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The History of the Count de St. Julian
By
Edited and with an Introduction by BURTON R. POLLIN [Blank Page]Italian Letters
Volume I
Letter I
The Count de St. Julian to the Marquis of Pescara
Palermo
My dear lord,
It is not in conformity to those modes which fashion prescribes, that Iam desirous to express to you my most sincere condolence upon the deathof your worthy father. I know too well the temper of my Rinaldo toimagine, that his accession to a splendid fortune and a venerable titlecan fill his heart with levity, or make him forget the obligations heowed to so generous and indulgent a parent. It is not the form of sorrowthat clouds his countenance. I see the honest tear of unaffected griefstarting from his eye. It is not the voice of flattery, that can renderhim callous to the most virtuous and respectable feelings that caninform the human breast.
I remember, my lord, with the most unmingled pleasure, how fondlyyou used to dwell upon those instances of paternal kindness that youexperienced almost before you knew yourself. I have heard you describewith how benevolent an anxiety the instructions of a father were alwayscommunicated, and with what rapture he dwelt upon the early discoveriesof that elevated and generous character, by which my friend is soeminently distinguished. Never did the noble marquis refuse a singlerequest of this son, or frustrate one of the wishes of his heart. Hislast prayers were offered for your prosperity, and the only thing thatmade him regret the stroke of death, was the anguish he felt at partingwith a beloved child, upon whom all his hopes were built, and in whomall his wishes centred.
Forgive me, my friend, that I employ the liberty of that intimacy withwhich you have honoured me, in reminding you of circumstances, which Iam not less sure that you revolve with a melancholy pleasure, than I amdesirous that they should live for ever in your remembrance. Thatsweet susceptibility of soul which is cultivated by these affectionaterecollections, is the very soil in which virtue delights to spring.Forgive me, if I sometimes assume the character of a Mentor. I would notbe so grave, if the love I bear you could dispense with less.
The breast of my Rinaldo swells with a thousand virtuous sentiments. Iam conscious of this, and I will not disgrace the confidence I ought toplace in you. But your friend cannot but be also sensible, that you arefull of the ardour of youth, that you are generous and unsuspecting, andthat the happy gaiety of your disposition sometimes engages you withassociates, that would abuse your confidence and betray your honour.
Remember, my dear lord, that you have the reputation of a long list ofancestors to sustain. Your house has been the support of the throne,and the boast of Italy. You are not placed in an obscure station,where little would be expected from you, and little would be thedisappointment, though you should act in an imprudent or a viciousmanner. The antiquity of your house fixes the eyes of your countrymenupon you. Your accession at so early a period to its honours and itsemoluments, renders your situation particularly critical.
But if your situation be critical, you have also many advantages, tobalance the temptations you may be called