Complete Works of Helvétius (1795) - Page 20

Tranquil equally when the thunder rumbles,

Ready to strike virtue without support,

And when the sweet hope of a fertile harvest
Charms the rustic citizen in his labors.

But there are hearts born sensitive,

Endowed with a happy nature,

Just, enlightened, generous,

Whom a sage pursued by rigorous fate

Never found inflexible.

Have you envisioned many

Of this excellent character?

Without having traveled much,

I believe it rare on earth.

Perhaps I am mistaken, and the charming accounts
That you are undoubtedly preparing to give us
On the inclinations of hearts, the talents of spirits,
And on the customs of different countries,

Will assure us of the contrary.

Advance this new pleasure;