It is very rare, indeed, for men to be wrong in their feelings concerning public misconduct; as rare to be right in their speculations upon the cause of it. I have constantly observed that the generality of people are fifty years, at least, behind in their politics.

To reach the height of our ambition is like trying to reach the rainbow; as we advance it recedes.

I venture to say no war can be long carried on against the will of the people.

Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.

And having looked to Government for bread, on the very first scarcity they will turn and bite the hand that fed them.

It is the nature of tyranny and rapacity never to learn moderation from the ill-success of first oppressions; on the contrary, all oppressors, all men thinking highly of the methods dictated by their nature, attribute the frustration of their desires to the want of sufficient rigor.

Power gradually extirpates from the mind every humane and gentle virtue.