Robert Walpole Quotes

I have lived long enough in the world, Sir, . . . to know that the safety of a minister lies in his having the approbation of this House. Former ministers, Sir, neglected this, and therefore they fell; I have always made it my first study to obtain it.

The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!

Let sleeping dogs lie.

All history is a lie!

Though I admire republican principles in theory, yet I am afraid the practice may be too perfect for human nature. We tried a republic last century, and it failed. Let our enemies try next. I hate political experiments.

I can not, therefore, see how this can be imputed as a crime, or how any of the king's ministers can be blamed for his doing what the public has no concern in; for if the public be well and faithfully served it has no business to ask by whom.

Many words are not wanting to show that the particular view of each court occasioned the dangers which affected the public tranquillity; yet the whole is charged to my account. Nor is this sufficient.

Persons extremely reserved are like old enamelled watches, which had painted covers, that hindered your seeing what o'clock it was.

All those men have their price.

Is it no imputation to be arraigned before this House, in which I have sat forty years, and to have my name transmitted to posterity with disgrace and infamy?

Every man has his price.

No expense has been incurred but what has been approved of and provided for by Parliament.

It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.

The gratitude of place-expectants is a lively sense of future favours.

I took the right sow by the ear.

I will not attempt to deny the reasonableness and necessity of a party war; but in carrying on that war all principles and rules of justice should not be departed from.

Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practiced.

[Read] anything but history,.. for history must be false.

IT has been observed by several gentlemen, in vindication of this motion, that if it should be carried, neither my life, liberty, nor estate will be affected.

Whatever was the conduct of England, I am equally arraigned.

I have never been afraid of making patriots; but I disdain and despise all their efforts.