The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

still stronger tie, they hung out to them a specious
bait (as a reward for their fidelity); I mean liberty,
of which all the republics in question were
inexpressibly jealous; and which the Macedonian
monarchs had perpetually disputed with them.
“The bait was artfully prepared, and swallowed
very greedily by the generality of the Greeks,
whose views penetrated no farther. But the most
judicious and most clear sighted among them
discovered the danger that lay concealed beneath
this charming bait; and accordingly they exhorted
the people from time to time, in their public
assemblies to beware of this cloud that was
gathering in the west, and which, changing on a
sudden into a dreadful tempest, would break like
thunder over their heads, to their utter destruction.
“Nothing could be more gentle and equitable
than the conduct of the Romans in the beginning.
They acted with the utmost moderation toward
such states and nations as addressed them for
protection; they succored them against their
enemies, took the utmost pains in terminating their
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