I PRESUME to lay before your majesty the history of a period which, if the abilities of the writer were equal to the dignity of the subject, would not be unworthy the attention of a monarch who is no less a judge than a patron of literary merit. History claims it as her prerogative to offer instruction to kings, as well as to their people. What reflections the reign of the emperor Charles the fifth may suggest to your majesty, it becomes not me to conjecture. But your subjects cannot observe the various 'calamities which that monarch's ambition to be distinguished as a conqueror brought upon his dominions, without recollecting the felicity of their own times, and looking up with gratitude to their sovereign, who, during the fervour of youth, and amidst the career of victory, possessed such self-command, and maturity of judgment, as to set bounds to his own triumphs, and prefer the blessings of peace to the splendour of military glory. Posterity will not only celebrate the wisdom of your majesty's choice, but will enumerate the many virtues which render your reign conspicuous for a sacred regard to all the duties, incumbent on the sovereign of a free people. |