Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.
Editor's note · Context
In a broader reflection on power and duty, Burke observes that those who are truly subservient often resent being reminded of their position and obligations.
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An irregular, convulsive movement may be necessary to throw off an irregular, convulsive disease.
Governments must be abused and deranged indeed, before it can be thought of; and the prospect of the future must be as bad as the experience of the past.
But supposing they had ranked as they ought to do, and as with us they do actually, the sides of sick-beds are not the academies for forming statesmen and legislators.
But the king of Great Britain obeys no other person; all other persons are individually, and collectively too, under him, and owe to him a legal obedience.





