291.
Three brothers, the sons of Maria Theresa, Queen of Bohemia and
Hungary, all of them distinguished by their virtues, and worthy
of so illustrious a mother, were entertained at this inn,
_viz._ Maximilian Arch-Duke of Austria, who actually supped and
passed the night here, on the 30th of May, 1775.
Peter Leopold Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the Emperor Joseph the
Second, the ornament and glory of the age, who dined here the
following day.
That such important events may not be lost in the flight of
time, let this durable monument inform the latest posterity of
the happiness which this inn enjoyed.
301.
The Bononian Academy of arts and sciences, for the general use
of the whole world.
315.
Some are of opinion, that, captivated by the love of power,
and having carefully weighed his own strength and that of his
enemies, he had availed himself of this opportunity of seizing
the supreme authority, which had been his passion from his
early youth.
_Ibid._
For if a violation of equity is ever excusable, it is when
a crown is our object—On all other occasions we ought to
cultivate justice.
316.
He never was deterred from any undertaking by religious
scruples.—When the animal, destined for sacrifice, fled from
the altar, this bad omen did not prevent Cæsar from marching
against Scipio and Juba.
317.
The leader now had passed the torrent o’er,
And reached fair Italy’s forbidden shore:
Then rearing on the hostile bank his head,
Here, farewell peace and injured laws (he said)!
Since faith is broke, and leagues are set aside,
Henceforth thou, goddess Fortune, art my guide.
Let fate and war the great event decide.
He spoke; and, on the dreadful task intent,
Speedy to near Ariminum he bent;
To him the Balearic sling is slow,
And the shaft loiters from the Parthian bow.