CHAPTER 2.III.The Situation of a Popular Patrician in Times of Popular.
Discontent .-- Scene of the Lateran.
The situation of a Patrician who honestly loves the people is, in those evil times, when power oppresses and freedom struggles,--when the two divisions of men are wrestling against each other,--the most irksome and perplexing that destiny can possibly contrive.

Shall he take part with the nobles ?--he betrays his conscience! With the people ?--he deserts his friends! But that consequence of the last alternative is not the sole--nor, perhaps, to a strong mind, the most severe.

All men are swayed and chained by public opinion--it is the public judge; but public opinion is not the same for all ranks.

The public opinion that excites or deters the plebeian, is the opinion of the plebeians,--of those whom he sees, and meets, and knows; of those with whom he is brought in contact,--those with whom he has mixed from childhood,--those whose praises are daily heard,--whose censure frowns upon him with every hour.

(It is the same in still smaller divisions.