Montesquieu (1689–1755). Persian Letters. 1901.
Letter VIIIUsbek to his friend Rustan, at Ispahan
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From my earliest youth I have been a courtier; and yet I make bold to say that my heart has remained uncorrupted: indeed, I conceived the grand idea of daring to be virtuous even at court. From the moment I recognized vice, I withdrew from it; afterward, when I approached it, it was only to unmask it. I carried my veracity even to the foot of the throne, and spoke a language never heard there before; I disconcerted flattery, amazing at the same time the idol and its worshippers.
But when I saw that my sincerity had made me enemies, and had brought upon me the jealousy of the ministers, without attracting the favor of the prince, I determined to forsake a corrupt court in which my unseconded virtue could no longer maintain me. I feigned a mighty interest in science; and, by dint of pretending, soon became really attached to it. I ceased to be a man of affairs, and retired to a house in the country. But even here persecution followed me; the malice of my enemies almost deprived me of the means of protecting myself. Information received in secret led me to consider my position seriously: I resolved to leave my native land, and my withdrawal from court supplied a plausible excuse. I waited on the king; I emphasized the great desire I had to acquaint myself with the sciences of the west, and hinted that my travels might even be of service to him. I found favor in the king’s sight; I set out, and snatched from my enemies their expected victim.
Here, Rustan, you have the true motive of my journey. Let them talk in Ispahan; say nothing in my defense except to my friends. Leave the evil-disposed to their misconstructions; I would be too happy if that were the only harm they could do me.
They discuss me at present; perhaps I shall soon be forgotten, and my friends.… But no, I will not, Rustan, resign myself to these sad thoughts: I will always be dear to them; I rely upon their faithfulness as upon yours.
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