or even lose his life in its support. It is needless then to
say, that a more irreconcileable enemy would not be found than myself to
the man (if any such there be) who could attempt to overturn our mingled
and limited forms of government: and substitute a wild democracy in their
place. I think, indeed, that a democratic form of government, however
specious in argument, is by no means so capable of raising a state to
that eminence of civilization and prosperity, which this country has
reached; a condition, for which it is indebted to better times, while the
practice concurred with the theory of our government; but which, unless
the practice is brought back to the theory, I venture to predict, has not
much longer to continue. I, gentlemen, appear here only in the discharge
of my duty; and to redeem that pledge to defend the accused, which every
man, upon assuming this gown, gives to the public of England. I would,
however, have it distinctly understood, that it is only to guard against
prejudice to the defendant, and not from any apprehensions for myself,
that I trouble you with this explanation. For myself, I am extremely
careless, what may be thought of me for having come forward to defend
this unfortunate woman. I do not expect to escape obloquy in the present
overheated disposition of the country, How can I expect it? when even the
present Lord Erskine, whose talents and independence should have rendered
his character sacred, as soon as it was known that he was to be counsel
for Paine was overwhelmed with abuse, and threatened with the loss of his
situation, as attorney general to the Prince, if he did not decline the
defence. But he knew his duty and discharged it. And for which will he
be most honoured by posterity? By which most ennobled? for having in
spite of threats, and all the seductions of self-interest, persevered in
his duty? or for having been exalted to the peerage of England and
adorned with the national order of Scotch knighthood? But, if even my
humble situation, should not exempt me from the attacks of the malicious
and furious, I can tell them that their malignity will be disappointed.
Instead of regret and mortification it will be a source of pride and
happiness to me. Small as my chance may be of credit for the assertion,
I declare, that I propose to myself no reward so high for my exertions,
as the consciousness of having, in spite of all hopes on one side, or
fears on the other, honestly