Here an opulent City

was

the seat of a powerful Empire : — Yes, now so desert, a living. Multitude

these places,

formerly animated V.

Chap. II.

THE

RUIN S:

OR

A SURVEY

O F THE

REVOLUTIONS

OF

EMPIRE S.

By M. VOLNEY,

ONE OF THE DEPUTIES TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF 1789;

AND AUTHOR OF TRAVELS INTO SYRIA AND EGYPT.

I will dwell in folitude amidst the ruins of cities: I will enquire of the
monuments of antiquity, what was the wisdom of former ages: I will
alk the afhes of legiflators, what caufes have erected and overthrown
empires; what are the principles of national profperity and misfortune:
what the maxims upon which the peace of fociety and the happiness of
man ought to be founded? Ch. iv. p. 24.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD.

M.DCC.XCVI.

BOOL LIBR 28 MAR 1916 OXFORD

PREFACE.

THE plan of this publication was formed nearly ten years ago; and allufions to it may be feen in the Preface to Travels in Syria and Egypt, as well as at the end of that work, published in 1787. The performance was in fome forwardness when the events of 1788 in France interrupted it. Perfuaded that a developement of the theory of political truth could not fufficiently acquit a citizen of his debt to fociety, the author wished to add practice; and that particularly at a time when a fingle arm was of confequence in the defence of the general caufe. The fame defire of public benefit which induced him to fufpend his work, has fince engaged him to refume it; and though it may not poffefs the fame merit as if it had appeared