may actually introduce improvements, as history proves to have been
the case at all times. The subjunctive is used with _quamquam_,
because the author speaks only of a possibility, and also because an
indefinite person is addressed by the second person singular. Compare
Zumpt, S 831, 3.
[20] _Portendere_ is here the same as 'to bring with one's self,' or 'to
be followed by.' It is a very sound remark, that by violent changes
in a constitution, improvements may indeed be effected, but that at
the same time these are accompanied or followed by many acts of
injustice and crime.
[21] _Frustra niti_, 'to strive in vain (namely, to effect improvements),
if, after all, nothing but hatred is incurred by it, is extreme
folly.'
[22] _Nisi forte_, 'unless perhaps'--which surely cannot be the case
with any sensible man. Respecting this use of _nisi forte_,
expressing an improbable supposition, see Zumpt, S 526.
[23] _Libido--gratificari_, 'the inclination to gratify;' for _libido
tenet_ is only a paraphrase for _libet_. This statement is striking,
and but too true, for there are men who think it an honour to
sacrifice their own conviction and independence for the purpose of
pleasing persons in power.

4. Ceterum ex aliis negotiis, quae ingenio exercentur, in primis magno
usui est memoria rerum gestarum:[24] cujus de virtute quia multi dixere,
praetereundum puto, simul ne per insolentiam[25] quis existimet memet
studium meum laudando extollere. Atque ego credo fore, qui, quia decrevi
procul a re publica aetatem agere, tanto tamque utili labori meo nomen
inertiae imponant: certe, quibus[26] maxima industria videtur salutare
plebem et conviviis gratiam quaerere. Qui si reputaverint, et quibus ego
temporibus magistratum adeptus sim, et quales viri idem assequi