Sethos: History or Life Taken from the Private Monuments of Ancient Egypt

P R E F A C E.

pent of having said once before, when speaking of Telemachus Referring to The Adventures of Telemachus by François Fénelon, a famous 1699 didactic novel written for the education of the grandson of Louis XIV. It was widely praised for its pacifist and moral themes.: That if the happiness of the human race could spring from a Poem, it would spring from that one. Although those who govern the world rarely apply themselves to reading, nevertheless, as the Preceptors A preceptor was a high-ranking private tutor responsible for the education and moral upbringing of young royalty and nobility. of Kings are well-versed in Letters—both in their origins and their progress—they do not allow their Pupils to remain ignorant of the principles of morality that are developing, nor of the maxims of gentleness Original: "douceur." In an 18th-century political context, this refers to a mild, humane, and civilized approach to rule, contrasted with the "harshness" of tyranny or war. being established in their own time. Princes now ascend the Throne already instructed in true glory; and all thinking, at last, like the Public on this subject, they concur in maintaining the people in the rest and happiness expected of them.

    A peace whose duration finds no example in our History is undoubtedly the fruit of the wisdom of a great Minister Likely referring to Cardinal de Fleury (1653–1743), the chief minister of Louis XV, known for his cautious foreign policy and maintaining a long period of peace in France.; and the French original: "François" give him all the credit they owe—