These enemies of sovereigns, if at all acknowledged, must be acknowledged on account of that enmity alone: they have nothing else to recommend them.
Edmund Burke: “These enemies of sovereigns, if at all acknowledged, must be acknowledged on account of that enmity alone: they have…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke argues that enemies of sovereigns should only be acknowledged for their hostility.
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More from Edmund Burke
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.
They look upon the legal hereditary succession of their crown as among their rights, not as among their wrongs,--as a benefit, not as a grievance,--as a security for their liberty, not as a badge of servitude.
Their trust for the future preservation of the Constitution was not in future revolutions.
They have little regard to the obvious consequences of their doctrine, though they may see that it leaves positive authority in very few of the positive institutions of this country.





