fo Essays ) own account. But, when you have quarrelled with all Europe, and drawn me with you into all your broils, then you value yourself upon protecting me from the enemies you have made for me. I have no natural cause of difference with Spain, France, or Holland, and yet by turns I have joined with you in wars against them all. You would not suffer me to make or keep a separate peace with any of them, though I might easily have done it to great advan- tage. Does your protecting me in those wars give you a right to fleece me? If so, as I fought for you, as well as you for me, it gives me a proportionable right to fleece you. What think you of an American law to make a monopoly of you and your commerce, as you have done by your laws of me and mine? Content yourself with that monopoly if you are wise, and learn justice if you would be respected! Britain. You impudent b——h! Am not I your mother country? Is not that a sufficient title to your respect and obedience? Saxony. Mother country! Ha! ha! ha! What respect have you the front to claim as a mother coun- try? You know that I am your mother country, and yet you pay me none. Nay, it is but the other day that you hired ruffians * to rob me on the highway * and burn my house!* For shame! Hide your face and hold your tongue! If you continue this conduct, you will make yourself the contempt of Europe! Britain. O Lord! Where are my friends? ! Prussians. 2 They entered and raised contributions in Saxony. 3 And they burnt the fine suburbs of Dresden, the capital of Saxony. peri 21C