Edmund Burke: “I could better bear the stench of the gibbeted murderer than the…”

On the record

I could better bear the stench of the gibbeted murderer than the society of the bloody felons who yet annoy the world.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke conveys a strong aversion to the company of living murderers, preferring the memory of executed criminals instead.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

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Edmund Burke: “I could better bear the stench of the gibbeted murderer than the society of the bloody felons who yet annoy the world.”