another of his remarkable speeches, I remember his saying, " When a people advancing rapidly in knowledge and power perceive at last how far their government is lagging behind them, what then, I ask, is to be done in such a case? What, but to pull the government up to the people?"
• In a few months after, both Emmet and myself were admitted members of the greater and recognised institution, called the Historical Society; and, even here, the political feeling so rife abroad contrived to mix up its restless spirit with all our debates >nd proceedings; notwithstanding the constant watchfulness of the college authorities, as well as of a |
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