Man acts from adequate motives relative to his interest, and not on metaphysical speculations.

Is it in destroying and pulling down that skill is displayed? The shallowest understanding, the rudest hand, is more than equal to that task.

But a good patriot, and a true politician, always considers how he shall make the most of the existing materials of his country. A disposition, to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman. Everything else is vulgar in the conception, perilous in the execution.

Teach me, O lark! with thee to greatly rise, to exalt my soul and lift it to the skies.

My vigour relents. I pardon something to the spirit of liberty.

Evil succeeds when good men do nothing

The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.