He pardoned Waltheof, whose bravery he did not the less admire because it was exerted against himself.
Edmund Burke: “He pardoned Waltheof, whose bravery he did not the less admire because it was exerted against himself.”
Editor's note · Context
This quote reveals William's admiration for bravery, even in adversaries, highlighting a complex view of honor in conflict.
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Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.
If any of them should happen to propose a scheme of liberty soberly limited, and defined with proper qualifications, he will be immediately outbid by his competitors, who will produce something more splendidly popular.
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.





