On the record
This assembly, which overthrows kings and kingdoms, has not even the physiognomy and aspect of a grave legislative body,--nec color imperii, nec frons erat ulla senatûs.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “This assembly, which overthrows kings and kingdoms, has not even the physiognomy and aspect of a grave legislative…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke criticizes the assembly for lacking the dignity expected of a legislative body, highlighting its farcical nature.
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More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
Jan 1, 1790
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.
Jan 1, 1790
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
Jan 1, 1790
Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.
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