The Works of the REV. Jonathan Swift Volume 8 - Tapa blanda

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1812 Excerpt: ... THE GUARDIAN, No. XCVI. AN ESSAY ON NATIONAL REWARDS; BEING A PROPOSAL FOR EESTOWING THEM ON A PLAN MORE DURABLE AND RESPECTAELE. Cuncli adsint,meritaque expectenipramiapalnia. Vihg. THERE is no maxim in politics more indisputable, than that a nation should have many honours to reserve for those who do national services. This raises emulation, cherishes public merit, and inspires every one with an ambition which promotes the good of his country. The less expensive these honours are to the public, the more still do they turn to its advantage. The Romans abounded with these little honorary rewards, that, without conferring wealth and riches, gave only place and distinction to the person who received them. An oaken garland, to be worn on festivals and public ceremonies, was the glorious recompense of one who had covered a citizen in battle. A soldier would not only venture his life for a mural crown, but think the most hazardous enterprise sufficiently repaid by so noble a donation. But, among all honorary rewards which are neither dangerous nor detrimental to the donor, I remember none so remarkable as the titles which are bestowed by the Emperor of China. "These are never given to any subject," says Monsienr le Comte, "till the subject is dead. If he has pleased his emperor to the last, he is called in all public memorials by the title which the emperor confers on him after his death, and hi3 children take their ranks accordingly." This keeps the ambitious subject in a perpetual dependence, making him always vigilant and active, and in every thing conformable to the will of his sovereign. There are no honorary sewards among us, which.are more esteemed by the persons who receive them, and are cheaper to the prince, than the giving of medals.. But there is som...