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$Baron de MONTESQUIEU$
   $THE SPIRIT OF THE LAWS [1748]
   transl. by T. Nugent (1750)$

$Author's preface, introd. notes, and text of Book I, chs. 1-13$
$Some author's footnotes (sq. brackets in text)$
$Emphasis (italics) in curly brackets$
$For an overall definition of types of law, see also Volume II,
Books 26 and 29$




<1.01>

PREFACE

     If amidst the infinite number of subjects contained in this
book there is anything which, contrary to my expectation, may
possibly offend, I can at least assure the public that it was
not inserted with an ill intention - for I am not naturally of a
captious temper. Plato thanked the gods that he was born in the
same age with Socrates; and for my part I give thanks to the
Supreme that I was born a subject of that government under which
I live, and that it is His pleasure I should obey those whom He
has made me love.

     I beg one favour of my readers, which I fear will not be
granted me; this is, that they will not judge by a few hours'
read . . .