Soldiers, whether associates or adversaries, I held in esteem,--those who sell their permanent happiness to perishable honor, and throw themselves into the field of slaughter and battle, and hazard their lives in the hour of danger.
Burke expresses his respect for soldiers who sacrifice their happiness for honor, regardless of their allegiance.
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Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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