On the record
Even if he could have counted on a Frederick or a Napoleon, the instrument would hardly have served his purposes; as things were, it was a broken reed, not a fine sword, that he had to his hand.
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John Morley
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gutenberg.orgJohn Morley: “Even if he could have counted on a Frederick or a Napoleon, the instrument would hardly have served his purposes; as…”
Editor's note · Context
Morley uses this metaphor to illustrate Turgot's ineffective political tools compared to historical figures like Frederick or Napoleon.
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More from John Morley
But as I read it, as I listen to serious Indian experts with large experience, it all sounds estrangement and alienation even though it be no worse than superficial.
There lay Ireland,—squalid, dismal, sullen, dull, expectant, sunk deep in hostile intent.
No: not at all; because there is so much, I will not say of random variety, but there is so much independent use of mind upon the facts that we have to deal with, that I listen with endless edification and instruction.
But Turgot was one of those severe and scrupulous souls, to whom a wicked promise does not cease to be degrading by becoming hypocritical.
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