[The Prose Works of William Wordsworth by William Wordsworth]@TWC D-Link bookThe Prose Works of William Wordsworth PREFACE 215/1026
For, though (as I have said) the motion was inaccurately and inadequately worded, it was not set aside upon this ground.
And the Parliament has therefore persisted in withholding, from the insulted and injured People and from their Allies, the only reparation which perhaps it may be in its power to grant; has refused to signify its repentance and sorrow for what hath been done; without which, as a previous step, there can be no proof--no gratifying intimation, even to this Country or to its Allies, that the future efforts of the British Parliament are in a sincere spirit.
The guilt of the transaction therefore being neither repented of, nor atoned for; the course of evil is, by necessity, persevered in .-- But let us turn to a brighter region. The events of the last year, gloriously destroying many frail fears, have placed--in the rank of serene and immortal truths--a proposition which, as an object of belief, hath in all ages been fondly cherished; namely--That a numerous Nation, determined to be free, may effect its purpose in despite of the mightiest power which a foreign Invader can bring against it.
These events also have pointed out how, in the ways of Nature and under the guidance of Society, this happy end is to be attained: in other words, they have shewn that the cause of the People, in dangers and difficulties issuing from this quarter of oppression, is safe while it remains not only in the bosom but in the hands of the People; or (what amounts to the same thing) in those of a government which, being truly _from_ the People, is faithfully _for_ them.
While the power remained with the provincial Juntas, that is, with the body natural of the community (for those authorities, newly generated in such adversity, were truly living members of that body); every thing prospered in Spain.
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