On the record
Such a monarch may destroy one republic because it had a king at its head, and he may balance this extraordinary act by founding another republic that has cut off the head of its king.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “Such a monarch may destroy one republic because it had a king at its head, and he may balance this extraordinary act by…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke reflects on the unpredictable nature of monarchs and their impact on republics.
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More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
Jan 1, 1790
I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…
Jan 1, 1790
Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.
Jan 1, 1790
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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