overcome before the prince could be effectually imposed upon; and I
hope it may free his memory from the imputation of having blindly and
inconsiderately thrown himself into a snare, which was spread for his
destruction by the most unexampled and diabolical wickedness. Not all,"
continues Count O------, "who, at the moment I am writing, smile
contemptuously at the prince's credulity, and, in the fancied
superiority of their own yet untempted understanding, unconditionally
condemn him; not all of these, I apprehend, would have stood his first
trial so courageously. If afterwards, notwithstanding this providential
warning, we witness his downfall; if we see that the black design
against which, at the very outset, he was thus cautioned, is finally
successful, we shall be less inclined to ridicule his weakness than to
be astonished at the infamous ingenuity of a plot which could seduce an
understanding so fully prepared. Considerations of worldly interest can
have no influence upon my testimony; he, who alone would be thankful for
it, is now no more. His dreadful destiny is accomplished; his soul has
long since been purified before the throne of truth, where mine will
likewise have appeared before these passages meet the eyes of the world.
Pardon the involuntary tears which now flow at the remembrance of my
dearest friend. But for the sake of justice I must write this. His was
a noble character, and would have adorned a throne which, seduced by the
most atrocious artifice, he attempted to ascend by the commission of a
crime.






BOOK II.