DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11638#0016
2
TRAVELS IN UPPER
ions, the sordid ideas, with which the ancient
government of France had accompanied expedi-
tions of that nature, as well as to add something
to the means more contracted still which it em-
ployed for the execution of them ; this project, I
say, never quitted my imagination, and I at-
tempted every method which could ensure me a
favourable issue. Having at my disposal but a
very moderate sura, and what would have been
scarcely sufficient to accomplish a journey
through some of the cantons of Europe, I had
adopted the same plan which was my resource in
the other expeditions intrusted to me, and which
I would not abandon : this was to add something
from my private property to what was allowed to
me by parsimony, at that time the usual compa-
nion of useful enterprises, whilst excess of libe-
rality and profusion spread a fatal lustre over the
fantasies of luxury, or the attempts of a delusive
glory, and frequently of immorality.
1 can take all those to witness, who like myself
were sent abroad : not one of them but has had
cause of complaint, and has suffered from that
spirit'' of avarice which directed their mission ;
there is'not one who has not become the victim
of his zeal; there is not one of them who did
not receive promises of encouragement before his
departure, and who was not left unsupported in
the
TRAVELS IN UPPER
ions, the sordid ideas, with which the ancient
government of France had accompanied expedi-
tions of that nature, as well as to add something
to the means more contracted still which it em-
ployed for the execution of them ; this project, I
say, never quitted my imagination, and I at-
tempted every method which could ensure me a
favourable issue. Having at my disposal but a
very moderate sura, and what would have been
scarcely sufficient to accomplish a journey
through some of the cantons of Europe, I had
adopted the same plan which was my resource in
the other expeditions intrusted to me, and which
I would not abandon : this was to add something
from my private property to what was allowed to
me by parsimony, at that time the usual compa-
nion of useful enterprises, whilst excess of libe-
rality and profusion spread a fatal lustre over the
fantasies of luxury, or the attempts of a delusive
glory, and frequently of immorality.
1 can take all those to witness, who like myself
were sent abroad : not one of them but has had
cause of complaint, and has suffered from that
spirit'' of avarice which directed their mission ;
there is'not one who has not become the victim
of his zeal; there is not one of them who did
not receive promises of encouragement before his
departure, and who was not left unsupported in
the