Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Memoirs and Letters of Cardinal De Bernis, Vol. 1 of 2
I have totally abandoned poetry for the last eleven years, he writes to Voltaire in 1761. I knew that my little talent injured me in my profession and at Court; I ceased to prac tise it without regret, because I did not think much of it, and I have never liked whatever was mediocre. I write no more verses and I read few, unless they are, like yours, full of soul, strength, and harmony; I prefer history. It is necessary, therefore, in speaking of Bernis to mark his epochs distinctly, if we desire to be just towards one Of the most graceful and most polished minds of the last century, towards a man Of real capacity more extensive than people think, a man who knew how to redeem his literary weaknesses and his political pliancy by a decent and useful middle-age and by an honour able end. Documents recently issuing from the archives of the Vatican cast light upon the second half Of his career, while he was ambassador Of France in Rome. To these I shall presently refer; but first I desire to speak of the more frivolous Abbe de Bernis, from whom we shall see the serious man insensibly emerging.
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