Translation: Raillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature. - Montesquieu

Democratic and aristocratic states are not in their own nature free. Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments; and even in these it is not always found. It is there only when there is no abuse of power. But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.

Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?

Voilà comment un seul homme occupe à ses plaisirs tant de sujets de l'un et de l'autre sexe, les fait mourir pour l'Etat, et les rend inutiles à la propagation de l'espèce.