In that case, my opinion is this: Whenever it happens that a man can claim nothing according to the rules of commerce and the principles of justice, he passes out of that department, and comes within the jurisdiction of mercy.
Burke argues that when a man cannot claim his rights, he falls under the jurisdiction of mercy.
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More from Edmund Burke
Though a king may abdicate for his own person, he cannot abdicate for the monarchy.
The people of England will not ape the fashions they have never tried, nor go back to those which they have found mischievous on trial.
As he is not to obey us, but we are to obey the law in him, our Constitution has made no sort of provision towards rendering him, as a servant, in any degree responsible.
This idea of a liberal descent inspires us with a sense of habitual native dignity, which prevents that upstart insolence almost inevitably adhering to and disgracing those who are the first acquirers of any distinction.
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